McDonald’s

Reviews

• Kelly M.

  star star star star star_border 31 May 2026

  Visited the oldest McDonald's still in operation in Downey California. This  restaurant has maintained the same structure and signage as it did when it opened in 1953. Customers walk up and place their order and then they have the option of sitting in the small McDonald's Museum.
   I enjoyed this step back into time while sitting and walking through the small museum. We watched a brief video about the McDonald Brother's, Ray Kroc and the history of McDonald's Franchise. I also enjoyed looking at the old pictures and artifacts.
    McDonald's originated in San Bernardino, California in 1948, the brainchild of brothers Maurice "Mac" and Richard "Dick" McDonald. In order to meet the demands of their soon booming venture, the "Speedee Service System" was conceived with a simple premise -- provide a limited menu from which guests can be served efficiently so volume can be increased and prices can be lowered. It worked like magic, and in 1961 the McDonald's enterprise was purchased for $2.7 million by American businessman Ray Kroc.
  
  Speedee's single arch design dates back to a 1953 drawing created by Dick McDonald.
  
  Speedee represented McDonald's for only a few years, until he was unceremoniously dethroned in favor of a garish clown named Ronald, "born" in 1963.
  
   This restaurant is in an older part of town  and this particular McDonald's has lost the once important McDonald's tradition of cleanliness. The restrooms are an embarrassment and the entire area could stand a good cleaning. However, if in the area, this McDonald's restaurant is worth a stop. Seeing the old McDonald's signs lit up at night is also worth a trip... again, if you are in the area. Be cognizant of your surroundings as there may be several street people lurking around.

• Daniel J.

  star star star star star_border 27 May 2026

  I stopped at this McDonald's (in Downey, CA) because I just happened to be driving by.  Upon checking-in on Yelp, it was only then that I discovered the historical significance of this particular McDonald's: This is the third McDonald's that was built (opened in 1953), and it is the oldest McDonald's still in operation.
  
  As you well know, McDonald's is a very profitable fast-food chain.  In fact, McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain by revenue, serving over 69 million customers daily in over 100 countries and at over 37,855 outlets.  
  
  I stopped here for a couple of items off their dollar menu, just as a short-term solution to satisfy my hunger.  The meals sold here seem to be of the same good quality as at other McDonald's locations.  The service was also excellent during my visit.  
  
  The thing that differentiates this location from other McDonald's locations is its history, as noted earlier.  Personally, I think it's honorable and wise that the owner of this location is preserving this history, and I hope that the McDonald's franchise subsidizes this owner's business for this purpose.  
  
  This location has two separate buildings, one for walk-up and drive-thru orders and the other for the McDonald's museum.  The building for ordering food is really cool, with the old-school McDonald's Golden Arches.  Walk-up orders can be made in the front, and orders from the drive-thru can be picked up in the back after driving around the museum.  
  
  The building for the museum holds a lot of neat McDonald's items you may remember from your youth, and several that you might not remember.  This building also has restrooms and a covered dining area.  
  
  Overall, this McDonald's is definitely a location you should come and check out because of its historical significance; however, I do wish that the management made a better effort at keeping this place cleaner.  In my opinion, I believe this location is a real gem that should be given more of the attention it deserves.

• Melissa K.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 27 May 2026

  I loved the museum and vintage signs/doors. It was great to see the history laid out.
  
  The food was great. It's honestly better than my local McDonald's in the valley. Tasted fresh with great care.
  
  The downside-
  
  This location closes at 11 pm and they shut most of the lights out on us at around 9:12 pm, so we finished our meal partially in the dark. We drove about 45 minutes for this historic experience and we were shut down. All posted signs stated open until 11. It was aggravating.

• Kalbi Y.

  star star star star star 23 May 2026

  The food was delicious, but I wish the portions were bigger.  My humans thought there was plenty, but I never have enough food.  I'm a 15lb dog who appreciate good food and good beer.  I don't believe in diets and I dislike cats!

• Sabrina L.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  Arrived to an appointment across the street early. Spotted this vintage McDonald's and looked it up. Found out it was the oldest still in business so we crossed the street to check it out. We ordered 4 regular hamburgers , French fries and drinks. Service was fast and food came out hot. There is a separate building next to it to sit down and eat. All in all a great experience if for anything saying we ate at this location.