I love that no matter where we travel all over the world, the sign of the Golden Arches always makes me feel like there is an ‘American’ spot where we can find comfort in greasy fast food 😉
We’ve been to McDonald’s all over the world: Iceland, England, Japan, and now in Germany as well. My favorite is still the McD’s in Japan where the workers wear business suits/skirts and literally run to serve you in high heels, customer service at its finest there in Japan!
We visited the McDonald’s in Bitburg not too long ago, and to Bub’s horror I took pictures while we were there to share on the blog. Apparently at 13 years old it’s not cool to be seen with your mom who is taking photographs of everything, LOL!
Check out the cool playground, I mean what kid wouldn’t want to slide down a slide with a castle and and dragon? There is also a play area located inside at the end near the outdoor playground. It’s all in the ceiling though and you can’t actually ‘see’ the kids playing.
Also another thing that is different with the McD’s in Germany is that they separate the McCafe and McDonalds. They are in the same building but you order in two different spots.
They do still offer some ‘value’ deals as you can see above, you can get a ’snack’ and a drink for 2€. Also they have delicious looking desserts!
You are also able to find treats here that can not be found in the states such as McBaguette’s, don’t they look tasty?! Sorry for the glare it was on the window and I was begin rushed by Bub who was trying to get out of there before someone seen me taking a pic 😉
To order from the normal menu you go to the front, just like in the US. Although German’s do not ‘queue’ or line up so it’s often a hot mess of people standing around and just walking up to a open register, NO sense of order. So I’m not a fan of going when it’s crowded since I don’t like chaos. On non-busy days it’s not bad though.
If you want to order from the McCafe (pictured above) then you walk over to the side. In addition to the McCafe drinks they also serve tasty pastries and doughnuts! Talk about amazing! I still need to go try out the McCafe drinks and get a doughnut.
The seating is also much more sophisticated, modern, and clean. There are couches you can sit at, booths, and high cafe style tables. You definitely feel like your eating somewhere more elegant that McD’s!
The small shakes are indeed small, but the perfect size for Bea. To her delight they also serve curly fries! You also get 1 packet of ketchup per meal order, why they are so restrictive on ketchup overseas I’m not sure. It was like that in Iceland but you had to pay for the ketchup. Also there are no free refills on the drinks, unlike in the US where we have the motto of the ‘land of plenty’ but it could also be the reason why most Americans overindulge.
You can still get the ‘normal’ American food here as well such as the BigMac’s, McChicken & McFish sandwich, as well. Although Bub & I got a chicken sandwich and it was not good, super dry. The McFish tastes normal and the guys like the BigMac’s. Since it looks like the same thing in the US minus the German on the box I didn’t take a picture for the blog, but if you really want to see it you can go check out my Instagram 🙂
We got 3 meals, a shake, and curly fries for 22,05€, approx. $30.47, which is a bit more than in the US, but worth it everyone once in awhile for a treat!
I love how the McD’s are much more classy here in Germany and well kept, a great place to go get some ‘comfort’ American fast food and well as try some new exclusive Germany fare.
fairytalehausfrau says
I know what you mean about how it is when it’s crowded. I am such a queue person that it still drives me a bit crazy! I have gotten more aggressive, but my husband laughs when people “cut” in front of me.
If you spend much time there, maybe you’ll meet Fabian (one of the owner’s sons). He’s a funny guy, and he speaks great English! When he has the time, he likes to chat with friendly Americans.
Jessica Lynn says
I looooooved McDonald’s in Europe! They were always so nice and clean, and the food was good! Also, it was the only place I could go and get a “milkshake” in Italy (my one craving while pregnant).
Mrs B says
Wow, that was the only place for a milkshake? We’ve seen several cafes here that sell milkshakes.
Priscilla says
Aw, I’ve been to that McDonald’s several times. Loved going there for a treat!
Julie (@ArmywifeJulie) says
I loved going too. Although I have noticed that some of the newer McDonald’s here look a lot like the ones in Germany. It was also a good place to go when traveling with kids because we knew they would eat the food.
Mrs B says
Your right, if we can’t find somewhere to eat we can always count on McD’s having something for everyone 😉
Dina Farmer says
Just like Japan right. I feel like other countries hold their restaurants in higher regard. I love that your teenager was not happy with you taking photos so funny!
Mrs B says
I agree, I think they hold them to a higher regard as well, but then again I think they do that with many things we don’t in the US 😉 Yes, my teen says I’m embarrassing and won’t walk by me if I’m taking pics of places like this, now out sightseeing he’s fine but I guess that’s not considered ‘public’ LOL! My 10 yr old daughter on the other hand loves it and walks with me to take the pics 🙂
Annie says
It’s funny how its just a silly fast food chain, but its warms the traveling heart so much to see the constant!! I’d love to experience a Japanese McD’s..that one sounds like the best! In most European countries, they don’t serve breakfast (okay, fine. a croissant). In France, they don’t have hashbrowns! We always have to remember that on roadtrips..stop in Belgium first! 😉
Mrs B says
What no Egg McMuffin? No, hash browns?! Don’t say it’s true, LOL! We haven’t tried one for breakfast, I guess it’s a good thing.
Miranda says
Germans don’t line up?! I try to be open when I travel, but that is one thing that bugs the heck out of me. I like an orderly line! 🙂 The description of Japanese McDonalds had me giggling… I love that they take their work that seriously. Have you noticed that the ketchup tastes different in different countries? Europe seems to be a little sweeter than the US, and Australia was rather bland like pure unseasoned tomato mush. Now I try to taste some wherever I go!
Mrs B says
Yes, lines in Germany and France…are not a ‘thing’ I’m so not a fan of the mass chaos, LOL! We haven’t noticed the taste in ketchup, will have to check that out…but I’m about to start carrying our own bottle here like in Iceland because 1 packet is not enough 😉
baconpants says
Have you had the pistachio french macaroon at McCafe? Who knew? Love the choices and decor here, but so disappointed to find out that Germans cannot line up. I use fast pay kiosks whenever I can. Having a curry burger right now. It’s a work of genius. Sadly no hash browns here and skimpy ice situation.
Mrs B says
I have not tried the macaroons yet. We seen & used the fast pay kiosks for the first time when we were in Paris, it was great for the kids & I but Mr. B had to order separate because he doesn’t eat onions or pickles on his Big Mac 😉 The local McD’s is a self serve soft drink station so we can load up on ice if we choose, I’m a skimpy ice person in general so I’ve found that great here.
baconpants says
Self serve soft drinks? Now you’re just bragging all over town. Not going to lie, I’m wearing envypants now.