If you stay up-to-date with fast food trends, then you know that McDonald’s cut down their late-night menu and everyone’s dying to know what’s on it (and what’s not). Before you go into a panic, the company left their most popular items and fortunately, breakfast made the cut. Regardless, there are now fewer options. Although this may seem jaw-dropping, their reasoning behind it was – well – logical.
In the words of the company, “we always want our customer’s experiences to be simple, smooth and delicious – any time of day.” In other words, the menu was shortened with the intention of improving speed so I guess we can’t really complain. No one wants to be waiting for food that late anyway.
Here’s what’s being served between midnight and 5 am on McDonald’s late night menu.
In this article
Burgers
What would a McDonald’s menu be without their signature burger? Thankfully, we don’t have to find out. The two burgers featured on the late night menu include the Big Mac and all Quarter Pounder burgers. Quarter Pounder options include cheese and bacon, just cheese, and the cheese deluxe which is basically the same thing as the “just cheese” but with lettuce and tomato.
The Big Mac doesn’t even need any options. It’s perfect exactly as it is *insert heart eye emoji*. This popular burger comes dressed in McDonald’s Signature Sauce and topped with lettuce, onions, cheese, and pickles. It’s 4oz of burger perfection sandwiched in a sesame seed bun.
Big fan of fast food burgers? Check our other favorite cheeseburgers!
Chicken McNuggets
Sorry crispy Chicken Tenders, you didn’t make the cut. But Chicken McNuggets did! Order the nugs in packs of 4, 6, 10, 20 and even 50 in select stores. And before you even say it, McDonald’s addressed the “pink slime” ordeal long ago. Their chicken nuggets are made from 100% white chicken meat and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. So you can safely order 20 of them without wondering what you’re putting in your mouth.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, check out these healthy McDonald’s choices!
All-Day Breakfast
After we fought so hard to get breakfast served all day, McDonald’s decided to let us have it all night too. They really do know how to keep their customers smiling! You can still order your Egg McMuffin or Sausage McGriddle even at 3 am. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese or order a stack of Hotcakes. No matter what time of the day it is, breakfast is always a great idea!
Fries and All Other Sides
What would a McDonald’s order be without their World Famous Fries? Obviously, all sides were a must-keep when it came to slimming down their late-night menu. Other sides that made the cut? Apple Slices, Go-Gurt Strawberry Yogurt, Fruit N’ Parfait, Side Salad, and Slushies.
Happy Meals
McDonald’s didn’t forget about the kids! You can still order a happy meal between 12 am and 5 am. Choose from either a hamburger or 4 to 6 chicken nuggets. All Happy Meals also come with a kids-sized fry, your choice of apples or yogurt, and milk, water, or juice.
Sweets and Ice Cream
McDonald’s knew better than to cut ice cream from their late night menu – thank goodness. Don’t worry, they saved the apple pie too! No one ever wants healthy food after midnight, let’s be honest. So if you’ve got the late night munchies for something sweet (and we know you do), opt for a Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla Shake, Hot Fudge Sundae, McFlurry, Strawberry Sundae, or Kiddie Cone.
McCafe and Drinks
Those of you awake between the hours of 12 and 5 am probably need some caffeine. We know we would! If so, McDonald’s new late night menu still offers all of their McCafe drinks including the Caramel Macchiato, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Cappuccino, Caramel Cappuccino, French Vanilla Cappuccino, Mocha, Iced Mocha, Caramel Mocha, Iced Caramel Mocha, Latte, Iced Latte, Caramel Latte, Iced Caramel Latte, French Vanilla Latte, Iced French Vanilla Latte, Americano, Traditional Coffee, all Iced Coffees, and smoothies.
What Didn’t Make the Cut?
If your favorites didn’t make the list, you may still be holding out hope. Maybe we just forgot to add it? Probably not, but just to make sure, we’ve rounded up other favorites that are now missing from the late night menu. These include the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Filet-O-Fish, and Premium Salads. If your frequent go-to’s got cut, they’re still on the menu! You’ll just have to order them before the strike of midnight.
For all you night owls, or early risers, McDonald’s might have cut down your menu but they still left you with plenty of choices. Check out this blog if you’re looking for more late night fast food options!
