McDonald’s Lunch Menu: What Time Does It Start and What’s on the Menu?

We all know the feeling—mid-morning hits, and breakfast just doesn’t cut it anymore. Your stomach starts growling, and suddenly you are craving something a little more substantial. That’s where McDonald’s lunch menu swoops in like a hero. But what exactly is on this famous menu, and most importantly, what time does McDonald’s lunch menu start? 

Let’s dive deep into the world of McDonald’s lunch, explore the most popular items, specials, calories, and even catering options, all while keeping your cravings engaged!

What Time Does McDonald’s Lunch Menu Start?

The golden arches aren’t just famous for breakfast; McDonald’s lunch menu kicks off promptly at 10:30 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on weekends. If you are wondering what time does lunch menu start at McDonald’s, this is your cue to plan your visit accordingly. However, lunch hours might vary depending on your location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local branch for exact McDonald’s lunch menu time.

But, once the clock strikes that magical hour, you are in for a treat. The breakfast menu transitions into the iconic lunch lineup, and it’s officially burger and fries time!

McDonald’s Lunch Menu: Is It Available All Day?

If you are hoping that McDonald’s lunch menu runs 24/7 like their all-day breakfast menu once did, you might be a bit disappointed. While McDonald’s serves its breakfast in the mornings, the lunch menu is only available during standard lunch and dinner hours. So, if you are wondering, is McDonald’s lunch menu all day? The answer is NO. You will need to head over during the designated hours to snag your favorites.

McDonald’s Lunch Menu Specials: More Bang for Your Buck

Let’s talk about value because McDonald’s lunch menu specials are where you will find great deals that let you enjoy their iconic meals without breaking the bank. Some regular promotions include combo meals, which typically bundle a burger, fries, and a drink at a discounted price.

For instance, the Big Mac Meal might run around $8.99 and includes the legendary Big Mac, crispy fries, and a refreshing drink. The Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal is another popular option, priced at approximately $9.49, offering a similarly hearty meal deal. These specials change frequently, so you will want to keep an eye on local deals for the best offers.

Looking for a little snack? The McDouble or McChicken might only cost around $2.99 each, making them perfect for a quick bite or adding to a larger order.

What’s on McDonald’s Lunch Menu: Items, Recipes, Prices, and Calories

Ready to feast? Here’s a breakdown of some classic McDonald’s lunch menu items you can enjoy, including ingredients, prices, and calorie counts.

Nutritional	Price	Calories
Big Mac	$5.49	550
Quarter Pounder with Cheese	$5.89	5520
McChicken	$2.99	400
Filet-O-Fish	$4.79	390
Chicken McNuggets (10 pieces)	$5.49	420
Crispy Chicken Sandwich	$4.99	470

Big Mac

• Price: $5.49
• Calories: 550
• Ingredients: The world-famous Big Mac features two all-beef patties, special Big Mac sauce, lettuce, American cheese, pickles, and onions, all inside a sesame seed bun.
• What makes it special?: The secret sauce. It’s tangy, creamy, and perfectly complements the juicy beef patties, creating a burger experience like no other.

Quarter Pounder with Cheese

• Price: $5.89
• Calories: 520
• Ingredients: A quarter-pound of fresh 100% beef, topped with two slices of melted American cheese, tangy pickles, sliced onions, ketchup, and mustard, all inside a sesame seed bun.
• Why it’s a hit: The Quarter Pounder is juicy and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for beef lovers looking for a heartier option.

McChicken

• Price: $2.99
• Calories: 400
• Ingredients: A crispy chicken patty, topped with shredded lettuce and mayonnaise, served on a toasted bun.
• Why you will love it: Simple, crispy, and budget-friendly, the McChicken is perfect for anyone craving a crunchy bite without feeling too heavy.

Filet-O-Fish

• Price: $4.79
• Calories: 390
• Ingredients: A wild-caught Alaskan Pollock fillet, topped with tartar sauce and melted cheese, nestled inside a soft, steamed bun.
• What makes it stand out: The Filet-O-Fish offers a lighter, seafood option that’s a go-to for fish lovers and those looking for something different from the typical burger lineup.

Chicken McNuggets (10 pieces)

• Price: $5.49
• Calories: 420 (without dipping sauces)
• Ingredients: Made with white chicken meat, these crispy nuggets are golden-brown and served with a variety of dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, and sweet & sour.
• Why they’re so popular: McNuggets are great for sharing—or for keeping all to yourself if you are feeling extra hungry! The crispy exterior and tender interior are a crowd-pleaser.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

• Price: $4.99
• Calories: 470
• Ingredients: A crispy, juicy fried chicken breast filet, topped with crinkle-cut pickles, served on a toasted, buttered potato roll.
• Why it’s loved: This crispy chicken sandwich offers just the right amount of crunch and flavor, making it a strong contender in the world of fast-food chicken sandwiches.

McDonald’s Lunch Catering Menu: Feed the Crowd

Hosting a party or office lunch? McDonald’s also offers a lunch catering menu that lets you feed large groups with your favorite items. Whether you need a bunch of burgers, fries, or Chicken McNuggets for your next event, McDonald’s catering menu can be a budget-friendly solution to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Popular options include 20-piece McNuggets for around $10.49 or ordering burgers and fries in bulk.

Health Conscious? Here’s the Calorie Breakdown

If you are mindful of your calorie intake, McDonald’s makes it easy to track your consumption. Most sandwiches range from 300-600 calories, while meals (which include fries and a drink) can hit 800-1200 calories.

Here’s a quick look at the calorie counts for popular McDonald’s lunch items:

• Big Mac Meal: 1100 calories
• Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal: 1200 calories
• McChicken: 400 calories
• Filet-O-Fish: 390 calories
• 10-piece McNuggets: 420 calories

For lighter options, you can skip the fries or opt for a side salad, or check out their other lower-calorie menu items, such as apple slices or yogurt parfaits.

Wrapping It Up: McDonald’s Lunch Menu Time and Choices

Now that you know what time McDonald’s lunch menu starts, along with all the delicious options, it’s time to plan your next visit. From classic choices like the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder to newer fan favorites like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the menu has something for every craving.

Don’t forget to explore the rotating McDonald’s lunch menu specials to snag a deal, and if you are planning a big event, their lunch catering menu has you covered.

So, next time you are asking yourself, what time does McDonald’s lunch menu start?

You will be ready and hungry, counting down the minutes until your lunch is served!