What Time Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch? – Lunch Hours

If you’ve ever visited McDonald’s looking to enjoy a Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets, only to find yourself faced with Egg McMuffins and Hash Browns instead, you’re not alone. Knowing the exact time that McDonald’s lunch hours begin in the USA can help you avoid this disappointment.


Whether you’re craving a classic Quarter Pounder with Cheese, crispy fries, or a Filet-O-Fish, this guide will inform you about McDonald’s lunch hours, the menu items available, and how long these offerings are available. For all the details about McDonald’s lunch, simply continue reading to learn about their lunch hours in the USA for 2025.

What Time Does McDonald’s Start Serving Lunch?

In most locations across the United States, McDonald’s switches from breakfast to lunch at 10:30 AM on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, lunch typically begins at 11:00 AM. These times are consistent at the majority of McDonald’s restaurants, whether you’re in New York, California, Texas, or nearly any other state in the U.S.

It’s important to note that many McDonald’s restaurants are franchise-owned, which means some locations may have slightly different lunch hours. To confirm the specific hours for your local McDonald’s, you can use the McDonald’s mobile app, visit their website, or call the restaurant directly.

What’s on the McDonald’s Lunch Menu?

Once lunch begins, McDonald’s stops serving breakfast and brings out its full range of classic lunch and dinner items. Here’s what you can usually find on the McDonald’s lunch menu in the USA:

You’ll see favorites like the:

  • Big Mac®
  • Quarter Pounder® with Cheese
  • Double Cheeseburger
  • Filet-O-Fish®
  • McChicken®
  • Spicy McCrispy®

And of course, every meal can be paired with World Famous Fries, a soft drink, or other sides like apple slices and McDonald’s dipping sauces.

They also serve Happy Meals during lunch hours, which are perfect for kids. You can choose from options like a hamburger, chicken nuggets, or even apple juice and milk.

Whether you’re ordering in the restaurant, through the drive-thru, or on apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or the McDonald’s app, all of these items are available once lunch starts.

When Does McDonald’s Stop Serving Lunch?

McDonald's Lunch Hours USA
McDonald’s Lunch Hours USA

Here’s the good news: once lunch starts at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM on weekends, McDonald’s serves lunch all day long until the restaurant closes.

In most locations that aren’t open 24 hours, lunch is available until late evening, and then breakfast resumes the next morning. If your McDonald’s is open 24/7, lunch is typically served from 10:30 AM (or 11:00 AM on weekends) until breakfast starts again around 4 AM to 5 AM.

So if you’re hungry for a Big Mac at 7 PM, you’re good to go.

Can You Order McDonald’s Lunch Online or with Delivery?

Yes! Once lunch hours begin, you can order anything on the lunch menu through the:

The McDonald’s mobile app is also a great way to find out your local restaurant’s lunch hours, view the full menu, earn rewards, and check for deals like $1 fries, BOGO burgers, or combo meal discounts.

McDonald’s Lunch History

McDonald’s began in the 1940s, but it did not initially have a separate lunch menu. In the 1970s, the company introduced breakfast, which led to the establishment of designated lunch hours.

Today, most McDonald’s locations in the U.S. start serving lunch at 10:30 AM on weekdays and at 11:00 AM on weekends. Popular lunch items such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and Chicken McNuggets have been on the menu for decades and continue to be favorites among millions.

FAQs

What time does McDonald’s serve lunch on weekdays?

McDonald’s usually starts serving lunch at 10:30 AM from Monday to Friday in most U.S. locations. That’s when the menu switches from breakfast items to burgers, fries, and other classic lunch meals.

How long is lunch available at McDonald’s?

Once lunch starts, it’s available all day until closing time. If your McDonald’s is open 24 hours, lunch runs until early morning when breakfast begins again.

Can I order lunch items during breakfast hours at McDonald’s?

No, lunch items like burgers and fries are not available during breakfast hours.

Does McDonald’s serve Happy Meals during lunch?

Yes! Happy Meals are available during lunch hours and include kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets, burgers, fries or apple slices, and a drink.

How can I find lunch hours for my local McDonald’s?

The easiest way is to check the McDonald’s mobile app, which shows current menu availability, store hours, and even local deals.

Can I use a McDonald’s gift card to buy lunch?

Yes, you can use a McDonald’s Arch Card® (gift card) to pay for lunch at participating locations in the U.S. Whether you’re ordering in-store, at the drive-thru, or through the McDonald’s app, gift cards are accepted just like regular payment methods.

I’m Michael Adams, a food writer specializing in fast-food menus across the USA, including McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and other popular chains. I share honest reviews, updated prices, nutrition facts, and helpful tips to guide readers in making smart dining choices.

   

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