The Complete McDonald’s Lunch Menu Guide for 2026
Looking for a quick, budget-friendly lunch? McDonald’s offers a wide range of sandwiches, burgers, chicken items, sides, and value meals throughout the day. This guide covers typical lunch hours, price ranges, and popular menu items to help you plan your visit.
Note on pricing: McDonald’s restaurants are largely franchise-owned, so prices, exact hours, and available deals vary by location, city, and season. The figures below are typical national averages for reference only — always confirm exact prices and availability on the McDonald’s app or at your local restaurant before ordering.
McDonald’s Lunch Hours & Timing
Most McDonald’s locations begin serving lunch around 10:30 AM, once breakfast service ends. Some busy locations may switch slightly earlier or later, and drive-thru vs. dine-in timing can differ.
| Time Zone | Typical Lunch Start |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 10:30 AM |
| Central (CT) | 10:30 AM |
| Mountain (MT) | 10:30–10:45 AM |
| Pacific (PT) | 10:30–10:45 AM |
Weekends & holidays: Lunch generally starts at the same time on Saturdays and Sundays. Holiday hours may be shorter — check your local restaurant ahead of time.
Best way to confirm local hours: McDonald’s mobile app, the official restaurant locator, or calling the store directly.
Complete McDonald’s Lunch Menu with prices 2026
Discover the complete McDonald’s lunch menu with prices 2026, including all sandwiches, sides, drinks, and value meals.
Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal
$11.29 | 1110 Cal
Bacon Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal
$8.29 | 1220 Cal
Big Mac® Meal
$9.29 | 1170 Cal
Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Deluxe Meal
$13.99 | 1220 Cal
Double Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal
$12.49 | 1330 Cal
Cheeseburger Meal
$11.99 | 1190 Cal
10 piece Chicken McNuggets® Meal
$11.00 | 1000 Cal
McCrispy® Meal
$12.59 | 1040 Cal
Spicy McCrispy® Meal
$11.89 | 1100 Cal
Deluxe McCrispy® Meal
$9.89 | 1100 Cal
Spicy Deluxe McCrispy® Meal
$10.29 | 1100 Cal
McCrispy® Strips Meal
3-Piece $7.89 | 1200 Cal
Ranch Snack Wrap® Meal
$12.00 | 1350 Cal
Spicy Snack Wrap® Meal
$11.29 | 1330 Cal
Ranch & Spicy Snack Wrap® Meal
$10.19 | 1340 Cal
Filet-O-Fish® Meal
$12.59 | 950 Cal
Lunch Menu & Typical Price Ranges
Prices below are approximate US averages and will vary by location.
Burgers & Sandwiches
| Item | Approx. Price | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Big Mac | $5–6 | 550 |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese | $5–6 | 520 |
| McChicken | $3–4 | 350 |
| Double Cheeseburger | $2.50–3 | 400 |
| Crispy/Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $4.50–5 | 410–530 |
Meal Combos (Sandwich + Fries + Drink)
| Meal | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Big Mac Meal | $9–11 |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal | $10–12 |
| 10-pc Chicken McNuggets Meal | $10–12 |
| McCrispy Meal | $11–13 |
| Filet-O-Fish Meal | $11–13 |
Chicken & Nuggets
| Item | Approx. Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken McNuggets | $3–4 | 6-piece |
| Chicken McNuggets | $4.50–5.50 | 10-piece |
| Chicken McNuggets | $6–7 | 20-piece |
Salads & Lighter Options
| Item | Approx. Price | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Salad | $6–7 | 240 |
| Side Salad | $2–3 | 60 |
| Apple Slices | ~$1 | 15 |
| Unsweetened Iced Tea | ~$2 | 0 |
Sides
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Fries (Small/Medium/Large) | $2–2.50 |
| Mozzarella Sticks (4-pc) | $2.50–3 |
| Corn Cup | $1.50–2 |
Desserts
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Apple Pie | $1.50–2 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie | ~$1.20 |
| Ice Cream Cone | ~$2 |
| Hot Fudge Sundae | $2.50–3 |
McDonald’s Lunch Specials & Deals 2026
- McDonald’s App: Digital coupons (commonly 15–25% off select items), order-ahead pickup, and location-specific offers.
- MyMcDonald’s Rewards: Earn points on purchases, redeem for free items, get birthday specials and early access to new menu items.
- General savings tips:
- Order during off-peak hours (roughly 2–4 PM) to skip lines
- Choose free water instead of a soft drink
- Check the app daily — deals change by location and season
- Watch receipts for occasional promotions
McDonald’s Lunch Menu Nutrition & Allergen Information
Eating at McDonald’s can be tasty and balanced if you know your options. Here’s a simple guide to calories, protein, and allergens to help you make informed choices.
Calorie Counts by Meal Type
- Low-Calorie Options: 150–300 calories — perfect for light meals or side items.
- Moderate Meals: 500–750 calories — standard entrees or smaller combos.
- Full Combos: 1000–1200 calories — large meals including main item, fries, and drink.
High-Protein Lunch Choices
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese: 28g protein
- Grilled Chicken Salad: 32g protein
- 10-Piece McNuggets: 18g protein
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich: 16g protein
These options are great for those looking to stay full longer or meet protein goals.
Allergen Warnings & Dietary Restrictions
- Some items may contain tree nuts or other allergens.
- Cross-contamination warnings are in place for shared kitchen equipment.
- Gluten and dairy content vary by menu item.
- Always check the McDonald’s website or app for the most up-to-date allergen info for your location.
FAQs
What Time Does McDonald’s Start Serving Lunch?
Most McDonald’s locations begin lunch at 10:30 AM, though hours may vary by location. Check your local restaurant using the McDonald’s app or website.
Are Lunch Hours Different From Breakfast Hours?
Yes. Breakfast runs roughly 5:00–10:30 AM, and lunch starts at 10:30 AM. Once breakfast ends, breakfast items are no longer available.
Can I Order Lunch Items During Breakfast Hours?
No. Most McDonald’s don’t serve lunch items until the official lunch start time.
What Items Are Available for Lunch Only?
Most items are available at lunch and dinner, but some regional or seasonal items may be lunch-exclusive. Confirm with your local store.
Can I Order Lunch Items All Day?
Yes. Lunch items usually remain available until closing time, which can range from 11 PM to 1 AM depending on the location.
Are Lunch Prices Different at Different Locations?
Yes. Franchise owners set prices within corporate guidelines, so urban locations may cost more than rural ones. Use the McDonald’s app for exact prices.
What’s the Cheapest Lunch Option at McDonald’s?
The $1–$2 menu offers the best value, including small fries, mozzarella sticks, and burgers. Build-your-own meals can save even more.
Does McDonald’s Have a Kids Lunch Menu?
Yes. The Happy Meal is available at lunch, with options like 4-piece McNuggets, burgers, or chicken sandwiches, plus a toy and small drink.
Which Lunch Combo Offers the Best Value?
The 10-Piece McNuggets Meal (~$5.99) offers great value you save about $2 compared to buying items separately.
Is the Lunch Menu Available on the McDonald’s App?
Yes. You can view the full menu, exact prices, place orders, and access exclusive app deals.
What Are the Healthiest Lunch Options at McDonald’s?
Choose grilled chicken items, salads with grilled chicken, apple slices, and unsweetened beverages. These meals typically contain 250–400 calories.
Do McDonald’s Serve Lunch on Holidays?
Yes. Most locations remain open, but hours may be shorter. Always check your local restaurant.
What Time Does McDonald’s Stop Serving Lunch?
Lunch continues until closing time; there’s no fixed end time like breakfast.
I am Daniel Brooks, a Chief and Food Specialist with strong experience in food blogging. I write expert articles about McDonald’s to provide accurate updates, reviews, and insights.