There’s Something Seriously Unfair Going On With McDonald’s Dollar Menu

Happy Meals and Big Macs aside, McDonald’s is known for their all-mighty Dollar Menu. And if you frequent the popular fast food restaurant, you probably know that the menu made a triumphant return back in 2017. The value menu, which features food items priced at $1, $2, or $3, is marketed as a collection of budget-friendly bites that can’t be beat. There’s just one catch, though: McDonald’s Dollar Menus aren’t the same across the country.

Specifically, the menus differ in terms of pricing, type of foods, and total number of menu items. In fact, according to an article on Brand Eating, some locations have “Dollar Menu” items priced at $1.50 or $3.50. (Ahem, Cleveland, we’re looking at you).

So, what gives? Allegedly, the individual owners and operators of each McDonald’s location now have more control over the specialty Dollar Menu. This means they can choose what is (and isn’t) on the menu based on the unique preferences of local consumers.

On a national level, there are only two menu items that are the same price, no matter where you go. This includes the “$1 Any Size Soft Drink” and “$2 Small McCafé.” However, the rest of the menu can vary greatly, so keep this in mind if you’re on the road or visiting a new city.

Depending on your location, McDonald’s Dollar Menu might not be what you expect.

This can be a bummer, especially if you’re looking for something specific at a price within your budget.

The Dollar Menu can be a lifesaver when it’s late and nothing else is open. We’ve all been there, right?

It can also save the day when you’re on the road and just need some food. I mean, that’s basically what fast food is for.

In a pinch or low on cash? Hit up the Dollar Menu.

Needless to say, junk food cravings happen to the best of us.

If you want soiStockmething from the Dollar Menu, don’t forget to look up the prices at your specific location. That way you won’t be caught off guard when it comes time to pay.

You can view your local Dollar Menu on McDonald’s website. You can also see everything they have to offer while you’re there (in case you’ve missed anything).

This way, you’ll know exactly what’s on the menu.

You can make sure you have enough cash, too.

As you can imagine, the menu will probably be more expensive in bigger cities, which doesn’t sound very fair.

The same can be said for McDonald’s in airports (and pretty much everything else that’s sold in airports).

It just goes to show why they say “participation may vary.”

Buy hey, at least you can grab coffee on the cheap. Because if there’s one thing we all need to get through the day, it’s a cup of (affordable) coffee.

Don’t forget about the soft drinks, too.

The more you know, right?