I didn't come to Mexico to eat at McDonalds. But like any bad tourist, I am perpetually curious about the international version of any Mickey Ds. Typically, they're good and offer something unique / regional. This one on the other hand, was not good. In fact, it was terrible.
First things first, I was appalled at how filthy the place was. I was under the impression that McDonalds did its best to appeal to the masses with cheap and convenient comfort food and also keep the joint sightly. The floors had this sticky grime to it like it hadn't been mopped / deep cleaned in awhile and the air was thick with this greasy musk. To make matters worse, the ventilation must've been out because it was uncomfortably hot.
But no matter, my curious group of gringos were in need of some McFood, so we ordered enough to puzzle the turistas around us. Fish filets, quarter pounders, fries galore, cheeseburgers etc, a whole gamut of the menu essentially. We ordered drinks as well, but the ice machine wasn't working. Thank goodness the sodas were chilled.
What really irked me was how unfriendly the service was. I am used to inept service in the fast food arena since I live in NYC, but this was as apathetic as it could be: counter folks barely acknowledged us and to no one's surprise, got our orders and totals incorrect. This place wasn't busy, but it did seem understaffed with a ghost crew working there.
The sad part is, I've been to another McDonalds in town (https://www.yelp.com/biz/mcdonalds-playa-del-carmen-2). Although very mediocre, it still was light years ahead of this one.
Lastly, we didn't find anything unique about the menu. Nothing regionally interesting to us, which was virtually the only reason we came to check it out. read more