"I'd like an order of fries, a quarter-pounder with cheese
I love the light in your eyes, will you go out with me please?" ("McDonald's Girl", Barenaked Ladies)
Will you find love behind the counter of this particular McDonald's in Porto? Who knows, but I can guarantee you'll fall hard for the location! Their outdoor seating is a VIP, front-row experience along the Duoro River, and is open to customers eating quarter-pounders with cheese, as well as to passersby looking to rest for a moment.
We were in the Ribeira area of Porto, parched and needing a restroom. This McDonald's with its pristine and pretty exterior was the answer purely based on proximity, though I normally avoid this chain in general.
To get a code for the WC, we ordered a couple Cokes on a super glitchy touch-screen kiosk, and then took the elevator to the upper floor with the restroom. With eight miles logged for the day on foot, we were done with Portugal's steps. Done, done, done, done, done.
An enterprising kid was attempting to extort money out of those waiting in the queue for the bathroom, hoping they didn't have codes on hand and would pay him for one. Smart boy! Apparently this is common here.
Overall, this is a fine establishment to visit in a pinch. The gorgeous river views are so stellar as to make this a destination spot.
Elevator: 20 Big Macs for saving our poor feet.
Restrooms: Minimally less atrocious than others we encountered in Lisbon and Porto. 2.5 Chicken Nuggets.
Thug restroom kid: 100 Happy Meals for creativity.
Perpetuating every American stereotype including visiting McDonald's, drinking Coke, and taking the elevator: Alllll the freaking stars!!! read more