(Dined 05/23/25 FR @ 11:30am): Welcome to the only blue arches in the McDonald's family!
On my last morning during this quick getaway, I made a point to visit Sedona's McDonald's for the mere fact that it was the only one in the world without its iconic traditional golden arches; rather, the famed "arcs" (if you knew you knew!) were in a more soothing turquoise blue hue because the city had strict guidelines that required new buildings to blend with the surrounding natural landscape, specifically the red rocks. I honestly thought it had something to do with the native land bearers and their penchant for the color and jewelry. I was also surprised to see some packaging using the blue color https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=vqr2zCXdeNJhXGoIsp8jnA which really broke from their brand identity and consistent marketing. If you knew me, I rarely ate fast food, let alone McDonald's (I preferred Burger King as my burger chain of choice). Plus, I wasn't going to visit this location simply to see the different-colored logo; of course, I was going to order something! Was this McDonald's tourist trap worth the extra time!?
PURCHASE
McDonald's: #6 Filet O' Fish Meal w/Medium Fries + Upgraded Lemonade Medium ($11.99 + $1.30): It was my no-meat Friday, and I generally was a fan of their fish sandwich, so this was the only real option I had. The sandwich was considerably smaller than I remembered, it had a slight mushiness about it, the cheese slice wasn't melted at all, lacked flavor except for the tiny amounts of tartar sauce, but at least the bun was nice and fluffy but not toasted. The skinny spud sticks were plentiful, crispy, hot, and had a nice amount of salt on them while no catsup was needed. The lemonade was fine, but when did it become a premium!? Lastly, this was a pricey meal! Did the state of Arizona also enact a ridiculous inflated minimum wage for fast food employees as California!? https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=a0yAeOO887vMl-hA4PdDKw
SERVICE
Although I had the option to place my order with a machine, I preferred to interact with a real human being. Aren't we giving enough jobs away to automation and impersonal processes!? Placing my order was straightforward, I was given a number, once it was called I retrieved my food, and easily found a table inside to enjoy my breakfast/lunch. Once I was done, I discarded my trash into a nearby bin - easy-peasy!
PARKING (FREE)
Located within a large outdoor shopping center, I easily found a spot - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your typical layout with plenty of indoor and outdoor (some shade umbrellas) seating, the order counter was directly in front of you once you walked through the main entrance, minimal decorations on the light caramel-colored walls, and a drive-thru. However, there was an interesting chicken promotion display https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=v9QPfyZnxBnAo4O7dYmYzA in the front area. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the many large windows while many electric recessed ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while Top-40 music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=CKaHO9HO-mm1Eeh6DLwtdQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
McDonald's Sedona location at 2380 W US Highway 89A was more about hype, novelty and nothing else. After you got past those, what you were left with was just another McDonald's (even the menu was the same). The portion and price of my meal literally left me wanting more as I was hungry again hours later, and I was very disappointed in the quality of the sandwich. I found decent value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $15.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 2.5 STARS read more