OK, it's not really on Wall Street, it's on Broad Street, but it's where the Wall Street crowd hangs when they feel the need for a McD hookup.A FOTM (friend of The McChronicles) - let's refer to him as "code name: Ian" - accepted an assignment and dropped by the financial headquarter's McDonald's this week. Here is his report, accompanied by some photos he captured with his phone, now known as "the McDonald's cam":
From the outside the "Wall Street" (actually Broad Street) McDonald's looks more like a bank or brokerage firm, however, upon entry you realize that it is surely your regular old McDonald's. The urban myth that there are waiters and table service in the "Wall Street" McDonald's is simply not true. The service format is just like every
McDonald's location I have been to.There are several notable things that distinguish this location from others. First, diners can sit and look out the big front windows and see tourists and commuters streaming off of the Staten Island Ferry. If you're lucky (as I was today) you might catch a concert going on in front of the One New York Building across the street. Another impressive feature of this McDonald's is its large capacity. Although meager when compared to the Times Square (Manhattan) location, the upstairs dinning room has seating for over 200 hundred people.
The one thing I found most impressive is McDonald's unyielding commitment to add a touch of local culture to its restaurants. In true New York fashion, the "Wall Street" McDonald's was crowded, loud, and, instead of service with a smile, you are more likely to get service with scowl and an undistinguishable accent.
Overall I enjoyed my experience, even though there is nothing truly special about this location. I would definitely leave it off a world tour of the coolest McDonald's (the Times Square restaurant would probably be the top priority while in NYC). If you're looking for a place to eat lunch to "get away", or to plain old avoid all the stuffy WallStreet types, this is the place to go. I would even go as far as to say it is the melting pot of the financial district with a more socio-economically diverse crowd than the upscale soup and sandwich places that are ubiquitous in this section of New York City.
Thanks, Ian (code name). Speaking for The McChronicles fans worldwide, we appreciate your insight into this intriguing McDonald's restaurant.
The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: FOTM "Ian"
