I really dislike the new 'bland' nondescript style and ambience and it really detracts from the taste of the food. I realize that McD's 'is what it is' food, but everything used to be a symbiotic relationship between the food and the look and feel of the location that was "McDonald's" Now, they basically tell you to get out after :30 minutes, take away any reason to linger any longer than necessary, getting your own refills and condiments used to be as easy as getting up and grabbing it, but now you have to wait for the attention of an overworked person from an understaffed staff. McDonald's does not connect with their customer the way they used to and I'm sure that goes accordingly direct with corporate plans. read more

Their "large fry" is incredibly small.... And the workers here apparently are deaf and you will be waiting for at least 5-10minutes just to ask for a water cup or sauce packet read more

McDonald's - "Large" fries - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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It's conveniently right off the freeway and no purchase necessary to use the bathroom. There was a pile of tissues in my stall and no toilet seat paper. When I mentioned the women's bathroom needed maintenance to an employee, someone had just gone in to clean. Oddly, no mirror in the bathroom. We got breakfast food. Good customer service. They were out of the Kpop Demon Hunter sauce I ordered so the employee gave me another special sauce and refunded me for the sauce. The eating space is nice and clean. Despite the low ratings, I would come back. read more

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Whatever happened to their dollar and quarter or dollar and $.50 ice cream cones my grandson and I went in to get two cones and it was $8.17. When I question a gentleman at McDonald's what the price was he said, yeah it was almost almost 4 dollars per cone. I told him I'd never come back. This is ridiculous. Not only that, but if you saw all of the trash on the outside, you could honestly tell it was more about getting food out rather than providing an environment for kids and family. I cannot recommend this place anymore. read more

Sitting at curbside as I am writing this because I've waited about 20 minutes. As others have noted in their reviews, slow service and incorrect order. Someone did come to us and tried to give us a drink and fries which wasn't our order. We ordered 3 meals. The truck behind us seems to be going through the same issue as they got here before us. I wouldn't recommend this location to anyone and wouldn't come back here unless I had to. read more

This is less of a review of McDonald's and moreso a review of the Big Arch. I am a long time fan of many of the McDonald's items, and even though their prices have increased heavily in the past few years, still order from time to time when it is late or I just need something quick. I thoroughly enjoyed their Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich which was, regrettably, a limited time option -- this was one of their best items in years and truly should have been a new staple, but I digress. As for the Big Arch, I simply don't understand the point or purpose of the burger. It is essentially a Big Mac with the center bun removed and two quarter pound patties rather than the classic Big Mac patties, and ultimately this all culminates to make the burger...worse? I was really disappointed, even with my low, low standards for McDonald's, and felt I needed to share my thoughts on this as it was simply too egregious of a waste of money not to. read more

McDonald's - Big Arch top bun - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Such a horrible time here all they had was kiosk some of them were broken and there was nobody at the cash register it was like you were there to fend for yourself you were supposed to pick up a triangle for your food if they had a number on it and put it in the kiosk people don't know to do this it's so confusing why don't they get their s*** together I saw such a huge group of people waiting for their food but nobody ever got their food the guy next to me ordered an ice cream that's all he must have waited 20 or 30 minutes for that ice cream oh man what a waste of time we made our order on the kiosk we must have waited 30 or 40 minutes finally I got to talk to somebody I explained that my number was 766 but I still haven't got my food yet he looked and he says oh I don't think we have that order we were so pissed off we decided to go down the street to Islands Burger wow what a better place to go to it's got nice ambiance + waiter was so nice what a difference I'll never go to McDonald's again read more

I found a hair in my egg in my breakfast deluxe today and the hair looks like is not from head or facial area This is so nasty I actually wonder why are they still open after all these negative comments and bad service read more

McDonald's - Hair from my egg in my breakfast deluxe - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I grew up on McDonald's thanks to my parents. Back then, we called it Fast Food Fridays. Those were the days...the dollar menu...value meals...generous portion sizes. Ever since I saw the documentary film, Super Size Me, I rarely go to McDonald's. I couldn't believe a Happy Meal was non-degradable! But sometimes, I do have my Micky D cravings. Ooohhh those golden cripsy fries!! I had to have them. I ordered a medium size fries and later regreted it. I did a double take...thought the staff give me a small size instead. I checked and it was obvious on the paper packaging it was a medium size. I shook my head in dismay...what the...McDonald's downsizing on their food?! read more

McDonald's - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Not sure if anyone needs a review for fast food but this location is terrible. Slow service, food always comes out mediocre, and most time order isn't correct. Find another location it isn't worth your time. read more

I had a great experience here. There was plenty of parking and quite a few tables inside. You have to order from the kiosk but that's the new normal. Our food came out within minutes of us ordering. It was hot and delicious and we even asked for waters and they brought it right away! The table was clean and the service was good and the employees were friendly. If I'm in the area again I would be back. read more

This review isn't a reflection of this location. Ordered some "free" fries for the wife's birthday with a purchase of something. It was fine and satisfied that papas fritas craving. Right next to this McDees is a Chic-Fil-A and a In & Out. I think both options are better, but we also need to realize our dollar has power. McDonald's just removed soda fountains because...they hate people hanging out and drinking extra soda? They have computers to order off of instead of a person...so they don't have to pay an employee. They are greedy and you can tell with the price hikes to their menu. 2014 a McChicken used to be $1 and 2024 it is $2.99 which is a 199% increase. A quarter pounder with cheese meal in 2014 used to be $5.39 and 2024 ballooned to $11.99 which is a 122% increase. McDonald's is not hurting financially though. 2014 the stock price was approximately $92 and in 2024 $274. They aren't a family restaurant anymore. They are greedy and making it harder for families to have an affordable meal. Stock holders are more important than customers. Support a small business restaurant instead. Windmill Food Hall has a ton of options. They will be more appreciative and you'll probably have a better meal. read more

McDonald's - McDee's prices - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We ordered food from this McDonald's in Carlsbad. McDonald's has always been known for being quick, so of course, with two hungry kids in tow, we thought it would be a true fast food experience to go to the nearest McDonald's off the 5 Freeway on our way home. We placed our order through the app at 8:15pm. Again, we had two very hungry kids. We didn't get our food until 8:40pm. By the time we received our food, our nuggets were cold and my daughter did not get the apple slices or chocolate milk we had ordered with her Happy Meal-- we were told by an unapologetic employee that the restaurant had run out. Instead, he substituted the chocolate milk with orange juice in a flimsy plastic cup with a lid that basically got spilled in our car. This restaurant was clearly understaffed and in the end, we didn't even get the 3 waters we requested. It was the worst experience we've ever gone through from a McDonald's. At the bottom of the receipt, there was an email address for me to voice my opinion to wecare@dejonmcd.com. I emailed them the same night. I have not heard back from their team. Very disappointing. read more

McDonald's - Receipt with email and telephone number for complaints - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I don't expect much from McDonald's. Sometimes you stumble on one that gets it right; fries golden, salt just enough, a simple burger done with care. And then there are places like this. Where six nuggets become four, where stale fries are buried under a blizzard of salt, where single turns into double and no one seems to notice. It's not that I'm chasing greatness here. I sit, I expect little. But even McDonald's has a bar to clear. And this one can't seem to lift itself over it. Do better, please. read more

McDonald's - 6 = 4 pc. Chicken McNuggets - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I live close by and I was curious why this branch gets very low ratings! First of all, the place is always littered with trash on the floor. The one person cleaning up must not be enough. The service is very slow and staff seem super relaxed and with no sense of urgency. I asked for extra tartar sauce for my fish fillet ( of which the size has shrunk by 40% it seems) and the server doesn't seem to know what tartar sauce is and gave me a blank look. Only the older male workers seem energetic and eager to serve. The younger ladies seem lackadaisical and look like they don't want to be there. ' Just sad to see how this place could have been much better because of location. They should learn from in and out burger nearby - regardless of how busy they are , they remained energetic and eager to serve. The place is always clean including bathrooms. They seem to be more motivated and organized as well. If I am the franchise owner, hire me to show your staff how to deliver excellent customer experience at all times. I wonder if they get paid less than their In & Out counterparts? This place needs help ASAP!!!! read more

Been going to this McDonald's for years. Only downside we consistently see is how understaffed they are, especially when the amusement parks nearby are having special events. (Also seems like they field a ton of DoorDash orders in between too.) Everyone there is super friendly and seem to be trying their best to keep up. The food is always fresh. But even in the front, there's only one person running orders to cars, dropping them off to tables, and manning the counter. Wish they'd have more people on staff since the entire block of restaurants is always super busy to begin with. read more

I like the Double cheeseburger and Frappe from Mc Donalds, my son likes the nuggets and fries. I haven't tried the new burger yet. Can't wait. read more

I used the app to order. No problems there unless you count the fact that my reciet called me valued customer. I've tried to correct that and failed. I ordered the BIG Mac deal that came to 7 bucks including tax. I ordered table service and the gal that waited on me was nice. My order arrived quickly, and as in all Mc Donald's in recent memory my Big Mac was sloppily assembled. This had nothing to do with the taste of my Big Mac. It just wasn't as visualy pleasing as I like. My fries arrived quickly and were warm. The bag was full . They might have reached me warmer if the AC wasn't blowing as cold as it was. I should have worn a light jacket, but it was was warm outside and I only wor a t shirt. If youll excuse me im going to finish my meal and this review in my van...OK I'm in my van and the sun is shinning on me this is much better. One thing I don't like about Mc Donald's is that they are moving away from the self service soda dispensers. They do give refills. It's just a bit of a hassle to ask for a refill than to just do it myself. The dining room and rest room were both clean. The parking lot lot was large and the spaces were big. We'll that purdy much covered everything, so this will conclude my review. Be sure to watch for my next review. read more

McDonald's - A view from my seat. - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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McDonald always gives a lot of good toys for Happy Meal. The staffs here are nice enough to let me picks the specific one I want. Above and beyond service read more

The actual conversation.... McD's employee " what's your order?" Me " I'll have a quarter pounder with cheese and a small Diet Coke, just cheese and the meat" He repeats back and I happily say " that's perfect!" Drive to the and say " that was a perfect order thank you very much" Him " $8.49 I say " do you know that was a compliment for goodservice?" Slams the window on me!!!!! Wow.... You don't need to see pictures...Ray Kroc is turning over. Sad. read more

Worst McDonalds ever, horrible customer service! Order on the mobile app, parked in a mobile order pickup spot......25 minutes went by no one came to bring the food. We go inside, staff is ignoring everyone when asked about orders! Ridiculous! read more

Service is very poor. If you have counter service, have to wait a long long time for food or for anyone to come out to even talk to. Their latte machine is not working much of the time as is their frappe machine!! And when these machines are down, the problem is not put on the online order site read more

This place is the slowest McDonalds I have ever visited. Employees walk by and ignore you while at the register. 5 different people went by and had to ask for help and finally one person came and with attitude. For being a visiting guest from another area it was less than desirable. Don't visit this place unless you're willing to be ignored and wait for ever. Sucks! read more

McDonald's - McDonald Carlsbad Avenida Encinas. - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I don't come here often when I have it's only because my kids beg me, and every single time I have come here I am asked to park outside because my food is not ready, even when all I am ordering is drinks. Ridiculous they made me wait this last time 15 min, I hate this Macdonalds. read more

This is the absolute worst McDonald's I've ever been to in my life. There's no reason it should take more than 15 minutes to make one damn McMuffin when the store is empty. All the employees sit on their phone and don't do shit. Don't come here unless you wanna wait 20 mins for a shitty burger read more

Very disappointed with my recent visit to McDonald's. The customer service was not good the staff didn't seem friendly or attentive. My order was missing utensils, and when I asked for them, I had to wait in a long line again just to get what should've been included in the first place. Definitely not a smooth or pleasant experience. read more

Fries are soggy, coco milk tastes like poo poo burgers taste like cardboard, I have NEVER had this experience. the workers are rude and it took 10 minutes for an ice cream cone. way to slow!! read more

Look the food here is fine. As good as any McDonald's around. However if you want to order your food, it almost impossible to do so without using the automated board. They don't seem to staff it with a full time person. Their duties are split between the counter and serving the food. My order was messed up by an obviously over worked employee. Not a big deal but they brought the wrong size of drink. Going to automation is okay, but take away the registers. read more

The most disgusting restroom! Horrific odor and a flood of urine all under urinals! Looks and smells like it wasn't cleaned for a week! So much for eating my to go order read more

Slow slow slow. This location always seems understaffed. Service is ridiculously slow. One can only assume the franchisee is cheap as hell, not willing to properly staff their location. read more

Had our wedding a few miles away and wanted to have a late night snack for our guests. Spoke with Ricardo over the phone about 2 months prior on ordering 70 happy meals! Came the day before to prepay and gave him instructions and pickup time! Everything went as smooth as could be. He was very helpful and made distributing the happy meal easy for us. Labeled and packaged them well thank you again to the staff for filling such a huge order. read more

Always a 10 minute wait to get food Literally always, even when no one is in line Go elsewhere read more

Over price and terrible service. I went here on my way to work and ordered a meal with large fry. I get what other McDonalds would call a medium or even small fry for the crazy cost of $4.30. I asked the lady and she showed me how it says "Large" on the package so it is a large. I told her just labeling it does not make it such. I refuse to go to this location again as they are purposely deceiving their customer base. This is the ONLY McDonalds location that I've ever experienced doing this. Corporate need to check out this location read more

McDonald's - Every other McDonalds large fry - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We ordered on the kiosk and it came out in like 1 minute the food was hot and the orange juice was peak. The workers were nice. The only thing that bugged me was that they gave us paper straws. But everything else was good read more

McDonald's - Food - Burgers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I was here yesterday about 8pm with my 2 grandsons. It took about 15 to pay cash for my order because they were too busy looking for a pen to check for counterfeit money from the man ahead of me. It took about another 15-20 minutes to actually GET our food. Our quarter pounder with cheese had NO cheese, but we ate them because who knows how long it would take to get new ones. Also, when the employee brought the food, she said she be back with the kids drinks and never returned. I had to go up and ask again for them. On a good note, the fries were hot! hopefully, I was just there on an off night.. ‍ read more

This McDonald was absolutely gas. I went into the McDonald's during grandma McFlurry season and when that's McFlurry touched my tongue that shit gave me the tingles from head to toe. Personally I had a great experience my boy Jose hooked me up with the McFlurry with extra cookies. Random lettuce stain on the wall is a new homie. read more

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This location has been remodeled so the interior is refreshed and nice. The order workflow seems to have been improved too. Seems like the new style caters to mobile orders. Too bad they don't have a soda fountain that you can access by yourself, would be good to fill water bottles. The service was really good because they had a dedicated runner bringing all orders out to the dining room. read more

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Waited over 40 mins to get ignored and mistreated by employees here said my order was canceled. But I got changed and not refunded. While my kids wait in the car starving they shorted us food as well. Lousy workers that just walk around on their phones ignoring people and NOT WORK!!! Do not come here. I would give negative starts if I could. Long line of angry people just like myself... ridiculous...how do you print out my order and still get it wrong? You could have Killed someone with allergies!!! read more

Don't even bother using this place. The 2-stars average is totally accurate and indicative of the indifference and total apathy toward the customer, from the service staff. I went through the drive thru to order two milkshakes; one half chocolate and half vanilla and one all chocolate. The order went through after I had to repeat it twice to the order taker (he kept saying "you want one half and half and one vanilla" when I told him twice one should be half and half and the other CHOCOLATE)! I also told him "please make them extra thick", to which he replied "ok"... Paid through the first window and when I went to the second window to pick it up, they give me two chocolate shakes. I asked them "what happened to the half and half"? Additionally, they were very watery. Their reply was "we don't make half and half" and "our machine makes them one way only"...I get it but I asked her "why didn't the person taking my order tell me all that so I could have made a decision whether to go ahead with my order or not order"? She just looked at me for 10 seconds, no answer... That was the last time I will be using this place... read more

It's McD's so doing a review for this is really not for the food but more for the "experience" I've had the several times been to this particular dump. Service is mad slow and they remind you they either don't like working there or hate the way customers look because their faces are dreadful. Often they get my order wrong so check yours before leaving, drive-thru is not only slow but infested with drug addicts begging for money at your window. The addicts in and out of the dine-in lobby and bathroom OMG not to mention the front, for my cheeseburger fix I go to Marron Rd McD's. read more