McDonald’s serves lunch starting at 10:30 AM every day of the week. If the location is open 24 hours, lunch service continues until the restaurant closes and breakfast begins the next morning. At non-24-hour locations, lunch runs from 10:30 AM until closing time, which is typically 11:00 PM but varies by franchise.
That single time — 10:30 AM — is the answer most people are looking for. But there are some nuances worth knowing, especially if you’re planning around the breakfast-to-lunch switchover or wondering what’s actually on the lunch menu in 2026.
McDonald’s Lunch Hours by Day
McDonald’s does not change its lunch start time based on the day of the week. The schedule is the same Monday through Sunday. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Day | Lunch Start Time | Lunch End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | Close (varies) |
Closing times depend on the franchise owner and location. Most McDonald’s restaurants close between 10:00 PM and midnight, though 24-hour locations keep serving lunch items around the clock once 10:30 AM hits. If you’re unsure about a specific location, the McDonald’s app or Google Maps will show current hours.
What About the Breakfast-to-Lunch Transition?
At exactly 10:30 AM, McDonald’s kitchens switch from the breakfast setup to the lunch setup. This means breakfast items like the Egg McMuffin, McGriddles, and hotcakes come off the menu. In return, you get access to burgers, chicken sandwiches, McNuggets, and everything else on the regular menu.
This transition is firm. You generally cannot order a Big Mac at 10:15 AM, and you won’t be able to get a Sausage McMuffin at 10:45 AM. The kitchen equipment changes over, so there’s no overlap. If you arrive right at 10:30, you may need to wait a minute or two while the crew finishes the switch.
One exception: McDonald’s locations that offer all-day breakfast may continue to serve select breakfast items after 10:30 AM. This became less common after 2020, and availability varies by location. Don’t count on it unless you’ve confirmed with your local store.
McDonald’s Lunch Menu in 2026
The McDonald’s lunch menu has evolved over the years. Here’s what you can expect to find at most U.S. locations in 2026.
Burgers
- Big Mac
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese
- McDouble
- Double Cheeseburger
- Hamburger
- Cheeseburger
Chicken Sandwiches
- McCrispy (original, spicy, and deluxe)
- McChicken
McNuggets and Tenders
- Chicken McNuggets (4, 6, 10, 20, or 40 piece)
Sides
- French Fries (small, medium, large)
- Apple Slices
Happy Meal
- Hamburger Happy Meal
- 4-Piece Chicken McNuggets Happy Meal
Desserts and Drinks
- McFlurry (Oreo, M&M’s)
- Baked Apple Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Soft Drinks, Sweet Tea, Lemonade
- Shakes (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry)
Menu availability can vary by region and franchise. McDonald’s also runs limited-time offers throughout the year, so you may see promotional items like specialty burgers or international menu features that aren’t listed here. The McDonald’s app is the most reliable way to check what your nearest location currently offers.
Does McDonald’s Still Have a Dollar Menu?
The original Dollar Menu was retired years ago. McDonald’s replaced it with the “$1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu” in 2018, which itself has been phased out and reworked multiple times since. As of 2026, value pricing at McDonald’s focuses on combo meal deals and app-exclusive offers rather than a fixed dollar menu.
If you’re looking for the best value, the McDonald’s app regularly features deals like $1 large fries, BOGO offers, and discounted combo meals. The app’s rewards program also lets you earn points toward free menu items.
McDonald’s Lunch Deals and Specials
McDonald’s runs lunch promotions that change frequently. These typically include:
- App-exclusive deals — Rotating daily and weekly offers available only through the McDonald’s app.
- Bundle meals — Multi-item combo deals at a set price point, often aimed at families or groups.
- Limited-time menu items — Seasonal or promotional sandwiches and sides available for a few weeks at a time.
- MyMcDonald’s Rewards — Points earned on every purchase that can be redeemed for free menu items.
The specifics change often, so checking the app before you go is the best way to avoid missing a deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does McDonald’s start serving lunch?
McDonald’s starts serving lunch at 10:30 AM every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This is consistent across most U.S. locations.
What time does McDonald’s stop serving lunch?
Lunch service continues until the restaurant closes. For 24-hour locations, lunch items remain available until the breakfast menu starts the next morning (typically around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM). Non-24-hour locations serve lunch until their posted closing time.
Can I order lunch items during breakfast hours?
No. McDonald’s does not serve lunch items before 10:30 AM. The kitchen uses different equipment for breakfast and lunch, so there is no overlap between the two menus.
Does McDonald’s serve lunch at the same time on weekends?
Yes. Unlike some restaurants that extend breakfast hours on weekends, McDonald’s switches to the lunch menu at 10:30 AM seven days a week.
Yes. As of 2026, the McCrispy is a permanent menu item at McDonald’s. It replaced the discontinued Crispy Chicken Sandwich and is available in original, spicy, and deluxe versions.
What happened to the McWrap?
The McWrap was discontinued in 2016. McDonald’s has not brought it back. If you’re looking for a chicken option beyond the McChicken, the McCrispy lineup and Chicken McNuggets are the main alternatives on the current menu.
Does McDonald’s have lunch specials?
McDonald’s runs rotating deals through its app, including discounted combo meals, BOGO offers, and free items through the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program. These change frequently, so check the app for current offers at your location.
What time does McDonald’s open for breakfast?
Most McDonald’s locations begin serving breakfast between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Breakfast runs until 10:30 AM, at which point the lunch menu takes over.