McCafe

With talk of McDonald’s revenue going downhill, I think this was a really smart idea to branch out into a different market. McCafe is definitely the swanky, trendy, more sophisticated older brother to the original McDonalds. With items like quinoa and apple brie croissants, it’s really great to see some variety to the McDonalds menu while they keep the classic breakfast items intact. I actually first came into contact with a standalone McCafe overseas in Asia and thought it was a great idea so I’m really glad they’re testing it out here.
I don’t remember if this is the case for McDonalds, but all the teas and regular coffees are the same price, which I think is a very smart move. For food, I’ve only tried some of their pastries and bagels, but they’re quite good. They won’t blow you away, but it’s about the same quality as a Tim’s and cheaper too.
They also have self-​serving kiosks that accept only debit/​credit. They’re really great at saving time in the morning during rush hour when everyone just wants a coffee. McDonalds has also invested quite a bit in staff training as well. Everyone there has been very professional and friendly. There are always one or two employees out front directing people into the line or the kiosk and teaching people how to use the machines. This really helped to keep things moving.

The first standalone McCafe restaurant in the world! There aren’t any burgers or fries here, but rather, a new, revamped menu to differentiate McCafe from McDonald’s.
The most exciting thing about this McCafe is probably the all-​day breakfast. They have all-​day McMuffins as well as Bagel BLTs, Egg LTs, and grilled cheese (with or without bacon). If you want something hot, they have 2 new soups:
They have light, healthier alternatives, like Asian coleslaw, quinoa salad, kale salad, chicken wraps, fruit cups, and also sell bottled drinks (coconut water, Voss water, coke, S. Pellegrino, orange/​apple juice) all grab-​and-​go!
Also new on their menu, are fresh, all-​butter pastries and croissants baked in house, as well as brownies and lemon loaves. I tried the new Apple Brie Croissant sandwich and, it sounds really weird, but it actually tastes delicious! The honey, apple, and brie cheese go really well together along with the flaky, fresh croissant.
As for the McCafe specialty drinks, they’re all pretty much the same as any other McDonald’s location, except for the new espresso machine they use to steam fresh milk in the store. They also have a soy milk option! Another menu item that’s new: Affogato (espresso over McDonald’s soft serve ice cream and oreo pieces). It’s a nice semi-​sweet treat for any coffee lovers out there.
Overall, it’s a pretty nice change from McDonald’s burgers and fries. I like the option of being able to grab a fresh pastry with my latte!