Most McDonald’s look the same—bright colors, modern design, and a simple layout. But this one in Paris is completely different. From the outside, it looks like an old-world brasserie. Inside, you’ll find ornate ceilings, historic plasterwork, and a unique atmosphere that feels more like a museum than a fast-food restaurant.
This isn’t just any McDonald’s—it’s a piece of Parisian history that just happens to serve Big Macs.
A McDonald’s Like No Other—Let’s Take a Look!
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Located at 119 Rue Saint-Lazare, this McDonald’s stands out from the moment you see it. Instead of a plain, modern exterior, the building looks like something straight out of a fairytale village in Alsace.
The half-timbered facade, red bricks, and painted shutters give it the charm of a traditional French inn.
Sitting proudly on the rooftop is a stork, a symbol of Alsace.
And right by the entrance, there’s a statue of Gambrinus, the “King of Beer,” raising his glass in celebration—a hint at this building’s past life.
The Stunning Interior—Is This Really a Fast-Food Restaurant?
The moment you walk in, you might forget where you are. Instead of the usual white walls and plastic seating, you’re greeted by deep wood tones, intricate plaster moldings, and vintage light fixtures.
The ground floor has three separate dining rooms, each keeping elements of the building’s past. The ceilings are high, the walls have elegant detailing, and some of the original brasserie décor is still intact.
At first, it feels like you’ve stepped into a classic Parisian café from the 19th century. Then you see the familiar glow of the McDonald’s menu, and the illusion breaks—just a little.
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The History Behind This Unique McDonald’s
This building has been a Parisian landmark for over 130 years.
It was originally designed in 1892 as a traditional Alsatian restaurant—a place where people could enjoy sauerkraut, sausages, and beer, just like in Strasbourg.
In 1894, it was transformed into “Au Roi de la Bière”, a brasserie that became a favorite spot for writers and intellectuals.
Some say Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and Dos Passos all spent time here, enjoying the lively Parisian atmosphere.
The brasserie thrived for decades before closing in 1994.
Four years later, McDonald’s took over, but instead of gutting the place and making it look like every other location, they worked with Bâtiments de France to restore the building’s historic charm.
Today, this McDonald’s is officially a protected historical monument, proving that even fast food can respect tradition.
What to Expect When You Visit
This is no ordinary McDonald’s experience—here’s what makes it special:
🛋 The Décor: Imagine eating your fries under elegant chandeliers and a ceiling decorated with vintage designs. It’s fast food, but make it fancy.
🎭 The Atmosphere: It’s a mix of locals, tourists, and curious visitors who come not just for a meal but for the unique setting.
🍟 The Menu: It’s still McDonald’s, so don’t expect anything unusual on your tray. But somehow, a McFlurry tastes different when you’re sitting in a historic brasserie.
🚶 The Location: Right in the busy Saint-Lazare area, this is an easy stop whether you’re exploring nearby Montmartre or heading to the train station.
Even if you’re not a fan of fast food, this McDonald’s is worth stepping inside—just to see how unexpected a simple burger joint can be.
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With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
