McDonald's is one of, if not the most, popular fast food chain in the world for a good reason. It's fairly priced (usually) and delicious. It might not be the healthiest thing for you, but having McDonald's once in a while is genuinely a worthwhile treat, especially once you know exactly what you like on the menu.
There are a few tried and true staples that I grab just about every time I visit a McDonald's. They are the top three menu items as far as I'm concerned, though I'm aware opinions vary wildly.
3. Oreo McFlurry
It might be basic but there's a reason cookies and cream pairings continue to be incredibly popular and that's pretty much what you're getting with the Oreo McFlurry. I used to be a fan of the M&M McFlurry, but I've realized I don't necessarily enjoy how hard and crunchy the M&Ms get when they're submerged in a frozen dessert, whereas the Oreo cookie crumbles blend perfectly with the vanilla soft serve.
I love dipping my Oreos in milk and this is essentially the ice cream version of doing that. It works really well, as chocolate and vanilla so often do. There is a little crunch, but it's not enough to make your teeth hurt with the M&Ms. It's simple but well made and my go-to.
2. Hash browns
McDonald's has some of the best hash browns in the world of fast food chains. The only other place I think could rival them is Chick-fil-a, and that's partly because I love their bite-size hash browns that make for easy ketchup dipping.
But McDonald's hash browns are a great breakfast add-on, whether you're eating them because you have a craving, you're simply hungry, or maybe you're trying to cope with a bad hangover, this perfectly crisp and high-starch breakfast choice is everything you could ever want or need to start your day and I sorely miss that brief era when we could get them any time.
1. French fries
I've always believed that McDonald's has the best fries out of any of the fast food places. How did I decide this? Well, McDonald's is the only fast food chain where I get fries and forgo the sauce.
They stand on their own just fine, making for a salty, crunchy bite and a hot, fluffy interior. Sure, they taste good dipped in your McFlurry or with ketchup, but they don't need the extra help to taste good and that's not something that can be said for every fast food restaurant!