McDonald's
Fast food restaurant · 18 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States · United States
★ 3.6 on Google · 3,744 reviews · View on Google Maps
Manipulation score
CleanCompleted Jul 19, 2026 · 49 reviews flagged
How this score works
The score estimates how strongly this place's review record matches known manipulation patterns, from 0 (no signs) to 100. Verdicts: Clean below 40, Suspicious from 40, Likely Manipulated from 70; Review Drive when the flags are mostly staff asking customers for named reviews. It rises with the share of reviews flagged and how suspicious each one is.
- Burst
- — an abnormal spike of five-star reviews in a single day compared to the place's usual pace.
- Low activity account
- — the reviewer has almost no other reviews, photos, or Local Guide history; throwaway accounts look like this.
- Duplicate text
- — the wording is nearly identical to another review of the same place.
Verdicts are statistical estimates based on public review patterns, not accusations. Full methodology, signal definitions and known limits →
Case conclusion
What the numbers say
1,000 reviews examined
- Google rating
- 3.6★
- Not-flagged average
- 3.7★
- Flagged
- 5%
- Coverage
- 27%
All reviews shown by Google
951 examined reviews
49 of 1,000
1,000 of 3,744 Google reviews
“Not flagged” means no configured Revdict signal matched; it does not prove a review is genuine. Data fetched Jul 19, 2026.
Review brief
What reviews not flagged by Revdict say
Reviewers report that this multi-level McDonald's location offers standard fast food and quick service, though experiences frequently vary. Common issues include crowded seating areas, locked or poorly maintained restrooms, and occasional missing order items.
+ Repeated strengths
Fast service
Reviewers frequently highlight the quick preparation and fast service when ordering food.
2 supporting reviews
5★ · 2022-12-16
Even though we were probably the last customer of the night we still received efficient, friendly service and great food. Loved the way the staff dealt with a teenager obviously trying to scam free food. 👏👏
5★ · 2025-09-23
Ordering products independently is easy and very intuitive.
Convenient location and layout
Reviewers mention that the multi-story setup provides plenty of seating space and a convenient spot near transit.
2 supporting reviews
5★ · 2023-02-14
Awesome experience at this location in NYC. Multiple levels with stairs and an elevator. Tip - download the app and preorder to improve your experience.
5★ · 2024-01-16
Savior for the price
App and kiosk ordering
Reviewers note that using self-service kiosks and ordering via the app helps streamline the process.
3 supporting reviews
5★ · 2023-02-14
Awesome experience at this location in NYC. Multiple levels with stairs and an elevator. Tip - download the app and preorder to improve your experience.
4★ · 2023-10-01
Great kiosk interaction along with their free reward program which allows a customer great deals and free food. So, for hi tech citywide convenience - this is the place! Pricy compared to a dine in restaurant.
5★ · 2025-09-23
Ordering products independently is easy and very intuitive.
− Repeated complaints
Restroom access and cleanliness
Reviewers frequently report that restrooms are locked, out of order, or restricted to staff only.
1 supporting review
1★ · 2025-06-18
It’s so disappointing that bathroom out of order. Sounds like a bad joke
Missing or incorrect items
Reviewers report that orders are often incomplete, missing condiments, or contain incorrect items.
2 supporting reviews
2★ · 2023-01-10
Worst McDonald's I've ever visited. Ordering terminals broken, or not switched on, staff behind the counter couldn't have cared less, if their lives depended on it. Part orders handed out, blank faces when asking for the remainder, and al...
1★ · 2025-12-08
Manager is very nasty !!!! Has an attitude with people I had to repay for my drinks that were accidentally dropped and complained saying "that's way too many drinks" but only had 4 drinks but it was too much for her. I also saw her throw cu...
Crowded and noisy atmosphere
Reviewers mention that the seating areas become extremely crowded, noisy, and difficult to find space.
1 supporting review
5★ · 2023-07-31
Two floors with bathroom and tables for comfortable dining.
Good for
- Quick takeout or app orders
- Grab-and-go coffee and breakfast
- Travelers needing a central midtown spot
Avoid if
- You need reliable restroom access
- You prefer ordering directly with a cashier
- You are looking for a quiet place to sit and eat
Review anatomy
Reviews per month
| Month | Reviews | Flagged |
|---|---|---|
| Dec ’22 | 26 | 2 |
| Jan ’23 | 35 | 1 |
| Feb ’23 | 28 | 0 |
| Mar ’23 | 39 | 2 |
| Apr ’23 | 34 | 1 |
| May ’23 | 36 | 3 |
| Jun ’23 | 37 | 1 |
| Jul ’23 | 28 | 0 |
| Aug ’23 | 39 | 1 |
| Sep ’23 | 24 | 1 |
| Oct ’23 | 33 | 1 |
| Nov ’23 | 29 | 0 |
| Dec ’23 | 34 | 1 |
| Jan ’24 | 37 | 1 |
| Feb ’24 | 26 | 1 |
| Mar ’24 | 30 | 3 |
| Apr ’24 | 26 | 1 |
| May ’24 | 28 | 3 |
| Jun ’24 | 19 | 2 |
| Jul ’24 | 25 | 0 |
| Aug ’24 | 29 | 2 |
| Sep ’24 | 14 | 1 |
| Oct ’24 | 24 | 0 |
| Nov ’24 | 19 | 1 |
| Dec ’24 | 11 | 1 |
| Jan ’25 | 5 | 0 |
| Feb ’25 | 8 | 0 |
| Mar ’25 | 11 | 0 |
| Apr ’25 | 15 | 1 |
| May ’25 | 7 | 1 |
| Jun ’25 | 25 | 1 |
| Jul ’25 | 29 | 4 |
| Aug ’25 | 18 | 0 |
| Sep ’25 | 15 | 0 |
| Oct ’25 | 26 | 2 |
| Nov ’25 | 10 | 2 |
| Dec ’25 | 27 | 2 |
| Jan ’26 | 21 | 1 |
| Feb ’26 | 10 | 0 |
| Mar ’26 | 10 | 0 |
| Apr ’26 | 12 | 2 |
| May ’26 | 11 | 0 |
| Jun ’26 | 15 | 2 |
| Jul ’26 | 15 | 1 |
Rating distribution
Evidence
- low activity account 48 reviews flagged weight 0.8
- generic account 1 reviews flagged weight 1
Flagged reviews
Showing the 10 most suspicious of 49 flagged reviews.
Juan King
259 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2025-10-29
I walked in as a critic and left as an advocate. This restaurant charges appropriately for its offerings. All staff members combine friendliness with a welcoming attitude. This place serves visibly superior food. The restaurant is extremely popular.
Miriam Aquino
1 review
★★★★★
2022-12-29
Farzane Vali
2 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
2023-05-06
Iwona C
1 review
★★★★★
2023-05-08
Roza
1 review
★★★★★
2023-05-27
Sherley Zayas
1 review
★★★★★
2023-06-30
Manii Asheena
2 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
2023-08-02
I ordered sprite and they gave me seltzer water without telling me i decided to get coke instead I went to get a change of soda I was rudely approached by the manager and him and the coworker badmouthing me and laughing in Spanish assuming I wouldn’t understand (I am Latine) then spoke to his cowork...
xJoseph Coolx
1 review
★★★★★
2023-09-22
micheal kenneally
1 review
★☆☆☆☆
2023-10-22
Gatien Bourcier
1 review
★☆☆☆☆
2024-01-01
Too many people 🇫🇷
Report generated Jul 19, 2026. Reviews change — you can request a fresh investigation.
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