A seasoned globetrotter recently stumbled upon an abandoned McDonald’s restaurant in a secluded area of the United States. Chris, an American travel enthusiast with a goal of touring every country globally, shared a video on social media showcasing his exploration of the deserted eatery.
Located in Adak, Alaska, this McDonald’s outlet ceased operations in 1994. Despite being deserted for years, remnants of the drive-thru pricing are still visible. The TikTok video exhibited boarded-up sections of the establishment, yet its distinct red, sloping roof from the 1990s era unmistakably identified it as a McDonald’s.
Surrounded by overgrown grass, the property and the drive-thru menu board displaying prices have remarkably endured the test of time. Chris disclosed that Adak, a city in Alaska, previously housed a military base with a peak population of 6,000 residents, and the McDonald’s establishment was constructed in 1986 to cater to the base’s inhabitants.
Following the base’s decommissioning in the 1990s, the McDonald’s outlet shut down. The video footage also captured abandoned suburban homes in the vicinity.
Chris remarked, “At this McDonald’s, everything, from the external appearance to the drive-thru windows, remains virtually untouched, like a time capsule.” Examining the drive-thru menu board, he reminisced about the prices from the past, such as a Big Mac for $2.45 (£1.82) and Happy Meal toys inspired by the 1990s American children’s cartoon TV series Bobby’s World.
According to the menu, six Chicken McNuggets cost $2.35 (£1.74), a Filet-O-Fish burger was priced at $1.95 (£1.44), a cheeseburger at $1.09 (81p), and a hamburger for only $0.99 (73p). Additional offerings included a Breakfast Burrito for $1.49 (£1.10) and an Egg McMuffin for $1.95 (£1.44).
Describing the location as the “loneliest McDonald’s in the world,” Chris highlighted its remoteness, situated on an island between Alaska and Russia, accessible only by a four-hour bi-weekly flight from Anchorage. He perceived the McDonald’s site as evoking a peculiar, eerie sense of nostalgia from the 1990s.
The TikTok video has attracted significant attention, amassing 587,700 views, 16,600 likes, and over 100 comments to date. Viewers expressed nostalgia for the old price board and menu offerings, with some remarking on the perceived high prices, particularly in Alaska.
Observing the abandoned McDonald’s, one viewer noted the intact signage and closure boards, reflecting the community’s respect for the location. Another viewer appreciated the nostalgic earth-tone color scheme of the menu board, reminiscent of the bygone era.