Study Ranks McDonald's Nationwide by Google Ratings
A study of more than 20 million Google reviews ranks McDonald's restaurants across the country, with two Long Island locations among the nation's top 10.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Dining Out
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SEO Backlinks examined more than 20 million Google reviews of over 12,000 McDonald's restaurants nationwide, including only locations with at least 500 reviews. The best-rated location is in Eagle Pass, Texas, while the lowest-rated is in Surprise, Arizona.
Why it matters
The ranking offers consumers in the United States a review-based comparison of fast-food locations across states and cities. It also shows that customer experience can vary widely even within a single national chain.
The analysis drew on more than 20 million Google reviews, with Mattituck's McDonald's averaging 4.17 out of 5 on 518 reviews and Dryden's averaging 2.51 out of 5 on 915 reviews. The study does not report how ratings have changed over time at individual locations.
The players
SEO Backlinks
An online search engine optimization firm that conducted the nationwide analysis of McDonald's Google reviews.
McDonald's
The global fast-food chain whose restaurants across the United States were ranked in the study.
The details
Researchers included only restaurants with at least 500 reviews to identify the highest- and lowest-rated locations. Two Long Island restaurants, in Mattituck and New Hyde Park, ranked among the top 10 nationally, with averages of 4.17 and 4.16 out of 5.
Timeline
September 2026: A reviewer criticized service at the Surprise, Arizona McDonald's, which ranked lowest nationally.
October 2026: A reviewer criticized slow service at the Dryden, New York McDonald's.
September 2026: A reviewer praised the cleanliness and service at the Mattituck McDonald's.
Culture Shift
The ranking reflects a broader shift in which consumers rely on Google Business Profile star ratings to choose local restaurants, turning dispersed customer reviews into a national comparison tool. It places fast-food dining within the same review-driven evaluation that has long shaped decisions about independent restaurants.
Diners comparing fast-food options can use review averages and review counts together to judge consistency before choosing a location. Ratings based on fewer reviews may shift more quickly, so a higher review volume offers a steadier signal.
The takeaway
Review averages are most useful when read alongside review volume, since a location with hundreds of ratings gives a more stable picture of typical service and cleanliness. Checking recent reviews can also reveal whether a location's experience has changed.
Further reading
Explore more about Dining Out trends and restaurant reviews across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Democrat and Chronicle.
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