Fillet

McDonald's

Ever since Ray Kroc opened his first restaurant in 1954, McDonalds has dominated the fast food market. The Big Mac is the monolith of the meat world. But after lifting off the sesame seed bun, I was a bit disappointed - the beef patties were exposed as somewhat anemic. Although there were two layers, there was no cheese on the top layer and no tomato. The special sauce redeems this burger, even though its probably just Thousand Island dressing.

Where the Big Mac lacks, McDonalds other sandwiches pull the weight, all the way down the line from the chicken sandwiches to the surprisingly tasty Arch Deluxe. The best burger on the menu, and in the industry in my estimation, is the double quarter pounder with cheese.

McDonalds still has the hands down best fries in the biz. Whether you prefer the burnt, crispy shards from the bottom of the pile or the greasy, undercooked fresh batches, there is something for every fry lover. Yes, they're coated with enough salt to kill a camel, but that's the way we like 'em. Watch out for McDonald's promotional value meals and severely discounted sandwiches. It's common practice to sell you a Big Mac or double cheeseburger for 99 cents but it won't resemble the one you know and love.

In terms of ambiance and service "Mickey D's" rules. The service is fast and furious, and McDonalds is one of the few chains that still prepares your drinks for you.

Ronald might have been the bomb back in the day, but their sorry cast of cartoon miscreants have been missing in action for the past decade. During the salad days, you could walk into any birthday party room in the country and see Mayor McCheese, Grimace, the Fry Guys, and even the mischievous Hamburglar. Now only Ronald shows his face anymore, and sometimes even he's too hungover to stumble out of bed and strap on the big red kicks.

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