“Unique” is not typically a word that comes to mind when you think of McDonald’s. The chain restaurant is well-known for its uniformity. They’ve practically perfected the art of standardization. Whether you’re in small-town Nebraska or New York City, most McDonald’s tend to look alike, both outside and in. Part of the chain’s charm is that you know what you’ll be getting when you see those famed golden arches. You might be surprised to learn that we have a really unique McDonald’s in Connecticut that doesn’t look like any other around! If you’re wondering is the original McDonald’s still open? We’ve got the answers!

The Newington restaurant was one of the first three McDonald's franchises in Connecticut. It's styled with the old-time golden arches.
Mark Lillis/Google Maps
If you're going to get fast food in Connecticut, you can get a little history here too.
Very few McDonald's in America have this retro styling anymore. The corporation requires franchisees to consistently renovate their buildings. They tend to all end up pretty standardized.
B.B.B. / GoogleMaps
Because of its longtime standing, we guess this McDonald's has been grandfathered in with the old design.
Of course, the food is the same as the McDonald's you've come to know and love.
McDonald's / GoogleMaps
The menu is standardized nationally, though some markets may occasionally test special new products. The perk of that, of course, is that you can get the order you love anywhere in the country.

Related Stories

Dine While Overlooking The Thames River At On The Waterfront In Connecticut

Dine While Overlooking The Thames River At On The Waterfront In Connecticut

 This Gluten-Free Restaurant In Connecticut Is Such A Unique Place To Dine

This Gluten-Free Restaurant In Connecticut Is Such A Unique Place To Dine

 This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Connecticut Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More

This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Connecticut Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More
The interior is what you'd expect from a McDonald's, though it does have more glass than many locations.
Mark Lillis/Google Maps
It's interesting to see how the locations have changed over the years; this retro design provides a stark contrast.
That spectacular exterior will have you thinking you got transported back in time to 1955, when the chain's first restaurant opened!
McDonald's / GoogleMaps
It's hard to believe that nearly 70 years of clients have been eating at this spot.
Here's an older view from 2017, before the store was renovated and recolored gray.
Jessica Miller/Google Maps
We're so glad they kept the iconic arch symbol in the design! Did you know that the arches were not originally intended to form an M logo, as they do today? That's why the two arches are pictured separately in old photos (or in retro-styled restaurants like this one). We guess they just got lucky with that one.

Have you been to this unique McDonald’s in Connecticut? Or do you know of any other special restaurants we should feature? Share your ideas in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

History In Connecticut

CC | February 05, 2024

What are other historic places in Connecticut?

This McDonald’s is just one of many, many historic sites in this state. Keep your exploration going at these historic landmarks in Connecticut.

  • The Charles W. Morgan
  • State Capitol
  • Glass House
  • Mark Twain House
  • Old Newgate Prison
  • Fort Griswold
  • Gillette Castle
  • Lake Compunce
  • Yale University
  • Harkness Memorial State Park

 

Where can I learn more about Connecticut history?

There are lots of resources to dive into Connecticut’s rich and fascinating history. Check out these museums in Connecticut to learn more.

  • Museum of Connecticut History
  • Submarine Force Museum Association and USS Nautilus
  • Weir Farm National Historic Site
  • William Benton Museum of Art
  • Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
  • Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
  • Yale Center for British Art

 

Related Articles

Explore Connecticut

Featured Addresses
McDonald's, 2375 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111, USA