The music was hot, the cars were fast, and McDonald’s tasted oh-so-good, but these prices in 1983 are something to see. Sure, you want a Big Mac with some fries and a Coke? Man, wait until you see what these items cost back then. We are cranking up the Wayback Machine, going to the early 1980s for a bite to eat. Let’s check this menu out for some cool prices.

A Big Mac will run you 85 cents, French fries are either 35 or 50 cents, and a Coke will run you either 25 cents, 35 cents, or 40 cents. Hoo boy, the cost of eating sure has risen a bunch. That Quarter Pounder with cheese will cost you 90 cents. But you can get a regular Quarter Pounder for 80 cents. The price there also covers a Double Cheeseburger.

Go ahead and order a double Hamburger for 70 cents, while a Cheeseburger goes for 40 cents back in 1983. Do you want a Hamburger? It will cost you 35 cents. McDonald’s offers up its Filet-O-Fish at 65 cents.

McDonald’s drive-thru menu board, circa 1983. Photo courtesy of Pleasant Family Shopping on Facebook
byu/AxlCobainVedder in80s

What about a slice of Cherry or Apple pie? You can pick that up for 30 cents. McDonaldland Cookies run 25 cents. We’re not sure if it comes in its own box or not.

Let’s take a look at the drinks selection here at McDonald’s. Pick up a regular coffee for 30 cents. That’s a deal right there! Milk runs 25 cents, and three kinds of shakes (Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla) cost 50 cents per person.

McDonald’s 1983 Prices Will Just Blow You Away

Soft drinks run between 25, 30, and 40 cents. You get a chance to pick up a Coke, Orange, Sugar-Free 7-Up, or a Root Beer for your night out. A Hot Chocolate will run you 20 cents. Four types of Sundaes are available, too. They are Hot Fudge, Hot Caramel, Strawberry, and Pineapple.

Alright. Those selections are available at any time you visit your neighborhood…well, you can get these at your friendly McDonald’s. That is, back in 1983.

But wait, there’s more! Before you have lunch, you’ve got to have breakfast, right? McDonald’s has you covered on that menu, too.

Pick up some scrambled eggs with sausage and hash browns for 1.35. That’s a solid breakfast option right there. An Egg McMuffin is going for 90 cents. Hotcakes and sausage will run you a fast dollar. If you simply want an order of hash browns, then slap down 30 cents at checkout.

Maybe your jam is an English muffin with jelly? That will cost you a cool 30 cents. Hankering for a Danish? Well, friend, fork over 40 cents. And while you are at it, pick up some juice at 35 cents. Select from orange, grapefruit, and tomato.

Man, it would be so cool if McDonald’s brought back these 1983 prices for one day. Could we get some Aldo Nova or Journey playing in the background, too?

Some Redditors gazed their eyes on this menu and shared their thoughts. One person wrote, “Prices aside, I long for this level of simplicity in a fast food menu. Seems like they all just want to bamboozle the customers with combos and pictures. I just want to know what’s available; I can create my own combo, thank you.”

Another person wrote, “Those boxes of chocolate chip cookies they used to sell were delicious.”