Well, they kind of reopened. Then they closed again. But they will reopen again. Details below.
By Cesar A.
Haverstraw, NY – Today, as the winter sun slanted across Route 9W in Haverstraw, the hum of anticipation reached its peak. Not for the opening of a new Dunkin’ bistro or the unveiling of a new roundabout in Thiells NY, but for something far more enduring: McDonald’s (soft) reopening.
We were on-site today to witness this iconic historical event. Also, to eat something.
Ambiance and Design: A Tribute to Contemporary Sophistication
As we watched…the iconic golden arches stood tall and proud, heralding the resurrection and near-complete reconstruction of a beloved neighborhood haunt – one which has both employed and served thousands of local North Rockland students and residents. In the afternoon, several North Rockland school buses pulled up just south of the restaurant after school. A handful of teenagers hopped off the bus and headed into the restaurant, ready to gab it up over some fast food.
Inside, the scene was both nostalgic and modern. The redesigned interior is a study in beige-grey hues, accented by sandalwood-inspired rectangular tiles that whisper of minimalist aspirations.
While one might not equate McDonald’s with architectural boldness, there’s an undeniable charm in its muted palette. It seems to say, “Yes, we serve Big Macs, but we can do so in a snotty European accent if you add that to your kiosk order.”
To my right, a mother and her son debated college applications over a tray of burgers. A few tables ahead, an elderly gentleman placed his cane carefully against his chair and indulged in a spiritual moment with his medium fries and chocolate shake. It was already clear that this establishment isn’t merely a fast-food joint; it was a cornerstone of the community for the ages (Which in fact is true. The restaurant has been there since at least the 1980’s.)
The sounds, however, are where nostalgia meets futurism. The familiar fry station beep has been upgraded to a sequence of tones that could have been plucked straight from the Starship Enterprise. It’s an auditory reminder that, while the burgers remain timeless, the process behind them has stepped firmly into the 21st century.
Culinary Impressions: A Journey of Comfort
As any serious reviewer would, I approached the menu with a discerning palate.
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese was, dare I say, a smaller portion than I expected—its size just a tad shy of my expectations. Yet, it delivered that quintessential McDonald’s flavor, a mix of nostalgia and indulgence. The beef and cheese – despite its minimalistic approach – enveloped my taste buds with notes of sharpened ketchup that would make Gordon Ramsey cry tears of joy. Nobody would get fired.
The Big Mac, on the other hand, lived up to its name in both size, girth and taste. Its towering presence and distinct flavor balance were nearly overwhelming. Even now, I feel its residual warmth—a gentle whisper, coaxing me to return tomorrow.
The pièce de résistance, however, was the McCafé coffee. Its sharp initial bite softened into a smooth, almost velvety finish, a rare feat for fast-food brews.
A Soft Opening – And a Glimpse Ahead
The updated McDonald’s boasts several thoughtful additions, including new accessible parking spaces and a second drive-thru lane, a boon for the hurried and the harried alike. The dining area is slightly smaller, as is the children’s play zone, but these sacrifices seem to enhance the overall flow and efficiency of the space.
As I left, the golden arches gleamed against the darkening sky, a beacon for hungry travelers and locals alike. McDonald’s in Haverstraw may not serve foie gras or truffle-infused anything, but it serves something just as valuable: a sense of place, a slice of continuity in an ever-changing world.
The full reopening is slated for later this week – as early as Tuesday morning. I, for one, will be returning—Big Mac in one hand, McCafé in the other. Sometimes, fine dining is less about chandeliers – and more about the food, folks and fun.