Mario E.
Yelp
While heading to the Philippine Embassy, I stumbled across Mr. Charlie's, a viral McDonald's dupe conveniently located across the street from both the embassy and an actual McDonald's. It was nearing lunchtime, so I decided to check it out.
Walking in felt like stepping into a Twilight Zone version of McDonald's. The walls were adorned with the signature red and gold colors, sprinkled with quirky nods to Ronald McDonald. The décor was playful and inviting, with plenty of seating. Two standout booths were housed inside oversized Happy Meal-style boxes, adding a fun and creative touch to the space.
One key detail: everything on the menu is vegetarian. Yet, you'd never guess that from the taste. I ordered the Mr. Charlie's meal, which included a burger, fries, nuggets, and a drink. To my surprise, the burger was indistinguishable from the real thing, and the fries were exceptional--some of the best I've had. The nuggets, however, were a bit of a letdown. While not terrible, their flavor and texture gave away their meatless nature.
The only real downside was the price. The meal was noticeably more expensive than your typical McDonald's fare, so if you're watching your wallet, the golden arches across the street might be the more budget-friendly choice.
Still, would I go back? Absolutely. The food was delicious, and it felt great supporting a small business standing up against corporate giants. It's a unique and satisfying experience that I'd happily revisit.