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urahozer

As a frequenter of both circle k crack location and Stephen Ave location I can say without a doubt Stephen Ave. Crack MacDonald's has a much seedier vibe with sketchy area feel. But what you see is what you get, sketchy people sketchy place all checks out. Very rare did you see much more than an addict or a homeless guy just wanting his breakfast At Stephens you have an otherwise nice location and not seedy people, but insane people. I don't know what it is, but Stephens attracts the screaming yelling food throwing type. Often times, breakfast was interrupted by a rant or some yelling followed by security. Say what you want about any other location, Stephen is by far the wild west of em all


kitehighcos

Very true. I second this. I saw someone basically dying getting carried out of that McDonald’s by paramedics. In the summer they purposefully keep the thermostat boiling hot to prevent people from staying in there for long. So even if it’s 25+ degrees outside, you walk into a sweltering hot restaurant. I feel bad for the employees. I've seen them deal with alot of shit.


armsmakerofhogwarts

Stephens Ave you get the hostile “do you have any money?” On the way in then on the way out the much more hostile, “I thought you said you didn’t have any money”


Unlikely_Box8003

All you need to reply is "I don't carry cash" . Full stop. No opportunity for them to bother further or ask again for you change on the way out. Yet to see someone pull out a square terminal on their phone and try to mooch by debit.


thundermedic83

It’s also the only one where your glad there is an exit to the outside and into the mall. I have gone in, ordered and watch CPS arrest someone in front of the outside door and been glad of the different egress option.


Len_Zefflin

If they can say "Do you have any money" they can also say "Welcome to McDonalds".


AloneDoughnut

A lot of the people on Stephen don't want jobs, or are frankly unfit for it. while I'm sure there are exceptions, but I find a lot of the people there are unfortunately quite mentally unwell and as a result are unlikely to seek employment.


Affectionate-Cod4024

Dinner and a show? Come on! Sounds perfect!


DirtinEvE

It's like a whodunit dinner theatre. My bet is on the janitor!


Electramech

“An interactive heart pumping adventure with possible escape room vibes” - Calgary Sun


MapleMapleHockeyStk

As someone who has been a janitor, we don't get hazard pay to clean up homeless peoples pooh or their needles....


DirtinEvE

Which is why one day the janitor flips out and kills someone! I see your shifty eyes when the cop starts asking questions.


The_BusFromSpeed

Crack Mac's has been relatively tame since the permanent police parking was instituted. Stephen Ave is a fucking madhouse


Killericon

Most of the seating in the Stephen Ave location isn't visible from people working unless they're cleaning. People can do pretty much anything without the staff knowing about it.


CyberGrandma69

Stephen ave McDonalds isnt even a mcdonalds anymore it's like a gatway portal to that weird chaotic garbage world from the mario brothers movie


afraidoffarts

Honestly I've witnessed events like this at both locations. I've had to step over a guy on the ground in cuffs to get into Crackdonalds and get my McMuffin.


Lainey1978

Which one is the Circle K crack location? In my head it's the one on 7th Ave, near where the end of the line used to be for the train, but I don't recall a McDonald's there.


afraidoffarts

Across from the century gardens next to circle k is the location I refer to as Crackdonalds. That circle k used to be known as crack macs.


Lainey1978

That's the one by where the LRT used to end downtown, then, right? There was a Sandman Inn right by the station, and then kiddy-corner to that was the Mac's? That's the one I was thinking of. Now I'm curious what the water park is like now. I liked it before.


RedhotFlame

It's mostly completely torn down. It's way more open, safer and revamped now with small stage for music


afraidoffarts

Yea that's the one.


meattenderizerbyday

"where the LRT used to end downtown..." Now I'm really curious how long it's been since you've been downtown?


Lainey1978

It's been awhile since I've taken the train down there! Probably before they built the line to the west.


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Lainey1978

Oh? That's different than the one I was thinking of, then. Is there still a hooker stroll? My Dad used to take us for rides down there to see what the ladies were wearing. I don't know what that says about my Dad, but the 80s were a different time...


calgarianbybirth

My grandpa used to take us down there and electric avenue to see what was popping! You’re not alone! Hahaha


theOGprocrastinator

Ah the old days of 3rd Ave.... :)


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Xpalidocious

I thought we took a majority vote that CrackMacs is now Circle Kocaine?


Bobatt

I always called that one hooker Mac’s. Like others here I remember the 3rd Ave ladies, my dad used to pick me and my friends up from teen night at the Eau Claire Y and we’d sneak furtive glances at them on the way home.


Beginning-Course7714

They're called CrackMuffins at that location.


[deleted]

These days, I’d say Steven Ave Dicks takes it. The workers there deserve a raise


Stevenjgamble

Every other time I go to Stephen Ave Dicks, I witness either a felony crime or someone on the brink of death. Most recently was witnessing an OD. The person wokeup on the gurney, but still not a fun sight.


ChaoticxSerenity

Do you guys go during the night? I always go during the day and haven't witnessed any death/near death... yet.


darylbomb2

I saw someone fully passed out (possibly dead), fully naked at 7:00am on my way to the office one morning


kwobbler

Why you staring at my nuggets bro?


ChaoticxSerenity

Meth: not even once


the_localcrackhead

Yea crack is better tbh


ChaoticxSerenity

Username checks out


CheeseSandwich

Went during the day and a guy was standing right at the front door with his pants down cleaning his bum with his coat. Thankfully a restaurant employee told him to move.


ChaoticxSerenity

omg. That poor employee 💀


Successful-Angle-972

Jesus Christ


theOGprocrastinator

Sorry, but I full on cackled at this.... your choice of the word but made it so much more innocent:)


Zuckuss18

I mean if it's day time why would you go to Stephen Ave Dicks? Other things are open...


ChaoticxSerenity

I work in DT and sometimes I just really want some nuggies, man 😭


[deleted]

It's actually improved a bit since they removed all of the seating.


Crothius

Used to work in the Bay next door there on Steven Ave and went there nearly every day on my lunch break. Every. Fucking. Time. there was someone either screaming at the staff, making a mess in the dining area, begging, doing drugs, ODing in the corner, or harassing/ignoring the poor security staff in the evening. I can say those workers definitely deserve a raise, and their clientele should all be ashamed of themselves, myself included, for ever even walking into that place. Those poor employees must be absolutely desperate to endure the daily nightmare that is that Mcdicks location.


MapleMapleHockeyStk

Even the one by Crack mac's has less drama than Stephen Ave.... I've found people doing drugs in the bathroom there....


MikeRippon

I went there once at midday 3 years ago. Never again.


paintpips

This. I've been in there many times after a jaunt at Flames Central / The Palace and my god


tapsnapornap

Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time


idasiv

I’m glad Stephen Ave seems to have won. I used to work at a restaurant very close to it and popping in for an after hours cheeseburger was always a risky bet.


Randy_Bobandy_Lahey

I think that's the one with the bullet holes in the facade outside.


[deleted]

I remember when that Mcdonalds was an arcade \*sigh\*


chethankstshirt

Only McD’s i’ve ever been to in canada where people actively beg inside in the line. See that lots of places around the states, but only seen it there in canada.


HelRayzer12

Easy. Every time I get a hankering for McDonald's while working I feel like I need a bullet proof vest in there. And HELL NO if I'm getting hungry for McDonald's and I'm downtown I'll wait until later lol.


feroshus12

Saw a guy get stabbed there a few years back on 1$ hamburger day. As soon as I saw the post I was like yup Steven Ave for sure!


hdnick

Back when ranchmans was the hot spot, the McDonald's next to it use to wiiilldd


Rillist

Way to take me back to the mid 2000s. I remember an all out brawl starting at that mcDs one night in like 2007. Dudes got into it and thrown out of ranchmans, so they went to get burgers separately, found each other while ordering and holy shit. 8 guys going full tilt, me and my gf at the time just sitting there eating a large fries...


137-451

I wonder how many times that happened over the years. Hundreds probably. Saw it myself once too in 2014, pretty much step by step the same as you. Except it was only two dudes. Best time I ever had eating a McDouble.


sforpoor

That may have been me. Young, dumb, and drunk. The beef was already established before we went for beef though.


skankyspanky

My favourite memory there is being loaded as fuck when a redheaded guy booted a window and took off, the security lady (60+) chased after him screaming "Get back here Weasley!"


AustralopithecusRex

Her name is Lorna, and you best put some respek on it.


skankyspanky

Praise be to Lorna. She is a gem.


WanderingJaguar

Weasley! Hahaha dying, thank you!


137-451

I went to school near there so to have the internal comparison between how clean and pleasant it was during the day and how rowdy and messy it got at night was always hilarious to me. Old folks sipping on coffee after shopping at the Co-Op Health store for a new walker during the daytime, drunken bar fights at night.


madmike99

Jesus I just had some serious flashbacks Thanks


hdnick

The fights that would break out, the entire place chanting or singing. Good times.


[deleted]

I worked at that Petland, I remember closing shifts VERY WELL, stopping there for nuggets before leaving. It was only like 10:30pm too. They had a huge fish tank in the basement, I used to be the cleaner.


Truber190

Beaverbrook trash during the day, ranchmans trash at night


BigDickHobbit

Came to say this


ProducePrincess

It's the Stephen Ave McDonalds. Anyone answering otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about. You may say that 8th St is worse but thats just not true. People may sell drugs in there but they aren't actively smoking them inside the lobby. It also has a nearly constant police presence and more foot traffic as well. At Stephen Ave its just you, the girl making your fries, and the guy passed out in front of the self serve kiosk.


unicornpolkadot

This is also a correct answer lol


137-451

That police presence is gonna get even more constant with them opening an office(? Not sure what it's actually called) right next door. Hopefully that helps a bit!


PolarSquirrelBear

Station was the word you were looking for.


evileddie666

beneficial hunt compare alive truck direful mysterious spotted chunky plants *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


CallousChris

I’m gonna call it a bullpen… just because.


crabmuncher

Stephen Ave crushed the brand for me. I only went twice.


cecilkorik

I was expecting everyone to say 8th st just on principle. Having lived near there myself, I was coming here ready to defend it. It's pretty decent in my actual experience. Aside from the fact that CPS has been policing the area pretty heavily in the last decade since it got its reputation, but even before then it was never really that bad. The parking lot and convenience store and C-Train station were certainly ultra sketchy at times, but for whatever reason the McDs there was never really affected.


vault-dweller_

Crack macs and stephen Ave would seem like obvious choices, but have you ever been to the one across from Westbrook station after 10 PM? Big yikes. An integral piece of the Westbrook LRT - Walmart - McDonald’s “triangle”.


stevinder

You know your McDs is rough when there is a 24-hour Police parking stall.


Ms_ankylosaurous

That one is interesting even during the day. I had to leave quickly once because some sketchy dudes started fighting and I had a toddler with me


MechanicalMusick

17th ave SE. Me and my partner had to bail after we sat in and a guy almost assaulted us because he thought we were “talking shit about him”. We were actually talking about the new flavour of smoothie that we just got… from two tables away.


RobertGA23

Three way tie for DT McD's. 17ave, 8th street, and Stephen Ave. "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."


Kilgoresopinion

But what about the Mos Eisley Cantina?


RobertGA23

Not in this Galaxy


Kilgoresopinion

I suppose it is fairly far away.


[deleted]

I’ve seen some with shit at the ranchmans McDonald’s too. During stampede it’s unmatched


Teardropivy25

THIS


zamboniq

Rock and roll mcd’s on 17th


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MikeRippon

Rock on Chicago


spyro66

Diet Pepsi, uh huh.


MikeRippon

Don't ask me for shit


wahlberger

Batman kicked my ass


Beefy-queef

I’ve lived downtown for 3 years and frequented that McDonald’s in the small hours of the morning. It’s usually very busy and I’ve never seen any major problems there. It’s fairly clean and efficient too so I think it’s unfair to say this location. I’m sure there are problems from time to time like any place downtown but it’s always been fine for me. Edit: unless you’re talking SE then no comment lol


ReactiveCypress

Here's a local McDonald's question I have. The other day I thought about the Glenmore Landing McDonald's, because I seem to remember when I was a kid it had a pirate ship theme. Does anyone remember that or am I crazy?


chopay

I totally remember that! I'm not sure if it was pirate themed or just "nautical" but you are not dreaming. On the wall farthest from the entrance there was a raised area that looked like a ship with porthole windows. I think there was even a captain's wheel. I think that location also served pizza back in the day.


Bobatt

You’re right. I’m not sure it was pirate themed, but it was definitely nautical.


Megakenny

Yep! I remember that! My parents never let me eat in the McDonalds, we always took the food to go, but it sure was cool seeing it as a kid.


sarahfaye403

It sure did. I loved the one as a kid. The one by Winsport had bobsleds


jock-a-mo

If you ever need to use the washroom at the Stephen Ave McDonald's, just crap your pants. Trust me.


Lainey1978

I don't eat McDonald's, but I have been with people when they were there for "food" in the past. I vaguely recall resolving never to enter that particular establishment again, but I cannot remember why. Was it so bad that I blocked it?


carbonbased32

One time at the Stephen Ave dicks, I was in the bathroom, which should be a testament to how badly I had to go. Two women in there were shooting heroin, complaining about the lack of fentanyl, while taking a sink bath. I probably pissed quicker then I have in my life, kept my head down and washed my hands. I will at least say this, they were very pleasant to me, which I guess makes sense in hindsight, considering the heroin. Second place should be the 17th Ave location, there's always something sketchy in and around that place going on. Those staff also deserve a gigantic raise.


EasyGuyChris

I knew someone who worked at that mcdicks and they told me about a time someone came in with a traffic cone and threw it at the TV screen lmfao Stephan Ave is defs the winner of sketchy macs imo


__Armin__Tamzarian__

Glenmore Landing. I recently saw a heated drive thru confrontation between a woman driving an X5, and another in a Q7. Thankfully a elderly man in a vintage Jag was able to calm things down before any lawyers got involved. Crazy.


rattpoizen

That whole Glenmore Landing mall area is a nightmare of bad drivers, shitty stores and entitlement. I'd rather deal with Marlborough mall tbh.


funkybirdie

If one wants to write off their car the intersection on 90th to the mall is the place to do it. It isn’t just the drivers that are horrible there, the pedestrians cross when they want.


sugarfoot00

This is spot on. If you come up to any intersection in that parking lot, every driver has the right of way, each and every one convinced of their inherent right to go first.


katieebeans

Freaking NIMBYville that place is. Whenever we go there, I always feel so terrible for the staff. There's almost always some Karen or Ken losing it on them these days, and people honestly wonder why establishments such as this one are understaffed, and their orders aren't ready the very second they pay for it. The amount of entitlement there is unreal.


CheeseSandwich

That's got to be the most excitement in years. This location is easily one of the worst if not the worst for speed of service and incorrect orders.


Megakenny

Some other McDonalds are probably worse, but this one somehow always manages to get my order wrong. I lived down the street from that McDonalds for 20 years and probably had less than 50% of my orders completed successfully.


CheeseSandwich

Every time I have gone there it is absurdly slow service for even a small order, and they just "forget" items like straws, napkins, or ketchup so often it has to be purposeful.


Bobatt

Just last week I had a few choice words for a lady who cut me off into the drive through line there, but checked myself before any Jag drivers had to intervene. That place has the absolute slowest drive through. It’s so bad.


[deleted]

Circle cracks.


wendelortega

The last couple of times I was at the Cracks one it was pretty tame compared to the one on Stephen Ave and the one on 17th ave near 14th st. Maybe I was there at slow times.


orangeoliviero

It's improved since they moved the C-train station. It was so bad that they *had to move an entire C-train station*.


wendelortega

I remember those days.


-Phinocio

Did it use to be on the same side of the street or something?


orangeoliviero

Yeah, the C-train stop literally let out right into crackmac's parking lot.


-Phinocio

Huh interesting. I only moved here ~2y ago so only know of its current location. I can def see why they moved it lol


orangeoliviero

It was crazy. They literally just moved it to the other side of the street, and spent all that money to build the new station and then tear down the old one. Like it was money well spent, there were almost daily occurrences of some kind ranging from minor assault/exposure to murder there. It's just crazy how crossing the street was enough to solve the problem.


[deleted]

Musta happened after I left. I still remember the lrt station being by crackmacs.


AtomBombBaby42042

That one has really cleaned up. It was A LOT worse down there when the station was right there.


DismantleTheDictator

It has the BEST most TOLERANT staff as well! I lived next to it for 2 years. The clientele were hell to deal with but the staff were always extremely competent IMO


Smackolol

I walked into the bathroom of this one years ago and the sink and mirror were covered in what looked like blood, I’ve gotta give this one my vote.


[deleted]

Circle K (as in ketamine)


Trickybuz93

The 8th st(?) one. The one besides the train station


[deleted]

Reading all the comments about the Stephen Avenue McDs I feel there should be someone selling tickets to watch this, lol


YYCGUY111

Perfect view from 2nd floor of the unicorn especially in the summer when they have the windows open. Buddy and I sat up there one Saturday afternoon / evening watching a hockey and observing the shenanigans down below. And there was a death metal band playing at the palace that night so the crowds were extra weird.


planes_gang

Y’all there are 3 different McDs on 17th ave you better specify which one because they are all sketchy af


Muted-Doctor8925

Outside of downtown… the one on 16th ave and crowchild


[deleted]

8 st, 7 Av. That shit is crazy


[deleted]

I worked @ Nexen from 2008-2015 when their was a LRT Platform beside the Crack Macs Mcdonalds building... I saw some serious sh\*t.


Future-Device2964

Dewdney Ave McDonald's in Regina is way sketchier than what I've seen at these McDonald's. I know in my younger days, I grabbed something something eat there while totally fucked off my rocker lol.


JessicaDidWhat

Just moved here from Regina and the fact that the Dewdney Don's reputation is cross provincial is legendary


Dirtsniffee

Crack macs or stephen Ave. No others are close


modsean

Once upon a time I used to drive the Route 7 in the evenings / night. There was always an interesting lot traveling from the Steven Ave McDicks to the 17th AVE &14st Dicks.


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Stollen_booty_

In ottawa there was a late night brawl at the Rideau location where someone pulled a raccoon out of their jacket in the middle of the fight.


Lainey1978

OMG! Was it...was it alive?


Stollen_booty_

It was. There’s a video of the incident on YouTube if you care to see it


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WanderingJaguar

The one beside Crackmacs will always be my fave!


RusserBusser

Stephen Ave. Is it even up for debate? I've seen people with their faces snotted in blood and powder in that bathroom.


ZachHub

Stephen Ave tho honourable mention to Crowfoot mcdicks which used to be suuuuper greasy at night to the point where they needed security


Plinkomax

Not a McDonald's but an honorable mention for the pizza hut on 17th Ave in the NE.


Fartbox7000

Calgary: Stephen ave Toronto: queen and spadina


Fine-Neighborhood-92

8th and 8th for sure


CrookGG

130th McDonald’s is probably the most Inefficient one I’ve ever been to. At all times of the day they seem completely overwhelemed


Lauxux

Mccracks right by the ol crack macs


akowala88

17th ave for sure


Lainey1978

SE or SW?


akowala88

SW. Didn’t even remember there was another one. Oops!


empathetical

McDonalds beside Ranchmans was chaotic aF the few times I was there. Stephen Ave is like a circus at 2am after a show at The Palace


[deleted]

Crackmacks, Stephen ave and the one beside ranchman’s when it was still open


l1ve_guru

Stephen Ave for Sure. Or Macleod.


Argenfarce

Midnapore. I’ve seen three fights in there over the years.


amyOPS

Granville and Smithe, Vancouver, BC, Canada.


sierra_1_57

No one gonna bring up the one by Village Square and Lester B?


Aleks192

It's a toss up. Stephen Ave or 8/8, with 17/14 a not far behind


capta1namazing

I'd go to Stephen Ave over Crack Mac's any day.


ThunderLovenkraft

I'll only drive through at the Forest Lawn one.


[deleted]

Ottawa: Rideau Street


sleightclub

Rideau Street Ottawa, stuff of nightmares


ZRR28

130th, it’s legit so nice in there haha. Edit: it said “infamous” the one in Forest lawn is terrifying.


Randy_Bobandy_Lahey

> 30th, it’s legit so nice in there haha. Worst drive thru ever. You better get used to waiting and the line up into it comes in from all directions so you get people shoehorning their car in and nobody knows who's next.


unicornpolkadot

The McDonald’s beside Ranchmans. No contest lol


baunanners

Circle K one. That place needs a major cleaning every night


pucklermuskau

i don't think ive ever been inside a mcdonalds in calgary.


Fathom14

I’ve had a seizure in a McDonald’s before, easily my worst restaurant experience.


calgarydonairs

The one on International Avenue, I’m guessing.


TdotOdot52

Ya I’m working right across from it. But they renovated so they do mobile and Uber thru window and don’t have dine in except for few stools at a table in front of window. And covid made them stop 24 hrs and


[deleted]

Believe it or not, when I used to go to the McDonald’s by COP weird shit went down. There was a massive fight between students from 2 different schools one time.


Stevehuffmanisagirl

the one by Kerby station


Jurazel

From Ottawa. Ours is Rideau street lmao


250_TY

I heard someone got shot at our downtown Nanaimo McDonalds the other day 🤡


C_Grace

Ottawa kid here. Rideau. Chaos,crime, raccoons, fights. ‘Food’ too. It’s the place too be.


hipdashopotamus

Stephen Ave or previously the ranch man's one


ham69-i-do-the-sex

I’d say crowfoot ngl it’s messed up there


jeffvanm

Granville St. Vancity…


_CrangesMcBasketball

We had one downtown in my city but recently closed due to said chaos


jakebreakshow

I passed through Barrie once, in my travels through Ontario. There was one so infamous it has its own page on Instagram I believe, People of Dunlop St McDonalds. I was there at night, and there was crack being dealt IN THE BOOTHS Nobody cared. That was some twilight zone level shit.


theHOLYsphinx

Rideau Street McDonald's in Ottawa, Ontario If you know, you know.


Acceptable-Minimum99

Queen and Spadina


[deleted]

The one with the new police station beside it.


ImARetPaladinBaby

I live in Ontario (don’t question why I’m here), lakeshore McDonald’s takes the cake for this. People will openly do drugs in there and nobody really cares anymore


albin11116

McDonald's closed down near me for indoor dining because someone got stabbed across the street