The McDonald’s at 3rd Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle now serves customers through a plexiglass-covered hatch after removing its public entrance amid repeated violence and vandalism. Locals have nicknamed the outlet “McStabby’s” as assaults and drug activity have increased nearby, and the site has seen notable incidents including a fatal January 2020 shooting and a February 2024 stabbing. Owner David Santillanes says the dining room has remained closed since 2020 to protect staff, and the Seattle Police Department says it maintains 24/7 patrols and targeted enforcement in the area.
Seattle McDonald’s Serves Customers Through Plexiglass Hatch After Repeated Attacks; Locals Call It “McStabby’s”
GoogleMapsA photo of the hatch at McDonald's in downtown Seattle
A downtown Seattle McDonald’s at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Pine Street now serves customers through a small, plexiglass-covered hatch after the restaurant removed its public entrance following repeated violent incidents in the area.
The restaurant’s double doors are reportedly propped open while the service window is covered by plexiglass and plywood to guard against vandalism and attacks. Locals have reportedly nicknamed the outlet “McStabby’s,” a name first noted by the Daily Mail.
GoogleMapsA photo of the McDonald's in downtown Seattle
Incidents and Local Accounts
Residents and employees described the block as troubled by drug activity, assaults and vandalism. A 45-year-old local who identified himself as Nick told reporters he has seen drug use and fights near the restaurant and that "when it’s dark, it’s way worse — way more people getting assaulted and robbed." Nick also referenced a January 2020 shooting nearby that authorities said killed one woman and wounded several others, including a 9-year-old boy (reported by USA Today).
"I watched a girl get shot and killed right here. It was a horrible shooting," Nick said.
Violence near the site has continued. In February 2024, KOMO News reported that a 29-year-old man identified as Matthew was stabbed in the head while waiting for food; his partner, Christopher Burns, said the attack was unprovoked. A young employee who spoke to the Daily Mail also said they had witnessed several physical assaults on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.
GoogleMapsA photo of the McDonald's in downtown Seattle
Owner Response and Safety Measures
David Santillanes, who has owned and operated this McDonald’s for 24 years, told The Independent the dining room was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has remained closed to protect staff amid ongoing crime and poverty in the neighborhood. Santillanes said management has implemented security measures so the restaurant can continue serving customers while protecting employees and that they work with community organizations to try to improve conditions.
The Seattle Police Department told PEOPLE that officers patrol downtown around the clock and conduct proactive, targeted enforcement — including bike and foot patrols, warrant arrests, weapons arrests and drug enforcement — in known hotspots such as 3rd Avenue and Pine Street.
GoogleMapsA photo of the McDonald's in downtown Seattle
McDonald’s corporate representatives had not provided a comment to PEOPLE by the time of reporting.
What This Illustrates
The operational changes at this location—serving through a secured hatch and keeping the dining room closed—highlight the broader challenges facing some downtown Seattle businesses, including public-safety concerns, homelessness and drug activity. Local leaders, law enforcement and business owners continue to seek ways to balance public access and employee safety.
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