Cincinnati Restaurant Revives McDonald's Forgotten Hula Burger

Mid-City Restaurant offers a modern take on the 1960s meatless cheeseburger that briefly competed with the Filet-O-Fish.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Downtown Cincinnati restaurant called Mid-City Restaurant is offering customers a chance to try the Hula Burger, a meatless cheeseburger featuring a grilled pineapple patty that was briefly featured on McDonald's menus in the 1960s before being overshadowed by the Filet-O-Fish. The restaurant's version features a marinated and seared pineapple slice topped with smoked cheddar cheese and fried onions.

Why it matters

The Hula Burger's brief appearance on McDonald's menus is an interesting footnote in fast-food history, as it represented an early attempt by the company to offer a meatless option. While the Filet-O-Fish ultimately prevailed, the Hula Burger's revival at Mid-City Restaurant gives diners a chance to experience a unique part of McDonald's past.

The details

Mid-City Restaurant's version of the Hula Burger features a thick, fresh pineapple slice that is marinated overnight in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before being seared to order. The pineapple slice is then topped with smoked cheddar cheese and fried onions, and served on a bun. Customers can also opt to add a beef patty or a fried egg to the sandwich, but the restaurant says most diners prefer the pineapple-only version.

  • The Hula Burger was introduced on McDonald's menus in the 1960s.
  • Mid-City Restaurant began offering its version of the Hula Burger in 2026.

The players

Lou Groen

A local McDonald's franchisee who invented the Filet-O-Fish sandwich in the 1960s to cater to his Catholic customers during Lent.

Ray Kroc

Another McDonald's franchisee who introduced the Hula Burger, a meatless cheeseburger featuring a grilled pineapple patty, in the 1960s.

Mid-City Restaurant

A Downtown Cincinnati restaurant that is currently offering its own version of the Hula Burger, featuring a marinated and seared pineapple slice topped with smoked cheddar cheese and fried onions.

Joe Cheek

The executive chef at Mid-City Restaurant who is responsible for the restaurant's modern take on the Hula Burger.

Jon Warren

The manager of Mid-City Restaurant, who says the Hula Burger is particularly popular during the restaurant's weekend brunch service.

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The takeaway

The revival of the Hula Burger at Mid-City Restaurant offers a unique opportunity for diners to experience a forgotten piece of McDonald's history, while also enjoying a modern and flavorful take on the meatless cheeseburger concept.