NEW YORK - There's nothing average about the joe they serve up at McDonald's.

The Golden Arches beat out java giants Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, along with Burger King, in a coffee taste test run by Consumer Reports magazine.

The magazine proclaimed McDonald's Premium Roast Coffee had "no flaws" - and was easiest on the wallet as well.

"Try McDonald's, which was cheapest and best," Consumer Reports said in its March issue. "Or make your own coffee."

Out of the four restaurants tested, McDonald's cost the least, just $1.35.

It "was decent and moderately strong," the magazine said. "Although it lacked the top notes needed to make it rise and shine."

Even though Dunkin' Donuts stakes its reputation on its java - "America runs on Dunkin"' is the advertising refrain - its $1.65 cup failed to measure up.

"It was inoffensive, but it had no oomph," the report said. "Weak, watery and pricier."

Starbucks might have the most vocal fan club among the caffeine crowd, but its brew was deemed decidedly ordinary.

"Strong, but burnt and bitter enough to make your eyes water instead of open," the report said.

McDonald's main competitor on America's main streets is Burger King, but McDonald's beat it royally on taste and price.

Burger King's coffee cost 30 cents more - and it was a pale imitation.

"Looked like coffee but tasted more like hot water," Consumer Reports said.

Even though Dunkin' Donuts stakes its reputation on its java - "America runs on Dunkin"' is the advertising refrain - its $1.65 cup failed to measure up.

"It was inoffensive, but it had no oomph," the report said. "Weak, watery and pricier."

Trained tasters from the magazine tried medium cups of black coffee from the four stores and even visited two locations each to make sure they got an honest cup.