McClard’s Bar-B-Q
505 Albert Pike Rd, Hot Springs, AR, 71913
McClard’s Bar-B-Q Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Hot Springs for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
505 Albert Pike Rd
Hot Springs, AR, 71913 - Phone (501) 623-9665
- Website https://www.mcclards.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Malinda S.
We had ribs, chopped beef, and a cheeseburger. Cole slaw really good. Place was packed mid-afternoon. Not a fancy place but good. Sauce is more vinegary than KC BBQ. We didn't have room for dessert.
(4)Jordan H.
Overrated, overpriced and arrogant, but I need my tamale spread fix. Seriously, I'd eat their tamale spread off of a garbage can lid in the kitchen (which would be easier than getting a table). You can expect this place to be crowded with a mixture of locals and tourists. I don't care for the ambiance, so I just call ahead for a to go order. It's always ready on time. A rather large annoyance: If I'm paying $50+ to eat somewhere, I expect that my check will be brought to me and the server will take care of the card transaction or getting change. It's tacky to make people wait in line to pay for their food in an establishment like this.
(3)Jeff B.
The ribs are ok. The chopped beef sandwich was not good at all (just chopped meat, not smoked, no spices, no flavor); two bites and that was it. The beans and coleslaw were pretty good. The sauce tasted more like ketchup than BBQ sauce. The ambience was very cool and the staff friendly and helpful. Full disclosure: I live in Central Texas and lived in Kansas City before that; places where BBQ is exceptional for the most part. However, I have had good to great BBQ outside of Texas and KC. This was not one of those places.
(3)Karisha W.
Awesome! Awesome! Love it! This has to be the best BBQ I have ever eaten! I will be back over and over!
(5)Roberto B.
If you have ever craved a one of a kind meal that you will dream about then McClards BBQ is a must.The Tamale Spread(order the half spread unless you are ready for a challenge) is layered to perfection!!
(5)Kelsey F.
Hands down, the best food I had in Hot Springs. If you're visiting, this is the one place you HAVE to go. I'm not from Kansas City or South Carolina or Texas or any of the places where people are born with BBQ in their blood, but I was in town from New Orleans and I think that gives me some credibility when it comes to tasty food. The sauce at McClard's is tangy, thick, and almost spicy. They have a dry rub and a sauce at the table. On Saturdays, when we were lucky enough to stop by, they serve "Hog Wings," pork shank cooked slow and covered in sauce. It's leaner than the ribs, which makes it my new favorite way to eat BBQ. Service was friendly and fast! I also want to note-- this place is non-smoking but still full of smoke from delicious BBQ. If that isn't a sure sign you're in an honest to God place, I don't know what does.
(5)Eric K.
If you're visiting Hot Springs, get out your GPS and map McClard's BBQ. It's down a road we never traveled during our visit, but it was worth going to, not only because of its historic significance, but because of GREAT food (and LOTS of it). I opted for the chopped pork with fries and baked beans. I probably used a third of the McClard's BBQ sauce from the bottle on the table. It was delicious and spicy. I even bought a bottle to bring home. (TIP: buy it here! It's SO cheap at the restaurant and so expensive everywhere else.) My meal came with a mound of chopped pork with a ton of fries on top of it, plus a huge spoonful of baked beans on the side. It's definitely a Hungry Man's restaurant. Everything had a lot of flavor. The pork was flavorful, the fries were good, and the baked beans were uniquely delicious; not your typical baked bean. I'm glad we went during the week when it wasn't *as* busy. We didn't have to wait for a table, but several people after us did! The service was fast and friendly, too.
(5)Leza M.
THIS is some great barbecue. Expect to wait for some great grub in this little greasy spoon of a diner. Wish I could import it to Texas.
(5)David F.
A BIG chunk of AWESOME! But, I grew up here eating McClards. The sauce is vinegar and black pepper spicy. But, that's not all there is to it. The meat is THE most perfectly smoked I have had anywhere in the world. (Hickory). The tamales are very spicy and awesome in flavor. A very cold drink compliments well. The rib plates are enough for two meals. The fries are more like pan fried potatoes or somewhere in between that and French fries. I'm not a spud guy myself. So... They have great slaw they put on the side or on the sandwiches. I'm not a bean guy either. (Bean texture thing with all beans) But they are good too! When I was a kid they had cherry milkshakes. Sadly, no more. Definitely an experience if you haven't been. But, take cash! Call before going to make sure they're open.
(5)Bary M.
Chopped pork sandwich is excellent - generous serving overflowed onto the plate. Fries with skin on were succulent - crispy on the outside yet moist on the inside. Sauce here is a bit on the sweet side and not too spicy.
(4)Ruben I.
Outside of Kansas City and the South, I've yet to find consistently great barbeque. McClard's happens to be my favorite barbeque joint in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a place with generally quality Southern BBQ. McClard's slaw and baked beans are just the right sweetness and go perfectly well with their ribs. The sauce is solid but not outstanding. Luckily, their ribs taste great already without the sauce. Fine foods indeed. I don't care for their tamales but those don't count as southern BBQ, so all is well. Their loaded fries are a must.
(4)Amber L.
We obviously had to try this place because it's Bill Clinton's favorite bbq place. I highly recommend the ribs, the chicken (only available on Wednesdays) and the tamales. The chopped pork is a little flavorless and I feel like the vinegary bbq sauce doesn't really help, but it's a good helping of food. I found the beans a little salty but I love the coleslaw. It's very light and fluffy and I can eat a lot without feeling gross afterwards. I highly recommend this place if you want a generous amount of food for a decent price.
(5)Beth C.
Wonderful bbq and the ham is delicious too! Very friendly service and they are open when they say they are open unlike Mickey's.
(5)Jimmy W.
A Hot Springs institution & must visit for BBQ lovers. You must try the Half Spread (the Whole Spread if you're starving!) Great BBQ sauce. Get there early for easier seating.
(4)Jason F.
I stopped by here this past Saturday evening with my wife for dinner. We came here because we were going to be in the area and last week I had stumbled across an internet article about how Hot Springs was a top 11 US BBQ city. That article gave the best options in the city as either McClards or Stubbys and I went into the day open to either. However while I was reading one of the touristy books that I had picked up in visitors center, I read a quote from the president of an organization saying that he never leaves town without some McClards and so we ultimately decided on that. We walked into McClards shortly after 7 and were easily able to take a seat. It looks like they haven't changed much in the many years they have been here. I mean that in a good way though as the place feels like it harkens back to another era. There are lots of booths everywhere and a lunch counter up front giving it a diner like feel. For dinner my wife and I decided to split a couple of items: an order of tamales with beans, a plate of chopped pork and lastly a plate of sliced beef with cole slaw and beans. It all came to the table within a short amount of time and my wife and I each tried all of the different items that we had ordered. Sadly I think that my favorite item of the bunch was the tamales with beans...at a BBQ place nevertheless. Then my next favorite item was the cole slaw and that was followed by the meats. How were the meats my third favorite item here you ask? Well there wasn't really too much flavor to them and they also were not particularly tender. I mean they weren't bad or anything but I have definitely had much better. The tamale on the other hand was a treat for us and not something that we have eaten too many of before. It had a nice soft exterior and a good meat filling. I also can admit that I liked the BBQ sauce here although it wasn't amazing. It had a nice sweet flavor with a little bit of kick at the end. The bottom line for me is that I don't think I would come back here again in the future. After reading all of the other Yelp reviews maybe my wife and I missed the mark by not ordering some of the ribs. Even so I think that I would be more likely to give another place a chance instead because meh, i've experienced better.
(2)Jordan M.
So we went here cause you know -- it's all Bill Clinton's fault. The ribs were very tender, but flavor just didn't like at all. My wife was even worse -- she took one bite and just couldnt eat more. I think the sauce had way too much vinegar or something like that. We also had the Tamale plates which were also, almost good except for the sauce been super sour and vinegary. Maybe my own bias towards sweet BBQ sauces, but just didn't do it for me at all and my wife found it almost inedible.
(1)Kathy B.
I had been before and did not care for it. I went back to try the tamale meal they have. Tamale was not a traditional tamale and I really did not care for it. My friend's had a hair in it. I gave it 2 chances and won't go back. It did have good, fast service.
(2)Paul W.
My 2 brothers and I are traveling from Kansas City to New Orleans eating BBQ. This was a must see. We were not disappointed. The tamales we top notch, very big plate full of cheese toped meat and Fritos. Trust me: it's great. Next, the reason we came: the ribs. Very good ribs topped with french fries that kept everything nice and warm as you at it. Meat came easily off the bone but was not a soft chew (something I can't stand) so it felt right as you ate it. Sauce was excellent. I strayed away from the norm and had the pecan pie AND the peach cobbler. With ice cream. Praise be to God. We met the owner Greg McClard and he was impressed that we had come from a long distance to this restaurant. Nice man, friendly staff, clean place. Highly recommended.
(5)Steve C.
Really good food, very popular place, packed at 2:30 on a Sat afternoon. Had the ribs and fries, large portions. I believe it was a pound of both for about $15. My girl friend and I split it and still had plenty. The ribs were super tender, and the fries were fresh not frozen. The BBQ sauce was definitely on the sweet side and I liked it. We also had a tamale, which seems weird to have at a BBQ joint but... The tamales are very good, but very spicy, and also large. It was almost too spicy for me to eat, and even though it was burning my throat, I couldn't stop eating it until it was gone. I will be eating here from now on when in Hot Springs Arkansas.
(5)Darrell B.
Best barbecue in Arkansas, unfortunately the prices keep getting higher and higher. If they keep this up, middle class folks like myself won't even be able to afford to eat here anymore. :(
(5)Chelsea E.
Best bbq sauce. Best bbq. Home grown secret sauce. Made famous by president Bill Clinton. Tamales are not typical Mexican tamales but smothered in chilli and onions and Fritos. The owners can run out of food and they choose their own hours.
(4)Tessa J.
Amazing food! It's kind of chaotic to get a seat inside as they don't really have a host stand but once you do find one service is fast and friendly. Food portions are huge and everything tastes home cooked.
(5)Josh C.
Very, very good BBQ. Tiny place with very friendly staff and great ribs. Very, very good ribs. I will go back for sure. If you like BBQ, do yourself a favor and eat here.
(5)K M.
It was fun to stop by and see this Hot Springs staple. I was craving that southern BBQ we'd been hearing about and while this spot was charming, it wasn't as amazing as everyone promised. We visited at about 2 pm on a Wednesday, so there was no wait for a booth. Many tables were filled, but we were happy to find a seat right away. I wouldn't say this place has the best, or even top 10, BBQ I've ever had. We ate the ribs and a sliced pork sandwich. The sauce was tangy and tasty, but the meat itself is a little blah. We asked the waitress who told us that there is no seasoning/rub/marinade on the meat whatsoever - they just smoke it low and slow. I liked the smokey flavor, but I expected some flavoring to get into the meat, not just top it table side with sauce/seasoning mix. Also, FYI the bathrooms are outside the restaurant and leave much to be desired. I would try to avoid if possible.
(3)Bill L.
Great ribs and tamales--more the Mississippi style than Texas, ie no corn meal. The line is pretty mean, so takeout is a solid idea.
(5)Renee R.
Really excellent BBQ. I tried the BBQ beef sandwich and fries. The meat was good and the sauce is very good - not to sweet but not too dry. It had a bit of a kick! The fries were delicious. Fresh potatoes and home made. We were there at about 3 in the afternoon on a weekday and the place was packed. Our service was fast and efficient. Don't leave Hot Springs without trying it!
(4)Alex T.
Man, what a disappointment. My fiancee had fond memories of McClard's from childhood, so since we were in the area for Thanksgiving, we stopped in to rekindle those feelings. (Also, she had mentioned that they have great tamales, and I'm a huge tamale slut, no doubt about it.) Let's start from the beginning. We walked in, and they were damn busy - a very good sign for a place in a touristy town on Thanksgiving weekend. However, I noticed immediately that there was no smoky scent in the air. Danger, Will Robinson! No BBQ place worth a darn smokes its meat off-site. I tasted the sauce while waiting for our server, and it was basically slightly sweetened tomato paste with some pepper in it. Not so good. We ordered the tamale plate, which is apparently a couple tamales smothered in beans, chopped pork, fritos, and a TON of shredded cheese. Upon bringing the meal, our server piped up and said, "Honey, check that for me to see if it's warm in the middle." Um...what? Like...poke it?" "Yeah, make sure they left it on the grill long enough." Charming. It's not like it's their business to serve food properly or anything. After a thorough probing of the food mountain in front of us (which was definitely lukewarm in places, just FYI), we scraped off a good bit of the shredded cheese and dug in. Texturally, the whole meal was one big pile of mush punctuated with the occasional frito for some crunch - not appealing at all. The beans were plain, and the pork wasn't flavorful at all and wasn't smoked in the slightest, as I'd feared. The sauce clashed badly with the other flavors in the dish and made getting a mouthful of beans pretty unpleasant. The tamales were filled with very heavily seasoned ground beef that tasted like it was only mixed with a bunch of chili powder. To recap, it was a plate of food with strong, conflicting flavors and essentially no texture. I can't say the meal was horrible, but it definitely was not good. I really don't like hating on small family places like this, especially since it's obviously quite popular, but seriously, go elsewhere for your BBQ. While living there, I was always astounded at how difficult it is to find a decent place for 'cue in Arkansas, but this is not the place to settle for. Maybe being a KC boy has spoiled me when it comes to delicious smoked meats or something. In any event, McClard's is not for me.
(1)Jimmy Y.
Throwback to yesteryear you don't want to miss eating here if your visiting Hot Springs Arkansas. The BBQ is the best anywhere period. Try their Hot Tamales and slaw very unique recipes for sure. Take it from me a 6th generation fan of McClards.
(5)Bill F.
Best of Best when it comes to RIBs. Full plate is way to go. It's a must stop as it was for Clinton and Elvis!!!
(5)Buddy B.
Tamales steal the show at a BBQ place ? Funny but true ! They have adjusted the menu Down and tamales now are ONLY $ 32.00 a dozen . Excellent tea , good ribs and great sauce . The two stars are due to the poor quality of the PORK. You think a place in Ark could smoke a pork butt properly .
(2)Paula G.
Great atmosphere !! Got the half tamale plate and it was slot of food !! It was great and our waitress was Excellent!!!
(5)John K.
An institution in Hot Springs - worth the visit. We both got pulled pork -plate/sandwich (sandwich could have come with more slaw) - and it is Southern style for sure - which is hard to find in Texas (but who cares with great TX BBQ). I digress. I tried a tamale on the side since it seems like the thing to get but don't get it on the side as it felt incomplete, it seems like all the locals were opting for the tamale dish which had chili and cheese -- I mean, it seemed like we were the only ones not eating the dish! (also important to note, this is not a Mexican Tamale (not steamed in a husk - never have tried something quite like it before ). Somebody close by had the ribs and those looked pretty good too. I think have tried to get here over the years and never have been there at the right time - we hit it, and it is well worth the visit.
(5)Carolina V.
What a fabulous place! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience - everything from the helpful friendly staff, to the fall off the bone ribs, to the crispy fries, yummy slaw and addictive beans! So good! I cannot wait to recommend this to friends who are passing through Arkansas - we drove an hour out of the way to go based on the recommendation of a friend - totally worth it!! Also we are on a road trip and our next stop is Memphis and the amazing staff gave us soo many tips on what to do and where to go! So nice!
(5)Leslie T.
On a recent road trip from Eureka Springs to Houston we DID drive about 3 hours off our planned route to return to McClard's for some BBQ. Sometimes you have to make tough sacrifices to make your taste buds dance. This is some of the best BBQ you will ever eat. The sauce should be required eating before you die. It's tangy, spicy goodness. I like it so much I order it online all year round. Pour it generously over your sammie, sliced meat, ribs, chopped meat. Dip their delicious fries in it. Add a little to their beans to make them go from good to wow! They don't masquerade as anything other than well cooked, well seasoned thick sauced beans. Oh and the fries...shake some of their dry seasoning on them for an added kick. Yes, at $3+ you may shy away from them. Don't. Get the fries and share with the table. I love their finely chopped slaw. Not too tart, not too sweet. Delish! The meat...I get the sliced beef. Plenty on the plate with the beans and slaw. Fork cut tender and no gristle. You'll find it has a soft smokey flavor and soaks up that sauce well. The sliced pork is firm yet so soft it really does melt in your mouth. If you happen to come on a Wednesday and they have chicken left forget the BBQ all together and get the chicken! This is a family owned, no frills, most patrons don't need a menu and are greeted by their name place. No credit cards - cash only. It really is worth the 3 hour detour for us. We'd do it again tomorrow. It's a slice out of time when good food and good folks gathered to grab a bite to eat and catch up.
(5)Paul W.
Yet another stop in our tour of Arkansas BBQ joints! But I still haven't found one that absolutely wowed me. Our group of four stopped by for a late lunch Friday and everyone ordered something different so we all got to try many of McClard's offerings. Their ribs were tender and tasty and came off the bone clean. Pork, beef, fries, slaw, tamales and beans were all very good. Their sauce is less tomatoey than Kansas City sauces but more spicy. It's a nice change of pace. I've eaten in scores of BBQ joints but this is the first that offered tamales. Tamales? I don't really understand the connection between BBQ and this traditional Mexican fare, but okay, I'll go with it. They had nice flavor but add nothing to the appearance of the plate. McClard's is a bit pricey--Mary and I ate for right at 30 bucks plus tip. Oh yeah, bring cash because they don't take credit cards. It's the 21st Century folks--get with it!
(3)Jack H.
I've always loved the sauce for the barbecue here. You can buy it in the jar at local grocery stores and if you are doing your own backyard barbecue don't use any other sauce, McClard's sauce rocks! Getting seated can be a challenge as this is a local landmark restaurant. The Tamale plate is good too but make sure you have an appetite, it's a LOT of food!
(4)Serena S.
I stand by what I wrote .., then again I am a picky unless your one of those people who are always starving I still wouldn't eat here !.,, horrible cold tamale with BBQ sauce was disgusting !..... Worse ever !... Only there once and it was enough !.,,, Could care less if you think I'm crazy !..,, I don't like turd on a plate !.,,, maby next time you'll be there to eat all the leftovers
(1)James C.
Food was bland. Parking lot was small and limited. Flies were all over the place!! Bathroom are not inside there are outside. Which were nasty...The ceiling was leaking from the rain that day. Reviews of top ten is a joke. Waste of money. Dont waste your time.
(1)Daniel R.
Pretty solid BBQ. The place is known as a Bill Clinton landmark. Good ole Bill frequents this spot. I took a 20 minute detour to check out this place from the main highway during a road trip through Arkansas. Just me and my two dogs on the hunt for Goood BBQ. I pulled up to the restaurant feeling like a hick with my two dogs and in a cut off tee shirt. I think the waitresses thought i was a local because i knew what i was doing when i ordered. Obviously, i had yelped older reviews here beforehand. The pulled pork was flavorful and sauce was what i expected. Fries as a side were just right. I think the cole slaw was Carolina style too. Don't really remember. I'd go back if i was in the town. Overall i thought the town was pretty cool. Hot Springs burned my dog Kenny's lips when he tried to drink from one.
(3)Blake R.
Average BBQ. Wasn't anything to write home about.. There were 8 tables with dirty dishes on them when we walked in. Didn't seem to concerned about cleaning up the dining area..
(3)Jonathan P.
Quaint and great. If you're in the greater Hot Springs region, go here: obviously. If you're in the state of Arkansas, go out of your way to stop here: definitely. If you're anywhere in a state that borders Arkansas, it's still worth a trip: pretty likely. I myself dined at McClard's several years ago, under what--I will admit--were somewhat idyllic conditions: on the sixth day of a two-week winter road-trip--meandering down the Mississippi until we hit the nub-tip of Missouri, then cutting across and around Arkansas, before heading where the sun sets to grow young with the country--for lunch, specifically. After heading south and up into the Ouachitas, after a chilly night's slumber upon the fallen pine-needles of Petit Jean State Park, we came upon that irresistible façade of McClard's with chilled bones and empty stomachs. Needless to say, a hot-and-heaping barbecue plate was the prescription to precision. I ordered (and devoured) the flagship "Ribs and Fry" (which constitutes, shockingly, ribs covered with fries). The plate boasted quite solid french-fried potatoes, whose heaps formed a saturated blanket across a pile of ribs. These ribs--while perhaps not rendered from the very finest pork in the land, or smoked to absolute, world-famous perfection--were very, very good; indeed, they certainly met the menu's promise of "crusty-on-the-outside, fall-away-tender-pink-inside". But the sauce is the real centerpiece at McClard's: it truly is a fantastic barbecue-slathering condiment, a real paragon of its genre. And its attendant narrative--with the generations of family members iterating the treasured sauce, born in 1928 and putatively stashed in one of the town's main-bank's safety-deposit boxes--really adds an tasteless, odorless, but nonetheless vital element to the already great experience which arises from the Ribs and Fry". Moreover, peeling back a layer of fries and encountering the signature sauce reveals the elegant crux of the plate's construction: by mounding the fresh fries about the hot ribs, they're already sopping up the all-important sauce while still crispy, and furthermore *crucially* ensuring that none of McClard's storied concoction is wasted.
(5)Joe S.
I don't usually do reviews outside of Memphis, especially Bar-B-Q, but I couldn't pass up this BBQ joint, because it's Bill Clinton's favorite BBQ spot. The chopped pork sandwich was large, overflowing the bun; meat texture, and sauce were good; slaw rather bland. The side tamale was an interesting and tasty treat. But the real treat was the bar-b-q chicken which they only make one night a week (Wednesday I think). We got a half to go. Best chicken I ever ate. So if you want to try McClards, make sure to go on chicken day. But that pork is mighty fine too. We loved the '50s diner atmosphere.
(4)Alison A.
Best BBQ I have ever had....hands down. The place can get pretty busy but it's totally worth it. Menu is short & sweet but flawless. Try the tamale spread! The sauce is fantastic too. Nothing is overworked. All the food is centered on the BBQ & there are NO FRILLS! They just started taking credit cards so that makes this place even better! The only place in Hot Springs where everyone should eat at least once!
(5)Morgan B.
Had the ribs and a Half tamale spread. The other reviews are right. Excellent Bbq and more.
(5)Irene L.
I love my half spread tamale. It is so good. Rib is also very good. Hope we have chance to come back again.
(5)Jon S.
Good food and portions. Not cheap but good value. Tons of fries come with the ribs...I'd recommend substituting the fries with a vegetable(s) because it would compliment the meat better. Perhaps less fries and some vegetables? Anyways, fries are great just too many for me. Service was awesome!
(4)Ashley A.
You know a place is good when it's packed out at 3pm on a Saturday. The menu is limited, but what they're serving is spot on. The tamale plate - piled high with Fritos, beans, beef and cheese (I held the onions) is worth every calorie. The ribs are fall off the bone perfection, wet or dry. If you find yourself in the neighborhood of Hot Springs, I highly recommend you stop!
(5)John D.
ONE OF THE BEST Based upon stupendous Yelp reviews, we couldn't resist having lunch here. It's reputed to be Bill Clinton's favorite BBQ joint. We had the rib plate and a sliced pork and sliced beef sandwich. Plenty left over for dinner later. The rib plate came with excellent cole slaw and fantastic beans. The ribs were the best and the sandwiches were quite good. The rib sauce? Good, but not as good as the Whole Hog's #3 Spicy Sauce. Unique, family owned for many years, and one of the very best BBQ joints we've ever been to.
(5)Edward G.
Very good bar b que every one talks about the tamale spread me being Mexican I diddn't like it but the ribs,brisk it superb potato salad is awesome
(5)Mike O.
Get the tamale spread or the rib & fry! Small place so you might have to wait for a table. The place has been on Food Channel several times. If you are looking for BBQ this is the place in Hot Springs to go.
(4)El J.
I had to stop here because McClard's BBQ sauce is on the grocery shelves here in Memphis. Not that I've ever bought any, I just take note of the "outsiders" that sell alongside our local stuff. You'd better bring your ambition and put up if you wanna create a market share in Memphis. McClard's stands out on for a couple of reasons. 1) The building is right down my alley. I'm guessing it's 60 years old, minimum. It has an incredible diner vibe. (See my photos.) I sat at the counter and imagined it was 1948. 2) Their sauce is standout. I know enough about industrialized sauces to be skeptical of what's on the shelves at my Kroger, but this stuff was very good. 3) The tamale was solid. It was the best thing I had, even if it was aesthetically challenged. (Again, see photo.) The pork sandwich, on the other hand, was mediocre as all get-out. Remove the branding and the history, and this place would not survive as a start up in Memphis. But it is an intriguing option if you're in Hot Springs and jonesin' for BBQ.
(3)Andrew L.
First of all, there are two McClard's on Yelp. One is "Barbeque", and the other is "Bar-B-Q". They are the same place. Ok. That settled, We loved the old-timey, original, one-and-only location. All else was downhill. Inside, all good, like I said. The ribs are what we ordered. It was not real tender-fall-off-the-bone bbq. We ordered a couple of sides: The coleslaw was watery, and lacked flavor. The beans had meat ground in, but had a kind of taco-flavored seasoning. Close the border. If I want taco, I'll make a run for it. I don't care if Bill Clinton favored this joint. We didn't care for McClard's.
(2)Kip L.
When in Hot Springs go to McClard's. Years ago, having heard this was one of Bill Clinton's favorite barbecue, had to give it a try. Now whenever in that area we stop by. Wish it was closer by.
(4)Munzer Q.
The BBQ ribs were cooked just right and quite delicious. We had tomalleys, fries, beans and coleslaw, all tasty. Overall you can't miss when visiting.
(5)Katharina H.
Never thought of this great taste when I saw the photos. It's truly living up to the reputations. Best BBQ sauce I've tried in a long time. I had a simple Cheeseburger that tastes awesome with that BBQ Sauce. My husband had beef with Cole Slaw () and beans. Only thing I can't recommend are the fries, mine were not crispy and raw inside.
(4)Constance W.
I'm giving McClard's a 4 star mostly because of the history of the place (since 1928). It's a very small whole in the wall that on a Saturday at 1pm it was packed and we had to wait for a table to open up. The food was good, only complaint was the sauce. It was way too sweet for my taste. It didn't have that smoky bbq flavor to it. The meat was tender and yummy. The fries were to die for! Piping hot. The service was speedy but not rushing you out the door. I would return and I would recommend trying it if you are in the area
(4)Bill S.
Visited this BBQ place on trip to Hot Springs. This is a unique bbq joint with some history and popular with celebs visiting the area. The place was packed at 2:30 p.m., service was good and the bbq was great. Being from Texas, the bbq had a bit different taste than Texas bbq. The bbq sauce was tangy and had a bit of sharp after taste. We had the sliced beef and chopped beef sandwiches. It comes with cabbage and mayo. That was a bit different but surprisingly good. The fries were fresh sliced potatoes, not frozen and out of a bag. One order of fries can be shared by two people. The sauce starts to grow on you. My favorite sauces have brown sugar and is thick. This bbq sauce is a bit thin and has very little, if any, brown sugar. When in Hot Springs, I would recommend this restaurant if looking for a unique experience with good barbecue. Be prepared for a wait if going during the lunch hour. Even though I didn't have the ribs, they did look good. Fun experience that takes you back in time.
(4)E. Z.
McClards is the gold standard by which all rib joints should be measured. The ribs & smoked meats are outstanding, the sauce is spicy and unique, and it has a no nonsense charm and character. It's unchanged since forever, with 50s formica tables and seat yourself honey. I hope they never upgrade it to look like some place you'd find in a mall, or glorify it into a high end bar/restaurant. The 2nd time you go have the Tamale plate. Go a 3rd time for smoked chicken (one day only, in the middle of the week). Oh yeah, pepper sauce...
(4)L S.
Stopped at McClards while passing through Arkansas on a road trip. We loved this place. The ribs were delicious, full of flavor and served piping hot. Reading the negative reviews makes me sad. We had a great visit here, our server was pleasant and attentive, the food was great, the portions were more than generous and we even bought a bottle of sauce to take back to California. I would definitely stop in again!
(5)John R.
I've tried BBQ from all over and I live in the Carolinas now, and the ribs and fries was one of my favorite meals ever. The waiter was super friendly, suggested the ribs/fries plate, and I was not disappointed. I can't believe I finished the whole plate, but I honestly couldn't bear leaving anything on the plate. The fries were amazing too, btw. So were the awesome pictures of all the famous people who've been there (Aerosmith, Bill Clinton, etc).
(5)Chad C.
Don't Believe The HYPE. First things first: This place is cash only. Prepare accordingly. With drinks, per person figure about 20-30 bucks a person. I thought this place was going to be awesome. I wanted it to be, but it wasn't. Ribs were not impressive. Very little flavor. The sauce was the high point. The tamale was good, but not unforgettable. The 1/2 order was huge. William Jefferson might of loved this place, but I don't get it.
(2)Ken D.
I'm from out of town and came here based on online recommendations. I was disappointed. The food wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. The ribs were tough and fatty and the sauce was plain. I've had much better back in Phoenix.
(2)Summer V.
I have had amazing BBQ in many different places. This tasted (and looked) like cafeteria food to me. The barbecue was the worst I have had and the beans were also very unappealing. People rave about this place so I was excited to try it. I was very disappointed. They did not accept credit/debit cards, and the food was overpriced. The only redeeming factor here was the delicious tamales.
(2)Brad H.
Very nice and unique. Very tomato like sauce that is deceptively spicy. Ribs cooked perfectly The locals have it right. The tamales won't win any awards this sir of the border. Definitely go.
(4)Amber L.
My family, out-of-town guests, and I recently visited McClard's for the first time. My husband had been wanting to try it forever, but we always seemed to visit Hot Springs when they were closed. (Which, by the way, they close at 8pm on Friday & Saturday ...and I think 7pm during the week?) Anyway, our guests love good barbeque (who doesn't, right?), and as we were leaving the horse races, felt it would be a great restaurant to finally try. So here are the negatives: -Small and compact restaurant - the sitting is tight. Plan on getting cozy. -Bathrooms are outside. One was out of order while we were there, and the other was dirty. -Prices are pretty steep....I guess because it's President Clinton's favorite BBQ, they got proud of themselves. Positives: -The food was good. We particularly enjoyed the spices and sauce. -My husband loved their tamales! -The food came out quickly. Hardly any wait time.
(3)Terry H.
When traveling, my basic rule of thumb is only eat at the local eateries. Since we were with friends from Tulsa that had eaten here before, we had to give it a shot. Tight quarters but that just makes its interesting. Had the half rib plate & half tamale spread. I can eat but this was way too much food or should I say cholesterol for me. The sauce makes it! Ribs were nothing special and well, a tamale is a tamale, but this one is buried in cheese, onions, chopped beef and cheese. Again, the sauce makes it. Bottom line, if you're in Hot Springs and you want BBQ, check this place out. BUT, bring plenty of cash because they don't take any plastic.
(3)Molly P.
If you are not from AK and are considering eating here because you heard about on The Food Network or say Southern Living? DON'T DO IT! Its about an hour off the highway and not worth the trip. We ordered a chop beef sandwich and fries for my kids. My husband ordered a rack of ribs and I went with the tamale plate to round out what was supposed to be their prized plates. The Chopped beef was pummeled to dry bits, served on a bun pre-shmeared with sour-cream ( no pickle ). Completely dry except for the crème and overall utterly flavorless. The rack of ribs swam in a pool of BBQ. There was just no way to handle your food with out looking like you went to war with it. Plus, they use a vinegar sauce so it has a very sweet and sour kick. If that's what you like, it will be your favorite part because the rib meat itself was a huge disappointment. The meat tasted like it had been smoked, then boiled, then thrown on the grill, yielding a mouth full of mild tasting tough pork. Finally, there was the tamale a.k.a the "Frito pie". The ingredients are exactly the same: Cheese, chopped beef, beans, and fritos - in mass proportion. There were three basic flavors in each bite: salty, sour, salty-er. It had almost no change up in texture until you hit one of the few frits hiding at the bottom. But fishing for fritos is not worth the heart burn. None of this food was remarkable in anyway, except for the pecan pie. Honestly, I would have ordered that for dinner, it was heaven. The staff was kind and the environment is charming. But to echo the sentiment of all those who have reviewed before who gave this place 3 or less stars - don't believe the hype.
(2)Marylou W.
We had lunch at McClards a couple of years ago and did not enjoy it. We were in Hot Springs yesterday and decided to give it another try. This was a big mistake!!!! The temperature in the place was between 60 and 65 degrees which is not pleasant. Waiter came immediately to take our order. We both had the chopped pork plate, which arrived promptly. The plate looked appetizing until you actually tasted it. The pork was tough and dry and was covered with barbecue sauce, which was so spicy I couldn't eat it, nor could my husband. The beans were a strange orange color and tasted like taco sauce had been mixed with them,,,,nasty. The cole slaw was finely chopped and very good. It would seem that the waiter should have asked us whether we wanted sauce on the meat or on the side. And we had no idea that the sauce was so bad. When I asked him he told me they only have one sauce. When we left my plate looked like it did when the waiter brought it out, this food was impossible to eat, other than the cole slaw. The cost was 24.08'for two of us, which did include a small mint paddie I had to buy to get the taste out of my mouth. This place may have been good back when it originally opened,but who over owns it now is riding on the laurels from the past. NEVER Again!!!!
(1)Larry B.
Awesome tamale spread
(5)David B.
Arkansas barbecue served me better than Texas on my trip through those states. Every guidebook assured me this was Bill Clinton's favorite bbq joint in Hot Springs. He has good taste in barbecue. The pork ribs here - and they were real pork ribs, not those pathetic "baby back" things that are taking over everywhere - were moist, meaty, and covered in a good spicy sauce.
(5)Sarah B.
Very Disappointing!! This was not a favorite of mine at all. I have had so much better Bar B Que even in the Dallas Tx. area. The so called great sauce is what I called a mouth tasting of Vinegar (yuck) maybe it works up North but not for me. I was highly disappointed that anyone would call this the best but this is why we all have different taste buds. Interesting enough even the locals here say "it's not good at all" but because of the hype with Play Boy lol and how long its been open we decided to try it out. Wont be back! I wanted to order the ribs but was informed they ran out.. What Bar B Que place runs out? Hello its the 4th of July weekend did you not plan correctly? They also don't serve mashed potatoes or even potato salad? When asked why I was told because they dont get to work early enough to make it? WTH The only item that is good is the Tamale spread sorry but that's it. Glad we took it to gooooo got a bit tired of hearing we are all out of ribs lol so did many others that day.
(2)David R.
I tried the tamale spread here. I'd read the other reviews of McClard's.. and finally ended up trying the food here again. I decided the restaurant deserves a third star.. but I still don't know what the hype is all about. The food here is alright... but I still feel that Chuck's Southern BBQ is MUCH better. McClard's said the top-seller is the ribs -- so maybe they are worth a try -- but I doubt that I'll be back.
(3)Joni B.
I ordered the rib sandwich...$8.99. It included 4 HUGE ribs, sitting on a slice of Texas toast. Pictures of Bill Clinton all over thhe place. I'd call it a dive with GREAT food. Well worth the money.
(5)Randolph M.
This is a must stop for BBQ lover's... not necessarily because of the food, but for the history. Everyone has eaten here, and a lot of them really like it. Pictures on the walls tell the story of many famous people enjoying McClard's. The tamale was pretty darn good (and had a spicy kick to it), but the ribs, not so much. I prefer baby back ribs over the long pork ribs that have more fat and gristle. This is a place you want to go to if you are passing through this area, and want to experience some history. If quality of BBQ is your priority, Chuck's should be on your short list.
(3)Holly H.
I don't fly 2500 miles back home without getting my McClard's fix. This is the joint where I sat in the kiddie seat and first devoured fantastic ribs. I can't fit in the kiddie seat anymore, but the ribs and the sliced pork and beef are still stellar works of culinary genius. But don't expect anybody running the joint to act like they have the secret to the universe! Uh-uh. They are the same old same old family that owned it way back when and they are not haughty but hard-working, happy to visit a minute. Oh, did I mention that this is a fave hang-out for a former President and lots of other more important people, like local preachers who don't drink beer but wouldn't dare miss out on a McClard's plate dinner, ever? I wish the seats were old-style, puffy upholstered booths, and I wish they would really go full-blown retro here with some cool old Budweiser lamps and a real juke box. They have plenty of money to do it with. But don't expect them to flash their profits, either! There is a ghost in the corner in a pair of over-alls from 1932 who sells vegetables from his truck bed downtown, and he comes in every week for the ribs. He is mighty happy to be here, too. I am waving at him right now. Some pitiful prisoner to be executed tomorrow morning is dreaming of his last meal, wishing it could be McClard's barbecue, and if he is really lucky, they'll be serving McClard's BBQ in Heaven, if it turns out that all dogs actually go there.
(5)Brian J.
Local, ribs, BBQ, atmosphere, cash is king. That is the essence of how I would tag this if it were a picture. So this place was recommended to me by my CS host in Chicago. He is a Southerner from Alabama, and told me it was the best barbecue that he had ever had. On my trip the goal had been to try as many accessible food places as possible that were recommended first hand from friends or locals. Therefore this qualified. Now the food was delicious, and was even presented well, given the location and restaurant type, so the star rating is slightly off; however, I intend to explain all that. As far as the atmosphere. Arriving at the restaurant its a small, squat building on a highway through hot springs, not necessarily the bustling center of culinary invention/innovation. At this point it would be important to mention they do not accept credit/debit cards or checks- cash is king. Walking in through the door is like going back to the 70's. Its mostly locals sandwiched into booths, which are similarly cramped into the building. They are simple arrangements that cater to the welcoming diner ambiance. Though tempted by the counter and its cushy swivel chairs, I opted for a spacious center booth and settled in. While anticipating the arrival of the staff, it was impossible to remain oblivious to the awards adorning the wall in front of me. All of the accolades were coupled with memories of the family that owns the restaurant. Being washed with things to take in, the wait staff had to get right in front of me to get my attention. Though most people working/eating there were very country in appearance, I believe I got the one hipster in town as my server- which worked out great. We talked about what had brought me to the restaurant, and after my beseeching he suggested a good way to take in what the restaurant had to offer. I ordered a chopped brisket sandwich and a 1/2 order of rips- what they are known for. In respect to the food. Both plates arrived concurrently on simple hard plastic plates. The sandwich was not only stuffed with meat, but also floating over a bed of chopped brisket waiting to be devoured. Conversely, the two meaty ribs arrived stacked on top of each other, almost like they were ready for a savory photo shoot. Being partial to sandwiches, that is where it began. First a few bites without anything added to see how the meat tasted. As with most brisket it was a little dry, but had a good flavor. Fairly unremarkable, just good. Feeling justified the sandwich was then doused in sauce- heavy handed so it oozed. Suddenly it was transformed. Paired with the moisture and kick the dry meat was an excellent carrier of flavor. The buns were necessary to help hold in the fork load of saucy meat heaped onto the sandwich off the plate. After demolishing half the sandwich and extra meat, the ribs beckoned. Picking it up, instantly it became obvious they were going to be delicious. As soon as it was lifted from the plate, the meat sagged off the bone with thin strands of connective tissue helping to stay together till the end. With one bit, half of the meat came off, relishing in this caveman experience but trying to avoid the gazes of suits from the cross table, I removed half and placed it back on the plate. The meat was delicious. It really would have been sacrilegious to add additional sauce to the ribs. They were at a perfect middle ground of moist and dry. In that moment I realized that having several orders of the ribs would have been a better idea than mixing an matching items (my suggestion). To finish it all off was a piece of pecan pie, very much a staple of Southern food. Though it was good it in no way was the best pecan pie ever; it was a nice come down from the ribs though. The reason that it doesn't get a better rating is that it wasn't life changing or mind shatteringly good. It was a delicious meal with a good atmosphere. This is definitely a place to visit that is worth the money. My suggestion would be to by a plate or whole order of something though, since in my opinion the portions are small
(3)Steffanie R.
BBQ was amazing, i love their story and history. Best coleslaw I've EVER had. Doesn't take Credit cards though!!!! Only downfall.
(4)Richard B.
These ribs are to die for. Tangy tomato, citrus/orange and vinegar are the sauce tasting notes, a perfect spicy foil to the rich, moist porky meat. Mate this with their cole slaw. Rank this as one of the best rib joints in this country, with a succinct elusive taste. Glad you can buy the sauce. As American as Jazz or a Jack and Coke. BTW: the tamales also rock.
(5)Susan T.
Been there, done that. Standard Americana. The ribs fell off the bone and were even better with the sauce. The french fries were crisped just right The tamale was just plain weird and not as good as home. It didn't have a wrap. One meal could fill 2 people. The highlight was its tradional setting and lightening fast service. The cons were cash only and you only get 1 refill on soda. To note, this place was packed.
(3)Ron W.
Ordered chopped pork with fries on Saturday. Spent the afternoon and night throwing up and then came stomach cramps and diarrhea for a day and a half. I had food poisoning.
(1)Geaux M.
Huge portions, limited menu. If you have been dreaming of a Indian-burial-mound-sized pile of fritos, chili and cheese protecting the sacred resting place of tamales, this is the place for you.
(3)Mai H.
There were alot of good reviews for this place. Plus it is the favorite eating place for Former Pres. Bill Clinton, I thought for sure I was in BBQ Heaven. Maybe its because we came in so close to closing time but our food wasn't all that spectacular. We ordered Ribs w/fries plus slaw. Our ribs were not tender as I've experienced at other places. They were dry and somewhat cold. No flavor either. The fries tasted like they've been slow cooking in grease all day. Yuck! Really the only thing my tastebuds enjoyed was their sauce. Just remember to bring cash bc they don't take credit cards. Our waitress was extremely friend with us. The cashier not so much. I am not one to play the race card but I definitely felt like she (cashier) didn't like non-white people. Not going into details here...
(3)Richard E.
I was told about this place by family. Surprisingly, I'm from Arkansas and love BBQ but have never heard of this place! It was amazing!!! Just the kind of place I like to eat, a "hole-in-the-wall" building but there is a reason it is still in business! If you need to use the restroom, head on outside and go a few steps behind the restaurant, its that kind of place! Got great pics of celebrities on the wall that have eaten there. I ordered chopped pork plate with slaw and fries and litterally 3-5 min later a steaming hot plate of food is in front of me! There was so much food on the plate that I had to eat a few fries so I could get to my chopped pork. The pork was chopped in very small pieces (good for small children who can eat a horse) and had some kind of BBQ sauce on it that was not the same as the "McClard's" branded sauce on the table but both were still awesome! The slaw was cut very fine too and had a kind of watery consistency to it but was still amazing. I dont think this is the type of place you would want to take a someone who is very "uptownish" but I think it is a killer for someone who like some good ole southern hospitality and BBQ! Also, they do not accept credit cards, so make sure you take cash!
(5)S G.
The tamale plate here is unbelievable. This is a small hole in the wall restaurant but is always packed. If you mention Hot Springs....people always ask have you eaten at McClards and they always mention the tamale plate. We will return.
(5)Lydia V.
Best bar b que...maybe 'cause I grew up on it, but I don't know The rib and fry plate could feed a small country. SO GOOD! Tamale spread is the die for...if you don't actually DIE from eating it. Well may be worth it.
(5)Jim A.
It's a good thing I ordered a tamale as one of my side dishes. It was awesome! The ribs I ordered were very tough. Maybe they're better later in the day. We came to this restaurant because of the reviews. My wife and I were very disappointed. Note: You will only like this sauce if you enjoy spicy and hot with vinager.
(2)Heather K.
The brisket here is great, although I'd stick to Smokin in Style for ribs. I didn't have the stomach for the outrageously large tamale, but I did manage to finish the beans and potato salad and split a piece of pecan pie with a friend. Like a lot of the restaurants in Hot Springs, this place has its quirks. The hours are strange, and they accept cash only. Plan ahead to avoid the dinner rush and snag both a spot in the parking lot and a table.
(4)Colleen M.
Crossing off the list of bbq places to visit. Ribs are boiled, sauce is runny, and service was mediocre. Not impressed. A bit pricey for what you get. Oh, and to top off the disappoitment - they don't take credit cards.
(2)Kristi C.
Beans are chili beans, cramped space. Not a fan
(1)Jungle J.
We love the tamale plate, but don't get the full spread unless you have a monster appetite. The half spread with a single tamale, onions, fritos, bbq meat and tons of cheese is excellent. The place lacks character and service can be slow, but the tamale plate is one of my favorite meals anywhere.
(4)Ean S.
Solid, quality bbq but the tamale steals they show!
(4)Bob N.
Very good barbecue, and nice hometown atmosphere. We had a great experience with some locals on Arkansas Derby day. Unforgettable, in a food way.
(4)Joeny B.
Pretty Good Bar-B-Que.
(4)Drinky C.
Best BBQ sauce ever made. If all you like is Texas style red sauce, then you're obviously too provincial and/or closed-minded to know any better. This sauce is the bomb.
(5)Mike M.
A trip to Hot Springs without going to McClard's is like a trip to Paris without going to the Eiffel Tower. It's a little bit hackneyed and overdone, and everyone does it just because, but ultimately you'll be glad you did and would definitely feel you missed a key destination if you didn't. That said, the tamale spread is one of those horrifying sounding menu items that Anthony Bourdain or the Man vs Food guy would be dared to eat in one sitting. It's seriously delicious though. You will never have anything like it in any other restaurant in the world. Don't question me on this. It's sublime.
(4)Brian G.
I probably would have given McClard's a 3 star rating, but my mom was a huge fan of the place (and mom's always wise) so I'm upping it one star. McClard's has been a coy mistress. The first time I went, I found out that they were closed between Christmas and MLK holiday. This time around, I had to drive 4.5 hours again to make it in time for a late lunch on Saturday. Boy am I glad I decided not to wait til Sunday - they're closed on Sundays! All the stories seem to be true. Bill Clinton did frequent this place. We sat by a photo on the wall of "Billy" Clinton sitting down with Dan Rather eating BBQ. My folks and I noshed on the ribs platter, beef platter, and tamales platter. Both the beef and ribs were ok. Ribs weren't as juicy as I've tried elsewhere - just a tad tough. Beef again was respectable. The key is their sauce. It is very addictive. It definitely has a tang to it, probably because of the vinegar in the sauce. I thought the most interesting plate, however, was the tamale plate. Do not think you're getting an authentic tamale. What you get is two tamales heaped with their BBQ beans, cheese, onions, frito chips, and crackers. The more accurate term for the dish should be the tamale frito pie. I don't know what I was more astounded over - the fact that I finally made it to McClard's or that my mom went to town on the "tamale frito pie." For an average size lady, she can really put it away when she likes something. This extra star is for you mom!
(4)Brian O.
You can really have a love affair with a meal. I am living proof. I love you McClard's. Marry me, you will bear my children and we will sleep in a bed of your BBQ sauce under a blanket of fries. Aptly named, there is very good reason why Bill Clinton frequents this establishment (and had a quadruple bypass). It is quite possibly, the greatest BBQ ribs in the world. I am totally addicted, and I've only been there once. In the fall, I plan to make a weekend trip, just to stuff my belly with these ribs and waddle out the front door back to Dallas. Featured in the book "1,001 Places To See Before You Die", this place truly lives up to it's reputation. I ordered the Ribs and Fries plate (which are pork). I'm not sure why, but they cover these beautiful and sexy ribs with fries so you cannot see them. Once you dig through the mountain of fries, you have about 8-10 ribs which are full of moist and lovely meat, and covered in the McClard's sauce that makes this whole trip worth while. On top of all that, they serve malts and vanilla cokes via a very cool 50's style fountain. Apparently they have a pretty darn good Tamale too, but I don't think I'd give up the valuable real estate in my stomach for anything other than the ribs.
(5)Dustin S.
On a around the country driving trip, I stopped at this place because it came recommended in a book. I asked the waitress what she recommended and she said the chopped beef sandwich and ribs. The beef sandwich was tasteless; I really had to smother it in their bbq sauce which was nothing special. The ribs I had were good, but I have had better. Service was quick and efficient, but then again I am not a needy person. I would not make the trek up to hot springs for this place. There are plenty others that are better.
(2)Bruce R.
I go to Hot Springs twice a year with my buddies for a little golf, horse racing, and food. We stumbled upon McClard's after seeing something on Food TV. McClard's has great bbq ribs, "the second best" I've ever had (after my own, of course), and I told the waitress. I plan to get them again soon. We had been to Stubby's BBQ but after they moved uptown they lost a lot and Roland's is ok for Texas bbq, but for real Southern barbeque McClard's can't be beat. I wasn't on Yelp the last time I was there so I'll fill in more details after I go back in late March. Update: Went in McClard's March 27th. I got the rib plate, with slaw and beans. And a tamale on the side. The tamale was disappointing, and the slaw wasn't what I was expecting but it was ok. The beans were flavored more than I expected but I liked them. My friend did not. But the ribs, OMG, the ribs. So perfect, they have moved to #1 all-time best ribs, ever, anywhere, passing my own ribs, barely, but passing them. Beer is available, and no reservations, but worth the short wait if you go right after Oaklawn racetrack closes. A must stop in Hot Springs.
(5)Lana G.
Barbecue seems to be the pizza of Arkansas. Barbecue restaurants, barbecue bars and barbeque pubs are common -- more common than pizza parlors -- and, in light of the competition, may be quite good. However, McClard's is not. Despite the high local ratings and a somewhat dated USA Today article affixed to the wall that mentioned McClards, we were disappointed. Both of us ordered the beef ribs because they were recommended by our waitress. The meat fell off the bone but was otherwise mediocre, with hard, stringy spots and a vinegary sauce (instead of the sweet Southern style we expected) that was not well integrated with the meat but seemed to have been poured over it. Both of us poked at our sides -- slaw and beans -- and abandoned them because of their unfamiliar and unpleasant flavors. We ignored the the thick slices of a doughy white bread. The Shiner amber boch beer our waitress offered in lieu of a black wasn't great but it was good, and it's nice to know that something good comes out of Texas. The restaurant is located in a doubtful part of town; it's ambience consists of well-worn vinyl, wood and formica. When we arrived for a late lunch it was still crowded and rather noisy, befitting its local popularity. The waitress was friendly and the service was fast.
(2)Shonda H.
This was yummy! The BBQ is about average but the sauce is good with a little kick. I will say I enjoyed the Half spread tamale! It has a huge tamale, fritos, onions, chopped bbq beef, sauce, and a lot of cheese. Different and a huge amount of food for the price. $12.
(4)Brent D.
I had what they call a BBq... I am from Memphis..there I said it.. there ribs looked ok.. the thing they brought me was not a BBq. I dont care who ate there..I dont like it..
(2)David S.
Disappointing! If you've had real BBQ from Memphis, KC, even the Carolinas, you'll be disappointed. Chopped to a near powder. Ribs are decent, but a poor substitute for the real thing.
(2)Craig M.
I've never had better barbeque, in Texas, Memphis, or anywhere. There are dissenting opinions on here, but it is always packed. It never changes, and most of us think it never should.
(5)John M.
All thy hype aside this is a very mediocre BBQ joint. If you look at the worn out dirty building. The rest rooms are outside and very dirty (wonder if the kitchen is better) you wonder where all the money is going. Not in their business. Now the food, My wife and I are from the Kansas City, Mo area and are used to great BBQ. There is great BBQ all over but not here, that said. We ordered Ribs, French Fries and Slaw. The Ribs were a bit under cooked and somewhat hard to chew, needed a few more hours in the smoker, the flavor was fine. 'The fries are real fresh cut fries and are what real fries should be. The slaw (I guess a local favorite) had a seasoning in them that overpowered the slaw (maybe celery salt). We only ate about 1/2 order. Portions were adequate for the price. All in all OK but disappointing for all the hype. In KC they would be toward the bottom of the pile. i have eaten at a lot of BBQ jonts and can live with it as long as the food is great. They brag about the volume but are still in a dirty, worn out building that they have occupied since 1942, Move and build new or tear this dump down and get a decent unit. I think the family is taking the money and not reinvesting it in their business. (of course when you have this kind of income it is tough to change).
(2)Neto M.
I have been in the south for 3 years and it took a trip to Hot Springs Arkansas to find the BEST BBQ I have EVER tasted in my LIFE!!! Do you hear me, in my 38 years of existence! The meat was so tender. The best thing is the BBQ sauce! It was so good, I bought about 6 bottles and took the one from the table. I sent it back home to California and they all agreed it was bombdiggity!!! Second time there I tried the seasoning salt and oh damn!!! I bought some of that and mailed some home, you can put it on everything, chicken, steaks, french fries, veegetables, endless recipes. No trip is complete without a trip to McClards. It mightt be crowded but so worth the wait. I tried the tamale platter, it was ok. Too many onions for my taste. And being Mexican myself, its hard to like someone else's tamales other than my mom's. But overall, the place ROCKS!!! I found out after that its been all over tv and I can see why!
(5)Chad C.
I love BBQ and here's what I love about McClard's. The place is tiny, packed, and sort of loud. They serve both beef and pork. They keep huge bottles of sauce on the table. An order of fries will feed 2. Oh! but here's the thing. Bring cash! they don't accept credit cards. The service is always great, but they are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Very good food!!!
(5)Heather S.
This BBQ joint is always top rated in the whole state! Delicious flavor!
(5)Tobywan K.
What's not to love about barbecue? I lived in Hot Springs for five years, and McClard's quickly became my favorite. It remains my favorite to this day (sorry Whole Hog). Everything about the place is wonderful. It's a small place, so if you go, prepare to wait in line. There are two doors, with lines at each, so it also has the nice touch of being a sociology experiment with the two groups jockeying for the next available table. It somehow seems to work, and despite the many crowds I've braved over the years there, my faith in the basic humanity of people has never been broken, and patrons have always resigned themselves to the natural order of first at the door, first at a table. All the food is wonderful. The sauce is the main differentiation from the plethora of barbecue in the south. It's a tomato-vinegar spicy concoction that you can be fortunate to find in some supermarkets. Yes, Whole Hog has the tour of the south in their six-pack of sauces, but in my humble opinion none compare to the single offering available at McClard's. McClard's does have the equivalent to Heinz Kethcup in the barbecue realm. It works on virtually everything--it really is that good. The pork and beef are chopped instead of pulled, which would usually revolt me, but the sauce pulls it all together. Another offering of McClard's is a tamale, usually only avaible to barbecue joints much nearer the delta. The McClard's tamale uses ground beef, which normally would be appall me, but with the spices they include and the chili they pile on, it's a must have for every visit. Oh yeah, they have homemade french-fries as well! I almost forgot, the beans at McClard's are completely distinctive and not to be missed as well. So come to Hot Springs, get some pork or beef (I'm not that much of a snob to say there's only one mammal suitable for barbecue), a tamale, some homemade french-fries, those fabulous beans (I can't really describe them other than the fact that they would suffice as a meal unto themselves), and you can have as much McClard's barbecue sauce as you want to go with it all--it doesn't get much better than that. Screw "Top Chef;" that show is dead to me. Drop all those folks down in Hot Springs for lunch and let them see what they are missing.
(5)Brent G.
This was a great find. They sell ribs by the pound to go. I had the sherred beef sandwich and it was great. The slaw and the pototes were excellent. I had the ribs the next day and I wish I would have gotten 2 lbs, just amazing taste and flavor. I bought a jar of sauce and it is so good. I want to go back.
(5)kristine C.
I stopped here for lunch on my way out of Hot Springs and really enjoyed my meal. I had the ribs with fries and tamales. Awesome! The ribs were pretty tender and the sauce was great! I bought a bottle to take home! Would definitely check out this place if your in Hot Springs!
(5)Mary S.
Yeah, I'm in San Francisco. I know this. But I think about McClard's BBQ on a daily basis. Bill Clinton flies home for this BBQ. If you ever get a random chance to go to this place do it. It's the best example of pure southerness. EVER. If you're nice, I'll bring you some McClard's BBQ Sauce back next time I go home.
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