chatgpt recommended me to come here, naming McClard's to be one of the best spots to eat at in hot springs national park. the food was phenomenal! i got the barn sampler ($22), which came with ribs, beef brisket, pork, and sausage. everything was perfectly seasoned, and the meat had a perfect texture my favorite meat was the ribs, which were cut precisely and had a perfectly crispy exterior that elevated it above other bbq spots i've tried. the ambiance was very nice, i was here on a tuesday night at 6:30pm, and did not have to wait for a table. it was a laid back atmosphere with many pictures and trinkets everywhere around the restaurant. they should honestly be busier, considering how busy bathhouse row is, which is only a short drive away. the service was excellent as well! the workers are very friendly and quick. my server gave me a rundown of their menu and their most popular item (tamale spread) which i will try next time. i only tried two restaurants on my hot springs NP trip, McClard's and Superior Bathhouse. McClard's was a better experience overall - tastier, cheaper, and faster. sometimes, you have to venture outside tourist town to find the good spots. McClard's is a prime example of that! read more

The food here is good. The bakers are filled with good meat and other fixens. But they only have brisket on the weekend and the other beef is something else- tho good. The ribs are spare, not baby back, but the taste is good. They took a bit more work than I prefer to get the meat off the bone, but the portion was generous so it didn't matter. But the good star here is Ellie. She's been there for 40ish years and even served Bill Clinton when he came in. She was so fun to chat with, as it was a slow time. The place is very basic, but serviceable. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Ribs and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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First, Ambiance great! Goes downhill from there. Got takeout and they forgot to put bread in the order, forgot to add the plastic silverware and had to ask for the drinks. Food chose the chopped, but the meat was shreaded - tasted sour and was not very good flavor, none really. the sauce helped, but it was a small amount in the center of the meta. my wife took 1 bite and I took 2 bites. we had to spit it out? Chose Beans (not cooked thru and weird taste). Chose Mac and Cheese (Ok, but like boxed M&C). Chose slaw (again, shredded to fine and had a bad taste). Chose FF and finally, something, we could eat. They were homemade and were pretty good). Bought 4 Tamales separate ( first one was OK, I could not eat it, but my wife did. Second one, was grey and neither of us could eat it. My wife said it was rotten. We ended up throwing all of the food away, with almost nothing eaten. the total cost was over $57. Would not recommend eating there for anyone. World famous, Award Winning - I think not!!! read more

My husband loves some BBQ and I'm a vegetarian, but I love him, so will sometimes entertain restaurants that are maybe not exactly what I would choose. In this case, I'd seen this cool little building in Hot Springs and suggested he might enjoy it. I love a great old retro looking diner, and McClard's did not disappoint. It's definitely nothing fancy, but it smells incredible (even to me) and has a great old vibe. Our server was Kelly, quite possibly the kindest server and person I've ever run across. My husband ordered the Barn Sampler, loaded with every meat they carry. He declared it better than anything we have in Memphis, where we live. I had the best grilled cheese I've ever had, and enjoyed dipping my fries in their barbecue sauce. Kelly told me lots of people come specifically for the grilled cheese. This is a great little spot with great food. read more

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I've been eating here since the early 1990s. The food and service are excellent! Arrive early for a spot or get ready to wait. It's like a diner - it's like a hot spot - it's like a sit down/fast food joint but more! It's a cool old, historic place to sit and enjoy good food and drink with friends family (or alone which I've done plenty of times). Bill Clinton loved it - so do I and I bet you will too! read more

Service is excellent and always has been. Not certain what has happened to this place but the bbq has been off and not very tasty. I can't say this even comes in my top 20 favorite bbq joints. It is a bit run down, but that's typical of a great bbq, which unfortunately, this place is not great anymore. read more

Sooo good!! Excellent friendly service. I had 1/2 rack of ribs and 2 tamales. I couldn't eat it all, and that's saying something. Ribs cooked to a perfect pull off the bone. Tamales are unmatched! See ya next time. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Food is impeccable. Ribs very juicy and tender. Fresh cut fries perfect for dipping in their house made ranch. Tea is always clear and balanced. Hubby lived the tamales. I've been coming here for over 40 years. They are at their best. read more

If you want great barbecue in Hot Springs, McClard's Bar-B-Q is the place to visit. If you don't believe me, then just ask former president Bill Clinton! Because apparently, Bill was/has been a regular visitor at McClard's. Bill Clinton spent some of his formative time in Hot Springs, and it's been said that this restaurant is one of Clinton's favorites for barbecue in the area. I can see why, because the food is great. But if you need proof, just ask the owner, and he will show you photos of Bill Clinton. He has photographic proof of Bill's attendance! And they're framed. The owner will show you the framed photos of Bill Clinton inside McClard's Bar-B-Q. (See my Yelp photos for photos of Clinton inside this restaurant.) American presidents aside, the barbecue is great. I got the ribs with slaw and beans, and the ribs were melt-off-the-bone tender. Let's talk about the slaw. Now, I don't usually like cole slaw, but this slaw was chopped fine and wasn't at all gloopy. McClard's serves a slaw that a person who doesn't love slaw could love, and you need to try it. McClard's lowkey is also the place to get tamales. The tamales here are a little different than the tamales I grew up with in Southern California. They are their own thing: skinny and wrapped in paper instead of corn husks. If you want to experience tamales the McClard's way, then get a tamale plate, which is a tamale with Frito corn chips, beans, chopped beef, cheese and onions. It's a whole meal unto itself, and can serve at least two to three people. My meal ended with a freaking great berry cobbler with ice cream. What is it about barbecue joints that, even though you're completely full, you still have room for dessert? How is that possible? I'm glad I pushed through and had dessert, because the berry cobbler here is wonderful. Get it with vanilla ice cream, of course. read more

I used to love this place. Now the new owner's have bought a cheaper version of every ingredient that used to make this place great. Here's the worst thing: THEY DO NOT HONOR GIFT CARDS!!! I bought my parents $100 worth of gift cards and the owner would not honor the gift. So basically the owner ripped me off for $100 and every other person that bought gift cards and didn't use them within a year. This practice is against the law. Do not go to this shit hole. It used to be a fine establishment. Now it's run by tweaked con artists who rob you. read more

When in Hot Springs, you eat at Mclards. Nothing better. Those tamales are to die for. And the loaded baked potato? Fugeddaboutit - it's the best. 18 stars. So good. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Loaded potato and tamales - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

I'm local and this used to be a great little restaurant. But in my opinion it has really gone downhill. It doesn't look clean and I just don't think the food is as good as it used to be. My favorite has always been the half spread and I still purchase it occasionally, but usually do carry out. Service is great all the girls that work there are fabulous and just as sweet as they can be. My favorite barbecue is definitely Stubby's Check out my review for them. read more

Food was a little disappointing for the hype this place gets. Service was good and the place was clean read more

Was hoping for some serious BBQ. The sauce is more ketchup than Texas smoke. The beans are kinda flavorless. The slaw was meh. I really wanted to like this place too. read more

Holy Hog Heaven! I was in town looking at property for my retirement home and I got carried away and the next thing I know it was about 4:30 in the afternoon and I hadn't eaten yet. I stopped by McClards as the locals had raved about it, they've been in business for over 100 years. Parking is a little sparse but believe me, you'll find some thing and it's well worth the extra effort. I walked through the door just before five and the restaurant was about half full (a good sign in my book) ordered the baked potato with chopped beef on it and it came out almost immediately, like I literally didn't have to wait more than two minutes... And I really wish that I had taken a picture of the massive, ginormous perfectly seasoned and baked potato that was absolutely loaded with everything from chopped meat, cheese, sour cream, and God knows what other deliciousness they crammed in there because it was absolutely dripping off the 9" plate. One bite and I was literally in hog heaven. The meat was succulent and juicy that's what is plentiful and the green onions added just the right texture and bite... it paired perfectly with my southern sweet tea, but their service that was most outstanding. The staff, including the kitchen staff were all very friendly, welcoming and made me feel right at home. Escrow closes on my new pad in Diamondhead and I know I'm gonna be a regular at this joint, it's a must try if you're in the area! PS: I took home easily 4/5 of my order and when I stopped at valet parking at the Arlington I was worried I may offend the valet by offering my leftovers up as I was flying out the next day and there was no way I would have room in my tummy to eat it. You KNOW it's good when the valet refuses your cash tip, accepts the offer of my cards barbecue and is beyond giddy with his score. read more

We arrived around 1130an and there was no waiting. Friendly and prompt service! We loved the potato salad, just like grandmas. The ribs were tasty, although a bit skimpy on meat. Just an ol' time bbq joint, very nostalgic but not really a destination for me. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Beers and desserts - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Tried McClards after walking around hot springs all day! Walked in and definitely had a little hole in the wall vibe... our waitress was so sweet and attentive! The food was so delish got a picture of the loaded fries but we didn't get a picture of all the other stuff because we ate too quick lol definitely give this place a try if you're in the mood for no frills good bbq read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Loaded fries - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

Interesting Coleslaw... but GREAT service and love that sauce comes on the side with bulk meats read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Chopped Beef Or Pork - Chopped - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

My family went for my husband's birthday. The draw was the claim of being #1 barbecue in Arkansas. I don't agree. Let me be clear, the service was great and I did like the fries. However, after sampling all of the meat choices and several other sides, I can honestly say that this barbecue wouldn't rate in my top 50. The pork was dry. The ribs had no bite. The sauce was nothing less than ketchup. I'm not even sure what the tamale spread was about. Was not impressed. I would also recommend updating the location to have a bathroom that is inside the building where customers sit. read more

Good service... not good food... French fries were good, meat was not And the tamales, not even sure you could call it, a tamale... not good. read more

McLard's is in its own right, part of the history of Hot Springs. I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit and will go again. The service was quick and with a smile and everyone was very friendly. I had a half tamale spread and when it was brought to the table I could not believe how big it was, and this was just a half. Let me tell you, it was delicious! It is an old building that is filled with history and character. It was casual and laid back. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Mural - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Service, SPOT ON! How do you not have ribs at 6 pm Saturday? What happened to my favorite bbq in hot springs? Ours and 3 other tables of eaters! Used to waiting outside to be seated! Settled for ham n cheese sandwich read more

Had dinner at 7pm and there were about 3 parties there. You seat yourself anywhere that's open. The ribs were tasty, but not fall off the bone. The brisket is tender, lean and thick. It had some smoked flavor, but not a lot. It would be good for those who like a milder smoked flavor. The sausage was on par with others I've eaten. Peppery and chewy. The turkey was dry and tasted as expected, but I usually don't like turkey from bbq restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised by the beans, which were white northern beans and chili seasoning. It tasted like chili and was delicious and filling. We were also given 3 thick slices of bread and butter. The bbq sauce was flavorful -- a tomato sauce, vinegar, and pepper base. It's not my preferred style, but I could appreciate the taste. Let's say the bbq tasted better with more sauce since most of it landed on the leaner side of what I've eaten for bbq. Pictured is what $20 would buy and was shared between two people not overly hungry. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

A "must" each time we come to Hot Springs!!! The service is everything you want, and the food is delicious!! I might suggest going at a time other than the rush. Today we arrived at 1:30, and there were plenty of open tables. Great place!! read more

McClard's is our "must not miss" place when we go to Hot Springs. Due to the exception food, it is a popular local restaurant. While it is usually very busy, the time spent waiting for a table to open is never very long. It is a cozy, 50's looking bbq diner with just enough counter service to give it character but more than enough table seating. The waitresses are always friendly and helpful and the service is seriously fast. I wanted 4 ribs (2 to take home as leftovers) and French fries. This was not listed on the menu like that, but the waitress will always tell you the best way to get exactly what you want. I am not typically a fan of French fries, but their fries are a must for me. They are hand cut and absolutely delicious. My husband had the rib order. We shared the peach cobbler. Everything was delicious. I especially appreciated their sweet bbq sauce which was new to me. My husband is a fan of their original sauce, which is a vinegar based sauce. We always make sure we have ribs for leftovers, but if we are in town long enough, we always come back a second time to eat their tamales. You need to have an open mind because they will not taste like the tamales you have at home. They are huge and one is actually enough for a meal. You can get them without anything on them or you can get the "half spread" with chopped beef, beans, Fritos, onions, and hidden under the most grated cheese you have ever seen on a single plate. This option is enough for two people even if you only get the half order. The whole order has 2 tamales hidden underneath the cheese and I imagine can feed a whole family. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Peach cobbler with ice cream - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Ribs were over done. Tamale spread delicious although not warm enough. Extremely nice servers and spic and span clean inside.

The tamale spread had a burnt flavor. It was the item I loved the most about McClard's and maybe it was a bad batch. The BBQ is always good so don't count it out just yet! read more

A+ food, A+ service. No bbq is the same and I'm glad we visited. Surprisingly, Hot Springs has a few bbq options but this staple is the anchor. It is not the typical bbq menu. Let's start with the zesty slaw... excellent!! Ribs were excellent and definitely smokey. 4 ribs and fries is a meal! The fries were also top level. The half-order tamale pie was a meal for two lol...Half is more than enough. You can see photos from other reviews, just know it's legit. read more

Fabulous food as always! Always our go-to when we go to Hot Springs! Full Spread is my favorite!

A place you have to try.... On the 100 places to eat before you die. We stopped in for a quick bite to try it out. Ordered the bbq pork sandwich and an iced tea. A"greasy spoon diner" look and feel. The staff were fun and friendly. A family owned and run bbq diner since 1928. Loved sitting at the counter and watching the hustle and bustle of the place. Makes you feel like you stepped back in time just a bit. The sandwich had a good flavor to the sauce and a generous amount of pork. Prices are great. They serve chicken only on certain days.... Will go back to try that. Also the tamale spread looks delicious for the next visit read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Outside - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Good customer service but that was the worst BBQ pork sandwich I've ever had. The meat is not at all like the classic pulled pork sandwich that we know and love. They serve minced pork that is both colorless and flavorless and the coleslaw is minced so fine you can barely even notice it's in there. Imagine a colorless, flavorless sloppy Joe. They also don't have any Mac and Cheese. read more

Been going there since two wives ago, back in late 1960's when I first discovered them. Great bbq everything there, a must dine at restaurant when in Hot Springs, Iconic place. Service is as expected always, mostly ladies who have been there many years as servers, friendly but the dining experience is a no hurry excursion there. Food is always good, specially ribs and brisket. These people know how to make great bbq!! read more

I can't say anything new that hasn't already been said. Get the ribs with beans and slaw. It's all good. So good I bought a shirt. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

Stopped by McClard's on our way out of town and it was a solid 3.5 stars BBQ place but since I can olny give whole stars, I will round up. We got the sliced beef sandwich and the half spread (one tamale). I know what you're thinking - tamale at a BBQ place?! Yeah me too so of course I had to try it. The tamale was huge and piled high with chopped meat, a ton of cheese and everything good in the world (sauce, onions and Fritos). I personally love a vinegar based BBQ sauce so this was my style. However if you do not like vinegar based sauces, you will not like their sauce. The sliced beef sandwich was good but not great. They gave you a nice helping of meat and it was tender but the meat didn't have a strong flavor. The mac and cheese was a winner so if you go on Friday or Saturday, we recommend the mac and cheese. read more

McClard's Bar-B-Q - Half Spread and Sliced Beef Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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OK barbecue... Not great. Had the barn sampler. The pork was pre-sliced so it was dry. The beef had also been sliced earlier, so also dry. Fries out of a frozen bag, even the potato salad didn't seem made in house. Just ok. Service was great... so they have that going for them. read more

This place is almost 100 years old! Started in 1928's McClard's is a family favorite any time we're in the area! The food is delicious, hot, and plentiful! The portions are huge & easily shared! read more

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McClard's serves good BBQ and has great service. I tried the meat sampler which contained your choice of 4 meats. I had ribs, sausage, beef and pork, for sides I had the homemade French Fries and coleslaw. My favorite of the meats were the sausage and ribs, the beef and pork were both cut thick and a little dry, both sides were good and the coleslaw was noteworthy. read more

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I don't know why I've come across some bad reviews for McClard's. We stopped in because my hubs was so curious about the tamale spread. Based on reviews, he ordered a half spread and didn't even finish it. Probably because he was already thinking about pecan pie. Lol. I couldn't decide between ribs or sausage, so our waitress was very helpful. She said ribs were the best choice, but I could get sausage as a side. For my other side, I asked her what was better between fries or coleslaw. She suggested the slaw. When this plate came, it was huge! The meat (both ribs and sausage) were delicious on their own. But I had to try their sauce too. I'm very picky about bbq sauce and usually make my own at home. Y'all! This was so damn good! My husband announced to our waitress that this was one of the best bbq meats he's ever eaten, and he's right about that! I also need to make a comment about the coleslaw. It's very unique. Chopped so finely that it almost feels like rice. I can't put my finger on the dressing, but it has black pepper. It was just so good that I kept taking more bites. My son ordered chicken nuggets with fries. Let's give extra points for homemade chicken nuggets! Wow! Hubs and son had desert...pecan pie and a scoop of ice cream. But I was too full, so I ordered my peach cobbler to go. Not before sneaking a yummy spoonful. And we departed with big smiles, full tummies, and a bottle of bbq sauce to take home! read more

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a hard no: no smoke flavor no meat flavor it seems their basis of flavor is sugar. i found it extremely disappointing. i do not like to leave bad reviews. i typically just don't review if i have issues, but i cannot let this happen to others. sorry. read more

Our friends brought us here while visiting. I had the chopped beef sandwich that was very good with so much beef I could have made a second sandwich. My aunt had the ham and cheese which she enjoyed. My friends had the rib plates, which I tasted and they were great. But I have never had a tamale and it was soooo good. The best thing on the table was the homemade coleslaw. It is the best I have ever had anywhere. We had one each of the desserts and they were all good. The place was packed at lunch time. If ever in Hot Springs you must try this place. I will definitely go back when I visit again. We met the owner and he was such a humble kind man. Staff was pleasant and strive to make you happy. 5/25/21 1:30 read more