Mcclard's Bar B Q

So McClard's doesn't make their Bar-B-Q sauce with ketchup? Its just different; it doesn't make it in the least bit too "vinegary". If you haven't noticed, the place gets packed, so your waiter will be busy. They like to get to know people, and will talk to them, so do you. Just because it's not what you're used to doesn't mean its bad. I agree with oldcpa This place has character and history. It's not Ruby Tuesday's! Do you want it to taste good or look good? You want mediocre? Try your average chain restaurant.

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Ok. I'm from TX too some friends took us to McClards because its the place to go in Hot Springs. the bbq pork was delicious. The tamales are great too. Being from San Antonio I was scared of AR tamales (which are made w/cornmeal instead of masa) but they were great. Not greasy at all and stuffed with a ton of pork/beef that had a great mix of spices.

the waitress was very sweet she was always there to fill up the drinksand brought the food promptly even though it was crowded. yeah sure the place its like gorgeous or anything..but it's frickin' bbq!

and to those these people who are complaining about the ambiance and lack of service..maybe they were just a pain to be around. it sounds like thats the case!

This place is a one-of-a-kind. You have to eat at McClard's - it's an experience and a unique place. Best BBQ in Arkansas. Be prepared to wait when you get there though because this place is always packed. It will not be a quick meal in most cases. It is something to be savored and enjoyed.

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It is imperative that you have the full spread tamales (mine would be without the onions, there are a lot of onions), in the center of the table for all to try. Then if you don't mind I'll have the sliced pork sandwich, with dressing (mayo of some kind) & the slaw. A couple of cold beers and you have heaven on a tabletop. The folks that work there are like my family, I only have opportunity to visit about once a month, but as soon as I enter- everyone says hi and asks about my daughter (if she isn't with us, she usually is). Be prepared to wait regardless of time of day- but it's well worth it. I whole heartedly recommend everything. Take someone you care about to McClard's, they will love you forever!

Reading several negative reviews of McClard's prompted me to register on this site and give my two cents worth. I've been eating at McClard's since way before Clinton was president or governor so I don't go there just to be in the same room where he eats/ate. I frequent McClard's because the food is EXCELLENT. Taste is subjective and though other reviewers claim the meat is "oversmoked" I disagree strongly. It's smoked just right and certainly isn't dry. What it is, is top quality pork and beef, lean and tender with sauce that I always have in my refrigerator. No mention of the tamales, they're are delicious. One comment I agree with, the fries are home made and always good.

As for the decor, actually it's a little fancier than it used to be. Hey it's a BBQ joint, it ain't fine dining, you go there to EAT not sit around and admire the surroundings. Some of the best food I've ever eaten was in places a whole bunch rougher than McClards. Yes it can be noisy, guess why? because of all the people inside eating that's why. You want quiet in a BBQ joint? go to one that doesn't have any business.

What can I say: this place has been around for decades and there's no mystery why: the BBQ beef/pork, tamales, ribs, and fries are to die for. The staff is as friendly as can be and you can't beat the atmosphere

PROS: Food, service
CONS:

McClard's is a local Hot Springs business made good, with a secret barbecue recipe that brings people in from all over the U.S., including celebrities and U.S. presidents. Open every day except Sunday and Monday, everyone lines up before opening to be the first to get a table. McClard's has been handed down from granddad to his children, and it is still kept in the family.

PROS: You can't go wrong with anything from the menu
CONS: Sometimes too crowded to get in

This is a must when dining in Hot Springs! They have the best ribs I've ever had. In addition to the great food, the history all over the walls adds entertainment to the meal. Countless presidents, musicians and actors have eaten here. Don't be left out!

Maybe my time in Texas makes me rate this poorly, but my colleagues from other parts of the country felt the same way! The meat is so smoked as to be dry and almost flavorless, except for the crust. You will need to sauce and a hearty cup of iced tea or other beverage to wash it down. Every BarBQ place here seems to oversmoke/cook their meats. Get a thermometer and leave some moisture in that brisket! The ambience is so old & plain that it has lost the "cuteness" of being retro. Put some money into some new decor. Service was very poor. She took our order, gave us drinks, dropped the check with the food and never returned!

President Clinton ate/eats here so go if you must. I was far from impressed. There hasn't been a bit of remodeling done in probably 40 years. The service is quirky at best. If they know you it's great, if not you may have to wait while they catch on the latest gossip before getting to you.
The sauce is vinegary and meat overly smoky and dry. The french fries were good.
Don't get too excited to go here, it is pretty mediocre. My husband and I got a kick out the sign saying "Fine Food" - must mean something different in Arkansas.