McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Hot Springs National Park

I have been there many times 25 years ago or better. Same great food. The Cole claw is fantastic. Sets off the BBQ. Waiter and service was great. Go and enjoy the huge helpings.

I continue to have dreams about the loaded fries, literally an entire baking sheet loaded with goodness! Definitely worth the stop if you are in the Hot Springs area.

You cant get 5 stars out of me these days for anything. Reserved for the best, and McClards ? Is one of those. Service ? Great. Atmosphere? Great. Food ? Awesome. I cant even say its a little on the expensive side because the portions are rediculous!! I got a half rack with sides, wife got the covered french fries...they brought the food to the table and you feel panic mode...lotta food there man. Then you realize everyone is sitting there doing battle with the various mountains of food being trucked around by the wait staff. We gave it our best...and quickly flew the surrender flag...out come the take home kits. Dont miss this...the food was excellent!

great food! We used to eat there after church on Sundays, but now that they are closed on Sundays, we go to Smokin In Style.

The best barbecue hands down. Their sauce is amazing... & is still kept under lock & key... great history & background. Everyone needs to try TAMALE SPREAD @ least once in your life....

The best BBQ. We had the sampler plate and brisket. The service was attentive and quick and friendly. The hot sauce was so good, we bought 3 bottles to take with us.

So good!!! The tamale spread and ribs were top notch. We will definitely be eating here every time we visit Hot Springs!

Chopped pork was tasty. Tamale, well it tasted fine but its not a tamale like any other I have EVER had. Its not made the same way nor does it taste the same way. Try it. Absolutely try it, just dont expect a tamale. We were very disappointed because due to a delivery truck issue there were no ribs and no sausage. Food was good no doubt, but all 4 of us wanted ribs. Nothing tastes as good as what you had your heart set on.

On a trip to Hot Springs with my daughter who requested BBQ for lunch. Im not much one to eat BBQ, but I decided to try out McClards. Nestled in a non-pretentious building is the most "hometown" feeling restaurant Ive been to in quite some time. The staff was friendly and welcoming to travelers. I had the chipped pork sandwich, tamales and sausage. The BBQ sauce was really tasteful, a bit spicy but very good. The tamales were not actually tamales, but a tamale spread. While the flavor was there, it left much to be desired. I recommend trying something else if you can. The sausage was a healthy portion and quite delicious. Overall we were very satisfied.

McClards has the best Ribs and hot Tamollys on the planet! We Always get great service and great food! They have a Very kind staff always! You get Large portions of food for the money!

Im from Texas and this was so much better. Food and service were great.

I guess i dont like saw dust like pork all ground up and dry…, Pulled or chopped would be my choice…. many other pulled pork sandwiches in Hot Springs. After saying that you have to try the Hot Tamales!!! They haven’t changed to much over the last 20 years. Still good ! As far as the sauce not even close to The original.

Delicious Tamale Spread.!! Loaded Fries, Yum.!Ive yet to have any disappointment. Service is Nice & timely.! Definitely worth a Visit every now & then.!

The tamale spread did not disappoint. Always a beautiful platter! So tasty and yummy paired with crackers and cole slaw. Yummo!

Been eating here since 1996 and without a doubt, it’s my favorite barbecue restaurant in Arkansas. The food is amazing and there’s nothing else quite like McClard’s BBQ sauce! They are best known for their tamale spread and ribs and fries platter, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Great local BBQ dive. Some of the best smoked meat you can get at a restaurant. Best hidden gem is the tamale spread. Staff is always super friend and service is very fast. Worth it to try if in Hot Springs.

Service excellent, food was pretty good but could be better. Arrived kinda cold which is odd cause the kitchen is right there. Prices are coming competitive. Kinda wish theyd have more sauce varieties but the one they do have is decent.

Its fair. Im from East Texas and this BBQ is nowhere near as good as what we have here but it wasnt bad. The only bad thing was the BBQ sauce. It was horrible but to each their own. And they smothered the ribs in it. I tried to scrap it off but just couldnt get rid of the horrible taste

We went for a late lunch after trekking around Hot Springs. Our group of five, including a guy from Savannah who used to own a BBQ place, all loved what they ordered. Great, friendly service, too. LOVE their coleslaw. I found the recipe on line and have already made it twice at home since our visit. You have visit this Hot Springs classic.

Good smoked flavored meat. The ribs were great and the chopped pork was good. Nice portions. White cheddar mac & cheese. Yes, you gotta have a pint to go.

Good place. Maybe 4-1/2 stars. Food was good, not great. Liked the loaded fries a lot. Turkey was very good too. Service was very good. Thought the chopped pork, brisket, sausage & ribs were just ok (were from Austin, TX, so Im comparing to some much better BBQ). Overall a good lunch for us. Not a must visit, but a good, friendly meal spot.

The BBQ is really good. Liked the potato salad (mayo styleand cole slaw. But that "tamale" is not a tamale. I dont know what it is. They crumble it up on the Spread. I liked The Spread, but it couldve had more meat. Very cool spot with lots of history. Not "the best" BBQ Sauce but good enough to grab a bottle. Also, parking is pretty tight, do if you have a big vehicle park behind or park and walk.

Maybe one of the worst meals I’ve ever had. Ribs and fries. Ribs came out cold. Not warm. Cold. Fries came late and they looked like the lowest quality potatoes (black inside on over half the order). $20 flushed for 1 plate. Won’t go back.

Cool old place. But the BBQ just isnt any good. The sauce is more like hot sauce then barbecue sauce and the ribs were as tough as jerky. Too many other great BBQ places in Hot Springs to waste money here. I wont be back

This was recommended to us by several people while on a visit to Hot Springs. We were told they had the best bbq and tamales (shocked because its a bbq place!We had a large group and the place didnt look very big so we ordered carry out. The ribs were good however the sauce had a little too much of a kick to it for most the group. Tamales I suggest staying away from. They are not true tamales, meat was dry and it was wrapped like a sausage. They were served with saltine crackers...we havent figured out why. I would save the money and go elsewhere.

We had a large group and we ordered out ribs and tamales.The ribs were…decent. Pro: they were very meaty. The sauce was a bit on the spicier side. Con: They didn’t really have a good bark to them. They seemed like they were just steamed and maybe a liquid smoke was used.The tamales…. These are not tamales. If you know what a true Mexican tamale is - these are NOT it. If you’ve never had one before, you may think they’re good. I was so looking forward to them as I love true tamales, and these were a huge disappointment. So warning on that ( I mean, there’s taco seasoning in them for crying out loud!). They were dry and had very little meat.

While they have bbq plates, with beef pork and sausage, we decided to try what some say is the best thing on the menu. The tamale spread. Its tamales with fritos, onions, tomatoes and chopped beef with bbq sauce and probably other ingredients that I have forgotten about. It took several bites before we actually found the tamales. Overall it was pretty good. They also have loaded fries, that looked really good, that we took a picture of but didnt try. Another restaurant that has been here for decades that keeps doing it right. Friendly people. Would definitely go back. Cant really rate it as a bbq restaurant though.

As a native Texan, I feel very confident when I say - this place is GOOD. My family is from Hot Springs, so I grew up eating here and can say that regardless of new owners or changes like that, the food and service remain top notch. It’s a perfect blend of tourists and locals, and the vibe is so friendly it makes it impossible not to be caught up in the Southern hospitality mood.My favorite item? The tamale spread. And a bit of a hack I’ve been doing since I was 5 or so - order a side of slaw and a side of white bread, and make some tamale spread sandwiches. Not sure why, but it works so well.

Pretty good BBQ, good service with a few beer options as well. The loaded fries were huge. Easy in and out not too busy. Cool mural in parking lot.

Awesome food you will NEVER leave still hungry great food friendly staff took me 3 days to eats these loaded fries WONDERFUL the pecan pie was like my mammaws

I’m from Texas and nothing can beat Texas BBQ !! To each it’s own though so don’t come at me. I wanted try it since I was in Hot Springs and McClard’s has great history behind it and a favorite amongst locals and visitors . Staff was really friendly and attentive but food was ok . The sliced beef tasted like pot roast with BBQ sauce poured on top , the beans was different tasted more like chili beans and I wasn’t a big fan of that . The ribs were ok very tough and chewy , sausage was good . I did enjoy the potato salad and the side of fries with the dry seasoning sprinkled on top it was so good . I even purchased the dry seasoning to take home which was the best part . The BBQ sauce was ok wasn’t my thing now the loaded fries I think was the best dish in my opinion but I think if the cheese was melted on top it would of been heaven.

Service was tops. Food was great. Atmosphere was the quintessential, Southern BBQ spot, but very clean and on top of things. Portions are huge. These folks know what theyre doing and you likely wont be disappointed.

I visited McClards Bard-B-Q several times over the past 3 years and it ranks as one of my al-time favorite places to eat in Arkansas. The the entire atmosphere is amazing and food is just delightful. The people were simply amazing and we felt like family. Great place!Craig Hockenberry Cincinnati

Great service! Food is satisfactory but unremarkable. Unseasoned meat. BBQ Sauce is just a poor attempt at ketchup. The only thing I truly liked was the dry seasoning on the tables.

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.

This well-kept barbecue joint transported me to another time from when we parked our car to walking in the door and sitting at the counter. The staff were extra friendly and so helpful. We ordered the ribs and chopped pork sandwich. Loved comparing the sandwich to the Lexington, NC barbecue I’m so familiar with. I wish I had saved room for their homemade desserts but I was way too full!Highly recommend this place for fast, delicious comfort food with friendly service and a bit of nostalgia.

Historical hole-in-the-wall and a local favorite! Definitely recommend the tamale spread. Ask about the story behind it. The chopped pork is also a safe bet. Delicious fries and tangy, vinegar based sauce. Limited seating.

We came in at lunch time and it was crazy busy. They did a good job at getting to us as they could.We got the tamale plate and cole slaw to share. The sauce was a little sweet for me but my husband liked it.

Barbecue is a personal thing. I get it. With that being said, this isnt the barbecue for me. I ordered the chopped beef sandwich at a food truck and have been looking forward to it for quite some time because of the hype and the fact that they arent local to me.The beef on the sandwich was dry and I find it difficult to believe that it was anywhere near smoke or fire. It tastes like it was from a crock pot. The only saving grace is the barbecue sauce that accompanies. Its nothing special but I do prefer a vinegar based sauce and was relieved when I tasted it.Im giving 3/5 stars because the employees were quite friendly and the food wasnt BAD, it just wasnt my thing.

Excellent dive! We were sent here for the tamale spread. We got half order with potato salad and slaw. See in photo we hardly made a dent in tamale spread so share with someone and pack the rest to go. All was excellent! Wait service was excellent, I think she may have been an owner/manager. Read up on the tamale spread story!

Did not enjoy it at. The baked beans were more chili beans than baked beans, the sliced beef was like pot roast with BBQ sauce. The ribs with sauce tasted like straight vinegar and my fries were well done on outside but raw on inside. Guessing oil too hot but they were very polite and comped our meal since it was not good. My pitbull and parrots enjoyed the rib bones at least. Guess it was an off day for them but service and potato salad was spot on!!

This is a must, even for Texas BBQ fans. Tiny spot. People are nice & welcoming. We enjoyed everything ( brisket, chopped pork, sausage & ribs), bit would focus on brisket and chopped pork next visit. Definitely get the cole slaw - great flavor.Not the lines/crowds as apparently before, so go support this historic spot.

Oh wow. Ive head or the historic McClards Bar-B-Q but Ive never got a chance to eat there due to it being packed. Well, I got to try it today. I ordered the half order of the tamale spread and I got to try their famous ribs. When I bit into the rib, I instantly smelled the smoked flavoring. The rib was tender and was beyond perfection in looks and taste. The tamale spread was very good as well. A tamale buried with Fritos, beans, cheese, beef, bbq sauce, and onions. Wow, it will fill you up for sure. Customer service was very good and friendly!! The price points were not too expensive. Ill definitely be back.

Legendary. The best of the best of you like a spicy/vinegar style barbecue sauce. The tamale spread is absolutely amazing

The sides were good but not a fan of their type of BBQ or bbq sauce. If you are a fan of a heavy tomato base BBQ sauce then you will like it. As for the meat we got the turkey, sausage, and Brisket lets just say it didnt taste smoked.

Read about this place before coming to town and I was determined to visit. Having said that, let me say that the written story cannot convey the depth of flavour and satisfaction that was had in partaking of the deliciousness that was on the plate.This place has been a staple in the Hour Springs area for 92 yrs and its apparent why. The locals come on droves. The tourists stop by in throngs and the folks that happen by just dont stop coming.If youre anywhere within a 100 miles, you need to add this place to your must go list. Really, as the menu says, "Its that good!".The pic, its the Barn Sampler... A little slice of awesomeness.

Some of the best BBQ in the state. The plates are always fulfilled with some great helpings. You can really fill up your belly here with some great tamales. Great for couples or small groups. Parking is is easy in and out. Quality pick ups are welcome to. Staff is aware and awesome in keeping your attendance welcome.

With all the hype around this place I was expecting a magical experience and it didn’t live up to the hype. I had the chopped pork which was dry without the sauce. Overall the food was alright but I felt a little overpriced. The server was friendly and the food came out fast.

Always love this place threw the yaers. Great staff and great BBQ! Always have a to go box plus some extras. Fare price for the quantity of great food offered here. Plenty of parking and no so crowded with the COVID-19 seating spaces in place.

Great atmosphere! The barbecue was very delicious too. Waitress was extremely helpful. She always made sure that our drinks were full! The price was not that bad at all. I am a fan of small little diners. This one fit the key!