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.

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.

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

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

Food was pretty good. Service was really good. Ambiance was like eating in a diner. I would go back. Try it sometime!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.