The beloved McRib sandwich has made its grand return to select McDonald’s locations as of Tuesday, reigniting discussions among fans that have persisted for over four decades.
This tangy barbecue creation features seasoned boneless pork, drenched in sauce, and comes garnished with pickles and onions on a toasted bun. Ever since its launch in 1981, the McRib has garnered a loyal following.
Interestingly, some internet detectives on Reddit were among the first to spot promotional materials for the McRib, and a fan site called McRib Locator hinted at the sandwich’s national comeback for November 11th—just ahead of the holiday season when meat-heavy dishes are typically more in demand.
Some local McDonald’s outlets even shared the news online, urging customers not to miss out, since “the McRib won’t be around forever.”
Guillaume Huin, McDonald’s senior marketing director, noted on X that the McRib will be available in “most” U.S. locations, touting it as the brand’s “most-mentioned limited-time product online.” Cities where it can be found include Miami, Dallas, Cleveland, St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
As of the previous night, some customers reported they could already place orders through the McDonald’s app in certain regions, while others had managed to order it online earlier in the week. Prices for the McRib vary, ranging from about $5.49 in Atlanta to almost $7 in Seattle, with one Oregon resident tweeting about snagging one for $4.99. However, opinions on the cost were mixed.
Despite the diverse opinions, many fans expressed excitement. “I got it yesterday and I almost cried with joy,” one Redditor exclaimed. Another user voiced a common sentiment: “I always look forward to McRib time.” Yet, someone else humorously observed, “Cardiologists won’t be thrilled about this news.” The McRib is often described as “the finest mystery meat” by aficionados.
For some, the McRib’s appeal lies in its sauciness and simplicity, even if the sodium content raises concerns. Others, however, are less enthusiastic. To some, it’s a classic case of “mystery meat,” while another contributor made a cheeky comparison, likening its taste to the illusion of delicious steak dinners seen on TV. “It’s not great but there’s something about it that hits the spot occasionally,” one person admitted.
Critics have suggested it’s just hype or that it doesn’t match the standards of yesteryears. The McRib’s repeat appearances, often dubbed its “farewell tour,” have been a part of its allure ever since it was initially removed from the menu in 1985 due to lackluster sales.
Fluctuations in pork shoulder prices are sometimes blamed for the sandwich’s intermittent returns, with lower prices generally making it more economical for McDonald’s to produce the McRib, especially in the fall after summer grilling wraps up.
Over time, the McRib phenomenon has transcended being just a fast-food item. Jokingly, some market watchers and cryptocurrency traders now refer to its return as a sign, noting that the S&P 500 and Bitcoin have often seen upticks after previous McRib launches. Huin mentioned that the McRib’s last return in December 2024 coincided with Bitcoin hitting an all-time high.
No word yet on how long the McRib will remain available this time, and queries have been sent to McDonald’s for further details.
