Nope, this isn’t a hoax like those McRibble stories from early summer. Fans of McDonald’s sorta-rib-like McRib sandwich will no longer have to drive hours out of their way to find a Golden Arches that carries the saucy delicacy; the fast food chain is bringing it back (for six weeks) nationwide on Nov. 2.
Writes the Wall Street Journal:
On Nov. 2, for the first time in 16 years, McDonald’s Corp. will offer the McRib at outlets across the U.S., but even then, only for six weeks or so. “It doesn’t sell well all year long because people get tired of it,” says McDonald’s USA President Jan Fields.
Let’s just hope the internet doesn’t spoil everyone’s good time by photographing what McRib meat looks like before it is formed into a McRib.
Bona Fide Fans Chase Rib-Free Rib Sandwich [WSJ]
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Yeah! Now, if they bring back the Chedder Melt…
go to Arby’s.
Gross. No thank you.
I’m so hungry I could eat at Arby’s!
Yeah, when was the last time (only time?) they had that? Like twenty years ago?
Glad I’m not the only one who remembers that. (I, too, wish they would bring it back.)
Please, MickeyD’s, for the love of all that is holy, let this formed, barely-meat-byproduct thingy die already. I’ll give you that I have a hankerin’ for a BigMac now and then, but let the cow’s udder (ha!) disgrace stop there and just end it with the various “rib” concoctions.
Please?
But it’s the udder that gives the McRib it’s particular flavor.
How is a pork product the disgrace of a cow?
I remember when some news station (maybe Fox news?) ran a story about the controversy caused by that channel not airing a Lame Bryant underwear ad and they actually air an altered version of the commercial that had the large woman checking a text on her phone that said “THE MCRIB IS BACK!”
Yeah…that’s all I had to add to this…
Actually it was HLN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyBAD_ylWbg&feature=watch_response
Oh. Mah. Gawd. I must shamefully admit I’ve been waiting for this. 16 long years. I heart the McRib!
If the “Oh. Mah. Gawd.” is a reference to a certain SNL skit, then…
…just cinch it!
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
I’ll second that “yesssssssssssssss” and up you a Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss McRib!
mmmmm… mechanically separated pork… (look it up, Chris…)
I had a McRib, once.
They bring it back every year around this time of year in Saint Louis. Thought it was a nationwide thing.
Same here, they bring it back every year or two around here. Didn’t know it was never nationwide.
Same here in Chicago.
Same here in UT.
1 for Florida being the same deal.
Same in Boston, though maybe it is every two years..
Yeah, I always love McRib Season. It’s come back every year for awhile in Portland.
I have never tasted a McRib. I don’t eat fast food that often. Maybe once a month if I’m at work and forgot to bring lunch. Is it worth me leaving the office and picking one up?
It is not only worth leaving your office to pick one up, it may very well be worth skipping out on work altogether to be first in like to grab one when they start serving lunch.
Any reason to skip work… but my time off request form doesn’t include “McRib Acquisition” as an appropriate reason for missing a day.
let’s put it this way, if the Simpsons do an entire episode revolving around it, how can it be bad.
“Smaller, and with more legs.”
Do not listen to Cialis Cooper; McRib is a lower form of post-life than the worst burger MacDonald’s serves. Of course, that’s just my opinion. But in my head, I’m always right. So, take that for what you will. But seriously, it’s awful.
They’re okay. I no longer eat meat, but if I did, I’d probably get one if I was going out for fast food anyway. I’m pretty sure McDonald’s knows what it’s doing by making these rare and “special” because it’s not something most people want on an ongoing basis.
The McRib kind of reminds me of Generic Saucy Meat Sandwich from school lunch, but on a particularly good day.
We must be in one of those regions that gets these more often (I’m from Wisconsin), and I thought I remembered seeing these for sale 3-4 years ago, and I KNOW it hasn’t been 16 years.
” The McRib kind of reminds me of Generic Saucy Meat Sandwich from school lunch, but on a particularly good day. ”
Okay, this is the perfect explanation of the McRib.
Which is why this is awesome news- I am one of the weirdos that LIKES cafeteria food.
Sometimes when I visit people in the hospital, I look to see if the Cafeteria is open so I can get some yummy non-threatening food!
Don’t let the food nazis on this blog here you. If it isn’t organic and packed full of 100% of your daily vitamins (of every vitamin), you’ll be eaten alive. Remember that woman who posted her haul she got from using a ton of coupons? Almost every post called her a bad mother for letting them eat snickers bars.
It’s funny that the McRib seems to be an exception. Or these people aren’t regular posters.
*hear. Ouch… that spelling error was cringe-worthy enough to edit.
EDIT BUTTON PLEASE
I’m told by a McRib-loving friend that the Morningstar meatless Riblets are very similar.
Yeah, they actually are. If anything, the sauce is a little more vinegar-y. I’d go out and buy a bottle of whatever they put on the patty. Isn’t that really the point of barbecue – an acceptable way to consume barbecue sauce?
I would say that if you don’t regularly eat fast food because of taste preferences, or if you are the kind of person that already has a negative opinion about McD’s, don’t bother, you probably won’t like it.
Compared to other similar “rib sandwiches,” the McRib has a few things going for it, IMO. For one, most rib sandwiches that I’ve tried have a bitter, burnt taste to them, but since the McRib is finished “slow-cooker” style, simmering in the sauce, it avoids that, which also helps the meat be more tender and less chewy.
The sauce is the other good part; it’s got the right viscosity for a sandwich, not too thick but not watery either, with a nice sweetness to it. Most other rib sandwiches tend to go with the same sort of bottled sauce you’d use on the grill, and the taste and thickness of the sauce way overpowers the very mild flavor of the little slab of processed pork meat. It’s not the kind of sauce I’d use on a real rack of ribs, but this isn’t a real rack of ribs, is it?
Well you guys have convinced me. I gotta try one of these things if for no other reason than morbid curiosity. Looking at pictures, it appears to be less “rib” and more “compressed meat product flavored with barbecue sauce”
That’s about right, except it has onions too.
And pickles!
Prepare yourself for salt overload. I hadn’t had McD’s in nearly a decade, and when did go back a year ago, I could taste so much salt in each bite of everything. I guess as a kid I was used to it and didn’t think anything of it at the time.
i want this in pink cotton candy form just like the chicken nuggets. mmmm mcrib flavored cotton candy. sounds better than the chicken nugget flavored cotton candy (which still sounds freaking awesome).
Pics or it didn’t happen:
http://www.foodfacts.info/mcrib/
yes, they are processed formed pork. just like the chicken nuggets are processed formed chicken. Still delicious.
I’m Lizzing!!
How is this news?
given I miss the McRib from time to time but has anyone been to a gas station? The gas station I frequent has a rib sandwich just like the McRib only waaaaaaayyyyy better with real pork. Therefore I call it the McFail. If only there was a damn White Castle around here I could just skip McDonalds altogether.
Best news ever.
“People get tired of it?”
Most of the complaints I hear from friends & family is that they don’t have the McRib all the time. My own observations from going there when the McRib is in force indicate it’s one of their best-selling items. I have never understood what their deal is with not having it permanently in the menu.
On the other hand, I have not the slightest idea why the Big & Tasty stayed on the menu more than a couple days. I had one once…the extra seasoning is gross. And I can’t remember the last time I saw anyone order one.
Oh, and bring back the McDLT too.
It didn’t have extra seasoning. >.o
Its the exact same meat patty as a quarter pounder.
I mean yeah, you’re right, it wasn’t popular, but if you had one that was overseasoned it was a fluke.
(The angus burgers do get an extra shake of a different seasoning. I don’t know what it is. In the shaker, though, it looks like molly mcbutter.)
That’s nice. Bring back the Arch Deluxe.
I miss the Arch Deluxe, but apparently it almost single-handedly ruined McDonald’s (saw that on a tv show not too long ago). I don’t know how, because it was so damn tasty. Let’s start a petition to revive the Arch!
I’m going to guess that they spent assloads of money promoting it, only to find that people tend not to come to McD’s for premium burgers. And therefore didn’t sell enough to make it worth their while.
Kind of like when BK tried having table service…no one is going to go to BK over any other burger joint because some pimply-faced social reject will bring your tray out to you. So it failed.
If they can just dress up a Quarter Pounder like an Arch Deluxe– same toppings, including (and especially) the sauce– I think I could settle for that.
I don’t normally eat fast food, but when I do I have a McRib.
So are you “The Most Interesting Fast-Food-Eater in the World”?
I would love that as a halloween costume. Tried it and failed to get the look 100%.
With that said, there is some truth in this. I cannot stand the taste of traditional fast food (McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys), Food prepared like that makes me queasy. I think the last time I ate at McDonalds was the last time they had the McRib.
I just like Dos Equis.
Whenever I see a McRib, I am reminded of Norm’s favorite restaurant on “Cheers”, the Hungry Heifer. Why? Because of their “Loobster” lobster substitute, and “Beff” – the half beef, half polymer steak substitute.
McRibs should come with a free DVD of “Soylent Green”.
As a result of this story, I’ve decided to treat myself royally – and it has nothing to do with McRibs.
Starting today, for every story about “Fast Food” or “Casual Dining” written on The Consumerist blog, I’m going to put a dollar into a jar.
Considering there are about an average of about fifteen (or more) stories each week which fall under those categories, it should only take a short time for me to save up enough money to able to afford an exquisite meal at a really high-end restaurant.
As of right now, I have $1 towards my “meal ticket”. I’ll keep you guys posted as the amount increases.
Or, like, eleven McRibs.
You mean 100% organic, whole-food, locally grown, heirloom, top-notch dining isn’t your everyday standard? Peasant.
Ha ha, I’m going to do that!
“It doesn’t sell well all year long because people get tired of it,” says McDonald’s USA President Jan Fields.
Clearly one of the dumbest things a company could say about it’s product
Well it’s better than the usual corporate speak. “We don’t want the McRib sandwich to lose its ‘premium’ status in the minds and hearts of our customers! We’re proud to offer the McRib sandwich on a limited basis! McRib – Catch The Wave!”
You just might get a high level job offer very soon
Strange. I just ate a McRib a few weeks ago. I thought it was already back. Maybe just in my area?
Yeah, it’s back…
Where do you suppose that strange taste is coming from every time you’ve burped over the past two weeks…??
I haven’t had one yet, I tend to stick to double cheeseburgers since my palate is boring. But I think i’ll try one this time around just to see if it lives up to the hype.
Well, there goes my healthy eating kick, I’ll be eating a McRib every day as long as it’s available.
Maybe I ought to fast for the next few weeks…
These are so bad …. and yet soooooooooo good! Wish they were back permanent.
Glory Days! I realize it is not a naturally occuring food. I realize that each one probably takes a year off of my life. I realize many on Consumerist Hate McDonalds, and the McRib in particular. When I see the McRib, I order it and revel in all its artificial flavor. Yeah!!!
I enjoy McRibs and always look forward to it. They bring it around once a year in the KC Metro area and I feel like they do it on purpose. Create a “limited-time” buzz and watch those things fly out the door!
It’s fine with me, because I think if they had it all year, I’d not enjoy it as much. It’s more of a “treat” this way.
We had these a few years ago in Canada and they were just as gross as I remembered. They had pickles on them too (WTF?)
…what’s with the pickle hate? Pickles & onions on the McRib. Best sandwich they have ever made.
this better not be a lie, or blood will be spilled
All of you jonesing for a McRib and complaining about how long it’s been since you’ve had one: You can get it ANY TIME YOU WANT, and always have. Just go to the frozen foods section of your supermarket and pick up a Banquet Boneless Pork Rib Meal. Throw out the veggies, put the pseudorib on a roll, and there you go.
McRib…tastes good, but grosses me out as I eat it.
I think it should be more like the “McPig”, because judging by the gristle, fat, bone chips, I think they dump the whole pig in the meat grinder.
Sounds like Disney trotting one of their old animated features “out of the vault, for a limited time only!”.
I didn’t care much for the McRib, though I do miss the Arch Deluxe…..and I am addicted to the fries and hashbrowns….they’re like crack
Yay! McRibs are one of my great guilty pleasures in life, along with boxing and the “Resident Evil” movies.
But…but… butt, they promised that last time was the last time! If I cannot trust McDonalds, who can I trust?
Obvious, really. You can trust your government. They are always doing what is in your best interest.
Yeeeeessssssssss
Reminds me of a time me and two buddies packed up and headed on a road trip to Las Vegas. We didn’t have a whole lot of money, so we did what anyone else would do if you are broke and going to Vegas, we robbed a Diner. About half way there, Juanita-Joe, Eric, and I decide that K’s Diner and Hair Salon would be the perfect place to rob. It was a small place, dusty and torn down. It looked like it had seen better days. Only a few cars dotted the parking lot, most of them looked broken down and unused. Juanita-Joe was having second thoughts as was I, but Eric was sure we we’re to hit the jackpot. I walk in first, the place reeked of onions and sweat. One lady was getting her hair done and in the table beside her an old man sipped coffee and stirred his oatmeal with his spoon. The only person working behind the counter was a small girl, her name was Tasha. She asked what we needed, and smiled. I ordered some coffee and a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, the other two didn’t eat. I took a bite of he sandwich, looked at the register and saw wads of $100 bills sitting inside. Sweat started to bead on my forehead, my stomach felt queasy, it was happening again. About an hour later, I wake up apparently from being passed out and look around. It was sand and dust for miles. I light up a smoke and ponder my predicament. A minute later as I ash my cig, I see a small car in the distance. It looked like a Volkswagen Beetle but smaller. It didn’t get much bigger as it finally halted a few feet from me. The passenger door opens and a man dressed as a clown dressed as a cowboy walks out. He says the boss needs to see me and points to the backseat. I get in, the car is bigger on the inside. A DVD player was playing the menu from Sex and the City Season One Disc 2 over and over again. The boss had a large cigar. He two was dressed as a clown dressed as a cowboy. He looked at me, honked his nose and told me “Robbing K’s is probably the worst thing you could do at this point in your life.” I sit for a second with a confused look on my face and before I could say anything, I wake up again, face in a BLT. My friends look at me. I look at the clock, only a few seconds passed by. I run out of the diner, they run after me. I tell them the plans off, we can’t do this, two men dressed as clowns dressed as cowboys told me not to, it was a premonition. Eric turned around, kicked some dirt in the air and cursed. The same car in my dream appeared from behind the diner, 12 men dressed as clowns dressed as Dallas Cowboys walk out. Hank Williams Junior was strumming a guitar. His only words we’re “Are you ready for some football?” Indeed I wasn’t. The tallest clown told me that I was about to recieve a licking I would never forget. I thought back to my first girlfriend, who had braces…sharp braces, and then realized that he didn’t mean that kind of licking. They organize a game of touch football, the winner gets to live, the loser gets a trophy and 3 passes to “The only aluminum furniture museum in the west!” It was a deal I couldn’t pass up. The first to score one. 3 vs. 12. Turns out that although the clowns we’re strong, their silly antics got the best of them as we scored first…and last. The sky blackened, clouds rolled in, and rain started to pour like a waterfall. Each man dressed as a clown dressed up as a cowboy seem to be split in half with a beam of light, causing them to scream in agony. Then, after a minute, it was just smoke. The Dallas Cowboys we’re no longer a team. We all look at each other, the sky cleared and we walk back into the diner. We show them our guns, the little girl showed us hers. Before I could even blink, my friends we’re on the floor, shot dead with a shotgun to the forehead. I ask her to spare my life. She agrees only if I pay for my BLT. I agree, walk out and then drove away. On the way back I see a McDonalds in the distance. I thought my eyes decieved me but no, this was my lucky day. McRibs we’re back.
Wait… They’re bringing it back on Election Day?
Who else smells a “conspiracy”?
…mmmm conspiracy…
After you vote for your favorite phone running for office, you can get a fake steak sandwich!
After you vote for your favorite phony running for office, you can get a fake steak sandwich!
Dear Consumerist,
There’s a very good chance I will die come mid-December, due solely to eating nothing but McRib’s. I ask you to remember me as I am now, and not the bloated mess I will be upon my untimely demise.
I think that if it were year round people would actually “pace” themselves and not get so tired of it.