One time, years ago, I entered the McDonald’s drive-thru and felt a pang of anxiety. Should I try it? It might not have been the reason why I was there, but in knowing it had made its grand re-arrival, I was presented with an unexpected dinner decision. I’m talking about the McRib, a sandwich so legendary that it was even parodied on The Simpsons way back in the day. The sandwich, much like Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries, comes and goes as it pleases, and picks up new fans along the way (one being me).
After trying the McRib, I understood the hype. It was like no other sandwich I’ve tried before. It wasn’t a monumental, life-changing experience, but it was worth the cash I forked over to the cashier that day. Simply put, it was an experience. And you, too, can go on that thrill ride, as the McRib is officially back in select locations.
The last time the iconic item made an appearance was in November 2017, so it’s been a pretty long wait for fans. But in true marketing fashion, having the McRib available sporadically just ups its appeal.
When it comes around, it’s almost like the fast food equivalent of a celebrity sighting.
So, what is a McRib? Have no fear, it doesn’t contain any surprise bones. But it does contain seasoned pork that’s covered in barbecue sauce. The sandwich itself also includes pickles and onions. The bun is unlike what they use for cheeseburgers — instead, it resembles a sub roll.
According to Delish, over 9,000 McDonald’s locations are offering McRibs, and the best way to find a participating location is to download the McDonald’s Finder app. It’s rare for a fast food item to have a dedicated fanbase as big as this. If you’re on the fence, you might as well give it a shot. Who knows when it’ll be back?