McDonald's brings back the McRib to six US cities this week

McDonald's confirmed the early return of the McRib on Tuesday, making the sandwich available in six major US cities ahead of its usual November window. The chain told TODAY.com that fans in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas can now order the item at participating locations.

The sandwich features seasoned, boneless pork in a toasted, homemade-style bun with sliced onions and pickles. It has been on the menu for more than 40 years, typically appearing during the fall or winter months. While the item is not available nationwide, the limited release targets specific metropolitan areas.

The McRib's presence on the menu has fluctuated in recent years. In 2022, McDonald's labeled the sandwich's availability as a farewell tour, suggesting it might be retiring the product. However, the item returned in 2023, 2024, and 2025, indicating that the previous announcement may have been premature. The company has not yet stated whether 2026 will be the final year for the sandwich.

Earlier this year, the McRib became the subject of a federal class-action lawsuit. Plaintiffs alleged that McDonald's misled consumers by marketing the sandwich as containing real pork ribs, a claim the lawsuit argued was false. McDonald's responded to the suit by stating that the complaint distorts the facts and that many of the assertions are inaccurate.

Because the sandwich is not available at every location, an unofficial website known as the McRib Locator has become a useful tool for customers. This third-party site allows users to report where they have seen the item, helping followers find nearby stores that have the product in stock.

The McRib remains a divisive item among fast-food patrons, with a dedicated following of loyal customers and others who are indifferent to its existence. The early return this month allows those in the six selected cities to purchase the sandwich before the standard seasonal release begins.