McDonald’s Returns McRib to Select US Cities Ahead of November

McDonald’s has brought its seasonal McRib sandwich back to participating locations across six major US metropolitan areas. The Chicago-based fast-food giant confirmed to TODAY.com that the item is available starting Tuesday, October 28, which is earlier than its typical November launch date.

The return is limited to specific regions rather than a nationwide rollout. The sandwich is currently on the menu in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Residents in other areas must wait or rely on unofficial tracking tools to find nearby locations that have received the product.

The McRib consists of seasoned, deboned pork served with sliced onions and pickles on a toasted, homemade-style bun. The item debuted more than 40 years ago and has become a seasonal staple for many customers, though its availability remains inconsistent. The sandwich typically appears on menus during the fall and winter months.

The item’s status as a permanent menu addition has fluctuated in recent years. In 2022, McDonald’s described the product’s appearance as a farewell tour, leading many to believe it was being retired. However, the sandwich returned to menus in 2023, 2024, and 2025, contradicting the earlier statement about its final appearance.

Legal challenges have also affected the product’s recent history. Early in 2026, a federal class action lawsuit accused McDonald’s of misleading consumers by marketing the sandwich as containing real pork ribs. The plaintiffs argued that the product does not meet that description. McDonald’s responded by stating that the lawsuit distorts the facts and contains numerous inaccuracies.

An unofficial website called the McRib Locator allows fans to report where they have seen the sandwich. This tool helps customers in non-listed cities identify participating stores. While McDonald’s has not announced whether 2026 will be the McRib’s final appearance, the product continues to cycle back onto limited menus each year.