Barbecue in Phoenix

Chi-town's not just the home of the "Louis Vuitton Don" Kanye West and the 2005 World Series champion White Sox, it also boasts some of the best 'cue in the U.S. Fortunately, A & J has been cookin' up the ribs, hot links, and rib tips Chi-town-style now for some 20 years-plus. So, you can save on plane fare to the Windy City by checking out this no-frills, family-run operation where the main attraction is the glassed-in barbecue pit and the savory meats it produces. Watch out, though: You may need Kanye's "New Workout Plan" after pigging out here.

2 articles

Alice Cooperstown

101 E. Jackson St. Central Phoenix

602-253-7337

American, Barbecue, Brewery, Eclectic, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

School's out forever at this hybrid sports/rock 'n' roll theme eatery where the shock-rocker born Vincent Furnier is worshipped like a demigod. Goth-punk waitresses wear eye makeup à la Cooper, and his ghoulish image stares out at you from nearly every table. Fender guitars signed by such acts as The Police, Eric Clapton, and Black Sabbath line the walls, along with a collection of sports memorabilia. Huge TV screens face you at nearly every angle so you can watch any and every game that might be on. Surprisingly, the food's not bad for bar grub: barbecue, burgers, sammies, chili, wings, etc. Cool spot to eat before or after a game at nearby U.S. Airways Center or Chase Field.

13 articles

Arizona BBQ Shack

8471 E. McDonald Dr. North Scottsdale

480-948-4227

Barbecue, Restaurants

Astor House: Coronado 'Cue & Southern Speakeasy

2243 N. 12th St. Central Phoenix

602-687-9775

Barbecue, New American, Bars and Clubs, Best Of

Astor House has traded in shared plates for a pair of hickory-wood smokers that have turned out some delicious (and a couple of ho-hum) smoked meats. Brisket is moist and delicious, as is the pulled-pork shoulder, tender and flavorful and just pink enough. Baby back pork ribs are crusty with a crunchy dry rub coating pink, tender meat with a hint of smokiness. All meats are accompanied with spicy or sweet dipping sauces.

34 articles

AZ BBQ Company

1534 E. Ray Rd. #110 Gilbert

480-361-4180

Barbecue, Recommended, Menu

Mark Nichols thinks about flavor. The chef and pitmaster opened Arizona BBQ Company with his wife, Colette, in Gilbert in 2017. Mark has a classical culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu. Nichols applies his training to the process of cooking meat. The result is that European technique and American cuisine merge.

1 article

The Barbecue Company Grill and Cafe

4636 S. 36th St. South Phoenix

602-243-3771

Barbecue, Restaurants, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This longtime catering operation dishes mouthwatering ribs that deliver gnaw-off-the-bone pleasure. Top-notch brisket and pulled pork are just as good. Hot, crispy seasoned fries and coleslaw punched up with blue cheese make marvelous go-withs. A top lunch spot for the business crowd.

5 articles

Bobby Q

8501 N. 27th Ave. North Phoenix

602-995-5982

Barbecue, Recommended, Menu, Readers' Choice

Bobby-Q (formerly Bobby McGee's) is selling more than just slathered pork -- it's selling atmosphere. The upscale, urban-cowpoke setting features weathered repros of antique ad signs, sconces fashioned from old eating utensils, and a patio enclosed by red-brick inset with colored-glass bottle bottoms. The best of the offerings is the the brisket.

36 articles

Bobby-Q BBQ Restaurant and Steakhouse

3154 E. Camelback Rd. Central Phoenix

602-626-8856

Barbecue

1 article

Bootleggers

3375 E. Shea Blvd. North Phoenix

602-996-4228

Barbecue, Comfort Foods, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Like a barbecue pit gone the way of a gastropub, this easygoing yet smartly dressed spot in northeast Phoenix serves up its satisfying smoked meats as easily as it does its well-crafted cocktails. Tip back a well-crafted Old Fashioned or a glass of dangerously smooth house made apple pie moonshine, then choose from excellent offerings like beef brisket, a hunk of hickory-smoked steer with a dark peppery crust; a stellar sandwich of pork belly lit up with a spiced aioli on griddled sourdough; or, for starters, the Bacon Board, a kind of salty and smoky homage to one of the country’s longest-running food trends. Read our review.

37 articles

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse

7217 E. 1st St. Central Scottsdale

480-404-9984

American, Barbecue, Best Of, Menu

There are now two outlets of Bootleggers, the upscale smokehouse courtesy of EATERAZ's Rick Phillips and David Tyda, and both the original location in north Phoenix and the Scottsdale iteration offer fried chicken on Monday nights. The rest of the menu focuses on smoked meats and upscale comfort food. The Phoenix Bootleggers is a bit cozier than its Scottsdale sister spot, but both include design features such as reclaimed wood and Edison bulb lighting.

19 articles

Boston's The Gourmet Pizza

1026 S. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert

480-813-9223

American, Barbecue, Burgers, Dessert, Italian, Pizza, Soul Food, Southern, Wine Bar, Music Venues, Menu

Bourbon Street Bar & BBQ

4920 S. Gilbert Rd. Chandler

480-963-2170

American, Barbecue, Burgers, Cajun, Creole, Bars and Clubs

Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue

6130 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek

480-575-7155

American, Barbecue, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

We have only five words for you regarding Cave Creek's Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue. Pulled Pork and Coleslaw Sandwich! It's a trademark delicacy that people drive all the way to Cave Creek to enjoy, served on a toasted, buttered bun and piled high with the best pulled pork around. The combination of hot, smoky, moist pork topped with a cold, crisp, tart coleslaw and fresh, chewy bun does something to us. Bryan also has fans of his ribs (the beef ones on the menu, that is), and we've heard tell that the sweet brined jalapeño is a must-try. We're going back for one of those, post-haste!

29 articles

BS West

7125 E. Fifth Ave. Central Scottsdale

480-945-9028

Gay Bars and Clubs, Bars and Clubs, American, Barbecue, Best Of

BS West is a rarity among Scottsdale bars. It’s the only LGBT spot in the city, a distinction it's enjoyed for over 30 years. In that time, the two-story bar, dance joint, and drag club just off Craftsman Court has established a loyal following that’s spanned generations. (Historically, its been more of a gay male crowd, but everyone’s invited, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.) BS West’s appeal lies in its electric atmosphere and a combo of live entertainment (drag shows, go-go boys, rowdy karaoke sessions), music selection (ranging from club hits to Latin), sex appeal (the male bartenders go shirtless), and nightly drink deals. Plus, you gotta love a place where the staff occasionally answers the phone with “This is BS.”

23 articles

Caldwell County BBQ

18324 E. Nunneley Rd. Gilbert

480-892-0512

Barbecue, American, Essentials

Located in Gilbert, just to the northeast of Mesa Gateway Airport, Caldwell County BBQ offers some of the best barbecue in the Valley. Locate the red weathervane declaring “BBQ,” and you’ll be in for a treat. Park out back, and you’ll walk past giant smokers puffing out mouthwatering aromas as you make your way inside. There, you’ll find a cozy modern-yet-country-style space with wooden picnic tables and tin trays. Slide up to the counter and ask what’s available, as popular items sell out quick. Mesquite-smoked prime brisket showcasing a large-grain peppercorn crust is a must, as is the juicy turkey breast marinated in apple juice and butter. Meats are served by the pound — in sandwiches such as the monster El General Patton that includes brisket, pulled pork, and sausage all on one roll, and on sampler platters that allow customers to try a little of everything.

Can't Stop Smoking BBQ

7250 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler

480-398-4827

Barbecue, Restaurants, Menu

2 articles

Chubby Hubby BBQ

155 S. Power Rd. Mesa

480-325-3215

Barbecue, Restaurants

Chuy's Mesquite Broiler

1831 E. Baseline Rd. Tempe

480-777-2905

American, Barbecue, Music Venues, Menu

Circle H Barbecue

730 W. Camelback Rd. Central Phoenix

602-277-0986

American, Barbecue

This casual neighborhood barbecue joint in Central Phoenix from the owner of Copper Star Coffee features hickory-smoked, slow-cooked pork, beef brisket, and chicken cooked with signature rubs and sauces that can be had in burgers, sandwiches, salads, and as full meals along with starters and sides of American favorites, or before a few homemade desserts. Follow the pig to successful dishes like barbecue baby-back ribs, a pulled pork sandwich, or The Pig, a burger heaped with smoked bacon and pulled pork atop a thick, half-pound patty resting on a pretzel bun. Don’t miss stellar sides like baked beans with candied pork and grilled seasonal vegetables.

5 articles

Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits

241 N. State Rte. 89A, Sedona Out of Town

928-282-4200

American, Barbecue, Breakfast/Brunch

Danky’s Bar-B-Q

4727 E. Bell Rd., #31 North Phoenix

602-996-2016

Barbecue, American

1 article

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

521 S. College Ave. Tempe

480-704-3510

Barbecue, Restaurants

Dillon's At The Wildlife World Zoo

16335 W. Northern Ave. Litchfield Park

623-535-4249

American, Barbecue, Menu

Dillon's KC BBQ Arrowhead

20585 N. 59th Ave. Glendale

623-566-8100

Barbecue

Dillon's Restaurant

20585 N. 59th Ave. Glendale

623-566-8100

American, Barbecue, Seafood, Recommended, Menu

The friendly folks at this charming northwest Valley eatery aren't kidding when they say that barbecue is their specialty. The pork ribs and tangy-sweet chicken are perfect. The rest of the menu is given over to basic appetizers like wings, onion rings and shrimp cocktail, and entrées like steak, fish and salads. Desserts are strong, especially the homemade strawberry shortcake and apple cobbler.

1 article

Dillon's Restaurant

8706 W. Thunderbird Rd. Peoria

623-979-5353

American, Barbecue, Music Venues, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

The Midwest meets the West Valley in this homey, comfy barbecue joint. It feels like you're sitting in Grandmother's living room, but we'd be surprised if she cooked pecan-smoked vittles as good as these. It takes up to 18 hours to crank out Dillon's fine beef, pork, chicken, turkey, sausage and salmon. Don't miss the Brontosaurus beef rib platter, with what must be four pounds of food for just $16. Read our review.

4 articles

DJ's Fish & Chips

6260 S. 35th Ave. South Phoenix

602-323-5577

Barbecue, Restaurants

Don & Charlie's

7501 E. Camelback Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-990-0900

American, Restaurants, Pasta, Steakhouse, Barbecue, Burgers, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This old-school chophouse boasts great grub, superior service, and one of the best collections of baseball memorabilia next to Cooperstown, and no, we ain't talkin' about Alice Cooper'stown, bucko. Where else can you see a wall of glassed-in baseballs signed by such legends of the game as Joe DiMaggio, Reggie Jackson, and even Babe Ruth? The food scores a home run, too, with pastas, steaks, prime rib, barbecue, and so on. The crème brûlée or the cheesecake for dessert are not to be missed.

17 articles

El Pollo Supremo

221 W. University Dr. Tempe

480-966-3713

Mexican, Barbecue, Hot Chicken, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

There are only two things on the menu at this hole-in-the-wall Tempe Mexican joint: hot chicken and beef. Not only are your dining options supremely limited, but they're supremo delicioso as well. And, if you ask us, there's only one way to enjoy it: the Combo Platter. Packed with half a roasted chicken, a huge mound of carne asada, plenty of tortillas, and tasty sides like pinto beans and pickled purple onions, the platter has everything you need to make some DIY tacos and burritos. We especially can't get enough of the electric red pollo asado, which gets its bright color from achiote paste and its smoky char from a quick stint on the grill. In fact, we wouldn't blame you if you walked away with nothing but a whole barbecue chicken ($11.49). Sure, it might be enough to share with a friend or two, but once you get a taste of the juicy meat, you will banish the idea from your mind forever and eventually drift into a peaceful food coma.

7 articles

Barbecue in Phoenix

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