BBQ in Phoenix and the Valley

For barbecue in the Phoenix area, the directory lists locally owned smokehouses and barbecue restaurants in Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Wickenburg, each with a phone number. Some serve Central Texas brisket, some serve Tennessee-style pulled pork and ribs, and many cater parties. Call ahead if you are planning a big order.

How do you pick a barbecue place?

Barbecue is a style as much as a food, so a few questions help you land on the right one.

• What are you hungry for? Brisket, ribs and pulled pork are not the same dish, and each place has its own strengths. Check the services on each listing.
• Is it dine-in, takeout or both? Some places offer delivery, online ordering or a food trailer for events.
• Do they run out? Some barbecue places sell out of popular meats later in the day. If you have your heart set on brisket, call ahead or go early.
• Do they make the sides in-house? Beans, slaw and mac and cheese make or break a plate.
• Is it kid-friendly? Check for a kids menu if you are bringing a family.

Where is barbecue in the Valley?

These are real local restaurants from the directory. Phone numbers are on each listing.

The list includes Honey Bear's BBQ in Phoenix, which serves Tennessee-style barbecue and lists catering, delivery and a food trailer for events. Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert's Heritage District smokes its meats over pecan wood and makes its sides in-house. Little Miss BBQ has two Phoenix locations serving Central Texas style barbecue.

What is the difference between brisket and ribs?

Brisket is a large cut of beef from the chest of the cow. It is cooked low and slow for many hours, which is why a good slice is tender and a little smoky. In the Central Texas style, the seasoning is often simple and the smoke does most of the work.

Ribs are pork or beef bones with meat on them. Pork ribs are the most common. Pulled pork is shoulder meat cooked until it falls apart, then shredded. If you are not sure what to order, ask the person at the counter what they would get.

How do you plan barbecue catering for a party?

Barbecue is popular for Arizona parties, graduations, birthdays and work events. A few tips make it easier:

1. Order early. Ask how many days ahead the restaurant needs notice, especially on weekends and holidays.
2. Give them your head count and ask what they recommend per person. Do not guess at amounts.
3. Ask how it arrives. Is it hot and ready to serve, or cold and reheated at home? Is there delivery or do you pick it up?
4. Ask about what comes with it. Plates, napkins, sauce, and serving trays are not always included.
5. Plan for heat. If your party is outside in the summer, keep the food covered, in a warm spot out of direct sun, and do not leave it sitting for hours. Ask the restaurant for food safety tips.

Some Valley places also offer a food trailer for events, and several listings mention catering.

Questions people ask

What is Central Texas style barbecue?

It usually means meat smoked slowly with a simple seasoning, most famously brisket. Sauce is often served on the side so you can taste the meat first. Little Miss BBQ lists this style at both of its Phoenix locations, in Sunnyslope and on University Drive.

Are there barbecue places in the Valley that cater?

Yes. Honey Bear's BBQ and Joe's Real BBQ both list catering, and so do other barbecue spots in Chandler, Mesa and Tempe. Call and ask how far ahead you need to book and what the minimum order is.

Do any barbecue restaurants offer breakfast or brunch?

One smokehouse in Wickenburg, northwest of the Valley, lists breakfast and a Sunday brunch along with smoked brisket and a kids menu. It is a drive from the Phoenix area, so check its hours before you go.

See every BBQ spot in Phoenix