Whether you’re in the mood for traditional barbecue or inventive barbecue fusion dishes, Mesa’s East Valley restaurants deliver. They offer outstanding service and a welcoming atmosphere that caters to families, couples, and solo diners alike.
My plate of smoked ribs arrives with a cherry glaze that tastes like it’s been merged with Oaxacan mole. Drew Bent, Papalo’s chef de cuisine, explains the fusion comes from his background in Mexican cooking. Click the Mesa BBQ to learn more.
BJ’s started in California in 1978 and now offers a huge menu in its brewpubs. From boisterous salads to brisket and chicken, there are plenty of options here for everyone. They also keep an allergen menu that is updated frequently, making this a good choice for dairy-free diners.
The BJ’s peppered BBQ burger is topped with sweet, tangy BJ’s sauce and melty Jack and cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect combo of savory and sweet, with a hint of spicy. The fresh baby kale also adds a bit of crunch to this meal. Pair it with an Oasis, a smooth malty beer, or try something hoppier like their seasonal Zany Citrus IPA.
Bobby – Q Craft BBQ & Tap Room
Bobby – Q is a highly-ranked BBQ restaurant that opened a new location in Mesa. This popular restaurant is a must-visit for barbecue lovers looking to try new flavors and cuisines. It offers various options, including pulled pork, brisket, St. Louis ribs, sausage, and mac-n-cheese, which are made with five different cheeses. Customers rave about their tangy barbeque sauce, generous portions, and friendly service.
The grill comes with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that provide even heat distribution and a durable finish. The grill also features an easy-to-clean lid that eliminates the need to lift it when checking food, preventing heat and flavor loss. This grill is also portable, making it easy to take with you on outdoor adventures.
In addition to the BBQ Classic, the festival also includes a craft fair where visitors can sample a variety of barbecue and other foods from local vendors. Guests can enjoy live music and culinary art demonstrations. The event also offers a number of galleries featuring regionally recognized artists. The CRAFT Q is an inaugural celebration of Arizona’s diverse artist communities.
Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic
The East Valley of Arizona is home to several barbecue restaurants that offer a variety of delicious options. Many of them specialize in long smoking processes, resulting in flavorful meats that resonate with authenticity and craftsmanship. These establishments also offer a welcoming atmosphere, catering to families and groups of all sizes. They also strive to maintain high standards of service, enhancing their reputation as top dining destinations.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic pulled pork, tender brisket, or inventive barbecue fusion dishes, Mesa’s selection of restaurants will satisfy your cravings. In addition, many of these restaurants offer a variety of drinks and appetizers to accompany your meal. Some even offer vegetarian options, making them a great option for diners with dietary restrictions.
For those who are interested in attending a barbecue competition, the Downtown Mesa Association is hosting the Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic on Nov. 3-4. The event will feature a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition with pitmasters from across the country. It will include a one-meat challenge and four-meat master’s series competition, and over 100 certified KCBS members have applied to be judges, according to a press release.
The event will take place in downtown Mesa and is free to attend. There will be a People’s Choice Contest, where attendees can vote for their favorite BBQ competitors. In addition, there will be a Craft Q, featuring regionally recognized art exhibitors, live music, culinary arts, and cooking demonstrations. A teaser event was held in September at the City Plaza featuring local backyard smokers from city departments and businesses.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Mesa is a family-friendly restaurant that serves American cuisine. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. BJ’s is known for its impeccable service, even during peak hours. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that its customers have an enjoyable experience.
Located in the Fiesta District, Green Corner is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant that’s one of the few places in Mesa where you can get authentic cuisine. You can order at the counter and choose from a range of entrees, including falafel, gyros, shawarma, and kababs. Each entree comes with a side of yellow rice, pita, and hummus. The beef shawarma is especially delicious, and it’s topped with copious amounts of delectable garlic sauce and hummus.
East Valley BBQ Restaurants
In a city that has no shortage of restaurants, the Mesa area holds its own when it comes to barbecue. With the right recipe, a long smoking process and authentic ingredients, the best Arizona barbecue joints produce tender meats with rich, smoky flavors that resonate with authenticity and craftsmanship. These local favorites are a must-try for all barbecue lovers.
Caldwell County BBQ is to the East Valley what Eric’s Family BBQ is to the West Valley, proving that Texas-style barbecue isn’t a requirement for a first-class meal. Line up at the counter and order links, turkey and thick slices of brisket by the pound before picking your sides and finding a spot inside or outside to sit down. The smoked meats are served with three sauce options to add a sweet, spicy or tangy kick to your dish, while creamy mac and cheese and a block of cornbread round out the meal.
The owners of this family-owned barbecue joint in Queen Creek started with a food truck and catering business before opening their Ahwatukee counter service spot, serving Mississippi-style barbecue that’s sweet, saucy and different than the rest of the Valley’s offerings. The ribs are particularly noteworthy, coming in two varieties: a traditional, meaty variety and a less-tender, almost shredded style. The menu also features brisket sausage and a few other pork specialties.
Across the country, it’s been inspiring to watch so many of the nation’s most beloved barbecue restaurants rise to new challenges with unflappable ease. While there is no denying the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted tourism, these local favorites are demonstrating that resilience isn’t just a word — it’s a way of life.
While some of the top-rated Phoenix barbecue spots have had to scale back their operations during the pandemic, it’s been heartening to see so many of them reopen with full menus and crowds eager to dig into the likes of burnt ends, brisket sandwiches and tender pork ribs. Here are a few of the most outstanding examples of Phoenix barbecue that are still going strong in 2024.