They don't make it like this anymore. Great customer service wonderful people Lanae is literally…read morethe best. If you want some incredible barbecue and a really fun environment to just chill with your family. This is it and they've got great drinks.!!!

For more than six years, working in the airline industry has given us the opportunity to travel…read moreacross the country and experience some incredible BBQ. We've developed favorites in several cities, particularly when it comes to authentic Texas-style BBQ. Since moving to Arizona, we've enjoyed exploring the local BBQ scene, including Little Miss BBQ. However, after our first visit to Caldwell County BBQ, we can confidently say we've found our new local favorite! From the moment we walked through the door, the experience was exceptional. We were greeted by Mason, who immediately made us feel welcome. When he learned it was our first visit, he took the time to explain the ordering process, describe the different meats, and share his personal recommendations. Even as the line grew behind us, he never made us feel rushed. He treated us as though we were the only guests there. Mason offered samples of the beef rib, brisket, and sausage, all of which were outstanding. He genuinely wanted us to experience the flavors before ordering. He explained that everything is served à la carte and prepared fresh daily. His enthusiasm was especially noticeable when describing the banana pudding, made fresh at 5 a.m. with bananas, homemade custard, and smoked vanilla beans. That attention to detail immediately impressed us. We ordered a pound of brisket, pulled pork and brisket sliders, green chile mac and cheese, corn casserole, pinto beans, and two absolutely massive beef ribs served with house-made chimichurri. The beef ribs were phenomenal! Incredibly tender, flavorful, and slightly sweeter than the brisket, they were easily among the best we've ever had. The chimichurri was equally impressive, bursting with fresh herbs and peppers. We honestly could have put it on everything! The green chile mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, with just enough chile flavor without overwhelming heat. The corn casserole was rich, thick, and buttery, while the pinto beans were perfectly tender with a subtle smokiness that wasn't buried under excessive seasoning. The brisket had beautiful bark, exceptional flavor, and was incredibly juicy without relying on excessive fat. The sliders, served on salted pretzel buns, may have been small enough to fit in your palm, but they were generously packed with meat. Don't underestimate them! For dessert, we enjoyed the banana pudding and sheet cake. The pudding was perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. Learning that the vanilla beans are smoked and the wafers are buttered, baked, and layered into the pudding made us appreciate it even more. The sheet cake featured a tender layer of cake topped with rich fudge frosting and walnuts. Both were a wonderful ending to an incredible meal. But as exceptional as the food was, what truly set Caldwell County apart was the hospitality. Mason made a point to check on us during our meal, genuinely interested in hearing about our experience. That simple gesture meant a great deal. Throughout our visit, it was obvious that the entire team takes tremendous pride not only in the quality of their food but also in how they treat their guests. There is a meaningful difference between serving customers and making people feel genuinely valued. Caldwell County understands that difference. Every interaction felt personal, sincere, and unhurried. We never felt like another transaction or simply the next people in line. We felt appreciated, and that is something we'll remember long after the meal. In fact, before we had even finished eating, we were already telling family, friends, and fellow BBQ enthusiasts about our experience! Having enjoyed BBQ throughout the country, we can confidently place Caldwell County among our absolute favorites. The quality, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality make this restaurant something special. We're already looking forward to returning next week with friends visiting from out of town. We sincerely hope Mason is there because we'd love for them to experience the same exceptional hospitality we received. To Mason and the entire Caldwell County team: Thank you for reminding us what genuine hospitality looks like. You've gained loyal customers, and we couldn't be happier to have discovered you here in Arizona! If we could give you a 20 out of 10, we absolutely would. Outstanding in every way!

Definitely worth a stop if you're craving BBQ in Phoenix. I tried the Brisket + Brisket plate, pork…read morebelly burnt ends, and smoked pecan pie. The chopped brisket was the better of the two briskets, but the pork belly burnt ends were the real star. I'd honestly come back just for those! The coleslaw, potato salad, and ranch beans were pretty standard, though the potato salad was my favorite. The smoked pecan pie was a great way to finish the meal. Definitely go early, as they can sell out!

Since my last review a decade ago I have been back about 8 times meeting friends there. I just saw…read morethis come up on the 2026 Michelin SW restaurant reviews again, and I guess I have to give them credit for their awards. I can say that I have never had horrible pork or sausage here, but I tried the beef ribs twice, and I watched friends eat them a couple of times and they were horrible! They don't remove the membrane inside of the ribs most of the time, so they're extra chewy. The biggest issue is that you pay by the pound for a HUGE bone you cannot eat, and your lucky if 1/4 of the weight is fat or meat. They're just not worth the price...period! The ribs are usually very good with a good pull and a decent moisture content, but I had a few batches that we very dry. The issue I have is the price of $28lbs for ribs is crazy money since that's only about 3 or 4 ribs, so a full rack is going to be $75 to $100. When you consider that half or more is bones you can't eat they're just not worth it! Do what I did 15 years ago and buy a good smoker, and learn how to use it.

From the moment our experience began it was amazing. We were greeted within 3 seconds with a…read moresincere greeting from our fabulous server Tabitha, despite how busy the resturant was. The service was spot on. The steaks melted in your mouth, and ribs fell off the bone. Great job to everyone. I will definitely recomend and be a regular patron myself. Looking forward to the tempting lunch menue also.

5 If you haven't been here you're missing out. Hands down…read moreAZs best BBQ . If you can get down there and get your self some bobby qs you'll never go anywhere else it's a hidden gem if you ask me

READ ME!! This…read moreplace by far is the most delicious, juiciest BBQ I've had in TOWN! The food is amazing! The meat is so tender fall off the bone good! The staff there are super helpful and very knowledgeable.

This food truck was located at the Korn, Gojira, and Spirit Box concert at Talking Stick Resort…read moreAmphitheater this past week. For sides, they were $4 for what appeared to be 8oz cups which seemed a little pricey but if homemade it's worth the price point. Both my cousin and I thought the coleslaw was an odd flavor like there was either red apple or radish in there, but we couldn't quite figure it out. A skip for me if I visit this truck again. As for the potato salad, it was fairly decent though it had large pieces of potato skins which I personally do not care for in my potato salad. Since we didn't get any actual food as I stick to a vegetarian diet mostly, I'll give it a 4 star for the sides. Overall, the service was quick and friendly. The atmosphere is what you make of where a food truck is parked. The condiment/utensils available on the ledge do make it easier for grab-and-go.

Saw Mission mentioned on a YouTube video, that listed the five best and five worst barbecue chains…read morein the country.. Mission was #5 on the five best list. So we decided to try it out, did an online order for takeout. I had the brisket and pulled pork. Both were amazing. My sides was Maggie's Mac n Cheese. It's was sooo good. My roommate got the salmon, pulled pork and the Mac n cheese. She said it was very tasty. Both of tried the peach cobbler, and both agreed it's the best we've had. The woman that got my order together was very nice and informative. Do not remember her name. But the initials GD were on the first time card she gave us.. We will definitely be back. also love the fact they support the armed forces and first responders. And lived seeing a sign that read "Play like a champion today" Being a Notre Dame fan, that is Hugh bonus points. #GoIrish

Decided to try this place because our favorite bbq spot ran out of brisket…read more Pulled in the empty parking lot. Not a good sign although it was early 4:30, on a Saturday. Had a good score (4.7) so we decided to give it a shot Nice place inside. Decorated with veterans in mind. Has a similar setup to Rudy's where you order/pay up front and they call you up when it's ready. Was kind of worried because the place didn't smell like bbq. Ordered the turkey and jalapeno sausage with a side of bbq beans. Has a selection of six different bbq sauces at the table. I wasn't too impressed with any of them. There is a mustard sauce up by the drinks that was pretty tasty tho. The turkey was dry. The sausage had decent spices but the skin was a little tough. Neither had a bbq/smoky taste. The beans tasted like canned pork and beans with sugar and bits of brisket added. All and all I wasn't too impressed and probably won't be back. The staff was friendly and helpful and I was hoping it would be better

best bbq on the planet! the sausage and brisket are beyond imagination delicious!…read more 7th street location is beautiful!

Lunch was amazing…read more Hot the unofficial 3 meat plate ; brisket, pulled pork and a house sausage. TBH, it's a lot of food. You won't leave hungry. Before we get started, let's talk about the sauce. IMHO, the sauce flavor is what will make or break a BBQ joint. I'm very particular so you may have a different flavor profile than me but their house sauce is 11/10. Perfect. Perfect. First up was the pork. Excellent. I would like a little more bark but it was great. If you like pulled pork, you will be happy. Next was the 707 sausage. A little dry but the spice was perfect. I like a little more fat in my links but it was really good. The brisket was super nice. Held together well and was exactly what you expect. I got beans and slaw for the sides. Beans were good but the slaw was the best I have ever had. Seriously. I'm not kidding. The best. If you are on Phoenix, go. Just be hungry.

I recently started to pick up their 1lb shredded barbecue chicken. OMG! This is the second time in…read morea week I've ordered it. Pickup was easy, quick and the staff pitch perfect! Finally, their barbecue sauce remains legendary! It didn't last long enough for a picture!

Popped in on a midday Friday to check this place out!…read more Sat at the bar, decent view and vibe, overlooks patio- really nice. Patio has misters to accommodate for the Arizona heat! Visually a good mist, sitting outside (depending on the temp) should be no problem! Unseating I notice very little to no service, looked to the WiFi and though it's LOCKED and says GUEST WIFI, I was informed it doesn't work... or may not be the best per-say. Might want to remove that option or look into it to make it available to the customers. GM didn't seem happy to share the WiFi. Now food! I ordered a St. Louis style ribs. They're known for smoking and then putting over a wood fire grill. For me the ribs were okay, I typically look for more of a charred bbq flavor on my ribs. A lot better than typically smoked (for me) beer battered fries are really good! I did t get a chance to get into the cornbread but it looks really good. Service was okay. Bartender (C.J.) was busy and not very much attentive. Restaurant just opened so maybe setup was still being done. I'd say try it! Could of just been a day

This place is great. The smoked turkey is phenomenal. Best I have ever had. My kids crave it. Go!read more

Frasher's was excellent for doing everything I asked for. We have gluten sensitivities in our…read morefamily. Maria made sure everything was carefully marked gluten free! We had brisket,pulled pork and ribs. They cut the ribs individually so that was a bonus. The corn was fresh and delicious. Along with the mashed potatoes and coleslaw. The finishing touch was the ice cream custard it was a hit with the chocolate pecan pie! Needless to say our family party was a hit. We had to he party at our home so we arranged for pick up.

Went out to visit some friends in Goodyear, Arizona, and they took me to Rudy's BBQ -- and wow,…read morewhat a great experience! This is some of the best Texas-style barbecue I've had. I highly recommend the moist brisket -- tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The spicy chopped brisket baked potato was absolutely amazing, especially with their barbecue sauce on top. The whole atmosphere had that real country feel to it. It honestly felt like I was somewhere I belonged -- good food, good people, and that laid-back Texas BBQ vibe. If you're anywhere around Goodyear, Arizona, and love authentic BBQ, Rudy's is definitely worth a stop! I'll definitely be coming back. 5 stars all the way!

Rudy's is good. Is it something to write home about? That probably depends on your exposure to…read morebarbecue. The concept is simple: order your meat by the pound, pick your sides, grab a dessert, and snag a beer, specialty soda, or fountain drink on your way to the register. The dining room is basically a redneck cafeteria, and I mean that as a compliment. Long community tables, no table service, and everything is self-serve. Honestly, I prefer it that way. I can grab as much white bread as I want, refill my own drink, never have to flag someone down for napkins, and I've had some great conversations with other patrons. The brisket is consistently good, and I always order it moist. The jalapeño cheddar sausage is another favorite, but the baked beans deserve their own mention. They're loaded with bits of shredded pork that add both texture and smoky flavor, making them one of the better barbecue sides around. Rudy's is one of those chains that doesn't feel like a chain. The focus is on the meat, and it shows. It delivers the consistency you'd expect from a larger operation while still feeling like a neighborhood barbecue joint. That's not an easy balance to strike, but Rudy's pulls it off.

Drove from California to Arizona and had to try this smokehouse that Mark Weins Wowed over…read more The food was amazing and JL is truly a pitmaster. We had the smoked sausage brisket, ribs, and rib tips and everything was cooked to perfection. As we were leaving we saw JL in the back and had to stop and give him our compliments. It is one of the best smokehouses we have ever had. Keep up the good work JL.

It's no wonder JL Smokehouse hit the AZ Central top 100 for 2026. Long before they hit that status…read moremark, we had tried JL's and were flabbergasted we were - really, really good! We love the downhome southern style of cooking JL creates in his meats. There's nothing fancy about their store front, counter space or eating room. It's all about the eats... delish eats. Growing up and coming of age in the south from Florida to Georgia to Alabama, this place brings back those memories and tastes, and more. This is one BBQ you can't designate with a location or region - just southern and great! Everything we've tried is lip smackin'! From the Smoke Sausage, Rib Tips, Rib, Hot Links, Pulled Pork (delish), Pork Belly, Hot Links, Chicken, to the Brisket (my fave). As for sides, listen, they have the best Collards I've had in Arizona to date. They've got plenty of sides to boot, including Tater Salad, Mac & Cheese, really creamy Coleslaw, smooth and silky BBQ Beans, fantastic Cabbage, Roast Taters and Green Beans. No matter where you hail from, this BBQ will make your mouth water... and then some. Kudos JL!