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Tom's BBQ

3.4 (378 reviews)
ModerateBarbeque
Open • 10:30 am - 9:00 pm

Order Tom's BBQ Takeout or Delivery

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TOM'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Good for kids

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Toms BBQ Salad - with Pork -
Ron M.

TOMS BBQ - Tempe, AZ We were at Tom's BBQ for Lunch and also for Dinner. For Lunch I ordered the Brisket Plate with Red Beans & Rice. The Brisket was good and even better with their BBQ Sauce - it goes perfectly with their Brisket. The Red Beans & Rice are lightly spiced and pretty good. My Wife had Toms BBQ Salad, with Chicken, and it was very tasty. The lady behind the counter is Awesome, very polite, and provided excellent customer service. She earned the "Dollar-Bow-Tie" Award for going 'above-n-beyond' the norm. For our Dinner on Friday, I had the Fried Catfish with Potato Salad and Red Beans & Rice. The Catfish is very Tasty with a nice light crunch on the breading. Their Creamy Potato Salad is very Tastylicious. Again, the Red Beans & Rice are the right thing to enjoy with anything they serve. My Wife had the Toms BBQ Salad with Pork this time, and it was really good. She loved the Pork. Nancys Grandson, Michael, ordered a Burger, don't know what one, but he said it was very Tasty. He also loved the Curley Fries. Nice and crispy. Toms BBQ is a good place to enjoy some of whatever they have, and they offer a lot of choices.

Peach cobbler? More like peach cobbler filling.
Khedra G.

Let me preface this by saying, this was my first time at Tom's BBQ. There was an older gentleman at the register. Not the friendliest. I came in the 6 o'clock hour. I walked in and began looking at what I know now is the lunch menu. He directed me to the main menu. I smiled and stated how it was my first time. He retorted by advising how long Tom's been in business and possibly at that location. Not sure if he took offense that I (a non-Arizona native) have never been. I knew then, that perhaps I wouldn't be back. My order: 3 meat combo w/ red beans and rice and green beans, peach cobbler, and a canned peach tea. When I ordered the peach cobbler, I was directed to grab a decent size syrofoam container out of the cooler. He advised that I take it home and warm it up. I advised that that was the plan as I had butter pecan ice cream waiting. I noticed that the he added a small container of crumbles. I asked if that was supposed to be the crust. I then asked if the "peach cobbler" was just the peaches. There was a woman who poked her head out and said yes and asked if I wanted her to warm it up. I declined. The gentleman insisted that it was peach cobbler adding that,"it's not your grannie [or grandmothers], but it's peach cobbler". I picked up the container to open it. The gentlemen went to grab it from my hand exclaiming that I had to pay for it first. I advised that I would pay for it even if that means I would have to throw it in the trash. Right then, I knew that today's visit would indeed be my last. When it comes to peach cobbler, one shouldn't cut corners. There are too many wonderful soul food places and bbq places that have pretty good peach cobbler in the U.S. for you not to have a half decent peach cobbler on your menu. I was so disgusted with the service (let alone the peach cobbler), I didn't try the food. I gave it away. I wish I would have read the reviews first. I could have saved $39.32. First and last time.

Rib tips with corn and mashed potatoes
Emil C.

After running the Mesa Marathon, I drove down here to Tempe to get lunch. Since they specialized in Chicago style food, I ordered their rib tips with corn and mashed potatoes as my 2 sides. It was not bad, but the place was pretty dead for lunch. There was only one other customer in there during my visit.

Sides
Tabitha H.

Food was decent service was lacking. We went in and were told to seat ourselves. We sat on the patio. After sitting out there for a bit we were given menus and water. The waitress asked if we were ready. We said we needed a few minutes. After 15-20 minutes I walked in and ordered at the counter. Took a bit to get our food. I had to get up and get my own water refill. Our food was delivered and that was the second and last time anyone came to our table. After eating we cleared the table and went up to the counter to pay. For a sit down restaurant the service was lacking. It was busy and only two people serving. I would be wiling to try it again at some point.

Tim S.

It wasn't crowded on the Saturday night and I am not sure why. The service was stellar and their meats were pretty darn good. Value for the money seemed to be pretty fair and down right inexpensive when compared to other opportunities within an eight mile radius. We will be back to Tom's the next time we want some BBQ

3 meat combo with brisket, rib tips, spicy hot link. mac & cheese and hand - cut french fries sides.

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7 months ago

Fish dinner was excellent and reminds me of when I was a kid. The service was excellent!

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5 months ago

Food was not good. I would tell you save your money and go to Bobby Q BBQ that's where the real delicious bbq is at.

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Ask the Community - Tom's BBQ

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Caldwell County BBQ

Caldwell County BBQ

4.7(2k reviews)
14.8 mi
•$$

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!

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Caldwell County BBQ - Come visit us and get a pit tour!

Come visit us and get a pit tour!

Caldwell County BBQ
Caldwell County BBQ

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Little Miss BBQ-University

Little Miss BBQ-University

4.7(3.2k reviews)
4.2 mi
•$$

For a BBQ joint west of the Mississippi, this place is pretty darn impressive! This is the original…read morePhoenix location, and while it may be small in size, it more than makes up for it in BIG flavor. The meat is smoked right on the premises, and you can definitely taste the difference. Portions are generous and sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. They also offer several varieties of BBQ sauce, so there's something for every taste. You can even purchase the smoked meats by the pound, and we noticed quite a few people picking up an order to take home. Located near the airport, this spot gets especially busy during the lunch rush, so plan accordingly. Although the dining area is on the smaller side, they offer a good amount of outdoor seating. Big flavor, generous portions, and authentic smoked BBQ ....definitely worth a visit!

I will never voluntarily set foot in a hellhole like Texas, no matter how good their food is, but I…read moream absolutely grateful they've exported some of their finest pitmasters to the Valley. There's a reason previous Yelp lists have named this spot one of the best places you can eat in the entire country. If someone asks me what makes this place special in terms of flavor or technique, I'll say this: The meat is saltier than you expect. The sauce is way sweeter than you would expect. The intensity of the smoke flavor is sharp and woody. Everything you try is tender, with the fat rendered perfectly--you will completely clean your plate. I was never a brisket person and this was clearly the best I had ever had. It is, at worst, a top 3 pulled pork I've tried. And those jalapeno grits? Divine. Yes, seating is cramped. Yes, you might wait in line outside in the heat when you weren't expecting a rush. Go anyway--this place can't be missed.

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Little Miss BBQ-University
Little Miss BBQ-University - The Jefe sandwich - smoked sausage, chopped brisket, sauce, pickles, slaw.

The Jefe sandwich - smoked sausage, chopped brisket, sauce, pickles, slaw.

Little Miss BBQ-University - Brisket, Fatty Brisket, Pork Ribs, Turkey and Pulled Pork.

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Brisket, Fatty Brisket, Pork Ribs, Turkey and Pulled Pork.

Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q - 1/2 lb pulled pork

Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q

4.0(1.3k reviews)
5.3 mi
•$$

Wanted some BBQ and decided to give Rudy's a try. I have enjoyed Rudy's previously but it's been a…read morewhile. I arrived about 2:30 on a Tuesday. I had to wait about 5 minutes to order. It's a Texas BBQ counter service restaurant and the employee that took my order was friendly and polite. I ordered two spicy chopped brisket sandwiches. My food was ready a few minutes later. I help myself to the condiment bar where I grabbed some pickles, onion and pickled jalapeños to go for my sandwiches. Americana decor covered the walls providing a relaxing atmosphere. Great place to watch sports with many TVs throughout the restaurant. The chop brisket sandwiches were delicious and juicy. Looking forward to returning for breakfast tacos and trying the turkey. Highly recommended! Pro tip #1: Spicy Chop Brisket sandwiches are 2 for 1 on Tuesdays. Pro tip #2: Breakfast tacos provide a value option for early risers.

I had to revisit my recent review here. I left 2 stars last time because the service was good, but…read moreafter eating the peach cobbler we purchased I had to show people here what I am talking about. This is the worst cobbler I've ever had! 3/4 of it is nothing but crappy crust. There's very little peach in it. This is 1/2 of the quart I got that came in the Styrofoam cup in the picture for $19. After looking at the receipt again I was irritated by the insane cost of the worst ribs ever. $63 for a rack of babyback ribs is the highest in town. Most places get $32 to $38 a rack. I admit that I made the mistake of going here, but never again! My efforts to try their smoked prime rib was a worthless journey. I call about 10 times looking for medium rare prime rib, and they never had it. They didn't have it the day they told me they did. I asked for a pound and a half of prime rib, and I got 3/4 that was only slightly pink in the very center. It was cold and had no aju, and no juice whatsoever in the meat! There wasn't even much smoke flavor at all. Worst prime rib ever! There's much better BBQ around for much less money!

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Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q - Lean Brisket, Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage, Moist Brisket, Beans, Green Chili stew.  Enough for a little leftovers too.

Lean Brisket, Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage, Moist Brisket, Beans, Green Chili stew. Enough for a little leftovers too.

Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q - Time will tell which is chosen.

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Time will tell which is chosen.

Bobby Q - Yum

Bobby Q

4.5(5.4k reviews)
16.3 mi
•$$

Hub and I recently treated our good friend to Bobby Q's for his birthday that will forever make a…read morelasting impression on me. Every year our friend choses BQ because we know about its excellent food, BBQ, great ambience, friendly atmosphere and great knowledgeable staff. We ordered BBQ pork and beef tips and were greeted at our table by manager Natalie. This year I excused myself from the table and decided to take a self tour around the restaurant owned by Bob Sikora and once again ran into Natalie. She took me into his special dining room set up for parties or conference meals and the walls were filled with autographed photos of past and current country music singers and achievement plaques. Before opening Mr. Lucky's and BQ, he was involved in music production and many if not all were his personal friends. We spent 30 minutes together while she gave me a history lesson about her boss. During this time Bob was sitting at the bar with friends as I'm told he loves to enjoy people at his restaurant and frequents it often. All this info was news to me, and I hadn't heard of Mr. Lucky's restaurant either. Our meals were perfect! as always. Can't wait to go back! BQ offered our birthday friend a homemade dessert on the house and discounted our check. There's always food left over to take home for another meal including homemade cornbread, free homemade mini donuts, many yummy side dishes, etc. What I also love about BQ is having the same delicious food ordered to go without the wait. When dining in we attempt to dine on an off-hour before the wait because it's so popular with the locals and hotel guests nearby. It's important to pay it forward and remember to tip the server. They work hard like everyone else and please give this restaurant a try. I dare you to prove me wrong. If available check out Mr. Sikora's fascinating special dining area. Kudos to everyone and especially Natalie for taking out the time to give me a special tour! Many thanks!

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

Photos
Bobby Q - Dining Room

Dining Room

Bobby Q - Corn bread

Corn bread

Bobby Q - Fresh made donuts

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Fresh made donuts

Andrew's BBQ and Smoothies

Andrew's BBQ and Smoothies

3.9(196 reviews)
1.0 mi
•$

First time. Wife ordered brisket sandwich and loaded tater tots and a side of cornbread. We shared…read more Portions are large I'm not a fan of any kind of loaded fries but these were amazing and the portion was enough for 3 adults. The fatty brisket and cheese were abundant and delicious in the loaded tater tots. I'm sold on these. My wife's brisket sandwich was very good from what I was able to taste and the BBQ sauce is not doing to much. Most try to manipulate a good sauce too much and end up messing it up. Their sauce was awesome. The restaurant was immaculate and one can even see the open kitchen which was kept amazingly clean. The service was kind and friendly and attentive to detail. Oh, but skip the cornbread. This was my only thing on this order I would not order again; it taste like ordinary box cornbread.

Ordered take out again but first time reviewing the place. I've never had a bad meal, and always…read morepacked securely. Tonight we ordered ribs, pulled pork sandwich with baked beans, potatoes salad and a piece of cornbread. I had to try the bread since I haven't had a good piece of cornbread in a couple years.it did not disappoint, taste just like mine when I fix it. If you don't like sweet bread, you might wanna pass it up. My ribs were a little more tough than last couple times but still delicious and easy to chew right off the bone. Beans and potatoes salad is good but will admit , the potatoe salad is not my favorite. However this is my go to in the area for bbq so far.

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Andrew's BBQ and Smoothies - Wanted to show how it came packaged, very nicely

Wanted to show how it came packaged, very nicely

Andrew's BBQ and Smoothies
Andrew's BBQ and Smoothies - 1 lb BBQ Pulled Pork

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1 lb BBQ Pulled Pork

Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse - Two meat plates with choice of bread, meat and sides

Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse

4.1(237 reviews)
5.6 mi
•$$

Today was my first time visiting Sweet Mongolia Smokehouse, and I came with a group of friends. We…read moreall ordered different dishes so we could share and try a little bit of everything and honestly, everything we tasted was delicious! The service was absolutely top-notch some of the best service I've experienced in the Valley. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and served everything with a smile. The food is cooked fresh to order and has that delicious, authentic barbecue style. Some of my favorites were the smoked wings, sweet potato, cornbread, and beef rib tips. Everything was flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. And you HAVE to try the Guava Lemonade, which was the flavor of the month. It was absolutely amazing! Our food came out quickly, hot, fresh, and beautifully served. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. Definitely a spot I'll be visiting again! Highly recommend.

I was in the mood for some good BBQ and found the perfect spot for lunch. Customer service was nice…read moreand helpful. I got the 2 meat 2 sides meal and decided to add a side and a drink. I went with the Sliced Chicken, Brisket, Greens, Mac & Cheese, and Sweet Potatoes, with a Cornbread Muffin. The wait time wasn't long and everything was pretty good. It wasn't super busy so it was quiet and relaxed, and they had some good music playing in the background so it helped keep the atmosphere relaxed. I'll definitely be back to try some more of the menu and bring some friends.

Photos
Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse - A small little spot with lots to offer

A small little spot with lots to offer

Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse
Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse

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Bobby Q - Biltmore - Whole hog

Bobby Q - Biltmore

4.5(958 reviews)
10.2 mi•Biltmore Area
•$$

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

Photos
Bobby Q - Biltmore - Rustic decor

Rustic decor

Bobby Q - Biltmore - Smoked sliced beef brisket- slow smoked with signature bbq sauce. French fries and their amazing brussels sprouts.

Smoked sliced beef brisket- slow smoked with signature bbq sauce. French fries and their amazing brussels sprouts.

Bobby Q - Biltmore - Beautiful interior

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Beautiful interior

Tom's BBQ - bbq - Updated November 2026

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