20 Sept 14th–Sept 20th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | Killer Meats These are the 10 best barbecue joints in greater Phoenix. BY TIRION BOAN AND SARA CROCKER N o matter the region or style, when it comes to great barbecue, you can smell it from the parking lot. An aroma of burning mesquite or hickory hits you as soon as you get out of the car. Plumes of smoke let you know you’re in the right place and your stomach growls in anticipation of the savory meats and selection of sauces inside. In metro Phoenix, there are a number of spots where you’ll find outstanding ’cue. A heavy influence from Texas, a splash of Carolina-style sauce, a mix of Tennessee and Louisiana flavors and a few twists from Mexican cuisine meld to create something uniquely Arizonan. From Southeast Gilbert to Avondale, North Scottsdale to South Phoenix, here are the 10 best barbecue restaurants in the Valley. Caldwell County BBQ 18324 E. Nunneley Road, Gilbert Caldwell County BBQ is to the far East Valley what Eric’s Family BBQ is to the West. 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 on the patio to sit and chow down. Three sauce options grace each table and add a sweet, spicy tang to the meat. The aromatic flavor of black pepper permeates the brisket and turkey, both of which sport thick crusts of the stuff. Outside the restaurant, giant black smokers with names such as Mr. Big and Little Boy keep the aromas coming and the kitchen stocked. Cryin’ Coyote BBQ 6130 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek Cryin’ Coyote BBQ replaced Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue in July, and the smokehouse has already shown it’s ready to carry the mantle of Cave Creek ’cue. Cryin’ Coyote smokes the full gamut of meats, but the standout among them is the restaurant’s ribs, which find the right balance of tenderness, smoke and bit of char. The fat is beautifully rendered, making for a rich bite that carries a hint of sweet and saltiness. The sides are distinctly influenced by the Southwest — a chile relleno-style rice casserole stands in for mac and cheese, for instance. Cryin’ Coyote is a place where you should save room for dessert. The Texas sheet cake, a moist, rich chocolate cake, pays honor to the classic and adds warmth with notes of cinnamon and ginger. Danky’s Bar-B-Q 4727 E. Bell Road, #31 If you only get one thing at Danky’s Bar-B-Q in north Phoenix, let it be the ribs. When cut into, an almost-candied bark crackles before tender meat gives way. But trust us, you won’t want to get just one dish. This little spot, wedged into a narrow strip mall space, serves major flavor. Local beer flows on tap, chunks of pork stud the barbecue beans and sandwiches rock names such as the pulled pork Danky Dank, the beef brisket Curly Wolf and the combo Hot Southern Mess. Eric’s Family BBQ 12345 W. Indian School Road, Avondale Eric’s Family BBQ, a white-painted adobe- style building in Avondale, churns out some of the best barbecue in the Valley. This joint is known for its Texas-style brisket, which takes 16 hours to create, but Metro Phoenix is full of exceptional barbecue restaurants churning out classics like ribs and brisket paired with Southwest-inspired sides. (Photos by Tirion Boan) ▼ Chow
