21 Sept 14th–Sept 20th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | don’t sleep on the turkey, infused with sweet tea to keep it juicy. Eric’s serves both pork and beef ribs, as well as pulled pork measured by weight at the counter. Find the daily menu scribbled on brown paper taped to the walls. The ’cue is excellent, and sides of cheesy elote, craveable beans and spirals of mac and cheese complete the meal. For dessert, the classic banana pudding brims with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Chow down at a picnic table inside, or sprawl out on the patio as music fills the space. Honey Bear’s BBQ 5012 E. Van Buren St. The Honey Bear’s BBQ recognizable midtown A-frame restaurant closed due to the pandemic and was set to become another barbecue spot which ran into issues of its own. But thankfully, the original location of Honey Bear’s on Van Buren and 52nd streets remains open. This restaurant and catering company has been serving Tenessee-style barbecue since 1986. Standouts on the menu include Honey Bear’s specialty pulled pork shoulder and ultra-creamy mac and cheese. JL Smokehouse 2010 E. Broadway Road 2650 E. University Drive, Mesa JL Smokehouse fits the definition of a classic no-frills barbecue joint. Park on the street in South Phoenix and make your way to a bright red-painted building. Inside, there’s no counter but rather a pass-through window into the kitchen. With the catchphrase “Put some South in your mouth,” this spot draws inspiration from Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and Carolina-style barbecue to create a blend all its own. Blackened chicken drumsticks and spiced, red-hued baked beans served in Styrofoam lunch trays are must-try dishes on the menu. This spring, JL opened a second location, bringing tasty barbecue and homemade lemonade to University Drive in Mesa. Little Miss BBQ 8901 N. Seventh St. 4301 E. University Drive No Phoenix barbecue list would be complete without the restaurant that reigns supreme in this Valley. Little Miss BBQ, with locations near Tempe and in Phoenix’s Sunnyslope neighborhood, stands at the top, and for good reason. Customers line up around the block, waiting for their turn to try the brisket that former Phoenix New Times food critic Chris Malloy called “a portal to another dimension.” Add a dose of Arizona to your barbecue adventure with a green chile burrito smothered in bright enchilada sauce. The Thumb 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale How many gas stations have you visited that have a giant, sparkling chandelier inside? How about a full coffee counter? A cute gift shop? A stocked wine selection? An entire barbecue restaurant? Well, The Thumb in north Scottsdale has it all. Outside, drivers pull up to the pumps to fill up their cars like they would at any normal gas station. But inside, The Thumb is so much more. Head to the counter and order — we recommend the three meat platter to get a taste of every- thing — and then mosey around the gift shop while you wait. When you’re number is ready, grab a seat in the circular dining room under the chandelier or by the large fish tank if you’ve got kids in tow. Dig into thick slices of brisket, served lean or moist, snappy sausage and savory pulled pork. The meats pair perfectly with the house barbecue sauce or a ruddy chipotle version. For sides, the beans are packed with meat to the point they are almost chili. Creamy mac and cheese counters the tangy barbecue sauce and rounds out a meal that stands out among barbecue options in the Valley and makes your brain swirl when you remember you’re sitting in a gas station. Fill up on the way out. NakedQ Multiple Locations Lucky for Valley residents, NakedQ has restaurants in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Glendale, meaning this modern counter- service joint and its aroma of smoking meat are never too far away. The “naked” in the name refers to barbecue served without sauce and only minimal spices. The sauces can be added later, and they are nothing to miss. Order a butcher paper-lined tray of chopped or sliced brisket, moist and smoky pulled pork, or tender St. Louis-style ribs, and douse it all in the house, spicy or mustard- based sauces. Peppery mac and cheese and a block of cornbread round out the meal. Stacy’s Off Da Hook BBQ and Soul Food 1804 W. Glendale Ave. The best description of Stacy’s Off Da Hook is found in the name. This uptown Phoenix joint packs in the flavor, all in a tiny five- booth spot on Glendale Avenue. Squeeze in or, better yet, order takeout for a dinner fit for a backyard bash. Sauced ribs are the perfect amount of messy and satisfying, while the Southern sides shine. Sweet candied yams and collard greens pair well with the pulled pork, rib tips and cornbread at this Southern-style staple. Wash it all down with Kool-Aid, served on tap. A platter of meat with a beer from the place that reigns supreme in the Valley — Little Miss BBQ. (Photo by Jackie Mercandetti)
