Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Phoenix, according to Yelp
Barbecue, also known as BBQ for short, has captivated the taste buds of millions of people across the world; its smell, a quintessential part of backyard parties and long, lazy holiday weekends. This cooking method involves slow cooking and smoking meat over an open flame or heat source. Beyond the slab of baby back ribs and brisket that we're probably familiar with, barbecue has a long history dating back centuries and is rooted in various cultures.
The earliest origins of barbecue can be traced back to the Taino people, who were Indigenous to the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the technique became widespread in the American South, primarily using pork. Taino people didn't use the word barbecue. Instead, this method of cooking food over a raised wooden grate was referred to as barbacoa.
As time passed, techniques and flavors evolved as a result of colonization, globalization, and advancements in technology. Today, barbecue has become a beloved food all over the world. In the United States, there are four distinct styles: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas BBQ. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork; North Carolina for smoked pork infused in vinegar sauce; Kansas City for dry-rubbed meats, and Texas for grilled brisket.
No matter the style, however, barbecue can be enjoyed anywhere, but if you're specifically looking for the best places to enjoy the savory and mouthwatering delights, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Phoenix using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.
#20. HEK Yeah BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (376 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 15044 N Cave Creek Rd Ste 6 Phoenix, AZ 85032
- Categories: American (Traditional), Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Danky's Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.0/5 (567 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4727 E Bell Rd Ste 31 Phoenix, AZ 85032
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Cookin On Wood
- Rating: 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3401 E Wood St Phoenix, AZ 85040
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Smokin Hot BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (28 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1620 S 16th St Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Bama Bbq 4 Ever Catering
- Rating: 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85045
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Kahu Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (121 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7509 W Encanto Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85035
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Spee-D-Tee's BBQ & Subs
- Rating: 4.5/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4002 E Elwood St Ste 1 Phoenix, AZ 85040
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Little Miss BBQ-Sunnyslope
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1019 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8901 N 7th St Phoenix, AZ 85020
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Bobby Q
- Rating: 4.5/5 (4560 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8501 N 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85051
- Categories: Barbecue, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Taste My City
- Rating: 4.5/5 (171 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10720 W Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85037
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Naked BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (607 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2340 W Bell Rd Ste 130 Phoenix, AZ 85023
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Reathrey Sekong
- Rating: 4.5/5 (655 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1312 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85014
- Categories: Cambodian, Barbecue, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Bobby Q - Biltmore
- Rating: 4.5/5 (733 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3154 E Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#7. JL Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.5/5 (350 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2010 E Broadway Rd Phoenix, AZ 85040
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Qfire Catering
- Rating: 4.5/5 (30 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 613 South Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Categories: Caterers, Wedding Planning, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Teddy's Preserve
- Rating: 4.5/5 (30 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1001 N Central Ave Lobby Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Categories: Cocktail Bars, Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Little Miss BBQ-University
- Rating: 4.5/5 (2822 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4301 E University Dr Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Gibson's Smokehouse
- Rating: 5.0/5 (36 reviews)
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85029
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#2. JP's Dog House
- Rating: 5.0/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 16th St & Bethany Home Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016
- Categories: Food Stands, Barbecue, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Kingpin BBQ
- Rating: 5.0/5 (15 reviews)
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85005
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
