Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Phoenix area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Phoenix area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Phoenix based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Phoenix were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#25. Zipps Sports Grill
- Rating: 2.6/5 (411 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1515 East Bethany Home Road Ste 100 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Sports Bars, Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Hole-in-the-Wall
- Rating: 3.0/5 (167 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7677 North 16th St. Ste 4434 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars, Comfort Food
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Dickey's Barbecue Pit
- Rating: 3.0/5 (168 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3125 East Indian School Road Ste 104 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.1/5 (161 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1818 West Montebello Ave. Ste 110 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Honey Bear's BBQ
- Rating: 3.1/5 (454 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5012 East Van Buren St. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.2/5 (232 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3923 East Thomas Road Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Dickey's Barbecue Pit
- Rating: 3.3/5 (130 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2815 West Peoria Ave. Ste 101 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#18. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (318 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 10047 North Metro Pkwy East Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Stacy's Off Da Hook BBQ and Soul Food
- Rating: 3.4/5 (136 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1804 West Glendale Ave. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (555 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10051 North Metro Pkwy East Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses, American
- Read more on Yelp
#15. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (369 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4585 East Cactus Road Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Paradise Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 3.7/5 (256 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 18 West Adams St. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Hawaiian, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Sala Thai
- Rating: 3.8/5 (508 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10880 North 32nd St. Ste 29 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Thai, Salad, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Hap's Pit Barbecue
- Rating: 3.8/5 (210 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4801 East Washington St. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.8/5 (269 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4046 East Thomas Road Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Seoul BBQ & Sushi
- Rating: 4.1/5 (698 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11025 North Black Canyon Hwy Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Korean, Sushi Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. TEXAZ Grill
- Rating: 4.1/5 (923 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6003 North 16th St. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Frasher's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.2/5 (630 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3222 East Indian School Road Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#7. HEK Yeah BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (417 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 15044 North Cave Creek Road Ste 6 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Little Miss BBQ-Sunnyslope
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1308 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8901 North 7th St. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Bobby Q
- Rating: 4.5/5 (5114 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8501 North 27th Ave. Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, New American
- Read more on Yelp
#4. JL Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.5/5 (417 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2010 East Broadway Road Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Naked Q BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (649 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2340 West Bell Road Ste 130 Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Bobby Q - Biltmore
- Rating: 4.5/5 (864 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3154 East Camelback Road Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Little Miss BBQ-University
- Rating: 4.7/5 (2979 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4301 East University Drive Phoenix, Arizona
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
