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Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

The Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa, Arizona has a thriving barbecue scene with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Texas-style brisket or Southern-style ribs, each of the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Mesa offers something unique and delicious. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Mesa for your BBQ craving.

1. Bobby Q’s – Known for their mouth-watering barbecue meats, this restaurant, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, has consistently ranked as one of the best. Their slow-cooked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, are cooked to perfection and are served with their signature barbecue sauce. The restaurant also has a great selection of sides, including mac and cheese, cornbread, and collard greens.

2. Arizona BBQ Company – This restaurant, as one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Mesa, offers a unique spin on traditional barbecue with their Southwestern-inspired flavors. Their standout dishes include the smoked brisket and pulled pork, which are cooked to perfection and are served with their tangy barbecue sauce. The restaurant also offers a range of sides, including cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans.

3. Waldo’s BBQ – Waldo’s BBQ, while among the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is known for its flavorful and tender meats, which are smoked low and slow over hickory wood. Their standout dishes include the brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, which are served with their signature barbecue sauce. The restaurant also offers a great selection of sides, including baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.

4. Tom’s BBQ – Tom’s BBQ, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is a family-owned restaurant that offers a wide variety of barbecue meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Their meats are slow-cooked over hickory wood and are served with their signature barbecue sauce. The restaurant also has a great selection of sides, including potato salad, mac and cheese, and cornbread.

5. Joe’s Real BBQ – This restaurant, amid the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, has gained a reputation for its authentic and delicious barbecue. Their standout dishes include the brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, which are cooked to perfection and are served with their signature barbecue sauce. The restaurant also offers a great selection of sides, including baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.

Overall, each of these restaurants offers delicious barbecue dishes that are cooked to perfection and are served with a variety of sides. They are popular among customers for their flavorful meats, great service, and relaxed atmosphere.

Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

1. Bobby Q's - Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

Bobby Q’s

Address: 8501 E. Apache Trail, Mesa, AZ 85207
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-8pm
Phone Number: (480) 633-1182

Bobby Q’s, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Mesa, Arizona, that serves a variety of smoked meats and classic Southern sides. The interior of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with wood-paneled walls and rustic decor that gives it a cozy, comfortable feel. There are large tables and booths that can accommodate groups of any size, as well as a bar area that serves beer and cocktails.

The signature food at Bobby Q’s is their slow-cooked meats, which include brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. The meats are cooked over hickory wood for up to 14 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The restaurant also offers a variety of barbecue sauces, including their tangy mustard-based Carolina sauce and their sweet and spicy Texas sauce. In addition to their meats, Bobby Q’s also serves classic Southern sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.

One thing that sets Bobby Q’s apart from other barbecue restaurants is their commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The meats are sourced from local farms and are hormone and antibiotic-free, ensuring that customers get the freshest, most flavorful dishes possible.

The service at Bobby Q’s is excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who are always willing to answer questions and make recommendations. The restaurant is busy, especially during peak hours, but the staff is efficient and works hard to keep things moving smoothly.

Main Menu Items:

Brisket Plate – This dish features a heaping portion of slow-cooked beef brisket that has been smoked for up to 14 hours over hickory wood. The brisket is served with a choice of two sides, and customers can choose from a variety of barbecue sauces to complement the dish.

Pulled Pork Sandwich – This sandwich is piled high with tender, smoky pulled pork that has been slow-cooked over hickory wood. The pork is served on a toasted bun and topped with a tangy barbecue sauce. Customers can also choose from a variety of sides to complete the meal.

St. Louis Ribs – These meaty pork ribs are slow-cooked over hickory wood and are coated in Bobby Q’s signature dry rub. The ribs are then finished on the grill and served with a choice of two sides. Customers can also choose from a variety of barbecue sauces to complement the dish.

Smoked Chicken – This dish features a half chicken that has been slow-cooked over hickory wood until it is tender and juicy. The chicken is then finished on the grill and served with a choice of two sides. Customers can also choose from a variety of barbecue sauces to complement the dish.

Tri-Tip – This dish features a generous portion of tender, juicy tri-tip that has been slow-cooked over hickory wood. The meat is then finished on the grill and served with a choice of two sides. Customers can also choose from a variety of barbecue sauces to complement the dish.

Overall, these main menu items at Bobby Q’s showcase their commitment to slow-cooking high-quality meats over hickory wood for maximum flavor. Customers can choose from a variety of sides and barbecue sauces to customize their meal, making it a great choice for anyone craving authentic Southern-style barbecue.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the brisket and it was some of the best I’ve ever had. It was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the barbecue sauce was the perfect complement. The mac and cheese was also delicious and creamy.”

“The pulled pork sandwich was amazing – it was piled high with juicy, smoky pork and the bun was toasted to perfection. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was great.”

“The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and the Carolina sauce was a great twist on traditional barbecue sauce. The sides were also amazing – the collard greens were cooked just right and the cornbread was delicious.”

In summary, Bobby Q’s is a top-notch barbecue restaurant in Mesa that offers high-quality, locally-sourced meats and classic Southern sides. The interior is warm and inviting, and the service is friendly and efficient. Customers rave about the tender, flavorful meats and delicious sides, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers. They rank amid the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Mesa for good reasons.


2. Arizona BBQ Company - Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

Arizona BBQ Company

Address: 1534 N. Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
Phone Number: (480) 464-0414

The Arizona BBQ Company, one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is a casual barbecue restaurant that serves up traditional Southern-style BBQ. The interior of the restaurant is spacious, with plenty of seating and a rustic decor that gives it a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. There are large tables and booths that can accommodate groups of any size, as well as a bar area that serves beer and other drinks.

The signature food at the Arizona BBQ Company is their smoked meats, which include brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. The meats are slow-cooked for up to 14 hours over pecan wood, which gives them a delicious smoky flavor. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans, which are all made from scratch using traditional recipes.

One thing that sets the Arizona BBQ Company apart from other barbecue restaurants is their focus on using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The meats are sourced from local farms and are hormone and antibiotic-free, ensuring that customers get the freshest, most flavorful dishes possible.

The service at the Arizona BBQ Company is friendly and efficient, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and always willing to make recommendations. The restaurant is busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to keep things moving smoothly.

Main Menu Items:

Brisket Plate – This dish features slices of slow-smoked brisket that have been cooked for up to 14 hours over pecan wood. The brisket is served with a choice of two sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Pulled Pork Sandwich – This sandwich is made with tender, juicy pulled pork that has been slow-cooked over pecan wood. The pork is served on a toasted bun and topped with a tangy barbecue sauce. Customers can also choose from a variety of sides to complete the meal.

St. Louis Ribs – These pork ribs are slow-smoked over pecan wood for maximum flavor and tenderness. The ribs are served with a choice of two sides and customers can also choose from a variety of barbecue sauces to complement the dish.

Smoked Chicken – This dish features a half chicken that has been slow-cooked over pecan wood until it is juicy and flavorful. The chicken is served with a choice of two sides and customers can choose from a variety of sauces to add extra flavor.

BBQ Sampler – This dish is perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything. It features a combination of brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis ribs, as well as a choice of two sides. The sampler is a great way to taste the different meats and flavors that the restaurant has to offer.

Overall, the Arizona BBQ Company’s main menu items feature slow-smoked meats that are cooked over pecan wood for maximum flavor. The restaurant’s focus on using locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish, making it a great choice for anyone looking for authentic Southern-style barbecue in Mesa.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the brisket and it was amazing – it was tender and had a great smoky flavor. The mac and cheese was also delicious and creamy. I’ll definitely be back!”

“The pulled pork was some of the best I’ve ever had – it was juicy and flavorful, and the sauce was the perfect complement. The coleslaw was also great, with a nice balance of flavors and textures.”

“The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and had a great smoky flavor. The baked beans were also really tasty – they were sweet and savory with just the right amount of seasoning.”

In summary, the Arizona BBQ Company is a top-notch barbecue restaurant in Mesa that offers high-quality, locally-sourced meats and classic Southern sides. The interior is spacious and welcoming, and the service is friendly and efficient. Customers rave about the tender, flavorful meats and delicious sides, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers. They stand out among the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa.


3. Waldo's BBQ - Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

Waldo’s BBQ

Address: 4500 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
Phone Number: (480) 807-6475

Waldo’s BBQ, while among the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is a casual, family-owned restaurant that specializes in Southern-style barbecue. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and a large mural of a pig on the wall.

The restaurant’s signature dish is their smoked brisket, which is slow-cooked over hickory wood until it is tender and juicy.

One unique aspect of Waldo’s BBQ is that they offer a “build your own plate” option, where customers can choose from a variety of meats and sides to create a customized meal. They also offer a range of specialty sandwiches, such as the “Waldo’s Piggy” which features pulled pork, ham, bacon, and cheddar cheese on a hoagie roll.

The service at Waldo’s BBQ is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations or answer any questions. Orders are taken quickly and accurately, and food is served promptly.

Main Menu Items:

Smoked Brisket – Slow-cooked over hickory wood until tender and juicy, this is the restaurant’s signature dish and a must-try for any barbecue lover.

Pulled Pork Sandwich – Smoked for hours until it’s fall-apart tender, this pulled pork sandwich is served on a soft bun with pickles and onions.

Baby Back Ribs – These pork ribs are seasoned with a dry rub and smoked to perfection, then brushed with barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy finish.

Waldo’s Piggy – This specialty sandwich features pulled pork, ham, bacon, and cheddar cheese on a hoagie roll, all topped with barbecue sauce and pickles.

Southern Fried Chicken – Crispy and golden on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, this fried chicken is a comfort food classic. Served with your choice of sides.

Customer Reviews:

“I ordered the smoked brisket and it was absolutely amazing! The meat was tender and flavorful, and the portions were generous. The mac and cheese was also delicious, with a nice creamy texture and plenty of cheese.”

“I tried the build-your-own-plate option and was impressed with the variety of meats and sides available. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted great. The staff was also very helpful in helping me choose the right combination of items for my plate.”

“I ordered the Waldo’s Piggy sandwich and was blown away by how delicious it was. The combination of pulled pork, ham, and bacon was amazing, and the hoagie roll was the perfect vessel to hold it all together. I will definitely be back for more!”

In summary, Waldo’s BBQ is a great choice for anyone looking for Southern-style barbecue in Mesa. Their smoked brisket and build-your-own-plate option are highlights of the menu, and the cozy interior and friendly service make for a pleasant dining experience. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Mesa.


4. Tom's BBQ - Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

Tom’s BBQ

Address: 1140 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, Closed on Mondays
Phone Number: (480) 649-3777

Tom’s BBQ, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is a cozy and casual family-owned restaurant. The interior is simple and unpretentious, with wooden tables and chairs and a small bar area.

The restaurant specializes in slow-cooked barbecue meats, with their signature dish being the smoked tri-tip.

Tom’s BBQ is unique in that they offer a “meat by the pound” option, allowing customers to order as much or as little of their favorite meats as they like. They also offer a range of sides, including baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw.

The service at Tom’s BBQ is friendly and welcoming. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is happy to make recommendations or answer any questions. Orders are taken quickly and accurately, and food is served promptly.

Main Menu Items:

Smoked Tri-Tip: – Tom’s BBQ signature dish, slow-cooked over hickory wood until tender and juicy, sliced thin and served with house-made BBQ sauce.

Beef Brisket – Slow-cooked for hours until it’s fall-apart tender, this beef brisket is seasoned with a dry rub and smoked to perfection.

Pulled Pork – Pork shoulder is smoked low and slow until it’s tender and juicy, then pulled and served with BBQ sauce.

Smoked Chicken – Half of a chicken is seasoned with a dry rub and smoked over hickory wood until it’s moist and flavorful, then served with BBQ sauce.

St. Louis Style Ribs – These pork ribs are seasoned with a dry rub and smoked to perfection, then brushed with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy finish.

Customer Reviews:

“The smoked tri-tip at Tom’s BBQ is out of this world. It’s so tender and flavorful, and the portion sizes are very generous. I also loved the baked beans and coleslaw, which were both the perfect accompaniments to the meat.”

“I ordered the meat by the pound option and was blown away by the quality of the barbecue. The brisket and pulled pork were both amazing, and the jalapeno cornbread was a nice touch. The staff was also very friendly and attentive.”

“Tom’s BBQ is my go-to spot for authentic Southern-style barbecue in Mesa. The smoked meats are always spot-on, and the sides are just as good. The service is great too – you can tell that the staff really cares about their customers.”

In summary, Tom’s BBQ is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious and authentic barbecue in Mesa. Their smoked tri-tip and meat by the pound option are highlights of the menu, and the cozy interior and friendly service make for a comfortable and welcoming dining experience. They have earned the rank of the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Mesa.


5. Joe's Real BBQ - Barbecue Restaurants in Mesa

Joe’s Real BBQ

Address: 301 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Closed on Sundays
Phone Number: (480) 503-3805

Joe’s Real BBQ, amid the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa, is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in barbecue dishes. The interior of the restaurant has a rustic feel with lots of wooden decor and a brick fireplace. Joe’s Real BBQ’s signature dish is the “Big Time BBQ Sandwich,” which is piled high with beef brisket, pulled pork, and hot links.

What’s unique about Joe’s Real BBQ is their commitment to using only locally sourced, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free meats. They smoke their meats over pecan wood for up to 14 hours to get that authentic BBQ flavor.

The service at Joe’s Real BBQ is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.

Main Menu Items:

Big Time BBQ Sandwich – A signature dish piled high with beef brisket, pulled pork, and hot links served on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce.

BBQ Sampler Plate – A combination plate of slow-smoked meats including beef brisket, pulled pork, hot links, and chicken served with a choice of two sides.

St. Louis Ribs – A half-rack of pork ribs dry-rubbed with Joe’s signature spice blend and slow-smoked to perfection, served with a choice of two sides.

Brisket Tacos – Two tacos filled with smoked brisket, topped with pickled onions and coleslaw, served with a side of salsa and chips.

BBQ Chicken Salad – A fresh and flavorful salad with mixed greens, chopped chicken breast, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and tortilla strips, tossed in BBQ ranch dressing.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the Big Time BBQ Sandwich and it was amazing! The meats were so tender and flavorful, and the bun was toasted perfectly. I also loved the variety of sauces they had available. The service was excellent too.”

“Joe’s Real BBQ is my go-to spot for a delicious barbecue meal. The meats are always perfectly smoked and the sides are tasty too. I highly recommend the mac and cheese and the green beans. The service is always friendly and welcoming.”

“The brisket at Joe’s Real BBQ is the best I’ve ever had. It was so juicy and flavorful, with a great bark on the outside. The beans were also delicious, with chunks of meat throughout. I appreciated the attention to detail and commitment to quality at this restaurant.”

Overall, Joe’s Real BBQ is a must-visit for barbecue lovers in Mesa. The locally sourced meats, authentic smoking process, and friendly service make it a standout restaurant in the area. They can definitely be counted among the top barbecue restaurants in Mesa.


From the old-school charm of Waldo’s BBQ to the contemporary flair of Bobby Q’s, there is a restaurant to suit every taste and preference. With exceptional customer service, mouth-watering signature dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that these restaurants in Mesa have earned their place as the top barbecue destinations. This is why they are the best restaurants in Mesa for your BBQ craving. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to add these restaurants to your list of must-try places for a finger-licking good time.



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