Finding truly exceptional barbecue in Arizona can feel like searching for treasure in the desert, but one unassuming spot in Mesa has been quietly perfecting the art of smoked brisket for years. There’s a little BBQ joint on the outskirts of town that feels more like a cousin’s backyard than a restaurant.
Walking through its open‑air patio, I was greeted by the sound of an old country song on the jukebox and the sight of a sprawling oak table covered in mismatched plates-each holding a different slice of smoky goodness.
I watched the pitmaster, a big‑hearted storyteller, pull a slab of beef from the smoker, the meat glistening with a glossy, pepper‑infused glaze…