This Arizona city was named among top in the country for barbecue. Why it's a weird choice

Amaris Encinas, Arizona Republic
·3 min read
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An Arizona city made the cut on a blog that ranked the largest U.S. cities from best to worst places to eat barbecue.

Scottsdale ranked 49th out of the 200 cities surveyed for LawnStarter's Top 50 “Best BBQ Cities in America” list. Some of the hallmarks used to determine best barbecue city included: the number of “award-winning barbecue restaurants, experience hosting a “master-level” competition, multiple barbecue festivals and high ratings,” according to the website.

Out of the Arizona cities included, Gilbert, Tucson, Mesa, Peoria and Glendale were among the lowest ranked, failing to crack the first 100 barbecue cities. But Chandler, Tempe and Phoenix ranked almost as high as Scottsdale.

The Midwest reigned supreme again this year (last year’s barbecue capital was awarded to Kansas City), with three of the top five spots snagged by cities in Missouri, with St. Louis bringing home first place.

Western states like Southern California, Nevada and a few Arizona cities “got scorched” based on the ranking system.

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The Valley's best barbecue

While Arizona might not be traditionally known for its barbecue, over the last couple of years restaurants and barbecue aficionados alike have been putting their interest in smoked meat to good use.

From The Barking Cow BBQ, who cooks Texas-inspired barbecue with Mexican-influenced side dishes for catering and pickup in Avondale to tried-and-true classic Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix, which serves deliciously silky and fatty brisket served with a side of coleslaw or jalapeno cheddar grits — there is something for everyone.

As far as what constitutes good or great barbecue, that’s entirely up to you. But it is easier to come by 'cue in the Valley than ever before. Interestingly enough, only one of the restaurants on our list is in Scottsdale.

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Where to get barbecue in The Valley

Here are 14 barbecue restaurants we have gotten to know over the last couple of years.

  • The Barking Cow BBQ: Pick-ups in Avondale. instagram.com/thebarkingcowbbq.

  • Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue: 6130 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 480-575-7155, bryansbarbecue.com.

  • Burnt Nz: instagram.com/burnt_nz_bbq, also Burnt Nz BBQ on YouTube.

  • Caldwell County BBQ: 18324 E. Nunneley Rd., Gilbert. 480-892-0512, caldwellcountybbq.com.

  • Danky’s BAR-B-Q: 4727 E. Bell Rd. #31, Phoenix. 602-996-2016, dankysbbq.com.

  • Eric's Family Barbecue: 12345 W. Indian School Rd., Avondale. 623-248-0148, ericsfamilybbq.com.

  • HEK Yeah BBQ: 15044 N. Cave Creek Rd. #6, Phoenix. 602-626-8404, hekyeahbbq.com.

  • JL Smokehouse: 2010 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, 602-620-5132. jlsmokehouse.com.

  • Little Miss BBQ: 4301 E. University Drive, Phoenix, 602-437-1177. Also, 8901 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-314-6922. littlemissbbq.com.

  • NakedQ BBQ: 2340 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, 602-439-4227; 10240 N. 90th St. Ste. 105, Scottsdale. 480-912-2102; 9405 W Glendale Ave. Ste. 120, Glendale. (623) 230-2199, thenakedbbq.com.

  • Pork on a Fork: 1515 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, 623-434-1794. Also, Pork on a Fork Catering. 1732 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix. 602-884-8226, porkonafork.com.

  • Texas BBQ House: 5037 S. 24th St., Phoenix. 602-343-6447, texasbbqhouseaz.com.

  • Trapp Haus BBQ: 511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-466-5462, trapphausbbq.com.

  • West Alley BBQ & Smokehouse: 111 W. Boston St., Chandler. 480-248-8819, westalleybbq.com.

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Reach features reporter Amaris Encinas at amaris.encinas@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @amarisencinas.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Arizona cities were ranked on a 'Best BBQ Cities in America' list