Gilbert has gone from farming outpost to foodie mecca, and barbecue is central to its restaurant renaissance.
Here, Arizona’s desert sunshine and cowboy roots meet a new wave of talent, with smokehouses going classic, creative, or totally off the rails.
Expect Texas traditions, local Sonoran flavors, and a bit of the unexpected at these five signature BBQ joints.
1. Joe’s Real BBQ
At the beating heart of Gilbert’s downtown, Joe’s is a can’t-miss.
The wood-fired smoker perfumes brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and hot links, and you’ll find nostalgic sides like coleslaw, baked sweet beans, and warm peach cobbler.
Joe’s is family-friendly, quick on service, and the perfect place for a BBQ dinner before checking out Gilbert’s shops and bars.
2. Caldwell County BBQ
Named after a Texas county but all Arizona, Caldwell County BBQ delivers bold, Central Texas flavor.
The star here is brisket—fatty or lean, always juicy, cut to order.
Find market-style service, friendly picnic seating, and a lineup that includes smoked turkey, pulled pork, and jalapeño cheddar sausage.
Save room for the smoked elote (Mexican street corn) with BBQ flair.
3. Valley Wings & Grill
Not just wings—their smoked meats are legit.
Their brisket mac and cheese is a cult favorite, and the pulled pork sliders are saucy and sweet.
The vibe is fun and casual, perfect for sports fans or big family dinners, and sauces range from sweet honey BBQ to scorching desert heat.
4. BBQ House
A no-frills local haunt, BBQ House is celebrated for its crowd-pleasing beef ribs, generous rib tips, and smoky chicken.
This is a real “locals’ favorite” spot, with casual counter service and value-driven combos that let you sample a bit of everything.
Pro tip: Their homemade spicy BBQ sauce is a must for heat lovers.
5. Arizona BBQ Company
Chef-driven and rooted in community, AZ BBQ Company combines smokehouse staples with Arizona pride.
Try the brisket grilled cheese, green chile pork, or smoked wings with a craft beer from the rotating tap list.
The vibe is neighborhood hangout, and live music nights bring in a great crowd for brisket, cornbread, and porch sitting.
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