Best BBQ in Scottsdale
Brisket, ribs and one legendary gas station
- No. 1Gas station BBQ
- No. 4Closes 7 PM most nights
- No. 8Opens 6 AM daily
By John Apolinar
The best BBQ in Scottsdale is spread out, but it's there if you know where to look. There's a gas station that people drive across town for, a honky-tonk with live country music and ribs, a Texas chain that opens at 6 AM and a modern smokehouse in Old Town. These are my eight.
Want the full list? Browse the Scottsdale restaurants directory.
In this guide 8 spots
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The spots
Ranked by Scottsdale ScoopNorth Scottsdale
The Thumb
Gas station BBQ legend Yes, it's a gas station. The Thumb on Bell Road is also a car wash and one of the most talked-about BBQ spots in town. The restaurant is open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM.
The short list: Gas station BBQ6 AM-7 PM daily.
North Central Scottsdale
Handlebar J
BBQ and two-stepping Handlebar J serves BBQ ribs with live country music and dancing. There are free dance lessons on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. It's closed Mondays.
The short list: Live country musicFree dance lessons Wed.
Old Town Scottsdale
Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse
Modern smokehouse in Old Town Bootleggers is the BBQ pick in Old Town, on 1st Street. Its Phoenix location on Shea closed in April, but the Scottsdale spot is still going. Closed Mondays.
The short list: Old TownClosed Mondays.
Shea Corridor
NakedQ BBQ
NakedQ is a local BBQ spot off 90th Street near Shea. It closes at 7 PM most nights and 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, so don't wait too long.
The short list: Closes 7 PM most nights.
North Scottsdale (Pima Rd)
Copper State Barbecue Co.
Copper State is on Pima Road and serves sandwich plates and meat plates. Small spot, big flavor.
The short list: Meat platesSandwiches.
North Scottsdale
Boo and Henry's BBQ
Boo and Henry's calls itself award-winning, and it's on Scottsdale Road up north. Check their site for current hours before you go.
The short list: North Scottsdale Rd.
South Scottsdale
Arizona BBQ Shack
Arizona BBQ Shack is a neighborhood spot on McDonald Drive. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
The short list: Tue-Sat 11:30 AM-9 PM.
Northsight
Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q
Rudy's is the Texas BBQ chain on Northsight. It opens at 6 AM, so you can get breakfast tacos in the morning and brisket at night.
The short list: Opens 6 AM daily.
The method
How I picked these
I only picked BBQ spots with a Scottsdale address that are open now. I checked each one on its own site plus Yelp, OpenTable or Restaurantji in November 2026. BBQ joints sell out and close early, so check hours before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best BBQ in Old Town Scottsdale?
Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse on 1st Street.
Is The Thumb really a gas station?
Yes. The Thumb on Bell Road is a gas station, car wash and BBQ spot. The restaurant is open 6 AM to 7 PM daily.
Where can I get BBQ with live music in Scottsdale?
Handlebar J on Becker Lane has BBQ plus live country music most nights and free dance lessons on Wednesdays.
Which Scottsdale BBQ spots close early?
NakedQ closes at 7 PM most nights and The Thumb's restaurant closes at 7 PM.
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