We’ve covered the best burgers, wings and coffee in this great city, but now we’ve set out to find the best ribs in Phoenix.
When it comes to a dish as tasty as ribs, each spot has their own style – you won’t get everybody agreeing on where’s best, but you won’t be going too far wrong in any of the restaurants below.
All you have to do is grab a couple of friends, work up an appetite and get ready to eat some of the tastiest ribs you could ever imagine. Life really doesn’t get much better than eating these ribs in Phoenix.
The Best Ribs in Phoenix
How do these rankings work?
1. Frasher’s Smokehouse
They’ve been serving great chicken, wings, pizzas and ribs in the valley since 1999. With so many happy customers after two decades you can clearly see that they know what they are doing.
Their rack of St. Louis style pork ribs are seriously finger licking good. A warning though: you will need napkins, and lots of ’em.
2. Bobby-Q’s Restaurant
They are a local institution with tree restaurants in the area, and have been serving up real Barbecue Since 1971. They are also well known for their amazing steaks.
You could have the ribs on their own as a half or whole rack, or get a mixed meat platter which is absolutely divine. All come served with classic sides – if you want an extra treat their cocktails are well worth a shot.
3. Little Miss BBQ
With two locations in the city (Sunnyslope and University), the BBQ and general comfort food at Little Miss BBQ is wildly popular.
Everything is cooked super low and slow, and they serve both pork and beef ribs. What really sets them apart are their home made sauces, which are made from scratch and bring the whole meal alive. Ribs in Phoenix just don’t get any better than this.
4. Trapp Haus BBQ
Run by pitmaster Phil Johnson who is veteran of the competitive barbecue circuit, this is cooking at the very highest level.
The portions are big, with tasty sides such as pickles and fries that are absolutely spot on. Trapp Haus BBQ also have some great craft beers to wash the food down with.
The sort of place where you will always leave with a huge smile on your face.
5. JL Smokehouse
JL Smokehouse places a huge emphasis on sourcing the very best meats, before cooking them for hours over wood to create that unique smokey flavour.
The ribs are coated in a dry rub; by the time they reach you the meat is falling off the bone to perfection. The only bad thing about these ribs is that once you taste these bad boy, any others pale in comparison.
6. Naked BBQ
A casual BBQ joint where the food is served on metal trays with big portions and even bigger flavours. With locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler, you are never too far from one of their outlets either.
The name comes from the fact they dry rub and smoke their meats before serving them naked without sauce. Their homemade sauces can be added at the table for some extra wow factor.
7. Texas BBQ House
They specialise in family-recipe dry rub meats smoked low-and-slow over oak and served in true Texas BBQ style on white butcher paper. There are no frills here – you don’t need them, as the focus should all be on the amazing food.
Their whole rack of ribs is a serious portion especially when you add in some of their traditional Texas side dishes.
Spending some time in the country? You’ll want to check out The 50 Best Places For Ribs In America
