The vibrant city of Mesa, Arizona, offers a range of mouth-watering barbecue options. Mesa’s BBQ restaurants have everything from smoky melt-in-the-mouth brisket to tender pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Mesa BBQ Classic will feature Kansas City Barbeque Society pit masters competing in a one-meat challenge and four-meat master’s series competition on Nov. 3-4. Admission is free, and a $20 people’s choice ticket provides tasting samples from participating barbecue competitors.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse started as a California pizzeria over 40 years ago, but it now offers a huge menu of foods, from boisterous salads to steak and seafood, in a spacious brewpub environment. The menu also includes a large selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. They also have an extensive allergen menu, which is regularly updated.
The BJ’s menu features high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, moderate prices, and sincere service. It has something for everyone, from slow-roasted entrees like prime rib to BJ’s EnLIGHTened entrees such as Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon and their signature deep dish pizza to the famous Pizookie dessert.
They also offer a variety of sandwiches and salads. The Fresh Kale Salad is a healthy option that’s packed with crunchy greens, sweet tomatoes, and creamy goat cheese. It’s served with a side of ranch dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
Their brisket sandwich is another must-try. It’s covered in their signature BJ’s peppered BBQ sauce and melty jack and cheddar cheeses. It’s served on a toasted sesame seed bun with grilled onions, pickles and peppers.
In addition to offering a vast array of food and beverages, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers online ordering, dine-in, delivery and curbside takeout services. It also has a wide variety of beers, many of which are made on-site at their breweries. The company is a winner of the 2024 Vibe Vista award for Best Overall Beverage Program for a Multi-Chain Restaurant Chain and has received numerous other industry accolades.
Papalo’s
If you’re looking for a taqueria in Downtown Houston that makes multiple kinds of fresh tortillas, nixtamalizes heirloom corn and serves chile-infused cocktails to go with it, Papalo’s is the place to visit. It’s located inside Finn Hall and offers a lighter take on barbecue, highlighting the ancient practice of cooking sustainable heirloom Mexican maiz in an alkaline solution. This makes it suitable for making masa, the base for tortillas, tostadas and tamales. The restaurant also uses high quality humanely raised meats, chiles and spices.
Chef Drew Bent is the brains behind Papalo, a Sonoran-style barbecue restaurant that opened in November in La Mesa Village. He is the former founding chef of San Diego’s Michelin-recognized Lola 55 modern taqueria and won national attention when he beat Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay in 2021. The Papalo menu combines Mexican and American smoked meat traditions, with a focus on proteins sourced from the Sonoran desert that encompasses half of Mexico’s state of Sonora, parts of Arizona and stretches to greater San Diego.
The interior of Papalo is adorned with sage plants and desert sunset colors, with a large open kitchen that smokes meat over coastal oak. Its brisket, cherry-glazed pork ribs and mole chicken are served with made-to-order tortillas. The restaurant also plans to expand its whole animal program and source beef from Sonora, as well as a local ranch like Perennial Pastures in East Village.
Modbom co-founder Aubrey Miller, who helped to develop the basement speakeasy the Acid Vault at his Amplified Ale Works bar in North Park, joined forces with chef Drew Bent to launch the joint venture Modbom Cocktails x Papalo Restaurant. The space features three concepts under one roof, with the entrance housing a café component serving coffee and morning-focused meals while the main room houses the full Sonoran barbecue menu from Papalo and a cocktail bar.
Tom’s BBQ
A unique restaurant that combines barbecue with Chicago-style food has closed its first Mesa location after 33 years. Located on Southern Avenue and Country Club Drive, Tom’s BBQ was known for its barbecue options including pulled pork, brisket and rib tips and also Chicago favorites like hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. It also offered burgers, salads and fish dinners served with hush puppies. The menu was so popular that Guy Fieri visited and even featured it on his show Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.
A BBQ competition is held once a year at the Tom’s location. Guests can purchase a “people’s choice” ticket, which allows them to sample ten full-size and tasting portions of meat from competing teams. Each guest is given one token to put in their favorite’s jar and the person with the most tokens wins the people’s choice award. Tickets are $20 and include coupons for 10 samples.
In addition to the delicious barbecue, Tom’s is famous for its alcoholic beverages. The cocktails are handcrafted and served in whacky glasses. For example, enjoy the fruity and Insta-worthy Pricilla’s Dream in a glass that looks just like a smoking pig.
The restaurant also offers catering services for large groups of people. Whether you’re planning a business event, wedding reception or other party, you can trust Tom’s to make it a success. Their chefs can cater to any type of taste or budget. They can also create a customized menu to fit your needs. They can also provide a variety of side dishes and desserts to choose from.
Herb n Smoke
Herb n Smoke is a new, downtown Mesa smokehouse. Located next to Taco Chiwas, it offers barbecue sandwiches and side dishes. The sandwiches are smoked for 12 hours and come with Cole slaw and choice of fries or mac and cheese. The restaurant also offers brisket, pork and chicken quarters. They also have a selection of drinks including beer and wine.
Herbal smoking blends are great for replacing tobacco and reducing stress, but they’re still not good for your lungs. They can contain additives, pesticides, and other chemicals that are not safe to inhale. So, it’s important to find herbs that are suitable for smoking and only smoke them in a clean environment.
The best herbal smoking blends are made from a combination of base, supportive, and flavoring herbs. Mullein is a common base herb because it’s light and doesn’t have a strong smell or taste. It’s also popular among former smokers because it supports lung function and eases breathing.
Mugwort is another good choice for a base herb. It has a light scent and is usually used to ease anxiety and nervous thoughts. It can also help promote lucid dreaming. Other herbs that can be smoked include Saint John’s wort, skullcap, and wormwood.
You can purchase herbal smoking blends in stores, but it’s easier to make your own. Herbs can be smoked in different ways, and each one will have a different effect on your body. For instance, an infusion tea will target your urinary system and body fluids, while an alcohol tincture targets the blood.
Herbal smoking blends can be a fun way to relax and unwind. They can be purchased at a number of health food stores and pharmacies. Alternatively, you can make your own at home by using dried or fresh herbs. Just remember to buy only organic herbs and never eat raw herbs! If you’re unsure of which herbs to use, consult an herbalist or naturopathic physician. They can provide you with a list of recommended herbs that are safe to smoke.