After a disappointing encounter with the Smoking Butt BBQ, we decided to give the Bashful Bandit a chance and we are super glad we did! The meats were top-notch, the sauces were excellent, and the staff was the most friendly of all. And they have this little homemade dessert called the smoked Crack pie. It's a chocolate cookie crust with a custard that they smoke on the grill. It's addicting like crack (I would imagine anyway). Great job Bashful Bandit!! read more

Lovely barbecue joint! Open late, with is importantly to me. Great menu with the expected smoked meats and sides, as well as some vegetarian options. Very friendly and swift takeaway service. Will definitely visit again. read more

The staff was friendly. The place was clean. The BBQ is some of the best I've ever eaten. Keep up the good work!

I came here for the first time since the bar shut down, the decor and patio are outstanding. The brisket is very good and not a fatty mess. The sauces are good but not my favorite. The service is completely over the counter like a cafeteria, no table service or cleanup. You have to clean up after yourself. I will likely return. read more

Been wanting to check out BB and the Sonoran Restaurant Week was the perfect time. We tried the special and it was great. It was a meal for 2-3 and there was plenty of food to share. Glad we went and will return ! read more

We went to the BBQ Joint for lunch. My favorite BBQ is Texas BBQ. Since I usually rate a BBQ by their brisket I ordered that with two sides (beans and Mac&Cheese). They offer three different sauces. I had the original and my friend tried all three with his pulled pork. When you enter, the hostess walks you through the menu. They have a wide variety of different meats and sides options (no ff). You then go to the counter and place your order, first the meat option, then you order your sides and soft drink (full bar for those who need a little more of a libration. Next is the sauce bar. You can have as much as you want or any of the different types. Then you can either sit inside or outside. Because of the wind, we sat inside. It was around noon when we got there and the customers filled the patio and half of the inside tables. The brisket was very delicious with just the right amount of a smoke ring. The pulled pork was nice and tender with a great flavor. The hostess made the rounds to see if everything was alright. The staff was very friendly and knew what they were doing. It took less then five minutes from waking in and sitting down to eat even with the full house. At first, I thought the prices looked high for lunch ($50.00 for the two of us), but when we got our lunch there was enough for two meals. We both took home a doggy bag. So that worked out to $12.50 per meal that is lower then some of the fast food places. I like to have French fries with my BBQ but they were not offered. Maybe they didn't want the mess of a deep fryer. Because of this, I gave them 4 stars (it would have been 4 1/2 stars but didn't allow that half a star. Everything was very good and they kept the ambience of the prior bar. Looked like an old time BBQ Joint. They also sell the meats and sides for take out. I would eat here again and if the wind isn't blowing in the wrong direction I would sit outside and watch the guys working the pit. If you like Texas style BBQ, you can't go wrong with this place. read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Brisket, Pulled Pork, beans and Mac & Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Since opening earlier this year, we've heard nothing but great things about Bashful Bandit so wanted to check it out ourselves. My brother and I have pretty high standards for barbecue so we were hesitantly excited. By the time you reach the front entrance, you will already be immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of delicately smoked meats. We both got two meat plates that allowed us to try a couple of their protein options with two sides. I got smoked chicken, brisket, Mac-n-Cheese, and Borracho Beans. The meat was absolutely delicious. Beautifully cooked, simply seasoned, fall apart tender, and kissed perfectly with smoke. Although the beans were a touch unusual, the creamy Mac-n-Cheese complimented succulent meats very well and the bites of those together were the best of the meal. The staff was playful and kind and we were fortunate enough to meet the owner, who was also very welcoming. A touch pricey but well worth it if you're also a fan of well smoked barbecue! read more

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Best BBQ in Arizona, moist brisket had great smoke ring. Sausage was fantastic. Great bargain for the money. Would eat here again and again. read more

Had a job out in Tucson today and stopped at this spot for lunch--man, it did not disappoint! The brisket was next-level, and that sausage link is a must-try. Definitely adding this place to my go-to list whenever I'm in town. read more

Oh M Gee!! This place. Soooo good. It is not what you would expect but the BBQ IS LEGIT. Green chile pulled pork is just melt in your mouth delicious. The ribs fall off the bone. If that wasn't convincing enough then try the jackfruit vegetarian BBQ. The spice is perfect. And you will see Toby the owner walking around checking in on everyone. This place opened Wednesday and has had a line out the door since. They run out of meat if you come to late! You can preorder on the website which I would recommend if you are a big party. There is bountiful outdoor seating and it is in a wonderful central location. We came straight down speedway after a game at the UOFA. Yummy spirits and totally a Tucson vibe with delicious Texas BBQ. I almost forgot the sides and the BBQ sauce....four choices and one of them is a take on Mole' All I can say is you will not regret this decision. ENJOY! read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Delicious! Food order was right on time, staff were amazing, atmosphere of the restaurant was so fun and inviting. I did a take out for a party but can't wait to dine in next time! read more

Arrived for dinner on Sunday before 5pm to find that they were out of most menu items. The pork ribs they had were cold. The Mac and cheese was cold. The slaw that they call salad was warm. The coke dispenser was out of syrup. The prickly pear tea was as weak as water. The "crack pie" dessert looked too comically bad to be ordered. First and last time here. There has to be better barbecue in Tucson. read more

Great brisket You get what you pay for. Boring sides Wish they had white bread slices

Absolutely the best BBQ! The burnt ends, potato salad and Cole slaw were amazing. Great staff and very clean

This is the best place for brisket in Tucson or Phoenix hands down and I have tried so many damn places. It's moist and juice with the perfect amount of meat to fat ratio. The atmosphere is fun and casual and the staff are very friendly! Do try this place if you love brisket, it will not disappoint! read more

The bbq is all mesquite smoked. It's pretty pungent with zero spice or flavor. I had brisket and ribs. The ribs were like slime way over cooked. Pricey for 2- meat plate like 28 bucks. The Mac and cheese is like drywall mud way too thick. The positive is the slaw it was good. read more

As a vegetarian who loves BBQ, I was excited to try Bashful Bandit. Knowing that this restaurant is an original staple of Tucson, I had hoped they would honor its history. They didn't disappoint on both fronts. I came during lunch with dozens of other customers who were excited to try the anticipated opening, which meant there was a bit of a wait, but it was well worth it! They had a server actively taking beer orders while people waited in line. When it was my turn to order, they changed gloves and cleaned the station, knowing that I was ordering vegetarian. This attention to detail goes a long way for a vegetarian and didn't go unnoticed. The food was delicious! I ordered the jackfruit, Mac and cheese, and potato salad. All perfectly made with big portions. Don't forget to load up on the bbq sauce options at its own station! The service was A+, and they had a good beer menu. The ambiance was great both inside and outside. If you are questioning a visit, don't wait!!! I hope more entrepreneurs take some of Tucson's history and turn it into something people are excited to visit! read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Jackfruit Sandwich, Mac n cheese, dill potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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First time and it totally exceeded expectations! Every side we tried was tasty (dill potato salad being the stand out!), plus the pickles, onions and jalapeños they included on the platter were so nice to have as enhancers or just palate cleansers. Ribs fell off the bone, and I loved all the different sauces you could try with them, though the spicy vinegar was my favorite. My husband thought the mustard sauce was the best. I can't wait to bring friends and family back. read more

Great place with history and good BBQ. We stopped here and ordered the Bashful tray. The brisket was perfectly barbecued and the green chili pulled pork was a nice combo. We had beans, potato salad and cracked sunflower seed salad that seemed to be cross between Cole slaw and Chinese chicken salad. She likes the cracked pie but he did not because it was too sweet. We would come back here again. read more

Great barbecue in a cute place. We had the moist brisket, Mac and cheese, dill potato salad, and the crack pie. All was delicious. Service was prompt and friendly! read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Brisket plate - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Great brisket and other barbecue in large portions served cafeteria style with friendly and casual indoor / outdoor setting. Beef brisket was perfect - not too fatty, delicious and filling. Pork ribs, sides and desert were all tasty. Outdoor smoker area shows how its done. A great barbecue experience. read more

Some of the best barbecue I've ever had right here in Tucson! Staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, even let us taste a couple of things. Great atmosphere as well. read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Bandit Tray - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Wanted to love this place but sadly disappointed. The staff were great, friendly and helpful, but did not like the food at all. Our aides were Mac n cheese, along with beans. Mac lacked flavor and beans had a weird taste and smell. We split the Sonoran hot sausage link and green chili pulled pork sandwich. The link was ok but not great, pulled pork was dry and couldn't taste any of the green chili. Other customers seemed to really be enjoying their meals maybe just not what we used to. Not traditional bbq and our preference is still Holy smoking butts. read more

I will try anything once.. several people spoke about how good this place is.. the set up was nice the restaurant is clean.. and the workers are nice.. but the food was underwhelming.. my sister and I shared the $45 2X 1/2 pound of meat with 3 sides and a pickle.. the meat had flavor if you put their sauce on it.. other then that it was just unseasoned meat.. and the brisket had a lot of fat.. I know people like fat but I would have like more meat than fat.. we got the beans.. potato salad and mac and cheese.: we didn't finish the beans they just tasted like beer.. the potato salad was ok after adding more salt and the mac and cheese wasn't memorable.. for the price they're charging for food vs the quality and quantity.. I honestly wouldn't go back.. or recommend it.. read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue is delicious! I used to live in Texas and Texas has the best barbecue but I will say this place is good. The brisket was so juicy and moist. The Mac and cheese were cheesy good. Also make sure to order the dill potato salad. If I was you I would definitely check this place out! read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We are so thrilled to have another bbq spot here in Tucson! I dare say Bashful BB is some of the best brisket I've had outside of Texas. The seasoning is perfect with spice and a nice char. Also, everything we tried was smoked to perfection. As local Tucsonans the Bashful Bandit was iconic and we appreciate the fact the vibe, mural, and building were all preserved extensively. The interior is edgy and hip and the service was fast and thoughtful. I only waited a few minutes at their bar for my drink and the bartender gave me a few ideas on beverages. They have a great variety of drink choices, too. The only "needs to improve" consensus from our group of six friends was the fact the sides were a bit underwhelming. I'm sure this will improve over time. They do have a great variety of side choices like baked beans, mac n cheese, and dill potato salad. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and can't wait to go back. Their patio is large, comfortable and dog friendly allowing views of the smokers, which is fun. Highly, highly recommend this new delicious locally owned spot! read more

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Holy smokes! This place was AMAZING! The brisket was phenomenal and the ribs were quite possibly the best I've ever had. Between the three of us we tried all the sides and they were all great. I think the price is on point for the amount of food we all received. The restaurant was really nice and clean. The best part was how helpful the staff was! All smiles and explained everything perfectly. Thanks for a great lunch today! read more

The all beef hot link with chiltepin is super delicious! It is spicy but the perfect amount and the homemade mustard top it's off perfectly and calms down the kick. Yummy michelada as well read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - All beef hot link with chiltepin - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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So so good . I'm an experienced griller and smoker And this place rocks . Little expensive but Saves me a whole day grilling and smoking which isn't cheap . I highly recommend this place . read more

Love the outside patio, the food was above average, however the flies around the seating around made hard to enjoy our food.

This review is for people who know good BBQ. First off, they offer choice of brisket fatty/moist or lean. If you don't understand what that is you should move along. Second, the pork ribs are large , moist , tender and meaty. Third, they do not pre- sauce the meats. Perfect. They keep their smoked meats wrapped in butcher paper to stay moist (the key). That is all I've tried, but that is what matters. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because they don't offer beef ribs, but if they did, I'm sure they could do them right. Sides? who cares? I don't eat them, but my husband likes the potato salad and beans. The owners and staff are super cool and want to please. The patio is great with lots of shade or sun, depending on your preference and very dog friendly. If you like meat, support this local business! read more

Not many great places in southern Arizona for BBQ, but this is one of them!! The restaurant is clean and the staff is very friendly.

Looks like a good spot to hang out summer nights or when the weather is pleasant. Ordered sliced brisket and smoked chicken to go. Tasted pretty good. Opted for the brisket with the fatty part for the flavor. Can't go wrong. Will try other bbq items on the next visit. read more

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Amazing! Our first time there, the menu was overwhelming with so many options and a hostess, Jessie came to our rescue and picked out the best things for us! She was spot on! Chatted with the owner who was just walking around checking on quality and even the guy filling the smokers with pecan wood was friendly and excited to talk about the process. Overall, excelent and fast! read more

Best barbecue in Tucson! A perfect blend of Texas barbecue with an Arizona twist. The brisket, green chile pulled pork, sausage, and crack pie were some of our favorites. I'm from Texas and the brisket here is definitely in my top 5! The owner and staff were very friendly and helpful. This will be our go to spot for barbecue and drinks! read more

Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I'm a sucker for BBQ, and this did not disappoint! Excellent quality, the potato salad was delicious especially if you like dill, don't listen to the reviews about it being too dilly, it was delicious. The prickly pear ice tea was a nice touch as well. The service was friendly, and I loved seeing the smokers rolling outside upon arriving. And don't leave without trying their crack pie! Amazing! read more

Went there while in Tucson for work. Very cool set up with open air smokers and a nice outdoor seating area. The inside is simple but efficient. Bar is located on the opposite side from the food. I ordered a two plate meal a which consisted of brisket, poblano link along with Mac and Cheese and beans. The brisket was dry, but had a decent smoke ring. Flavor would have been good had it not been so dry. The link .... WOW!! Absolutely amazing!! Definitely a must have!! The beans weren't my style. I prefer sweeter beans, they had a beer flavor which just didn't do it for me. I did add some of the house BBQ sauce which made them much better. The Mac and cheese.. meeeh. It was dry and honestly just wasn't great. All that being said, I would go back just for the link. I will also try the brisket again, but just not the point. read more

So delicious and great service, very friendly staff. Some of the best bbq we've ever had, loved the brisket. The sides are great and the crack pie is also very tasty. read more

It's a truly remarkable experience of greetings on the way into the restaurant from the brave dudes working the fires, to the perfect meats and sides. Prime brisket lean, coleslaw, and potato salad is my default. The house bbq sauce is amazing too. read more

I went to Bashful Bandit with a group of friends. They all liked their food. I had brisket. As a barometer, I recently had brisket at Terry Black's in Austin, TX. Most amazing brisket I've ever had, hands down. Moist, flavorful, and amazing with just a fork and knife and nothing else. Bashful Bandit was ok. Not great, but it wasn't moist or flavorful. Really unmemorable, but not bad my any means. I did have a link with my meal, and it was very good. If I go back again, I'll probably try other menu items. This has the look and feel of a serious bbq restaurant. I may have just caught an off night. read more