JL Smokehouse

4.5 (447 reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, Southern, Soul Food

Closed • 10:30 am - 8:00 pm

Updated 2 months ago

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JL Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - The dining room - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - Brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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JL Smokehouse - Food galore the Slugger Pit Master Picks so fun to try it all - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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JL SMOKEHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

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Divey

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Moderate noise

Good for groups

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Kyle B.

This was the highlight of my travel to PHX. Came from seeing Mark Weins(YouTuber) visit. The food was delicious. And I got a chance to meet and speak with JL. Just a really nice, down to earth, conversational gentleman. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I ate the restaurant which was comfy and simple.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Slow when I got there. But business quickly jumped[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will most certainly return!!

Tonisha C.

A solid bbq spot. The service was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining/waiting area was clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They do have music playing in the background but it's not so loud that you can't easily converse with others around you.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The wait time to receive our order wasn't too long. The meats were well seasoned with the brisket being a little on the spicy side. The BBQ sauce was not great, too much vinegar not enough flavor.

Pulled pork, spareribs, brisket, bologna, mac 'n cheese, beans, roll

Dan L.

I'm traveling from our if town and decided to stop here for lunch. It was just okay. The staff was great. Five stars for them. Brisket was fine. Ribs were fine. Pulled pork was fine. Smoked bologna was pretty good. Beans were subpar. Mac 'n cheese was really bad. BBQ sauce was horrible. Way too runny! It came out like water! With the exception of when I make my own, I haven't had smoked bologna in a really long time, so I was stoked to see it as an option. All the restaurants in Oklahoma have it. If somebody told me they were traveling to Phoenix and wanted a barbecue recommendation, I would not send them here. Not bad, but definitely not worth the recommendation.

Food galore the Slugger Pit Master Picks so fun to try it all

Krissy H.

The experience there was truly delightful. Surprisingly, the cornbread stole my heart, even as someone who usually isn't drawn to it. It arrives looking like a pancake, but the flavor is incredible! While the barbecue was good, I found myself slightly disappointed. No regrets, though--I plan to elevate my mac & cheese by adding green chilies for that extra kick when I get home. The potato salad had a sweetness that wasn't quite my preference, but don't get me wrong still good and home made as for the coleslaw was refreshing, especially when mixed with the barbecue sauce. We indulged in a feast of six meats--perhaps too much for just the two of us--but we're excited to transform the leftovers into amazing tacos. After seeing it featured on the news, we drove an hour to experience this gem, and it was well worth it. This place has earned a spot on my list of go to spots. [[HIGHLIGHT]]While not a typical date night spot, hints it is a BBQ place and not much to look at again don't get me wrong its fine but it's perfect for takeout; imagine a lovely picnic or a fun backyard gathering.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A day by the river with this delicious food would be truly fabulous. as for the service could not ask for a better service they were super sweet .

This place stepped above and beyond once more food is absolutely excellent and made to eat. Service was incredible as normal

Richard E.

Service was great. Food is unbelievable once again ready to eat thank you guys very much for your great service.

Beans, pulled pork sandwich, mac & cheese barbecue sauce

BBQ Parking behind the building. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside is like a traditional BBQ joint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You order at the counter. This review is solely for the items I ordered and I have not sampled any of the other food. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and a side of beans and macaroni and cheese. First, let me say the sides are probably enough for two people so bring a friend and maybe each order one side and split them. My meal with a can of soda was just under $25. This style of barbecue appears to me to be more of almost like a North Carolina or vinegar based style with a little mix of spicy. It's definitely a spicy or style of barbecue than something sweet like a baby Rays or other store-bought barbecue sauce you're probably used to eating. Their sauce is thinner and has a pretty good taste and spice to it. The beans have good flavor and are also somewhat spicy so maybe buy yourself a second drink because you'll be drinking it. The mac & cheese was of the right consistency that mac & cheese should be. It was not runny. It had decent flavor and was even tastier when I put some of the barbecue sauce on it. Let's get to the pulled pork sandwich. The portions were fine. It came on a nice fresh bun, but as opposed to being pulled pork, it looked like more like chopped up pork, and to be honest it did not have an overly smoky taste. It was moist and you could tell it was barbecue and not like a pork chop, but it just didn't have enough smoked flavor for me. Some of the bark even tasted almost crispy, like a pork rind. Slathered in sauce it went down fine, but I'm not gonna lie, I was really missing that smoky flavor and a good bark that you typically get from well done barbecue. I'll definitely go back and try some of their other meats and see if they are any different. I'm going to have to take off one star just for the lack of smoke flavor because after all it is barbecue, but all in all my sandwich was decent but not the best I've ever had. I would've taken off half a star for the price because I don't think a lunch should cost almost $25 especially when I know how much pork shoulder costs, but since the sides really were enough for two people, they'll keep their half a star. Give it a try but go in knowing it is not gonna be sticky sweet barbecue. It's going to be more of a vinegar base style of barbecue.

Kalyn C.

This was our first time trying JL Smokehouse and we had a fabulous experience. All of the food was delicious, and we got lucky and even met JL himself, his wife, and Dee who were all super sweet. They cook from the heart and it shows in the flavor of the food! We got the brisket, pulled pork and ribs, as well as Mac n cheese, bbq beans and a bbq brisket taco. All were yummy but the brisket was our fav - such a yummy flavor in the seasoning and perfectly tender. Food 10/10 Customer Service 10/10 We are excited to come back and try more of their menu, including their sandwiches and more tacos for lunch. We luckily live nearby. Happy to say we finally found a delicious arizona bbq place!

Jeff B.

I ordered online for pick up. It said 30 mins. I got two Whippersnapper lunches, no frills. The dude at the counter was effervescent and friendly. Sadly, when I arrived 30 mins later, he told me they were out of collards. I switched to coleslaw but they were out. How about baked beans? Out. It sounded like the cook needed to arrive sooner. As I waited for my order, he told others that they were out of wings and smoked sausage. They better knock me out with the food on this one. My order was ready on time. I checked the order before leaving and everything was fine this time. In all it came to $37.90, which was about right for BBQ. JL BBQ is wearing me down with the restrictions: first it was the hours; now the availability of menu items so what's next?

Danita W.

My daughter and I visited her today and purchases the brisket sandwich with fries and pulled pork loaded baked potato and collard greens. The food was delicious and great flavors. The brisket was moist and well seasoned. The fries were lightly battered given a crunchy texture and the loaded potato was amazing! The collards were ok lack seasoning but added some brisket and seasoning made it better. Overall, great customer service who provided recommendations for sandwiches.

Brie O.

We flew in from Seattle and I was craving bbq. I'm from Texas and if you know you know Texas bbq is the BEST! As soon as we got off of the plane we headed to eat. And there is no better place to be go than an off the grid restaurant to get the flavor of the city. We arrived at JL Smokehouse and we were greeted with the smell of brisket. We ordered the Heavy Hitter. 5 meats and 3 sides. Brisket Ribs Chicken Cut ribs Pulled pork Baked beans Potato salad Coleslaw Meat was tender and nicely seasoned and char in the meat. The potato salad was the best side to me. Nicely seasoned soft but firm potatoes. Coleslaw had a nice vinegar kick in the back of the mouth. Nice and crunchy. Baked beans sweet and a little spicy. Just right. We did not try any dessert we were stuffed from the food. The heavy hitter is enough for 3-4 people. We never finished it all. This was a great experience. Awesome R&B music playing. Staff were extremely friendly and patient.

Mike H.

Look folks, Phoenix is turning into a BBQ Mecca. JL is the diamond in the rough you have been searching for. The service is with courtesy and love of what is being done. The young lady at the counter is a delight. I watched her work her a$$ off and with a smile. You don't pay her enough JL Food, A+ brisket- moist and tender, great cut. Ribs- great bite, good Q. Chicken thighs, well smoked and skin charred just right. The pork belly had what tasted like a bit of cinnamon in the dusting. This made it a bit irresistible to me. The flavor was super interesting with the rich belly. Hot links had the right bite. Sides weee great too but I am being long winded. Suffice to say... hit up JL. It a bit of good que, it takes your mind off the heat.

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Review Insights

Charles V.

100

3 years ago

Absolutely terrific BBQ, I'll be honest I don't care for BBQ because too many places over smoke their meat, but this, this is fantastic BBQ, sauce is out of this world tasty, I never tasted BBQ sauce this good, so I ordered Rib Tips for my first time there and I had no idea that it was going to be that good... wow, so the next time I'm going to load up and take lots of fixin's back to L.A. there's decent places for BBQ in L.A. as well as Phoenix but nothing comes close to JL, I'm in Phoenix several times a month because of my job and just always drive past it. I'm so happy I stop by after seeing YouTube'r mark weins food channel go there so it was a must stop. read more

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James L.

Thank you, Charles, for your feedback.

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Bruce T.

6 years ago

some of the best bbq I've had in awhile! Most definitely one of my top 3 spots in Arizona. The portions are good and the meat has so much flavor you hardly need any sauce I saw that most people mentioned getting the heavy hitter which comes with more meat and a extra side but I decided to get the 3 meat 2 side combo right under that which soon made me realize why the heavy hitter combo is the one to go to, the meat is so good! I definitely recommend here no matter what you decide to go with! read more

JL Smokehouse - Brisket,Ribs,Smoked sausage w/ Mac n cheese & bbq beans - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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James L.

Thank you Bruce.....

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Alec P.

5 years ago

Just visiting Phoenix for the weekend and had to try this place. Got Straddling The Fence which is 3 meats and 2 sides. The pulled pork is SO GOOD. They give a huge portion of food so bring an appetite. Def will be back when I visit again. Also, I didn't get her name but the woman taking all the orders is super nice and didn't get phased with a bunch of people coming in. Thanks for your help read more

JL Smokehouse - Straddling the Fence: Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Smoked Sausage. - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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James L.

Thank you so much for your feedback. We are so happy that you chose…

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Kaylee A.

Elite 23

151

111

4 years ago

Ok a MUST eat!!! We were visiting from the West Valley and went to The Plant Stand, carried our plants in there. Ordered a combo with 5 meats three sides. Was soooo impressed!! The stars were the brisket, hot links, ribs, and THE POTATO SALAD(simple but unique amazing). They seem to have a large local following and many locals chatted with us and asked how everything was. Customer service was too notch everyone was so friendly! We will definitely return read more

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James L.

Thank you Kaylee...

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Mario V.

4 years ago

Excellent Bar B Que great sauces, unique sides and one of the best Mac n cheese sides I have ever tried.

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James L.

Thank you Mario...

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Cindy S.

114

4 years ago

Smells so great, cashier is so nice and they offer-first responder discount. Authentic barbecue food smells so good. But I recommend you order online in advance we have been here 50 minutes and still waiting for our food. Did get our food took one hour and it was on the back the whole time. I would say don't go here unless you have a lot of time. read more

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James L.

I am sorry that happened, I don't know the full story. However, we…

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Matthew K.

101

6 years ago

Almost don't want to review so this place stays hidden. Visiting from San Diego, was craving BBQ, decided to try this place. It's a total hole in the wall, brisket was sold OUT (i missed an autocorrect that had said OLD), but everything else was amazing! Definitely eating here again on future visits to Phoenix. Have gotten take out a few more times since and each time everything has been amazing. read more

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James L.

Thank you Matthew, I just have one correction. We do not sell old…

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Darrell H.

3 years ago

Went in for the 1st time and was greeted by the owner JL. Food was amazing and the pulled pork did not disappoint as advertised. Prices and portions were great and customer service was on point . Would definitely recommend. read more

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James L.

Thank you, Darrel, for your feedback .…

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Joe K.

6 years ago

What happened? I have had JL many times for a work lunch. I decided to order delivery for home because the brisket is so tasty. Actually, everything I have had from JL tastes really good. My order included 2 lbs of brisket, but, when the driver dropped off my order, there was only 1 lb. Of brisket. Not sure where the disconnect was but the story here is go pick it up yourself so you can verify what you're getting. read more

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James L.

Hi Joe,…

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Erica M.

Elite 24

4 years ago

On birthday vacation for my boyfriend. We had to stop by this establishment to show support. We could smell the smoker putting out some seriously smokey scents. We were so excited. I can't remember which one we purchased. But we ordered the brisket, pork ribs, hot sausage, and sausage, and chicken. They didn't have pulled pork or beef ribs or maybe I misunderstood amd the beef ribs wouldn't be included with one our meat selection, it would have been an additional $35 for beef ribs. Our sides were mac n cheese, baked beans, and potato salad. Everything was delicious. Potato salad tasted like it had the BBQ dry rib seasonings flavoring it. The Mac n cheese was delicious. It wasn't creamy and cheesy but it was perfect. The baked beans were delicious as well. I am not crazy about baked beans but thr flavor was good. Now the sausage and pork ribs were overly smoky. I think bc they weren't thick or meaty maybe if they were left in the smoker or left to get too smoky we would have liked it better. But the brisket and hot link and chicken. Were perfectly smoked. All in all. We would go back and are glad we stopped. The women at the cash register was very nice and sweet and did give us a lot of BBQ sauces to go for our meats we couldn't finish at the moment. Lol! read more

JL Smokehouse - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Alex H.

133

321

4 years ago

Great local place. Wide selection of Freshly smoked meats. Plenty of classic sides like beans, collard greens, etc. Parking in the back.

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James L.

Thank you Alex...

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Zacqueline D.

8 years ago

Best part of our day today was getting a meal here. JL IS THE BARBEQUE MAN!!!! Food so good you can't stop eating. The sides also please and SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE!!! I've never had potato salad or cabbage like this. So flavorful!!! Love this place. You need to franchise this place read more

JL Smokehouse - The BEST Barbeque in th USA!!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - My Honi with JL at the Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - O my Gosh good food can make you fall in love JL Smokehouse Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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James L.

Thank You!

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Julie M.

8 years ago

It's a little bit scary neighborhood but oh my gosh!!! The food is to die for! Owner was friendly and helpful. Sauce is yummy. We had pork belly 5 stars! Collard greens YUM !!! Pulled pork. Killer!! Smoked sausage. Delicious! Mac n cheese ... yum yum. If you're a smoked meat / southern food junkie you have to come here!!!! read more

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Arlene B.

177

5 years ago

The food here is authentic Southern BBQ !! My taste buds had a BIG party savoring all the delicious foods. BEST BBQ in Phoenix ! Don't forget to order the Peach Cobbler !! read more

JL Smokehouse - BBQ Beans, Mac and Cheese, Rib Tips, Pulled Pork, and Brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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James L.

Thank you Arlene...

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TR A.

3 years ago

I was going to try JL Smokehouse because of the ratings they have. The first thing I want to mention is I don't have any thing bad to say about there food as I was unable to try it. I arrived just shortly after their stated opening time which is 11:00 AM. They were not opened. I knocked on their back door and was told to come back in 15 minutes. I only have a 30 minute lunch hour and waited till 11 to make sure I had enough time. It really bothers me that a restaurant does not open on time. If you say you open at 11, open at 11, not 11:15! read more

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Laura G.

6 years ago

BEST BBQ IN PHOENIX!! We stumbled upon this place a few months ago and I've been meaning to write this review. Man this place always hits the spot, the young lady that takes out order is always so sweet and makes sure our order is always correct. I love their new location so spacious but lets me honestly no one wants to know how it looks inside. The food is by far the best bbq I've ever had, the brisket!! Man that brisket will change ya life. My favorite thing has to the be the 2 meat combo with Mac n cheese and greens with brisket and pulled pork, my husband doesn't eat pork so he orders the chicken and brisket. Never dissatisfied with JL's delicious food, and their customer service is to match. You feel like your at home and this food gets to your soul. If you're looking for delicious barbecue and incredible people definitely come here read more

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James L.

Thank you Laura. I hope to see you soon.

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Rachelle M.

353

5 years ago

Best pulled pork and always get a ton of it! Mac and cheese is creamy and I can appreciate the ghost spicy-ness. I also appreciate them waiting till you get there to pick up your DoorDash to make your food so it's the freshest it can be. Always great to see JL in the building interacting with the customers! My friends and I eat here often and will continue to do so! read more

JL Smokehouse - Pulled Pork Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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James L.

Thank you Rachelle... We look forward to seeing you soon...

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Michelle B.

Elite 19

163

4 years ago

best greens i've ever ate in my 59 years on this planet! Service delivered with a smile and genuine appreciation! i love these folks and their food is amazing! don't expect anything fancy because if you are all about good barbecue, then, face it, the atmosphere needs to be appropriate for sauce slappin, gums smackin, and just good down home eatin! read more

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Daniella N.

4 years ago

If you don't mind the wait, the food is excellent. Probably the best Southern style barbecue I've found in Phoenix.

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Jeff B.

4 years ago

In my previous review I mentioned some menu items that seemed to never be available at lunch. I am pleased to report no longer an issue. JL has moved on broadway and their menu got a little bigger in the process. I revisited recently and I had some great pulled pork, the kind that comes with sauce on the side. The way it should be. Smoky and tender, JL'S pulled pork is excellent as well as the Mac and cheese and the potato salad that must have some "rub" mixed in. It has a spicy and smoky kick to it. read more

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James L.

We have not and we will never stop our passion to creation and…

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Miscarlson7039 ..

8 years ago

Good rib tips, awesome hot links, bbq beans rock, everything was good. Least favorite was smoked sausage and potato salad. Juicy pulled pork, they ran out of burnt ends and pork belly when we got there around 1:30pm Saturday. Get there early! There is about 4 large round tables for seating. read more

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Juanita D.

2 years ago

I have enjoyed this Great food for years! Everything I have ordered taste very good. The service provided on every visit has always been exceptional. The ambiance is warm, friendly and welcoming. I do not eat from many restaurants now days. Food quality is important. Here I know that my ordered food is the best in quality. Thank you soooooo much for your continued Great restaurant experience. read more

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Whitney M.

391

8 years ago

JL get's 5 stars for Customer Service + Powerful Flavor of everything! I am visiting Phoenix & wanted some good food via delivery. After glancing at JL's pictures and customer reviews, I ordered via Grubhub courtesy of YELP :) Then I called the restaurant to ensure my order was received. A gentleman answered the phone and was very pleasant. The conversation was so warm and inviting. We actually spoke on 3 occasions to ensure my order was perfect! He even called to let me know the GrubHub driver was on the way! The BEST DELIVERY experience I have ever had. Food: I ordered the Heavy Hitter (5 meats , 3 sides) and when I received my order I actually had a SURPRISE! 6 Meats, 4 sides? WHOW O WOW! Brisket (tender and smoked to perfection) ,A double order of Rib Tips (delectable) ,Smoked sausage (mouth watering n juicy), Pulled Pork (he converted me into a pulled pork lover!-flavorful), and the BBQ Bologna was soooo delish, BEST I've ever had bc the meat was thick cut, fried crisp* each bite brought thoughts of "why is this food so good?" along with a few childhood memories, growing up in Memphis and all. The BAKED BEANS were so yummy. Not that dried, bland baked bean fodder. JL's tangy, bold baked beans came with a kick! Wowzers! and I didn't even order them at 1st. So glad JL added them as a courtesy to my order. Even his since of urgency is unmatched. I wanted the Peach Cobbler, it was sold out, and I was notified immediately that it would be refunded to my card with out question. I recommend JL's to friends and fellow YELPERS! CHEERS! read more

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Melissa M.

4 years ago

Great food and even nicer staff! I forgot her name but that lady and the counter was the sweetest. Treated us like family! Wish I took a picture of our food but just ate it too quickly. read more

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Andrea m.

3 years ago

We used this spot to cater for a baby shower. It was so good and was more than enough food. Whenever I review a BBQ place and I say there are much better options in Phoenix this is the place I am talking about. read more

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James L.

Thank you, Andrea, for those kind words.

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Lewis K.

4 years ago

Best Ribs ever! if you want to eat good food don't complain about the wait time. Let say I waited for a good while but food was worth it. Beans were delicious, potato salad great taste and the Mac was out of this world good. Great work to the owner and the awesome staff that help me. read more

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BD B.

4 years ago

You know a spot is good when the reviews are direct and to the point...GO! Don't think about it, just go. If you can, do it now. The brisket, chicken, mac & cheese, beans and slaw are ridiculous. A hidden gem! read more

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Joseph R.

4 years ago

The food isn't worth the wait/dealing with the front of house. It doesn't matter how busy they are. It is always a 30+ minute wait to get them to serve your food. Don't bother trying to call in an order -- they don't accept that either. read more

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James L.

I have already left 2 direct message to Joseph, butt I will not…

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Kendra L.

128

4 years ago

It was definitely worth the wait! Everything was on point, I'll definitely make the drive just to eat here again. The potato salad, collard greens, Mac n cheese were all great. The brisket melts in your mouth, the pork belly, pulled pork, rib tips, and smoked sausage were all equally amazing! You can't beat the price either! read more

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James L.

Thank you Kendra!!

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Cheriah J.

4 years ago

Food was ok. I ordered online and was quoted 30 min. Waited an additional 30 min for my order. The ribs/ chicken was tender and dry if that makes sense. On the other hand that catfish taco, Baby!! Now that was worth the wait!! read more

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James L.

Thank you Cheriah!

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Jeff S.

137

4 years ago

Great friendly service and very good smoked beef brisket. The owner opens up the food container for every customer to proudly display the actual food they are getting. Very impressive. Only possible improvement could be the sides there are a bit bland (beans and cole slaw), and could use some help. Solid family atmosphere with two friendly greeetings BEFORE I even reached the order counter. read more

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James L.

Thank you Jeff..

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J P.

136

4 years ago

By far, the best bbq I've had, hands down. I ordered the 'straddling the fence' and I picked smoke sausage, brisket and ribs. For my sides, I got the beans/potatoes and Mac'n'cheese. The smoke sausage was so juicy, the brisket so tender and the ribs were really tasty. The bbq sauce, was, wow. The beans/potatoes were really good and I'm not a fan of vegetables :) And the mac n cheese was so cheesy that I didn't realize there was macaroni in it :D I might have to travel to Phoenix just to get more bbq from here. read more

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Critic L.

5 years ago

Adversity is the crucible that burns away all but the finest pure gold. I don't know Pit Master James Lewis and his brother Calvin's whole story but I do know the country that they came from. Arkansas is a hard place that produced the blues and the finest tasting food in the world, all right from the area where these brothers grew up. This place is the real deal. Memphis Style Barbecue, actually delta style, Memphis just happens to be the closest big town around to make the best of these pit men famous. From the minute you see JL Smokehouse adjacent to the Baptist church you begin to be transported back to the good memories of life in rural Arkansas. Then when you step out of your car and walk up the dirt ally way, soaking in the smell of the wood smoke, you can't help but think of the ally entrance to Memphis' iconic landmark the Rendezvous. When you walk in the atmosphere is familiar and correct right down to the music on the radio in the kitchen. The service is sweet, like they're old friends that you've known all your life. The menu is just what you'd hoped to find, all the favorite items you long for, and then some. The Heavy Hitter allows you to try almost everything and it is all indeed Divine! From the collard greens to the super smoky rib tips, I was dizzy with delight. This place is the Gold Standard for Barbecue. I can't wait to go again. read more

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James L.

Thank you for your feedback.. Beautiful..

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Erica E.

5 years ago

Not everyone eats spicy ass food.. Please put a sign up that says most of the food is fire hot.. I ordered a fish plate and a 3 meat combo and all of the meat (including to fish) was way too spicy and you can taste the either gas or liquid smoke (too much) which was not a good taste. All of the sides ( especially the macaroni cheese) was on point!! I would love to come back and have a choice of spicy and none spicy so I can enjoy my bbq and fish plate that I paid $43 for.. read more

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Mary H.

4 years ago

JL Smokehouse has the best BBQ and sides in the PHX area. JL catered my birthday party and the guests left full & happy. You get a lot of food for your money & excellent service. JL even came back to the party (in rush hour traffic) because one of the dishes didn't get unloaded. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed! read more

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James L.

Thank you so much...

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Jock C.

4 years ago

I was driving by and saw BarBQ. Drove 4 more blocks, banged a U-Turn and parked out back. I stopped for the food. I've had great BBQ all over the country and, generally, the less impressed they are with their joint, the better the food. I was right again. Today I think I completed the full circle. I have had everything on the menu. Four visits! The best. Repeat....often. Best in Phoenix! read more

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James L.

Thank you so much....

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John A.

489

4 years ago

Foods great but service is almost non existent. Had to wait over 50 mins on a Sunday for my food. There's better options in Phoenix that can handle basic customer service. read more

Business owner information

James L.

It really amazed me, that people like you do not understand the…

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Scott M.

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999

9 years ago

I was in the mood for some good 'ol BBQ today and wanted something I could pick up on my way home from work. A quick Yelp search yielded JL Smokehouse, so I decided to stop in to see what this place was all about. Upon arriving, I was immediately greeted by a wonderful smoky bbq aroma and very friendly and boisterous JL behind the counter. He gave me a rundown on his southeast roots and with me being from NC and having sampled a lot of good BBQ in my years there and here in AZ, we quickly connected. The menu is easy - pulled pork, chicken, smoked sausage, hot links, ribs, rib tips, beef brisket and a couple of less usual items like bbq bologna and ALENE, all of which you can either do as a sandwich or on a platter, accompanied by a few delicious sounding sides and peach cobbler for folks with a hankering for something sweet. I opted for the "Straddling the Fence" platter, which is three meats of your choice & two sides. For me, what sounded right today was ribs, brisket and smoked sausage plus mac & cheese and bbq beans. I opted for the sauce on the side (instead of poured over the meat) and boy am I glad I did! The flavor of the meat was just outstanding without even needing sauce, I was very pleasantly surprised. I find that a lot of bbq requires being doused in sauce to really get the desired flavor, but JL's bbq was exploding with flavor all on it's own. I definitely suggest getting your sauce on the side if you're doing takeout. The huge ribs were tender, had a great smoky flavor and were AMPLE at 3 ribs to my order. While I dipped them in the sauce a little, they really didn't need it. Next up was the huge portion of beef brisket. I am not usually a brisket fan, typically preferring bbq pork, but man oh man was this brisket melt-in-your mouth good. I didn't touch the sauce because the meat just didn't need it! Just fatty enough, this brisket was really, really good. I would definitely order this again. Next, smoked sausage -- again, no need for sauce -- it was incredible. The smoky flavor and perfect texture were just what the doctor ordered. Awesome, awesome sausage. Finally, the mac & cheese was good, but the bbq beans were GREAT. I was very happy with my choices today, and I look forward to returning - next time I will try the pulled pork, chicken and hot links. Really happy to have found JL Smokehouse! Update 8/2/17: Finished up my leftovers for dinner last night. Yep, I got two complete meals out of that platter! read more

Business owner information

James L.

Thank You!

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Ralph B.

4 years ago

Who was fantastic, excellent service, and the atmosphere is amazing enjoy. And I'm hard to please on barbecue so enjoy.

Business owner information

James L.

Thank you Ralph for sharing...

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Mel J.

7 years ago

Thanks to a Valley Metro Bus Driver, I visited this location and ordered a pound of Rib Tips and a side of Potato Salad to Go! JL's style of grilling truly made the Rib Tips Shine. The Potato Salad, added a nice even balance to the meal. Making me crave another 3-Meat-2-Sides meal I bought from his Peoria & 19th Ave location. Next time, I want to try the Peach Cobbler. Till then, all you Yelpers need to try one of Best BBQ restaurants in the Valley........JL SMOKEHOUSE !! read more

JL Smokehouse - A Birdseye view of a plate of JL SMOKEHOUSE'S amazing Rib Tips, Potato Salad and Baked Beans Combo. - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - Another veiw of that amazing plate. - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - Can't 'wait' to clean that plate!! - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

JL Smokehouse - A Plate of Rib Tips, Potato Salad and Baked Beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Business owner information

James L.

Thank you Mel!

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Page 5 of 12

2010 E Broadway Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Directions
(602) 620-5132
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.jlsmokehouse.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does JL Smokehouse open?

JL Smokehouse opens at 10:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does JL Smokehouse close?

JL Smokehouse closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.JL Smokehouse is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 10:30 AM - 8:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does JL Smokehouse take Bitcoin?

No, JL Smokehouse does not take Bitcoin.

Does JL Smokehouse take credit cards?

Yes, JL Smokehouse takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does JL Smokehouse have catering options?

Yes, JL Smokehouse does have catering options.

Does JL Smokehouse have a drive thru?

No, JL Smokehouse does not have a drive thru.

Does JL Smokehouse have a happy hour?

No, JL Smokehouse does not have a happy hour.

Does JL Smokehouse serve alcohol?

No, JL Smokehouse does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does JL Smokehouse allow dogs?

No, JL Smokehouse does not allow dogs.

Does JL Smokehouse have TVs?

No, JL Smokehouse does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does JL Smokehouse have bike parking?

Yes, JL Smokehouse has bike parking.

Does JL Smokehouse have outdoor seating?

Yes, JL Smokehouse has outdoor seating options.

Does JL Smokehouse have parking?

Yes, JL Smokehouse has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is JL Smokehouse wheelchair accessible?

Yes, JL Smokehouse is wheelchair accessible.

Does JL Smokehouse have free WiFi?

Yes, JL Smokehouse has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Welcome to JL Smokehouse BBQ — where authentic wood-smoked barbecue meets bold Southern fusion flavors. At JL Smokehouse, we believe: “If it ain’t no wood, the food is no good.” Our meats are slow-smoked over real wood for hours, delivering the rich flavor and true barbecue experience that sets us apart. JL Smokehouse is known for blending Southern barbecue culture with flavors from around the world. Alongside our signature smoked meats, you’ll find creative fusion favorites like tacos, nachos, egg rolls, loaded baked potatoes — and now, handcrafted takeout pizzas loaded with authentic smokehouse flavor. From brisket-topped pizzas to Southern-inspired specialty creations, every item is made with the same passion, smoke, and flavor that defines JL Smokehouse. Come experience authentic barbecue, Southern fusion, and handcrafted flavor all in one place. JL Smokehouse BBQ — Put Some South In Your Mouth.

History

Established in 2015.

I think that I might have Barbecue blood. I have love barbecue, since I was a kid, but it did not love me back. I used to get sick , when I ate smoke meat. At age 20 , I felt in love with barbecuing, but I was afraid of doing it wrong, so I went to the library and I check out every book that I seen on barbecue. It were at this time that I discover the proper way to barbecue and I didn't get sick anymore. Now, I have been smoking meats for over 30 years. Experience Matter!

Meet the Business Owner: JL L.

Barbeque is the love of my life. I have a passion to cook and share my creations with the ones that I love. When, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was barbecuing that got me through the most difficult moment of my life. Who am I? I can only say that I live to Q. JL- Just Love

More Info

Health Score

JL Smokehouse Reviews in Other Languages

Chinese
1 Review

Ask the Community - JL Smokehouse

Are your meats gluten free? (no soy sauce etc)?

Yes

View question details

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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First & Last

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Culinary Dropout

Cool eclectic place. There is parking for this place…read more They seated us immediately asking us where we preferred to sit. Server was very prompt and even though we sat outdoors we were attended to as if we were inside. 5 stars just for this part. We both got a light summer cocktails. My friend got watermelon spritz and i got the summer tan sangria. She got a salad and I got a katsu sandwich with a side salad. Didnt take long for food to come. Impressed that the food was so good. Katsu was lightly battered w panko. Delicious- and crispy and the meat was still tender and not dry. Absolutely enjoyed this. I wish i lived here for the food :) Will be back when we are back in town

Before I begin, my review is based solely on brunch service, as I have yet to visit for lunch or…read moredinner. With that said, brunch is all gas, no brakes. Absolute fire. I am always down for a peach mimosa and their chicken and biscuits with Old Bay gravy. It's one of those meals that keeps me coming back. The hybrid indoor-outdoor atmosphere is a great touch, and the lawn games help create a fun, relaxed environment that encourages people to stick around and enjoy themselves. During football season, they make sure the games are on, which makes this a perfect Sunday brunch spot for my wife and me. She gets brunch, I get football. Actually, that's not entirely true. I also get brunch, because brunch is delicious, and anyone who disagrees can go suck an Eggs Benedict. Great food, great atmosphere, and one of my favorite places to spend a Sunday morning.

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The food here used to offset set the sometimes spotty service but the inconsistency in flavor and…read moretaste is happening more often than not. When you let them know, they make it seem as if you're being a difficult customer and make it awkward. In addition, the person at the register always seems annoyed when she has to help a guest. Sad to say we won't be coming here anymore.

I came with friends for lunch on Saturday around 2pm. It was busy inside and we were told it would…read morebe a 30min wait. We waited outside as there was nowhere to wait inside. 30 minutes later, we got a call that our table was ready. Once seated, the server came over and took our orders. We ordered: One steak pho One chicken pho One order of egg rolls One order of spring rolls One order of pork fried rice One Thai tea Everything was served at a timely manner. The spring rolls were delicious, fresh, and the peanut sauce on the side gave it a good touch. The egg rolls were hot and crispy. The pork fried rice was flavorful and more then enough for us three to share. The pho's were both really good. The broth was served hot, had really good flavor, and was served with a lot of noodles and meat. Service was good. They had people going around picking up plates as we were done with hem. The inside is small but welcoming. We had a great time!

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25 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Roderick P.

3 years ago

Subject: A Culinary Triumph at JL's Smokehouse Barbecue Dear Fellow Food Enthusiasts, It is with great pleasure and a satisfied palate that I extol the virtues of JL's Smokehouse Barbecue, a bastion of culinary delight that stands as a testament to the art of barbecue. From the moment one enters, the ambiance transports you to a realm where smoky aromas intermingle with a warm, inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for a truly remarkable dining experience. The staff at JL's are paragons of hospitality, embodying the epitome of customer service. Their attentiveness is only matched by their deep knowledge of the menu, guiding patrons through a rich tapestry of flavors with recommendations that delight and surprise. Their accommodating nature ensures that every need is met, every preference honored, and every visit personalized. As for the cuisine, to describe the offerings at JL's as merely food would be an understatement; it is an exploration of taste and tradition. Each dish is crafted with a reverence for barbecue's rich history, infused with a contemporary flair that elevates it to a sublime level. The brisket, tender and robust, is a masterpiece of meat preparation, while the ribs, with their perfect bark and succulent meat, fall effortlessly off the bone, leaving a lasting impression of flavor that lingers on the tongue. The sides are no mere afterthought; they are stars in their own right, each one a perfect complement to the mains. And the desserts are a fitting finale to the opulent feast, with just the right touch of sweetness to round out the meal. In summation, JL's Smokehouse Barbecue is not just a restaurant--it is a destination. One does not simply eat here; one revels in the joy of dining. For aficionados of true barbecue excellence and for those who appreciate the finer points of a well-crafted meal, JL's is a veritable mecca. May your visit there be as fulfilling and memorable as mine. With highest recommendations, Roderick Pittman read more

Brenden F.

6 years ago

Barbecue, specially smoked is a passion and a culture, you either have it or you dont .JL smokehouse HAS IT and then some!! if you just like smoked barbecue you will LOVE it after eating here. amazing friendly deep south family style BBQ. I tried the Brisket, mac n cheese, cole slaw, pulled pork, baby backs and sausage. all was pure heavenly goodness lots of smoke, lots of flavor, juicy tender and just the right bark. just the right amount of sauce. perfection. You can tell there are decades of real wood deep pit skills behind this food. you cant go wrong here. and like the sign says all who enter are family, the friendliness and culture here is warm and friendly . thank you JL and family. ill be back read more

L N.

245

2 years ago

This BBQ spot is more affordable than others I've tried, which was a nice surprise! We ordered the Heavy Hitter meal with smoked sausage, pulled pork, rib tips, and ribs. Unfortunately, the sausage didn't stand out, and despite JL Smokehouse's claim that their pulled pork is the best in the country, I found it dry and underwhelming, just like the ribs. The rib tips were tender, but some pieces were so salty they were tough to eat. On the bright side, the staff was incredibly friendly, though the wait time was longer than expected, even during a slow period. read more

James M.

9 years ago

We searched for a good BBQ joint for lunch, ended up finding this place. This place is AMAZING. His brisket is on point, his rib tips are on point, the smoked sausage is on point. JL convinced me to try collard greens because I never have and even those were great. Definitely check this place out. read more

Jackson K.

5 years ago

I highly recommend this restaurant. The food is spectacular!!! The staff are excellent and certainly dedicated to their work. I have never had anything but exceptional service from this restaurant and I really appreciate their professional demeanor in all of our dealings! 5 stars for sure! read more

Martha S.

5 years ago

All the food here is amazing and the staff here is all on point professional and very friendly I come from a far just to get the mac and cheese and collard greens everything else as far as the barbecue is bomb.com they are definitely the best in the valley . read more

Daniel T.

6 years ago

Give JL his flowers now. The bbq is always 5 star. Tender juicy, and always full of flavor. Real southern bbq is live and in action, and has blessed us Arizonians. Thank you JL for the consistnency and creativity with new items. read more

Quincy J.

1 year ago

Very delicious bbq! Wonderful BBQ food and everything was well-done! The brisket was tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. The bbq sauce was perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavor. Other food options was absolutely good. read more

Kayli D.

4 years ago

EXCELLENT BBQ! Feels good to support a small business. Pulled pork was so flavorful, the BBQ sauce was very good & the potato salad had a wonderfully different flavor, almost tangy like BBQ sauce. Give this place a try!! read more

Elaine T.

5 years ago

Diamond in the rough! Just driving in you can smell how good it is. Great selection of meats and sides. Nothing short of flavorful, juicy and original BBQ. Friendly and very helpful staff. Stay safe and God Bless! read more

Jacob M.

2 years ago

now this is bbq! jl your the best! let that flavor hit your taste buds with a punch of love!!! wooooo james knows what he's doing here. good shit man you're awesome keep up the hard work brotha! read more

Mike F.

4 years ago

Looks like an old house but when you get out your car you can smell it. very nice people there and the food is VERY GOOD. Will be one of my go to places from now on!! Mike Fisher Big E's Tire read more

Craig B.

214

8 years ago

This place is fire. Best BBQ around... Pork belly is the best I have had. Period. Owner is an awesome dude, will definitely return.

Sunshine S.

122

5 years ago

I went back. I asked for the same. Some of the slices I got were 3/4" thick! Too thick for me Tasty but too thick

Mike A.

177

4 years ago

Just seeing this video gave it a 5 star review in my book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPCrrXZOv0Q&t=651s read more

Gabriela E.

4 years ago

Every Single thing is amazing. And the staff is so accommodating as well. I highly recommend trying them!

Ishmael H.

6 years ago

My birthday is on July 12 and they are opening on July 1, I cant wait to have me Some real soul food ! read more

Tim G.

4 years ago

Wow! Got one of each meat and 4 sides and everything was delicious. The ribs especially were delicious!

Sity H.

9 years ago

Stumbled on this place by mistake. Best mistake ever! SOO good! Best BBQ I've had in a long time!!

Craig P.

244

6 years ago

No sauce needed! Everything we tried had great flavor, and we'll definitely be back for more.

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JL Smokehouse - bbq - Updated July 2026

People who viewed JL Smokehouse also viewed

Big Bacons

3.5

(67 reviews)

Truly enjoyed the catfish, mac & cheese w/green beans. Food was hot and tasty! Because the food is…read morecooked to order, the wait time can be a little lengthy. Setting was comfortable. If you want a good home cooked meal, this is the place.

Big Bacon's Soul Food was an absolute 10/10 experience from start to finish. The service was beyond…read moreexceptional -- attentive, welcoming, and genuinely warm. You can tell they care about their customers. The food? Incredible. Every bite was seasoned perfectly and made with real soul. You can taste the love in it. And the dessert... mind-blowing doesn't even begin to cover it. It was hands down one of the best desserts I've ever had. I have never felt this sure about a restaurant recommendation in my life -- Big Bacon's is the real deal. I will absolutely be back.

Smoke Somethin’ BBQ

4.8

(11 reviews)

My wife and I stopped by SSB at the copper state food and wine festival and she gave a complete run…read moredown on the food. The smoked turkey legs was amazing. The collard greens had a great taste to it. The macaroni and cheese was good as well. Major props to SSB!

I drove by this food truck on Broadway and saw it was a new (to me) BBQ joint. Always looking for…read moreand appreciative of good barbecue, I decided to stop in for lunch to sample what they had. I was greeted by the owner who was very nice and let me know all the specials they had for the day. I ordered a pulled pork one meat special that came with two sides. I chose the Mac and cheese, and the BBQ beans. The price was very reasonable for the portions I got. Within about 10 minutes of being there, a line was starting to build made up of people showing up on foot and even a letter carrier taking in lunch. Currently they sit in the parking lot of a barber shop but the owner told me she will have her own building within a year. I looked into the back of the food truck and saw a giant offset smoker billowing away while the smoke coming out the top lured anyone with any tastebuds for BBQ to the area. It turns out I was the owners first customer for the day and as such, she told me I get a free "brown bag lunch" which is a protein that comes with one side and a back of chips. I wanted to sample some more of the food so I ordered a brisket sandwich and green beans for my sides. (I do want to say this review has nothing to do with the free food they gave me. It is a 100% honest review). Since they don't have a building yet I did not see any tables but I did overhear the owner ask a gentleman if he was going to wait in the barber shop, so I don't know if there is any place in there to sit and eat. Let's talk about the food. The portions are very generous. If you are going to make your customers happy and you are proud of your food, let them have some. I got plenty of food with just my first order. The pulled pork was extremely delicious. It had a wonderfully smoked flavor without even putting any of the sauce on it. It really could have stood alone. It was also moist and the fat was rendered perfectly. There were no chunks of fat, just pure pulled pork goodness. I added their sauce just to try it and it made the sandwich even better. Everything I said about the pulled pork was true for the brisket as well. They really have mastered the art of getting the smoke flavor into the meat. My sandwich was more of a pulled brisket style and I did not ask if there was any sliced brisket for sandwiches, so I don't know. The Mac and cheese was exactly like the comfort food you would want. It was a good consistency and not dry and not runny. The BBQ beans has such a nice tang to them, I almost could have thrown the meat in there and just ate that as a meal. Clearly they are homemade and made with love. There isn't a lot you can do to green beans, but they were also pretty tasty. There were chucks of some kind of root vegetable mixed in them. Let me give my bottom line: the truck sits between 24th St and 16th St on the north side of Broadway. You really need to try this BBQ before it takes off and becomes so popular that you have to wait over an hour to get any. I can tell the owner is pouring herself into this business and deserves to be rewarded for making REAL, non commercial, delicious food. These are the people we want to succeed so go out and support this business. It's all about the food and this one knocks it out of the park!

Hint of Soul

4.8

(29 reviews)

The most amazing wings and pasta I've ever had!! My go to order is sweet heat wings and Cajun…read morepasta. I'm sure everything on the menu is bomb. They don't make it like this at most restaurants, this is quality! Yes, it's that good, don't question it, just order, and you're welcome

Food so good, they'll run out if you don't get there early or by mid day! Order online it'll make…read morethe process much quicker

Smoakie Kitchen

3.3

(153 reviews)

•$$

INDIAN FOOD! Smoakie was bought out and we were the first Indian food customer he had. Chicken…read moreBiryani with dark meat chicken was very good, butter chicken was also very good. Neither were too salty. Got a couple of roti's along with the meal. So so happy to have a good Indian food place in Laveen. Be aware he is ONE PERSON working so call ahead and give him some time. The food is worth it. He still has the bbq meats as well.

Take-out trip to Smokie Kitchen today. I ordered a 2x1 for my wife, a 2x2 for me and a 1/4 chicken…read moreand baked beans for our granddaughter. The service there has always been great since they hired the old-timer. He has always been pleasant, efficient and helpful with menu choices. Our to-go lunches came out in about 8 mins, hot, ready and plentiful. I don't understand how other reviewers found the meats to be dry. I tried the brisket, pulled pork, roasted chicken and hot link and all were savory, moist and seasoned well. The brisket was pull apart, the mountain of pork was great, the moist chicken was excellent and the hot link was snappy and moist. The sides were all amazing as well.

Kings Plate

4.4

(15 reviews)

I drive 2 hours to eat at Kings Plate…read more The best Soul Food in AZ. Mac and cheese is so cheesy Collard greens are made with turkey Fried okra is crunchy Fried catfish is delicious and flavorful Fried shrimp tasty. No sauces needed. Nothing but love in every bite. Food truck that definitely needs a homebase restaurant Support local

This is my first and only experience with Kings. I ordered food at an event for a friend from…read moreKings based on what she saw others had ordered because it looks great. My friend and I waited and waited for the food. I opened the order when I got it before leaving the window and the lady working the window gave me someone else's food. Thankfully, and the other customer recognized their order and got their food just fine. The lady working the window apologized, gave me a water, and I waited longer. She apologized again and said that they'd bring the food to me. They didn't bring the food and instead gave part of my order to a different friend to bring to me. I went back and asked for the rest of the order. The lady working the window said that she gave me my order. I said no, we only got part of it. She then became unbelievably inappropriate saying that I'm lying, stealing from a Black man business owner, not well, and all kinds of things that were uncalled for because they were paid nearly $40 for the order plus a 20% tip! I told my friend what happened and to do a charge back. I went back again with the partial order to try and explain that this was all that was received. Instead, the woman working the window immediately started berating me, threatening to embarrass me, and other things that were incredibly unhelpful to reconcile the situation. Mind you, I am not the type to act a fool and was at the event representing an organization so at no time did I raise my voice or return the treatment I received from this business. She asked what I wanted her to do and I told her that a refund because I know how chargebacks are bad for small businesses. She said okay and asked for the last 4 digits of the card, so I had to get them from my friend. I went back to my friend to get the numbers, got back in line to give them to her, and I gave them to her. She asked why I kept getting back in line...well, how else was I supposedto get help because that line was the only line. Instead of refunding my friend, the lady shut the window, talked to the owner, and reopened the window and started taking more orders. I got back in line again to find out if the refund had been done and she said that they were not going to refund and there was nothing else that they could do. I told my friend this and she's going to move forward hopefully with the chargeback. Mind you if the order and had been fulfilled correctly, then I wouldn't have had to go back multiple times asking for the order nor would I be writing this negative review. Our other friends who actually got their orders said the food was good, so there's that I suppose. This type of exchange is why so many businesses fail. Simple things like decent service and order management. I was not the only person waiting for an extended period. I was not the only person whose order was messed up. I encourage this business to invest in an digital order taking CMS and not writing things in dark pen on the boxes themselves. If digital order taking isn't possible for now, and that's OK if it is, then invest in guest check server notepads. They are less than $10 on Amazon. The orders can be written on them with customers' names and phone numbers, the bottom can be torn off for customers to have while they are waiting for food, and, in order for a customer to receive their order, they must surrender the torn off portion. Doing something either electronically or handwritten like explained would provide a system for checks and balance instead of relying on someone's memory. Also, consider coaching, retraining, and/or replacing the woman that was working the window today as her behavior is bad for business. She was not able to or chose not to maintain composure, decorum, and handle the pressure of all of the customer traffic. Though I did not get loud, she did get loud with me and other customers saw this every time she did this. That affects business. Her choices and behavior today cost this business vending opportunities with me, my employer, the organization I was representing at today's event, and probably with other customers who saw her disrespect, treatment, and unkindness towards me.

Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse

4.1

(74 reviews)

•$

Absolutely one of best bbq places in Az. Pulled pork with out sauce was my favorite. Great people…read moreeven better food.

Food was very good. Nice and clean establishment. The owner was on point and attended to our needs…read moreand requests! Would definitely come back!

Freestyllez

4.3

(10 reviews)

this place is my cheat meal every week or every other week lol . everything on the menu is amazing…read morelike my grandma made it.

The food itself was absolutely spectacular and deserves every bit of praise it gets! But yall I…read morewould absolutely urge caution when ordering here because unfortunately it's in one of the more risky neighborhoods in Phoenix. Only 15 minutes after ordering food here, my car was hijacked while I was still inside and I had to haul my ass down the street running until the police came! I've never been to this neck of the woods so I didn't realize it has such a reputation for crime. It's unfortunate that such an amazing food truck is in such a sketchy location, but if you do go, keep your doors locked, go during the daytime and leave promptly once you get your food!

Dad’s Ribs and Mom’s Tacos

4.4

(9 reviews)

The owners are fantastic and food is even better! The birria ramen is soooo good! Please support…read morethis small business!

The ribs were absolutely delicious--tender, smoky, and packed with rich flavor that fell right off…read morethe bone. The sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making every bite satisfying. The coleslaw was fresh, crisp, and creamy, adding a nice cool contrast to the meal. The drink was refreshing and paired perfectly with the barbecue, helping balance the bold flavors. Overall, everything tasted fresh and well-prepared, and the combination made for a comforting, satisfying meal. I'd definitely order this again and recommend it to anyone craving barbecue.

Tom's BBQ

3.4

(374 reviews)

•$$

Found this hidden gem and had a great experience! They even gave me free fries just for mentioning…read moreI found them on Instagram--definitely a nice bonus. As a vegetarian, I was happy to see plenty of sides to choose from, and they did not disappoint. The mac and cheese and potato salad were both solid (7/10), while the rice and beans stood out at an 8/10--smoky, flavorful, and really satisfying. I can only imagine how well everything would pair with their meats. The fries (on the house!) were perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. And the BBQ chipotle spicy sauce? Easily the highlight--rich BBQ flavor with a great kick of heat. Service was excellent--ask for Tom--and the ambiance was casual but lively. It was busy for a Friday evening, which says a lot for a spot that feels a bit hidden, yet is right in a prime Tempe location. Definitely worth checking out!

Always appreciate the friendly service. I adore the dipped Italian beef with sweet peppers so…read moresimilar to the ones that I grew up eating in Chicago. The fried zucchini is fresh and the wedges are lightly battered. Sorry devoured my sandwich before I remembered to take a photo.

Happy Cajun

4.9

(13 reviews)

Hands down, best soul food in Northern Nevada! I d*** near visit this trucc daily because it…read morereminds so much of how my father cooks! Where do I start?! Firstly, the owners are cool down to earth people. Not only can they make you laugh and smile but their music choice is A1. When you visit, they'll let you know why they're "cutout for the job"! Secondly, there's something special about people frying chiccen and catfish @ 2am in the morning on the weekend... it's heavenly! Beats every other establishment that's open late night! It's well worth the wait, if there's is one! Best things on the menu: - Fried Shrimp - Fried Catfish - Fried Lemon Pepper Wings - Fried Porkchop - Dirty Rice - Red Beans & Rice - Cajun Mac - Boudin Balls - Strawberry Banana Pudding (Sheesh, really everything!) I'd break down their entire schedule too but you can find them on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/happy.cajun?igsh=bzNiZmZ2aW96dHhh STOP BY, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

Absolutely love this food truck! Tried it the first time last night, they were stationed right…read morebehind Z bar. Heard about this place from a friend's Instagram story and had to try it. The flavors blew my mind I had went for the big back plate lol, had to try everything. It came with catfish, shrimp, lemon pepper wings and a side. For the side I opted for the Cajun Mac and it was super tasty with crawfish pieces, creamy Mac and cheese. Everything was seasoned generously and tasted amazing, the sauces were tartar and hot sauce which complimented the flavors. Will be back to try the different sides and get more tasty c

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JL Smokehouse - bbq - Updated July 2026

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