My wife and I had not been to The Phat Turtle BBQ since last year's Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl party. Since the location is so convenient to our neighborhood, we decided to stop in for a quick drink at the bar before the kitchen closed last night and spent some time talking with the bar tender/waitress and owner while enjoying our drinks. We've had BBQ at this location several times in the past and have never had a bad meal. The burnt ends are great. I joked that the first few times I had stopped by after moving here from Texas, that they were out of smoked sausage. I remember the owner Mike telling me that they made their own sausage. The bar tender last night mentioned that they had jalapeño cheddar smoked sausage on the menu, so I had her save me a pound to go. Having lived in several areas of the country with great BBQ (KC, Texas, Tennessee) and being a BBQ hobbyist that frequently smokes all kinds of meat, I was amazed by the quality of Phat Turtle's jalapeño cheddar smoked sausage. I can honestly say, it is one of the best I've ever had anywhere in the world. The texture, smoke flavor and heat were perfect! It is a must try if you like hot smoked sausage! Great job! We appreciated the great service, great food and great conversation. We will be back more frequently in the future. read more

The Phat Turtle is a gem in the desert! Located only 10 minutes north of the 101 on Cave Creek Road this local family-owned and operated restaurant specializes in Kansas City style BBQ and it's some of the best I've ever had. All their meats are freshly smoked on the premises and the taste profiles are incredible. The servers are welcoming, efficient, and friendly and the owners are on the scene to be sure guests are well taken care of. In addition to a large food selection, they feature some great beers on tap that range from lighter styles to a fantastic boozy Tripple. The other thing that takes The Turtle over the top is the live music listening room featuring local musicians on Friday and Saturday Evenings. If you live in Scottsdale and you want to enjoy great food and live music in a warm and friendly atmosphere The Turtle is the place for you. Check out their website http://www.phatturtlebbq.com to view their menu and live music updates. SUPPORT LOCAL! read more

Great food, great beer selection, and a very comfortable restaurant with great service. Definitely appreciate the country tunes!

My wife and I were craving BBQ the other day and I found Phat Turtlet BBQ had opened in the last year so we had to give them a try. We went in for lunch and tried the brisket, burnt ends, and a rack of ribs with fried okra and onion rings. The meat had the perfect smoke ring and was so tender. Almost had to use a spoon to eat because the meat w so tender it just fell apart with the fork. The fried ones w so good we had to order a second order even though we were almost full. We will be back again (and again and again)!! read more

Would give more than 5 stars if I could ! The service is incredible , especially meaningful to me was how they treated and entertained my kid- let him walk around and guess the number of beanie babies hidden around and then gave him one as a gift at the end . Then gave him an electronic device they use so that he could play games . Everyone was so kind and helpful. Then the food - seriously my new favorite place in town !! The salad was to die for and the pulled pork Smokey and full of flavor. Delicious barbecue sauces . We will be back soon ! read more

We ordered take out because we saw the great reviews. Unfortunately I feel like we wasted $50+. The Brisket and pulled pork were pretty good. So was the creamed corn and the potato salad. The sausage looked and tasted like it was made yesterday. Super dry. Our corn bread was super dry and totally burnt. Our Mac and cheese was totally flavorless. The brisket baked beans were just ok. We ordered 2 Meat Plate and the Sausage plate. Because half of it wasn't good, we will probably go eat brisket and pulled pork elsewhere where the entire meal is worth $50+. read more

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If you going to do a trip to Cave Creek, Az, you have to stop at Phat Turtle BBQ. You walk up to the door and the smell hits you. Inside it smells like a BBQ place should smell like, smokey, meaty, mouth watering. They specialize in Kansas City BBQ and its obvious by the decor and the on tap beer. My friend and I shared a 2 meat plate. We got the Burnt Ends, sliced brisket, baked beans, fried okra, onion rings and she got a Tank 7 beer. Everything is made from scratch in house including the BBQ sauces, not the beer of course! To say it was delicious would be an understatement. Even the service was friendly, informative and the place was clean! You will not be disappointed! read more

Phat Turtle BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Delicious ! Great customer service. I ordered $30 more of food because the owner and waiters were so accommodating. I bought BBQ sauce to go. Great food from great Kansas City folk. I ordered the burnt ends, brisket sandwich, skillet cookie. This food was with love and hospitality! read more

Great burnt ends and ribs. Cold beer! Great neighborhood place!!! Love their homemade barbecue sauces! read more

Phat Turtle BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Very disappointed in our dining experience. Our wait for our food, was out of the ordinary LONG. 30+ minutes. Our waitress was friendly and kept apologizing for the long wait, but offered no explanation. We ordered chicken wings for an appetizer, and ordered a full rack of baby back ribs and two sides to share for dinner. Sides..macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries. When it finally arrived, it arrived all together. The wings (appetizer,) and sweet potato fries, and Mac and cheese (side of the ribs) the wings were super hot, and good, however, the seasoning on the chicken wings, dry rub, tasted the same as the seasoning on the potato chips that they bring for the table, after nibbling on the chips for 30 minutes, that "same flavor on the wings was less appealing. The Mac and cheese tasted like a powdered cheese sauce, and the baby back ribs were room temp, more on the cool side. What was the LONG wait for? DEFINITELY not because they were heating up the ribs! We told the waitress that the ribs were cold, she apologized, and said she would go back and ask the cooks to check the warming drawer. She also offered to warm them up. We declined, after the whole experience, it made me question the care in the kitchen..we didn't eat any of the ribs, and took them to go, thinking I'd heat them up myself, but ended up throwing them out, concerned that because they weren't hot or super cold, who knows if bacteria was already an issue. Not worth the risk! For a BBQ restaurant, it was hard to believe out of all the food we ordered, the "ribs," had the issue! *On a Covid stand point, there was an employee walking around without a mask, going from table to table talking to customers, let me clarify.. this person did not stay within 6 ft, but rather standing right next to the customers tables. I also seen him, sitting at the bar, with another employee who was eating. It appeared to me, he had no idea of the circumstances in the kitchen. Also, If he was the manager, or Person In charge, I'd hope he would have the courtesy to wear a mask, like WE ALL have to do when "walking into a restaurant, or walking to the restroom, and so forth." Whether, he's serving food or not, he's WORKING, in the restaurant, walking around talking to his customers, he should follow the same rules of wearing a mask that patrons and employees have to, and LEAD BY EXAMPLE! He should be more concerned with the food coming out of the kitchen, and the time it's taking for customers to get their food, absolutely ridiculous. The positives.. the restaurant and restrooms were clean. The waitstaff was very friendly, and our waitress did take half of the price ,of the ribs off our Bill. read more

Food: Excellent! Probably the best meat you will find anywhere in the Southwest. The sides offered are amazing; however, it would be great if a vegetable was offered other than creamed corn. Staff: It is a rapidly rotating cast, thus consistency cannot occur. The Executive Chef is a phenomenal person - I so hope he gets to live out his dreams. Wait staff is friendly for the most part. Management: Carpe Diem - hatred and spite has ruined many businesses and people. Learn to be humble and happy and not trash customers who have something negative to say. It is in very poor taste to trash someone and tell them they are trying to hurt a small business or to just go to McDonald's. Yikes! Spend your energy thanking those who leave great reviews in a true heartfelt effort. Wear your mask when in your restaurant! Overall: Check this place out the food is amazing. If by chance you don't care for it be careful about leaving a negative review. Lastly: The most negative comments I have read on Yelp or Google reviews is Management's rebuttals that came after a 31 - 9 slaughter. I understand how hard losses like that are - I love Arizona teams, but I do not take my anger out on others. That is full blown poor sportsmanship. read more

Fantastic food! Great Kansas City-style barbecue. Delicious! And they cheer for the Chiefs! What more can you ask for?!

So awful!! I'd leave NO stars if I could!! Expensive and crappy food. Meal was literally a BBQ sauce covered pile of fat!

Got takeout today. First time ever eating from here. The server was great I believe her name was Cherese. She helped me with the order since I had no idea how many people the amount of food I got would serve. The reason why I am giving the 2 stars is because of the cook or staff member in the kitchen. He seemed very annoyed and frustrated. He then dropped and F bomb as he was returning from the bathroom and left my chicken on the griddle and obviously just dried up... the food was okay. Not the greatest... Mac and cheese tasted weird and the green beans were mushy. Overall won't return. read more

Top shelf BBQ. All the sauces are great. I'm not an expert on burnt ends, but they had a little too much fat in the meat for me. Maybe, this is normal. I'm not sure. With that said the non- fatty brisket was outstanding. Okra was excellent and fries, crispy. read more

I absolutely loved my sliced brisket sandwich! I ordered the coleslaw as a side and it was very good as a side, and as a topping for my sandwich. After dinner, we played pool in their pool hall. All in all a great night out! read more

3 three of us loved everything we ordered at Phat Turtle. The brisket I had was perfect. My wife liked the burnt ends sandwich, but like others had never had them prepared or served like that. My friend liked the pulled pork. The french fries and fried okra were very good. The three sauces were all good. The service was great too. Donna was fast, very friendly, and very helpful helping us understand the menu and food. The other young lady server was also extremely nice. I'm glad we found this traditional KC BBQ restaurant. We will be back. read more

There is a lot to love about Phat Turtle BBQ but they have a few clunkers on the menu. The best options are the meats. Great, right? It's a barbecue place. Really good brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. I'll stick with those from now on. Oh, and the onion rings, fries, baked beans and chips are all above average (and come in large-ish portions so you can share). The reason I point this out is that I've ordered two different salads from Phat Turtle. The first was one with brisket. The veggies were fresh and the brisket was tasty. However, the portion of meat was pretty small, the salad was mostly lettuce and they forgot to include dressing in my take out order. Next time, I tried a Cobb salad thinking it would include the classic (Bibb) lettuce, blue cheese, chicken, bacon and hard-boiled egg. Nope. It was a fairly small serving of chopped Romaine, about an ounce of good blue cheese, one piece of chopped bacon and 5 grape tomatoes. No chicken. So for $12.00 I got about $1.50 worth of food. Don't get me wrong, it tasted OK and they didn't forget the dressing this time. But maybe they should call it something besides Cobb salad and/or put a description of what it is on the online menu. If you want a classic, good Cobb salad in this area of north Phoenix, I recommend Blu Burger Grill. We also ordered a brisket grilled cheese sandwich. The Texas toast was a nice touch, but there wasn't much to it besides a relatively small amount of chopped meat and some melted cheese. Maybe this is meant to be for children? Defo not something we'd get again for $13.50. Live and learn. Next time it's gonna be allllll meat! Skip the salads and the grilled cheese. read more

thought it was a cute place but the food was nothing special Would not go back. Service was ok

Good times, authentic KC style BBQ. In my personal opinion you have to pay for quality. Portions are fairly sized and may be on a pricey side, but honestly it's worth it. Service is friendly and attentive, and ambiance is authentic. read more

BEST BBQ and Customer Service! I was craving good BBQ. Not corporate BBQ, if you know what I mean. Yelp* search brings up Phat Turtle. This place is a jewel in the desert. From the service to the atmosphere, everything about this place deserves 5-Stars. But the star of the show is the food. The meat (all of them) is amazing. Tender and juicy. You get to slather your sauce of choice (3) all over the place! Just know if you grab your baby back ribs too quickly, them bones will slide out all by themselves. No need to be shy. There's a roll of paper towels at the table to keep your face presentable. There isn't a bad choice on the menu. Leave room for the peach cobbler. You'll drive past the place if you're not paying attention. So be sure to plug that address into your phone. You're gonna want to share it with your friends, too. read more

Good service and great atmosphere. I loved the hickory bbq wings with blue cheese with the sweet potato fries.

Was there Tuesday 10/18 for a quick lunch. I'd like to comment on the food, but I can't, as it never arrived to our table. The party of three that came in after us, got their food. But the kitchen, which is open to the dining room, was then empty of humans. My buddy asked the waitress when she thought our food might arrive. She disappeared into the back. At this point, already 50 minutes in, we had to leave. Left $ to cover a beer and soda and left. read more

Horrible service! First time there too. We sat a table for 30 minutes and did not get service. The bartender/server sat us and said she would be right with us but kept walking past us waiting on other customers. She told us three times she would be right with us and also said she had help coming. Not once did she ask for our drink order but served people that came in after us that sat at the bar and ordered to go food. Bring us a drink next time. At least a water! We got up and left. Frustrating! read more

The brisket is very good and the sides are authentic. Warm service and worth the price.

Amazing family, amazing food, can you find all all the Beanies? Bring your while family here to eat. We will be back next time were in town. read more

Phat Turtle BBQ - Kids loving the BBQ! - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Highly recommend Phat Turtle BBQ! We ordered their Brisket, Pulled Pork and Ribs for a family party! Outstanding! The flavors were some of the best BBQ flavors we have tasted in the valley! Make sure to try their homemade sauces as well! Will definitely be back!! read more

We were very disappointed with the service at this restaurant. We have gotten take out and also eaten on site several times and the barbeque was good. However, recently we wanted to order take out and we used the restaurant website to pace an order. The website was a bit wonky but we thought we had submitted an order. When the time for the food to be ready arrived, we went to the restaurant to pick up the food. The cashier/waitress was helping another customer place a to-go order so we had a to wait - not an issue. When she got to us we mentioned that we had placed an online order and were there to pick it up. She checked, but the order from some reason was not in their system. We said, not problem, happy to order directly to go and wait. She said she would get back to us. This is where it started to go sideways. Some additional customers came in and she ended up seating them and giving them menus and took their drink order. She then proceeded to deliver food that was ready to existing customers. Then she started looking at the meal tickets and, when someone walked by asking for a drink when she had a moment, she fulfilled that as well immediately - all before just taking our order. She then presented the check to a table and delivered drinks to another table. All the time she never said anything like "I'll be with you in a moment" or even had any eye contact with us or acknowledge our existence. It was like we were invisible. After about 20 minutes we started to get the impression that she was not planning to serve us. It was especially apparent when she went to the customers who had arrived after us to take their order. At that point we decided to leave. The person I was with went up to her and asked her what we had done to piss her off and she said that she was shorthanded and had to take customers in the order they came in. This was obviously a bogus excuse - 1) customers who came in after us were served before us, and 2) our order was easy since I had already "placed" it she could have taken 2 minutes to enter it into the system, and 3) entering our order and paying was the extent of what she would have to do for us -the rest was to be done by the kitchen. We left and we will never return - nor will we order to-go from this establishment. No matter how good the food is, poor service trumps all. read more

Arrived with the hops of trying some new bbq after work. Was sat by a lady who was flustered got a drink and was never served again for the 30 minutes I sat. There goes my after work meal read more

Phat Turtle is a great place to eat for BBQ lovers for a few reasons. The food is top notch. I got the ribs when I went and the sauces paired perfectly with the way the ribs were smoked. They have 3 sauces and each has its own unique flavor. I kept alternating between the 3. I got the beans for my side and they were to die for. Mac and cheese was good but kept snacking on my fiancé's sweet potato chips/fries. This is the type of place that leaves a good taste in your mouth, and a full feeling in your stomach. My hands and clothes even smelled of the smokey flavor of the food when I left, just making me want more. As far as COVID concerns, they had hand sanitizer at each table, a bathroom with adequate soap and supplies, and tables were distanced. You can call ahead and get takeout or dine in. I'll be heading there for lunch today! read more

been here a few times now and everytime has been great. last time got the brisket sandwich and loved it. also came during a chiefs game and it was getting loud. KC BBQ read more

Excellent bbq ribs, Onion straws to die for.... and homemade potato chips meet you at the table when you sit down. Great BBQ sauces to compliment the slow smoked meats. Our first but not last time dining here. Very friendly environment where the owners take time to welcome you. read more

We were looking to cater my son's 10th Birthday Party so I went online to check out a few places. Of course, the national chains popped up and after narrowing it down to BBQ, I came across Phat Turtle. The added benefit was that it was literally just 2 miles from my house! So, I decided to send them a message and pay them a visit. I met with the owner Michael. He was gracious and accommodating to say the least. He treated my son with respect and that wins huge points for me. After carefully discussing our needs for food, he provided an upfront price quote. It was absolutely amazing. I had been quoted by that national pork, fork place & Michael was a good $100 less and for better food!! The order was prepared and ready right on time on the day of the party. To say that our guests raved about the food would be an understatement!! Thank you Phat Turtle. You delivered in spades and we will be making your restaurant one of our regulars. read more

Best little hidden gem . We are visiting from. California and we're looking for good bbq.. did a little research on yelp called and found out they have in dining . The lady that answered the phone was extremely nice and I knew we had to try . Walked In The door to a warm welcome , clean sit down not to mention the amazing bbq smell. We decided to order 2 meat platter and ribs and share so we could try different things . Sides we shared potato salad , brisket baked beans , Cole slaw and Mac and cheese . Everything was amazing , hot. And great flavor . Oh and we had the homemade chips . Yummy Definitely or go to next time in town ! Do t miss out ! read more

1st time here to play pool with my Pops , was greeted by Matthew , set us up with a pool table and some beers and cocktails, ordered some brisket burnt ends. I'm a brisket smoker myself .... These were absolutely amazing, the right amount of smoke flavor , super juicy , and that char that prompted me to meet Emily and Pitmaster Liz !! Such and amazing crew putting in the work and dedication to a perfect brisket !!! We are definitely coming back !!! read more

The positives: -Friendly staff -Great background music The negatives: -Corn bread was stale, rock hard -Brisket was dry, over cooked -Coleslaw was bland, dry, flavorless -Chopped chicken was dry -Onion rings were slightly over cooked -Peach cobbler was room temperature at best Overall, highly disappointed after hearing good things about this place. Sadly, it's a one and done type place. read more

Definitely a great BBQ stop. Staff seemed very friendly and accommodating. Need to go back again soon.

absolutely the worst bbq I've had in Arizona hands down. the sausage seemed like it was the lowest quality of sausage they could get to smoke. the mac and cheese was runny like water and the brisket was as dry as this desert In the summer. I will never be coming here again. the server was nice though I tipped her $9 I hope she gets it!! read more

I am so excited this delicious place is practically in our backyard! We loved riding our bikes there for a date night. We felt like kids again. It was just what the Dr ordered. Life is meant to be enjoyed and lived! And eating good food is the one of my favorite ways to do it! Thank you for bringing your amazing BBQ to our hood! I have to say I've never seen my husband eat so slow in my life! He cherished every bite as beef brisket is his favorite food and he said it's his all time favorite! We can't wait to come back with our kids. read more

Phat Turtle BBQ - Brisket Sweet potatoes and corn bread - Barbeque Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Staying in Cave Creek for a few days and searched bbq place on yelp. Found Phat Turtle and decided to give it a try since it had Excellent reviews. We weren't disappointed. We shared the sampler platter and it had all of the meats and fried onions, so Good. The staff was Super Friendly and chatted with the owner and his wife for a bit. We'll definitely make it a point to come back when we come back to the area! read more