Apache Junction We finally made it. We live in East Mesa and have been looking for a true smokers BBQ house since moving from Phoenix four years ago. Sure we enjoy some of the Chain BBQ restaurants I've reviewed and they're good in their category of BBQ restaurants. Papa Bears BBQ is a true BBQ pit smokers House. Parking Small lot as seen in the photo. There is one handicap space which we scored! There is street parking. When we arrived and exited the vehicle you knew you made a good decision as the full force of your sense of smell takes over. You've arrived in smokers pit Heaven! Upon entering we noticed the dining room was full. We ordered for dine in hoping a table opened up. As you can see in the photos it has a small but comfortable dining area. After looking over the menu we knew exactly what we wanted. My Wife and I ordered the Fatty Brisket with two sides. Cricket ordered the Brisket w/sauce on the side, sweet coleslaw and cornbread, I added the spicy BBQ sauce on the Brisket, sweet coleslaw and Mac and Cheese. Food impressions Holy Cow Becky! The Fatty Brisket was juicy to perfection, I mean foot stomping perfection! To help you appreciate what we had in front of us; we had plastic utensils and our forks cut off each bite it was so tender. This was what we missed from our Phoenix BBQ pit smokers Resturant. We found our Gold standard in our back yard. The coleslaw was sweet which I like and the Mac & Cheese was nice too. My wife said it was too sweet for her and I scored another helping! My wife and the owner discussed Texas BBQ and learned Papa Bear was from Texas. Son Mike now runs the business and was a pleasure speaking with. Mike gave me a video showing them pulling a fresh Fatty Brisket out for carving. If it's not to large of a file I'll include it for everyone to enjoy what the perfect Brisket looks like. $48 for two was the cost of our trip to heaven today 2/7/2025. Enjoy and keep Yelping ya'll. read more