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5 Food Trucks To Satisfy Your BBQ Cravings

5 Food Trucks To Satisfy Your BBQ Cravings

Sep 18, 20153 min read

There’s no denying that some BBQ-deprived locals have summed up Old Pueblo barbecue offerings in one word: dull.

Not so fast.

From sugar to sauces, and chiles to powders, many southern Arizona food trucks offer several tasty and mouthwatering barbecue styles. The following mobile purveyors of smoke and spice will turn anyone into a ravenous consumer of meat on the barbie.

Guero Loco’s Bubba-Que 

Chicken BBQ Sandwich
Guero Loco BBQ Chicken Sandwich (Credit: Kim Bayne)
Guero Loco BBQ Chicken Sandwich (Credit: Kim Bayne)

Bubba-Que’s smokin’ menu has attracted a loyal following for its smokehouse barbecue and Tex-Mex style. It boasts a tender chicken barbecue sandwich on a grilled french roll, and of course, Bubba’s own barbecue sauce. A creamy side of macaroni and cheese can be added for a full meal. The Bubba-Que rig, complete with its smoker trailer, is normally spotted at the downtown library or in front of a local bank for lunch. 

For more information, visit Guero Loco’s Bubb-Que on Facebook

BBQ Rush 

Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Chopped Brisket Sandwich from BBQ Rush (Credit: BBQ Rush)
Chopped Brisket Sandwich from BBQ Rush (Credit: BBQ Rush)

BBQ Rush ‘s Texas-style chopped brisket sandwich is so incredibly succulent, one might be tempted to devour the beef and bun in one ginormous bite. Created with 40 ingredients, Black Tie Foods barbecue sauce — bottled and sold by BBQ Rush’s owner — has the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. The white trailer is often found at 2nd Saturdays Downtown and select food truck gatherings. 

For more information, visit BBQ Rush on Facebook.

Mr. Cookman’s

BBQ Ribs
Mr. Cookman's BBQ Ribs (Credit: Mr. Cookman's)
Mr. Cookman’s BBQ Ribs (Credit: Mr. Cookman’s)

Rumor has it, Mr. Cookman’s food truck quickly sells out of its melt-in-your-mouth, New Orleans-style ribs. This menu item’s special blend of seasonings includes cayenne pepper and Louisiana sugar, which infuse the meat with a unique savory, spicy taste. Add a side of red beans and rice for the full Louisiana effect. Mr. Cookman’s may be parked for lunch, dinner or even late night feedings at a local brew-pub.

For more information, visit Mr. Cookmans on Facebook

American Flying Buffalo

Chicken Wing Basket
BBQ Wings from American Flying Buffalo (Credit: Kim Bayne)
BBQ Wings from American Flying Buffalo (Credit: Kim Bayne)

Undoubtedly one of AFB’s most popular menu items, the wing basket can be ordered with any of these unique and tangy sauces: mild, medium, hot, suicide, garlic Parmesan, BBQ, grilled teriyaki, BBQ teriyaki, Daytona and spicy lemongrass. AFB’s Facebook page humorously tags it as a “sports bar,” but it’s really a huge orange kitchen on wheels parked on the east side, sometimes at Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge and occasionally at food truck gatherings.

For more information, visit American Flying Buffalo on Facebook.

The Happy Tummy

Pulled Pork Sandwich
Pulled Pork Sandwich from Happy Tummy (Credit: Happy Tummy)
Pulled Pork Sandwich from Happy Tummy (Credit: Happy Tummy)

The Happy Tummy’s Pulled Pork Sandwich starts out with a wet and dry barbecue rub before it’s smoked with an amazing combo of mesquite, apple, and pecan wood. The house-made sauce and a generous helping of cole slaw tops off this sandwich’s rich flavor. Side choices also include seasoned fries, or beet and sweet potato chips. Follow the Happy Tummy online for postings on its latest gig.

For more information, visit Happy Tummy on Facebook.

If we missed your favorite food truck barbecue, let us know in the comments. We might have to follow up with another article or two to showcase all the outstanding food truck barbecue offerings in Tucson.

Article written by:

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

More about Kim
Kim M. Bayne is a freelance writer/editor, social media producer, and former food truck correspondent for Food Network's Eat St. (TV Show) blog. Find Kim via her project Street Food Files on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
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Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

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Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
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Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

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Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
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3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
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⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭 Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! 🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!” 3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com ⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!