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Smokin’ Showdown ‘Cue Competition Returns To Hotel Congress This Saturday

Jun 1, 20161 min read
What
Smokin’ Showdown Barbecue Competition 
When
6 p.m. – 9 p.m Sat., June 4 
Where
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
More Info
hotelcongress.com

Hotel Congress will welcome back Southern Arizona’s Smokin’ Showdown Barbecue Competition in the Hotel Congress plaza, at 311 E. Congress Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, Saturday, June 4.

This year, nine restaurants will enter their own unique pulled pork, which is the featured protein of this year’s Smokin’ Showdown. Last year’s event featured brisket.

Guests who attend the showdown will enjoy a 2-ounce serving from each contestant, paired with two side dishes prepared by the The Cup Cafe and one 16-ounce beer from Catalina Brewing.

The following restaurants are competing:

  • AZ BBQ Club
  • Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ
  • Shooter’s Steakhouse & Saloon
  • Chillin n’ Grillin
  • Acacia
  • Red Desert BBQ
  • BrushFire BBQ
  • The Cup Cafe
  • Maynards Market & Kitchen

Guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dish, but the event will also welcome three local judges, including On The Menu Live’s Matt Russell, Tucson Iron Chef Danny Perez, and C.J. Hamm, who you may recognize from Tucson Foodie’s Nine On The Line series.

The event will also feature a performance by local band, The Jons.

Tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door.

Proceeds from the Smokin’ Showdown benefit Steele Children’s Research Center, which conducts research for medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, autism, and cancer.

For more information, visit hotelcongress.com. To purchase tickets, visit the Smokin’ Showdown on Ticketfly.

Article written by:

Gloria Knott

Gloria Knott

More about Gloria
Gloria Knott was Tucson Foodie's 2016 journalism and social media intern. In October 2025, she founded Tucson Love Letter, a community-first publication that helps you explore the magic of Tucson.

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