Guide · 11 spots
Guide to Barbecue in Tucson
Tucson's barbecue scene draws on Texas, Kansas City, and Southern traditions while adding its own Southwest twist. Local pitmasters smoke brisket, ribs, and pulled pork for hours over mesquite and oak. Many spots also incorporate green chile, prickly pear, and other regional ingredients into their sauces and sides. T
Oct 3, 2023
Dish
Fried Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce
at Slice & Ice
One of six different styles of fried chicken sandwiches served on a yeast bun, this version features Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue sauce.
Dish
Barbecue Bacon Burger
at Tandem American Eatery
House made slab bacon, Barbecue Sauce, Smoked Cheddar
Spot
Bashful Bandit Barbecue
3686 E Speedway Blvd · Midtown
Bashful Bandit Barbecue opened its doors in the former Bashful Bandit dive/biker bar at 3686 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson native and owner, Toby Kyte, has redesigned the patio to holster multiple 1,000-gallon offset smokers overseen by manager and head pitmaster Jesse Aguirre.
Spot
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
4210 N 1st Ave suite 150 · Midtown
The Honolulu-based restaurant chain opened its first Tucson location in January 2024, making it the third location overall in Arizona.
The restaurant is located at 4210 N. First Ave. and serves similar dishes found at Hawaiian Bros — plate lunches. The restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite on that side of town with
News
Bubba-Que brings barbecue & Tex-Mex to South Campbell
[Editor’s note: this article contains photos with comped food from a soft opening event.] Bubba-Que Smokehouse BBQ and Tex-Mex Catering will open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant on May 2. The […]
Jackie Tran·Apr 6, 2026
Event·Oct 16, 2026·Tucson Convention Center
Barbecue pitmaster Sloan Rinaldi at Southern AZ Fall Home Show
4th-generation Texas pitmaster, entrepreneur, outdoor living expert, and live-fire cooking authority SLOAN RINALDI, a star on hit TV shows Top Chef, Barbecue Showdown, and Chopped Grill Masters, shares her expertise and meets with show visitors Oct. 16 & 17.
News
Bashful Bandit Barbecue Brings Backyard Barbecue to Midtown Tucson
Experience Central Texas barbecue tradition blended with Sonoran flavors at Bashful Bandit Barbecue in Midtown Tucson.
Sam Jump·Dec 23, 2023
News
La Carreta Carne Asada brings backyard vibes to South Park Avenue
La Carreta Carne Asada brings backyard carne asada tradition to South Park Avenue, serving mesquite-grilled ribeye in a family-run Tucson spot.
Isabela Gamez·Sep 22, 2026
News
Coronet, Whiskey Del Bac, Barrio Bread host a garden-to-table benefit dinner Sept. 27
Coronet Restaurant hosts a garden-to-table benefit dinner Sept. 27 with Whiskey Del Bac, Barrio Bread, and Desert Pearl Mushrooms. Tickets $125. Proceeds benefit Community Gardens of Tucson.
Sep 16, 2026
News
Special one-day dinners for Sonoran Restaurant Week 2026
Sonoran Restaurant Week runs from September 4 through 13, 2026, and beyond the usual prix fixe menus, 11 ticketed, one-night collaborations round out the schedule this year.
Sep 1, 2026
News
TCOG-Certified Restaurants Participating in Sonoran Restaurant Week 2026
One of the most beautiful things about Sonoran Restaurant Week is the ability to enjoy a curated prix-fixe menu for a fraction of the cost.
Sep 9, 2026
News
Tucson Labor Day Weekend 2026: Events, Openings & Specials
Tucson restaurants and bars are serving unique specials, parties and food festivals to celebrate Labor Day weekend 2026.
Sep 3, 2026
News
New restaurants joining Sonoran Restaurant Week 2026
Here is a look at one of Sonoran Restaurant Week options with the newest additions to the Tucson dining scene.
Aug 31, 2026
News
Sonoran Restaurant Week 2026 returns Sept. 4-13
Sonoran Restaurant Week returns to Tucson from September 4 through 13, marking 10 days of prix-fixe menus across the city.
Aug 20, 2026
News
Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue is Closing its Brick-and-Mortar Location
The very last day to enjoy Ken’s Southern family’s heritage recipes at the 22nd Street location is Saturday, November 2.
Matt Sterner·Oct 4, 2024
News
NOW OPEN: Barbizza’s Brings Memphis-Style Barbecue & Pizza to the East Side
What we want to shine a light on is Barbizza’s — a brand-new Memphis-style barbecue restaurant that also serves pizza, spaghetti, and more.
Matt Sterner·Dec 29, 2023
News
Backyard Barbecue Four-Course Wine Dinner at Zona 78 April 17
What Backyard Barbecue Wine Dinner When 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 17 Where Zona 78 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd. More Info zona78.com Barbecue classics and local wine make for a […]
Jackie Tran·Apr 17, 2017
News
Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue Brick & Mortar to Open May 30
Food truck Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue is opening a 2,500-square-foot brick-and-mortar restaurant at 5250 E. 22nd St. on Tuesday, May 30. The space originally housed Jack’s Original Barbecue from 1950 through 2013, before […]
Jackie Tran·May 26, 2017
News
Sonoran Restaurant Week: Smokin’ menus at Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue & Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ
You might say that I have a little smoke in my soul. I recently returned from Sparks, Nevada where I served as a judge at the nation’s biggest barbecue rib […]
Matt Russell·Sep 12, 2022