Little Miss BBQ has earned a legendary reputation that stretches far beyond Phoenix, attracting barbecue lovers from across the country.
This family-owned smokehouse serves up Central Texas-style barbecue that rivals anything you’ll find in the Lone Star State itself.
Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler seeking authentic smoked meats, this Phoenix gem offers an unforgettable experience that’s worth every minute of the wait.
1. World-Class Central Texas Brisket
Pitmaster Scott Holmes has mastered the art of Central Texas brisket, creating something truly extraordinary. Smoked over post oak for more than eleven hours, each slice reveals a thick, crunchy black pepper bark that crackles with flavor.
The visible pink smoke ring beneath the surface proves the dedication to traditional smoking methods. Many customers describe the texture as so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue, delivering rich, smoky flavors that barbecue dreams are made of.
This isn’t just good brisket; it’s the kind that converts vegetarians and ruins you for lesser barbecue forever.
2. The Legendary Beef Ribs (Dinosaur Ribs)
Available exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays, these colossal beef short ribs have earned the nickname “Dinosaur Ribs” for good reason. One look at these massive, whole-rack beauties and you’ll understand why serious meat enthusiasts plan their entire weekend around them.
The sheer size is jaw-dropping, but the flavor is what truly matters. Slow-smoked until the meat surrenders to gravity, these ribs offer an intensely beefy, smoky experience that’s impossibly tender.
Arrive early because these bucket-list-worthy ribs sell out fast, leaving disappointed latecomers dreaming about next weekend.
3. High-Quality, Dry-Rub Focus
Little Miss BBQ follows the minimalist philosophy that defines authentic Texas barbecue: let the meat speak for itself. The dry rub contains just salt and coarse black pepper, nothing more, nothing less.
This simple approach might seem too basic, but it’s actually genius. When you start with premium, well-marbled meat and smoke it properly for over eleven hours using pecan and oak, fancy seasonings would just get in the way.
The result showcases pure, unadulterated beef flavor enhanced by wood smoke, proving that sometimes less truly is more when quality ingredients take center stage.
4. The Exclusive Pastrami
Every Thursday, barbecue fanatics circle their calendars for Little Miss BBQ’s legendary pastrami special. This isn’t ordinary deli meat, it’s a labor of love requiring over two weeks of careful curing and smoking.
The house-cured brisket transforms into deeply flavored pastrami that’s both familiar and completely unique. Piled high on a sandwich, the intensely seasoned, smoky meat delivers flavors so bold they demand your full attention.
Food critics and customers constantly rave about this weekly offering, often calling it the best pastrami they’ve ever tasted, making Thursdays the most anticipated day of the week.
5. Awards and National Recognition
When Texas Monthly, the ultimate authority on barbecue, praises a restaurant outside Texas, you know something special is happening. Little Miss BBQ has achieved this rare honor, earning respect from publications that normally reserve praise for Lone Star State establishments.
Major food magazines like Gayot and Phoenix Magazine have repeatedly featured this smokehouse on their “Best Of” lists. These accolades aren’t just marketing fluff; they represent validation from serious barbecue critics who’ve tasted everything.
The recognition confirms what locals already knew: this unassuming Phoenix spot serves world-class barbecue that competes with legendary joints anywhere in America.
6. The “Earned” Experience (The Line)
Great barbecue requires patience, both in cooking and in waiting to taste it. The line at Little Miss BBQ has become legendary, but it’s far from a frustrating experience.
Staff members regularly walk along the queue, offering samples and chatting with hungry customers. This interaction builds excitement and creates a sense of community among fellow barbecue enthusiasts who understand that good things come to those who wait.
Many regulars consider the line part of the ritual, swapping stories and recommendations while anticipation builds. By the time you reach the cutting block, you’re primed for an unforgettable meal.
7. Unforgettable Sides
While the smoked meats rightfully steal the spotlight, dismissing the sides would be a serious mistake. Little Miss BBQ elevates traditional accompaniments with Southwest flair that complements the rich, smoky proteins perfectly.
The Jalapeño Cheddar Grits offer creamy comfort with a spicy kick that cuts through heavy brisket beautifully. Ranch Style Beans slow-cook with leftover smoked meat, absorbing all those incredible flavors to create something far beyond ordinary beans.
These aren’t afterthoughts thrown on your plate, they’re carefully crafted dishes that enhance the entire meal and deserve their own moment of appreciation.
8. Unique Southwest BBQ Items
Scott Holmes brilliantly bridges Texas tradition with Arizona flavors through creative menu items you won’t find in Austin or Dallas. The Green Chile Burritos and Red Chile Burritos showcase premium smoked meats wrapped in a beloved Southwest staple.
These fusion creations honor both barbecue and regional cuisine without compromising either one. High-quality brisket or pulled pork meets roasted chiles and traditional burrito components for something genuinely unique.
It’s this kind of thoughtful innovation that sets Little Miss BBQ apart, proving that respecting tradition doesn’t mean you can’t embrace local flavors and create something entirely your own.
9. Bekke’s Smoked Pecan Pie
After demolishing pounds of smoked meat, you might think dessert is impossible, until you hear about Bekke’s Smoked Pecan Pie. This fan-favorite finale somehow manages to find room in even the fullest stomach.
The pie balances sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. Subtle smoke notes enhance rather than overwhelm the rich pecan filling, creating a dessert that feels like the natural conclusion to your barbecue feast.
Skipping this would be like leaving a concert before the encore. Your meal isn’t truly complete until you’ve experienced this sweet, smoky masterpiece that ties everything together beautifully.
10. The Pitmaster’s Passion
Owner Scott Holmes didn’t stumble into barbecue, he pursued it with single-minded obsession. Years of competitive smoking and countless trips to Central Texas BBQ meccas transformed his passion into genuine expertise.
This deep dedication shows in every perfectly rendered brisket and every customer interaction. Holmes built Little Miss BBQ from the ground up, driven by respect for traditional techniques and an unwavering commitment to quality.
When you taste the food, you’re experiencing more than just a meal, you’re tasting years of study, practice, and genuine love for the craft that continues driving excellence every single day.
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