Finding great BBQ always feels a bit like a treasure hunt. The right spot isn’t just about smoky flavors or tangy sauce—it’s about a whole experience where the air smells like slow-cooked memories. That’s how I ended up on a rainy afternoon in Prescott, looking for something to warm me up. I stumbled into one of the local joints where the pulled beef fell apart at the slightest nudge, and the sides tasted like the ones you wish your favorite aunt made. By the end of the meal, I had barbecue sauce on my sleeve and not a single regret.
Prescott isn’t crowded with big talking, chain-only joints. Here, the barbecue is local, real, and never boring. Whether you’re into brisket that melts or chicken with a subtle hint of smoke, there’s a place for you in this Arizona town. I’ve tried them, interrogated the locals, and even braved a second helping when I was already full. If BBQ is your idea of a good time, this list is your ticket. Hungry yet? Let’s dive into Prescott’s tastiest secrets.
1. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse in Prescott pulls you in with the scent of hickory smoke and a warm, lively buzz. I stopped by on a busy Friday and barely had time to pick a song on the jukebox before a platter of fall-off-the-bone ribs landed at my table. That classic, tangy sauce stuck around just long enough for you to remember it.
Hand-cut steaks are their calling card, but the BBQ ribs honestly steal the show. Sides—corn, green beans, and baked potatoes—arrive just right, never as an afterthought. If you want a taste of real Prescott BBQ with a Texas twist, start with the ribs, pair with a hearty side, and let the fresh-baked bread round out your meal.
2. Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue is the kind of place where you walk in hungry and leave dreaming of the islands. My first time here, the scent of grilled meats and sweet teriyaki made the Arizona breeze feel almost tropical. The counter staff didn’t just hand me a menu—they talked me through each favorite as if I were a regular.
The menu fuses smoky BBQ flavor with that distinct Hawaiian sweetness. You can’t miss their BBQ chicken plate: juicy, lightly charred, and glazed with a sauce that lands somewhere between smoky and sun-kissed. The kalbi short ribs also deliver a true taste of island barbecue, tender and perfectly marinated.
Pair your plate with classic mac salad and rice for the full experience. Every bite brings a bit of Aloha right to Prescott.
3. Prescott Public House
Prescott Public House feels like the living room you wish you had—a spot where locals gather and out-of-towners get let in on the secret. I dropped by during the rodeo weekend and found brisket sizzling outside, the aroma drifting through the open doors and mixing with laughter and the sound of shuffleboard.
Their weekend BBQ plates bring serious flavor to downtown, served alongside local craft beer. I couldn’t pass on the pulled beef sliders, which were so tender and juicy they barely stayed in the bun. Each plate comes with elevating sides—think potato salad with an actual kick.
If you want legit BBQ with a lively Prescott vibe, carve out time to settle into one of their booths and let the food work its magic.
4. Colt Grill
Colt Grill is the sort of place where smoke lingers in the air and every meal feels like a backyard get-together. The spacious wood-and-brick setting, right off Montezuma, hints at the flavors waiting inside. One summer afternoon, I tried their BBQ and realized why locals crowd in for lunch and linger well past sunset.
The star at Colt Grill is their slow-smoked brisket. Each cut melts with a deep, peppery crust and just enough smoke. The BBQ turkey was another pleasant surprise—juicy, flavorful, and never dry, served in generous portions.
Sides like coleslaw and grilled veggies round things out. For a Prescott BBQ experience that’s both rustic and refined, Colt Grill delivers on every visit.
5. Lucy Dee’s BBQ
(928) 237-5765Call
Lucy Dee’s BBQ might look unassuming from the outside, but inside, it’s all about authentic, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. The first time I wandered in, the aroma of slow-cooked meats pulled me straight to the counter. It’s friendly, fast, and full of regulars chatting by the register.
Lucy Dee’s shines with their smoked pulled beef—tender, richly seasoned, and served up without pretense. Their BBQ chicken stands out too, with a smoky depth and juicy bite that leaves the sauce as just a bonus, not a necessity.
If you’re craving home-style Prescott BBQ and want it straightforward and satisfying, Lucy Dee’s always delivers. Come for the brisket, stay for a slice of small-town charm.
6. Uncle Bud’s Place
Uncle Bud’s Place keeps things low-key, but don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you—the BBQ here means business. Dropping by felt a bit like going to a friend’s house, where everyone from the staff to the guests seems to know each other’s names. Warm smiles and smoky aromas are part of the welcome.
The smoked beef brisket sandwich is a local favorite, loaded with sliced brisket that’s both tender and flavorful. Their BBQ turkey deserves a mention, too; each bite is juicy and packed with smoky notes that capture everything you want from a barbecue plate.
If you want Prescott BBQ that balances portion, price, and friendliness, Uncle Bud’s Place is a spot you’ll want to revisit. Bring a friend, and try the brisket—you’ll see why.
7. Gurley St Grill
Gurley St Grill sits in a building with real Prescott history, but the BBQ here tells its own tasty story. The vibe is relaxed—mixing locals, families, and folks wandering in after a stroll downtown. My visit landed me at a table by the bar, where the exposed old bricks serve as a reminder that some recipes are worth saving.
The grill’s smoked chicken is the BBQ choice here, crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. Their pulled beef sandwiches get rave reviews for good reason—each bite is packed with rich, slow-cooked flavor.
If you want Prescott BBQ in a laid-back setting with plenty of local stories in the walls, Gurley St Grill never disappoints. It’s BBQ with history and heart.
8. Thumb Butte Fireplace
Thumb Butte Fireplace is an unexpected presence in the BBQ scene, tucked beside its namesake fireplace store. I stopped in, half curious and half hungry, and found a menu that goes far beyond what the storefront suggests. This spot proves you don’t need a massive dining room for memorable barbecue.
Their smoked brisket sandwiches are the standout here. Each is piled high with smoky, tender beef and just a hint of char. The local word is that their house-made BBQ sauce ties everything together—rich without being overwhelming.
For those who enjoy barbecue with a side of small-town surprise, Thumb Butte Fireplace delivers both warmth and hearty plates. You’ll leave thinking of your next visit before you’ve hit the exit.
9. Pat’s Custom Landscaping
Pat’s Custom Landscaping is a bit of a curveball—it’s not a smokehouse, but if you’re hunting for the heart of Prescott’s backyard BBQ scene, this is the address for grill gear and BBQ supplies. I stopped in for a quick look at their grills and patio gear, and the staff’s know-how turned a simple errand into a conversation about hosting the perfect summer cookout.
The shelves are stocked with quality barbecue grills and accessories, perfect for those wanting to fire up their own feast. Here, you’ll find advice as valuable as the gear itself, from smoking techniques to the right fuel for that low-and-slow magic.
For anyone ready to become their own pitmaster in Prescott, Pat’s Custom Landscaping sets you up with everything but the secret sauce.
10. COLT Grill, BBQ & Spirits, Prescott Valley
COLT Grill, BBQ & Spirits in Prescott Valley ramps up the BBQ experience, blending rustic charm with modern western style. The first time I walked in, the buzz of families ordering and the sight of platters stacked high made it clear—this spot is serious about barbecue yet keeps the atmosphere relaxed and inviting.
The real draw here is the slow-cooked brisket, layered with rich, smoky flavor and always sliced tender. The turkey plate is another standout, moist and smoky, served with classic sides that round out the meal.
Every detail, from hand-ground burgers to scratch-made sauces, speaks of pride in craft. With roomy booths and friendly vibes, COLT Grill delivers quality BBQ that keeps locals coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of BBQ can I find in Prescott, AZ?
Prescott covers a wide BBQ spectrum, from classic slow-smoked Texas-style brisket to Hawaiian plate lunches and house-made pulled beef. Whether you want something tangy, spicy, or sweet, there’s a spot that hits the mark.
Which Prescott BBQ places offer family-friendly dining?
Most BBQ spots in Prescott are family-friendly, with spacious booths and laid-back atmospheres. COLT Grill and Texas Roadhouse are top picks for groups or families thanks to their roomy setups and variety of kid-approved options.
Can I order BBQ for takeout or catering in Prescott?
Absolutely. Many Prescott BBQ joints—like COLT Grill and Texas Roadhouse—offer easy takeout, online ordering, and even catering for events. Just call ahead or check their websites for details.
What sides should I try with BBQ in Prescott?
Great choices include coleslaw, baked beans, fresh corn, grilled veggies, and Hawaiian-style mac salad. Each spot has their own takes, so sample a few to find your favorite pairing.
Is there a Prescott BBQ place with vegetarian or non-meat options?
Some spots offer salads, veggie burgers, or hearty grilled vegetable plates. It’s always smart to check menus or call ahead—most places like COLT Grill aim to have something for everyone.