In Mesa, scoring a seat at the top barbecue joints can feel like chasing smoke in the desert wind. These aren’t just the best—they’re the busiest pits in town. We’ve tasted through the lines to tell you which are truly worth the wait and, more importantly, how to get your hands on a plate before the brisket runs out.
Sogongdong Tofu & BBQ
$$ | WEBSITE
Verdict: How do you feel about food court gems? Sogongdong Tofu & BBQ, inside Hmart’s bustling food court, isn’t quite a hidden treasure, but there’s definitely some shared appeal. At this straightforward Korean spot in Mesa, you can grab a quick seat, enjoy a hot stone bibimbap, and customize your spice level with a side of sauce brought to you by a server who’s kind and efficient.
Even if the food is impressively generous and flavorful, it’s not worth waiting in line for a table during peak times.
Jalapeño Buck’s
$ | (480) 459-3050 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Jalapeño Buck’s is a barbecue-ish spot in Mesa from the people behind some great local joints, but it’s a different sort of production. Unlike typical barbecue places, the space is friendly and casual, and the menu shows a range of influence: They do a pb & j brisket and a brisket casadilla. This is a great choice for a satisfying meal out, and it’s going to be refreshingly easy to get into for quite some time.
Smoking Tiger Korean BBQ
$$ | (602) 851-1877 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Smoking Tiger Korean BBQ is overhyped. It’s so overhyped that you’ll hear people claim that the food here isn’t even any good. That is untrue. The Korean BBQ at Smoking Tiger is consistently delicious. This is just such a popular spot for large groups, and there are so many other places where you can get excellent Korean BBQ in this city.
The only real reason to struggle for a table here is if you want to experience the incredible service from Michelle, who might just be the most attentive server in Mesa.
Charlie’s Backyard BBQ
$ | (480) 963-9656 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Before we dive into whether Charlie’s Backyard BBQ lives up to the hype, there are a few things to know. This Mesa barbecue joint, with its charming backyard-inspired decor, doesn’t require any secret handshakes or insider connections—you can simply walk in or order carry-out. Alternatively, you can book their highly praised catering service for events, where the friendly staff ensures perfect timing and quality. That service worked flawlessly for us once, though it’s best to plan ahead.
The food is top-tier barbecue, so if you’re craving fantastic pulled pork, brisket, or rib tips with homemade BBQ sauce, we wholeheartedly recommend it. But don’t expect any gimmicks—just solid, satisfying flavors.
Shaanxi Chinese Restaurant
$$ | (480) 733-8888 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Shaanxi Chinese Restaurant is so authentic, their air smells like hand-pulled noodles. This unassuming Mesa spot has cornered the market on Northern Chinese comfort food and biangbiang noodles, and it’s the closest you’ll get to Xi’an without a passport. Is the service fast? Mostly—though it can lag when they’re packed. You’re here for the flavors. (But yes, the service is attentive. Try the lamb skewers.)
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$ | (480) 615-1444 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Simply put: the best barbecue in Mesa. Located along the main drag, Famous Dave’s feels like a classic smokehouse—with warm wood paneling and rustic metal accents—and serves barbecue that delivers rich, smoky flavors with perfect tenderness. Options include fall-off-the-bone ribs, tangy-sweet pulled pork, and creamy, delicious mac and cheese. The service is outstanding, with bartender Espi providing friendly, knowledgeable guidance and servers offering attentive, timely care.
Overall, it’s a winning combination of mouthwatering barbecue and exceptional hospitality, making it a highly recommended destination for a satisfying, memorable meal.
Got Sushi?
$$ | (480) 807-8500 | WEBSITE
Verdict: If you’ve ever asked around Mesa, you’re probably aware that Got Sushi? serves great sushi. It’s worth a visit, but if that’s the only thing you order, you’re missing out. Try some fresh salmon nigiri, a perfectly balanced spicy tuna roll, or a dragon roll channeling sweet eel and avocado. And grab a beer while you’re at it. The place—which has that classic, lived-in look—has so much more to offer.
Angry Crab Shack
$$ | (480) 373-5855 | WEBSITE
Verdict: A true neighborhood seafood shack. Fortunately, the neighborhood in question is a welcoming part of Mesa where families can enjoy a lively meal without breaking the bank. Angry Crab Shack, from the team behind some local favorites, serves shrimp crab combos, seafood boils, and lobster tails in a vibrant, kid-friendly space where writing on the walls is encouraged.
It’s a perfectly fun and messy experience, and it costs a reasonable amount of money: $45 for the seafood boil for two, for example.
Mokis Hawaiian Grill
$ | (480) 830-6654 | WEBSITE
Verdict: We made it. We finally tried the buffet, and left the restaurant no more or less stuffed. Mokis Hawaiian Grill is largely a Hawaiian escape with a relaxed vibe and a more authentic island menu, and it’s a great time if you’re into comfort food and aloha spirit. Do you have to go? No. But if you only eat at places that feel like a tropical vacation, this cozy spot with island tunes is one of your better options.
Get the chicken katsu with sauce, and lean into the sweetness with Grandma’s Chocolate Cake that comes with a side of pineapple Dole whip.
Wings Express
$ | (480) 898-8113 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Wings Express, a long-standing family favorite known for delicious and quality food, only has about a dozen tables. That’s the one reason why it gets crowded on busy days. The other is the wings. This Mesa barbecue spot serves consistently crispy, sauce-coated wings that are heavy on the buffalo and mango hot flavors. Past highlights have included medium buffalo wings with restaurant-quality ranch and perfectly balanced mango hot wings that blend sweetness and spice.
Cupbop – Korean BBQ in a Cup
$ | (602) 807-2576 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This is still one of the best Korean BBQ spots in Mesa, and it’s not that complicated. A meal currently costs around $15 and comes in a customizable cup, with popular choices like the rock bop fried chicken bites and the b bop Korean shaved steak combo. The attention to flavor is impressive, and the food is always packed with taste, satisfying, and unique.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (480) 461-0790 | WEBSITE
Verdict: We’d like to be eating at LongHorn Steakhouse right now. Unfortunately, this Western lodge-style spot with its deer horn chandeliers and dark wood hasn’t become any easier to get into since it opened. Try to get a seat here. We believe in you, and we think you should start your meal with the 6 oz sirloin before moving onto the lamb chops and a creamy baked potato.