Joe’s Real BBQ: A mix of flavors

The name says it all! Joe’s Real BBQ offers many styles of barbecue cooked carefully and to perfection.

Joe Johnston, a partner of the company, said this Arizona restaurant transports people back in time to enjoy a pleasant and social environment.

Johnston said they serve multiple types of barbecue and a sauce that is a mix between both Kansas City and Texas style. He said the ingredients come right from Arizona.

Along with ingredients, they also use Arizona pecan wood to cook up their dishes. Johnston said they carefully picked the wood because the smoke can impact and overpower the meat.

Johnston said his go-to meal is the two-meat plate. It offers sliced brisket and turkey, and he gets barbecue beans and coleslaw for his side.

Originally built in 1929, the building has had a long history. It was once home to a grocery store, storage building, movie theatre, lamp factory and finally a church before it was bought in 1997 and became Joe’s Real BBQ.

“Our goal is, for when you walk in, feel as though the original use of this building was this barbecue,” Johnston said. “Hence some of the decor, (it’s an) homage to Arizona highways and the glory of Arizona as an exotic place to visit.”

Johnston said the best compliment he can get from a guest is that it has become a part of their life and a regular spot to dine.

Guest Frank Marazita had the four-meat platter, which came with the brisket, jalapeno sausage, ribs and pit ham. He said the ribs were a St. Louis type of rib that had a great taste.

To go along with his main meal, Marazita had the pit beans, which were packed with pit ham, and their cornbread.

Marazita finished off his visit with something sweet and had the combination cake that came with a slice of lemon cake and root beer cake.

Right next door is Topo, an ice cream shop also owned by the owners of Joe’s Real BBQ. Guests can try an Arizona classic, and get the prickly pear soft serve.

Marazita’s pro tip: Visit on a Saturday, and enjoy Old Gilbert.