The Valley of the Sun is known for saguaros, golf courses and … barbecue. Bobby-Q is nationally recognized by barbecue aficionados, and offers its ribs in a vintage countrified setting featuring reclaimed woodwork and antique gas lamps that enhances the dining experience.
Owner Bob Sikora’s first expansion from the original location at Dunlap and the I-17 was this Mesa location a year ago (with a new one recently added in the Biltmore area). The pleasantly rustic patio is a more significant part of the dining room here thanks to the outside wall being sliding glass doors that can be fully opened to bring inside the sense of being outside. A trough-style fountain on one side of the patio not only adds to the ambience but cushions the sound of traffic from the busy thoroughfares on the other side of the brick outer wall.
Deeper within the dining room, the dimly-lit lounge offers an alternative experience with various intimate seating arrangements.
The ribs are the star attraction here, slow cooked over almond and mesquite wood so the seasoned meat simply falls off the bone. Choose St. Louis-style, baby back or Texas beef ribs. Other barbecue standards prepared to be far above standard include pulled pork, brisket, steak and chicken — as entrées and sandwiches. Served with plenty of extra barbecue sauce on the table. Fish options include a grilled salmon filet glazed with a zesty, sweet sauce. On a slightly lighter side is Bob’s Salad, crisp greens with an ample mix of rotisserie chicken, apple wedges, cranberries, celery, goat cheese and walnuts tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette.
Bobby-Q’s signature style is to start meals with fresh homemade cornbread, and end with freshly fried donuts offered simply in a paper lunch bag to go (or to enjoy in the moment).
Bobby-Q
8501 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix • (602) 995-5982
1610 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa • (480) 361-7470
3154 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix • (602) 626-8856
