Caldwell County BBQ brings authentic Texas-style barbecue to the heart of Arizona. Our experienced pitmasters slow-smoke every cut of meat on traditional Texas smokers to achieve bold, smoky flavor and tender perfection. All of our sides, sauces, and desserts are made fresh in-house, crafted with care to deliver a true taste of Texas hospitality.
Wood-smoked, Texas-style BBQ classics turned out in timber-lined digs with outdoor picnic tables.
Notes from the Sweet Spot
Sweet Spot Find: This place is in the perfect location, very near our hotel and the a short drive from the Arizona Athletic Grounds. After a long day at a sports event at the athletic grounds, you’re bound to be hungry and this is a great way to refuel. We had lots of Texas BBQ so this was what we used to compare this dining experience. We ordered, ¼ pound of lean brisket and ¼ pound fatty brisket, ¼ pound of pork ribs, and one sausage link (jalapeno cheese) with coleslaw, beans, and side salad. This was enough food for the two of us. We were happy to see they had Shiner Bock! It was a nice late afternoon for outdoor dining. Lots of diners both indoor tables and outdoor tables. We recommend this place if you’re in the area and hungry fo some very good BBQ!
… moreKyle Shields
As if the thousands of 5 star review aren’t enough, Caldwell BBQ are not messing around. I’ve had bbq in every state worth mentioning and this place had the best brisket I’ve ever tasted.
Saturday night the line was around 3 sides of the building but they were efficient and kept the line moving. Plenty of seating. Sauces were incredible. If you’re there after 5, don’t expect them to have ribs- but that’s a bbq joint for ya. Couldn’t think of any downsides, however I did feel like the sides deserved to match the quality of the meat; in this case, they were just ok. Will definitely be back
… moreAdam Stice
Showed up on a Saturday night from out of state. Looked very busy at first, don’t let that distract you! The line moves pretty fast and you’ll want to try this place out. We had Beef Ribs and a loaded potato with the BBQ ranch and sour cream. Wow! Not going to lie here, the best beef ribs I’ve ever had. Give this place a try, you won’t regret it. The price is a little high for sure, but tonight I feel like it was absolutely worth it.
… moreLuna Grey
Love the vibe and the hospitality here! The Brisket is perfectly cooked and pairs beautifully with the Sliced Sausage. Make sure to get the Corn Casserole as your side—it’s a total game changer. If you need a break from the richness of the meat, the spicy pickles provide a great kick to reset your palate. But be aware, there would be long line on Friday night!
… moreBarry Crozier
First time there and WOW!!!! Did not disappoint. Every morsel was so tasty. The service was amazing. Long line up and got in and served in no time. Shout out to Blake who came around to ensure everything was ok. Will be returning to this absolute GEM of an eatery!!! Thanks again guys!!!!
… moreMichael Hayes
I was in Phoenix recently on a business trip and wanted to try a different BBQ joint. For reference, I’ve eaten at Little Miss BBQ, Can’t Stop Smoking and Rudy’s. Caldwell County BBQ was ~25 mi from my airport location. I arrived at 1:30 PM on a Tuesday, so I can’t comment on the lunch crowd.
The front of the building is unassuming making it look like a smaller place. It’s not until you get inside the you realize the building extends pretty far back. On-site parking may be a challenge at busy times, so I just made my life easier and parked in the lot across the street.
The menu isn’t too extensive but has the usual offerings. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, banana pudding and a drink for ~$25. The pulled pork sandwich was fantastic. The roll was soft but not too thick. I do use BBQ sauce but not enough to obscure the meat’s flavor. All that said, the sauce was to my liking as well. The potato salad side was a hefty portion and also well done. Lastly, the banana pudding while served in a plastic cup, was a perfect way to end the meal.
As you leave, you go out towards their back patio. There is a large smoker is within 25 feet of wherever you sit, so you can get that aroma while you dine. That’s where I’ll be next time.
… moreLandon Briggs
First time here and it was such an enjoyable experience! Sat out and watched the suns game and ate some amazing food, get the pickles of course. Service was amazing, Breck was very helpful throughout the night bringing us good company and got us More than enough pickles. 10/10 would come back
… moreMelissa Cintron
My first time coming here to celebrate my 40th birthday this past Saturday after hearing about this great restaurant on the radio! Food was delicious..Atmosphere was great! I gave the service 3 stars because the young lady at the front counter with blonde hair that was serving the food was not polite or pleasant at all..she seemed very overwhelmed as if she was not happy to be working there. And she also did not give us our complimentary o ions, peppers and pickles or bread. Otherwise all other staff was friendly, kind and patient. We loved the food and experience! We will be back again!
… moreJames Lasby
We had been here once before and then again had takeout. Both times the food was amazing and I had been wanting to go back again. I had been looking for a place they served beef ribs and Caldwell’s had them on Fridays after 5 and on the weekends until they sell out. We stopped in for lunch not long after they opened on Saturday and there was no line at that time. By the time we left the line was getting large.
We ordered beef rib and a 1/4 pound bd of their brisket. We also ordered two sides the corn casserole and the macaroni and cheese.
It was more than the two of us could eat. The beef rib was just so tasty and juicy. I had not had once since I was teenager and I was happy to have found a good once. The brisket was most and flavorful and tender as can be. The corn casserole was really good, we had had it before but this time we also got those macaroni and cheese and it was the best I’ve ever had. Overall it was a fantastic dinning experience and we can’t wait to go back again.
… moreMichael Luna
Caldwell county BBQ might be the easiest 5 star review I have ever left. From the beginning to end the experience is great. After parking and walking towards the entrance I was greeted by some of the pit masters that are outside by the entrance. After entering, I was also kindly greeted by the employees behind the counter. I was asked if I wanted to sample anything and treated very well. After I paid and set down I was checked on twice by different people checking in and seeing if I needed anything. Don’t get me wrong the service was great, but the food was stupendous. The jalapeño cheddar sausage and the brisket were amazing. The Mac and cheese is a staple and the new chili that they added to the menu is a must-try! Great experience and will be back! (even thought is a 1 hour drive)
… more