Stacy’s Smokehouse

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Waited 50 minutes today for a pulled pork and a hot link sandwich before asking for our money back. I can’t imagine how much longer we would of had to wait. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this place… so disappointed. They weren’t even busy!

Great brisket — it’s the only thing I ever get.
As for everything else — I haven’t a clue. But damn! Their brisket is tasty.
I think they could probably use some general business improvement like accepting credit cards, managing a line, or improving the general customer service —
That said the staff has always been nice to me and I keep coming back for the brisket!

Terrible food. The beef ribs were super salty, and they cost $ 5.50 PER RIB now. Their new menu doesn’t even have a price for beef ribs, it says «Market Price,» so the sky’s the limit on how much Stacy can charge for them. And they only accept cash, no credit cards, so bring plenty of $$$.
The ribs were not smoky at all. I thought this place was called a «Smokehouse.» Not the ribs I guess.
The Mac N Cheese was from a Kraft box. The cheese biscuits were burned. The fried pickles weren’t fried, only dipped in raw cornmeal so they were gritty and dry.
We won’t be back.

The food is OK, nothing really exciting. We had the beef ribs, pork ribs, rice & beans, and mac & cheese. The beef ribs were über tough and dry. I was extremely disappointment. The pork ribs were better — kinda good. I didn’t taste the rice & beans as I’m not a fan but the mac & cheese was pretty mediocre, just like any other mac & cheese.
The place is super small and didn’t really seem that clean. All the furniture was mix-​matched. A true whole in the wall but the staff was nice.

Food is inconsistent here. some days, the beef ribs are mouth-​watering good. other days, they are a fatty, nonedible mess.
i recommend trying the special especially the catfish!

If mastication is your thing than this place is «Absolute Foodgasm!»
The last time I had BBQ Rib-​Tips this good, I was in Charleston, SC, in a place called Sticky Fingers, and the year was 1995! I’ve been looking for a place in Phoenix for the past 16 years & I’m happy to say I finally have found it!
You do not pay for the ambiance of a five star restaurant in this joint. This place is an absolute whole in the wall, down & dirty, & smells like a smokehouse shack! So if you want to impress someone on a first date, it’s probably not the place to dine (there is Take-​Out!) Definitely not a place to take clients you want to impress either! (Did I mention Take-​Out?)
But if you want to have BBQ that is finger licking good, than Stacy’s Smokehouse is your kinda joint!

I’ve eaten here a few times and the food started to grow on me. The type where your at home and you think, man I wish I could get some Stacy’s ribs. Their side dish menu is very large this will keep your selection changing every time if you don’t like ordering the same thing where ever you go.
The ribs, Rubbed right and smoked to perfection. The meat does not fall all the bone you have to give a little bite with your teeth. I think this is the right way a rib should be prepared. From the messy sauce to the texture try this location to open a new door to your bbq cravings.

I had to go to Stacy’s after I heard people rave about the Turkey Legs at Cajun Fest. Unfortuntely, that’s not on Stacy’s regular menu. So I ordered the pulled pork sandwich for for $ 6 dollars along with the sweet potato fries. The pulled pork was good, but not the greatest. Although the sweet potato fries were decadently covered with cinnamon sugar. Easily the best sweet potato fries around.
I ordered the half rack of ribs for $ 10.95 on my next visit. I did not like the ribs. Or maybe it was the sauce. I can think of many other places with better ribs like the Yard House, Shane’s Rib Shack and even Chili’s.

I searched Phoenix far and wide for a killer BBQ place and it took my a while to work up the courage to enter this tiny purple establishment. And boy did it pay off. I have been back at least 5 different times.
The pulled pork is excellent. The rib tips are excellent. The french fries are crunchy. The deep-​fried corn on the cob is a must try. The mac and cheese, obviously, is stellar. I have yet to try their pies, but all look incredible.
It’s no fancy digs, but when it comes to meat, you can’t go wrong here.

There’s a little purple building on Indian School rd just West of Arizona SR51 housing Stacy’s Smokehouse BBQ that I pass by on a pretty regular basis. I’ve been meaning to drop in and give Stacy’s a try since they are a locally owned and operated business AND serve BBQ which is both my love and business.
A couple of days ago I was in the area and feeling those slight pangs that indicate hunger so I pulled into Stacy’s parking lot and walked on in.
The place is SMALL with only 4 tables and a counter with a sign that warns customers not to put weight (including your children) on it. There are a series of blackboards hanging behind the counter which comprise the menu and I was excited and intrigued by some of the selections.
As this was between lunch and dinner, I ordered relatively light fare, a large hotlink sandwich, an ear of deep fried corn (how could I not?), an order of red beans and rice and sweet tea.
After a short while my food arrived and I must say it looked quite tasty. The Hotlink sandwich was comprised of two sausage links split and served on a seeded bun with just enough of their tasty BBQ sauce to keep things interesting. It had great bite (though I’d bet the farm the sausage was Farmer John Red Hot Links rather than something house made/​made for them), the proper texture (a bit more chewy than say, a hot dog), and pretty good spicy flavor. All in all, exactly what I’m looking for in this kind of sandwich.
I generally get a pretty good measure of a BBQ joint by the care they put into their beans so I was keen to try the red bean and rice (something not found often enough in a BBQ joint in my opinion). The beans were tender and the long grain rice just past al dente which is where I like it since this allows each grain to stand out and gives you a great mouth feel. The ‘glue’ holding the beans together was quite flavorful, being slightly on the spicy side, and had just about perfect consistency.
…and then there was deep fried corn on the Cobb. I must admit I thought I’d eaten corn prepared in every possible way but clearly I missed one, this ear was rolled in perfectly spiced cornmeal and deep fried until golden brown. The first bite made me giggle like a schoolgirl! Talk about texture, the crispy cornmeal batter allowed the natural juiciness of the corn to shine and gave it a crunch that has to be experienced to understand. Now I’m a huge fan of fire roasted corn slathered in butter, cayenne pepper and salt but I now have a new favorite.
Over-​all Stacy’s BBQ was a pretty good meal at a reasonable price that I would happily recommend. I’m looking forward to returning to try Stacy’s Hickory and Oak smoked ribs for dinner in the very near future.

Finally got the chance to try this place. I had the rib tips with fries, the BF had the hot link sandwich and we shared a piece of cornbread and a side of mac & cheese. Rib tips were good! It was tender and had a nice smokey flavor. The sauce was good as well, but was used a little too excessively that after a few pieces it can be overbearing. I had to start scraping some off. BF said the hot link sandwich was good as well. The conbread and mac and cheese was alright.
Well even though the food was good, we probably wont be visiting again… we didn’t really get a nice vibe from the owner. He started warming up and being friendly towards the end of our meal. but WTF are we suppose to earn the friendly service first?

I’ve been to Stacy’s a few times, usually it’s to go. Hole in the wall place, bring cash. Stacy’s opens at 11, literally, they are still getting the restaurant up and running at 11 — I had to wait until they were ready, awkward. But anyway, the food was great. Pulled pork, rice and beans, fried okra, onion rings and red velvet cake. Thankfully I checked my order before I left because they forgot to put the cake in the bag.
My only suggestion is that they do a better job at «to go» bagging. Seems like they kinda threw it in one little paper bag. Other than that, at least try it out.
I heard from Stacy that they are trying to open up a new location off Shea and Scottsdale Road which is SWEET!!!

Ended up here before a Rhythm Room show because, as always, Rack Shack has the world’s most bizarre business model and you essentially have to guess when they might or might not be open. If they’re not open, head east down Indian School a few blocks and catch Stacy’s. Actually strike that. Try Stacy’s first, because it’s way better.
The place is simple and to-​the-​point. It has a true city vibe like you might catch in Chicago or New York. It’s not a restaurant that tries to be anything it’s not, or tries to «create» a vibe with kitsch and pomp. No, someone just put up a chalkboard to tell you what’s to eat, and put down some tables to let you eat it.
The eats are good so far. I got the brisket sandwich and sweet fries. The meat was very tasty and the fries were fresh and crispy. My only real complaint is that condiments are nowhere to be found. I would have liked ketchup and extra sauce for my brisket, since it didn’t have enough for my taste. A nice lady walks out to the tables continuously asking how everything is and collecting empty baskets – I asked her but she must have forgotten. I would suggest they put condiments out so customers can help themselves. My associate got the same sandwich but with fried pickles and okra. I was skeptical on the pickles but they are actually really good if you like pickles.
Overall, a great way to fill up before you hit the RR or Char’s. It’s not quite over-​the-​top ringy-​dingy five stars, but it’s muy bueno (oh snap, here comes Sheriff Joe).

I lived in Texas for four years, so I guess you can say I know good BBQ. This is not fancy gourmet BBQ, to me this is the real, home cooked BBQ I grew up on in the midwest and so lovingly adored in Texas. Stacy’s gives you that eating in your backyard kind of feel. No fancy decorations, no fussy frills, and yes there are DO NOT signs everywhere, but think of it as your momma’s house you know the rules there so there doesn’t need to be signs.
The BEST BBQ outside of Texas and my momma’s house.
Bring Cash, ask for the sandwiches with the sauce on the side and prepare to enjoy the sauce dripping from your chin experience.

Now that Arizona has passed legislation making it illegal to:
* Roll your «R’s» in the word «Burrito»;
* Elide the «N» in «Jalapeño»;
* Accurately pronounce «Chipotle» and «Habenero», and
* Greet anyone by saying «Hola!»
I figured it was time to sort out what I’m going to do for a little spicy food when there aren’t anymore places that will sell me a great taco or quesadilla (I’m safe with those words for my review, since the law was just signed, it’s not in effect, yet:)
Since Arizona is becoming Texas «Lite», I figure that «Q» will be a safe harbor (much like the British Virgin Islands have become a safe harbor for most of my money).
With that in mind, I decided to get busy finding my little BBQ spots around the greater Dalla… er…Phoenix Area… yeah…the Valley of the Sun… that’s the ticket!
I’ve tried a few… I really liked the recently departed Kinfolks (he went back to Oakland… something about an inhospitable business climate, here… go figure).
After sort of detoxing at squash today, I stopped off for a little lunch at Stacy’s Smokehouse.
Funny story about that… I’ve discovered that there is almost nothing more demoralizing to my squash opponents that taking a couple of pulls of Macallan 18 from my flask just before a squash match («what, he thinks he’s good enough to play me… drunk!!!»).
If I beat them (and I do often enough) it really makes for great bragging rights… if I don’t win… Hey, I’d had a couple of belts! :)
Win/​Win!
Stacy’s is in the old ammo bunker that used to house Turk’s Fish and Chips (home of the best fish & chips in Arizona… but they’re gone now so let’s move on) and this isn’t a location that really seems to be conducive to a successful business…(although this spot is certainly appropriately «divey»).
Nevertheless, they have a bunch of framed awards on their «look at me» wall, proclaiming them as the best of this and that… but that’s what different opinions are for… to start fistfights:)
And my opinion differs… I didn’t actually think that my pulled pork was the best in town… I tried several things at Stacy’s today… pulled pork, a couple of sauces, French fries, beans, fried pickles (hey…I was hungry… playing squash with a buzz is hard work:), and while the food was good, fine, decent, OK… it wasn’t transcendent.
I like that they smoke their own meat (insert joke here) and make their own sauces, and all that, but the Q was just pretty average (just off the top of my head, you’ve got BobbyQ’s and Scottsdale BBQ that will both put this place in the shade).
But it wasn’t down to Honey Bear’s level… and it’s miles ahead of Dickie’s Pit (involuntary shudder).
Give Stacy’s a try… it certainly not bad Q, and we do all have to select authentic American food choices now… I know I’ll be back… if someone else is buying:)
3.5 stars… although I don’t round up:)
My hope is that once Arizona completes the Texasizanation process, that places like the Goode Co., and Drexler’s and even Bryan’s will move here to Housto… oop’s, I mean Phoenix… give us more great Q choices… as long as they don’t try to sell us anything with Chipotle’s in it!
Oh yeah… the emoticon’s are back… be very afraid:-)

I will go ahead and review what I’ve had here. This was a last minute stop on one of my Saturday food fests. Unfortunately I did not get to try nearly the amount of what I wanted to. I’ve driven by this place so many times and I’ve read so much about it I just had to stop in here and get some grub. Next time will be with a big group so we can order some of everything.
They have a much larger menu at the location then they do online. So many sides to choose from, so many desserts to try, so much BBQ to sample. I really wanted to try the fried pickles, and greens because I love these things but there was just no room. I’ve been trying to find good greens in phoenix and have yet to find any that take me to that happy place encountered the first time I had them back east somewhere.
Food:
Sauce:
The sauce was good. but it wasn’t great. It was missing. something. I don’t even know what. I know they are very proud of it and maybe its just that my southwest palate is ruined by the super sweet, super hot, super tangy stuff we are used to. The problem with this is everything comes very very sauced. Again. I though it was good. I think lots of people love it so dont get turned off by this you might love the stuff.
Pork Ribs ½ slab $ 9.99:
What a great deal! I think I had damn near 12 ribs in there. I honestly wonder if they accidentally made me a full slab as this was a GIANT portion of ribs. The picture I took was after already having 3 of the darn things. Not only was this huge but was also a good $ 5 cheaper for a ½ then most places in the valley charge. I removed the sauce *mostly* from one of them and tasted just the meat. It had a nice natural smokey flavor, falling on the to lite side if anything. It had a great texture, very tender without totally falling off the bone. I hate to break it to most people but falling off the bone for ribs generally means it was just over done. There is a rib sweet spot between having a texture and falling off the bone and Stacy hits it. When you have it the first time you’ll know and see what you’ve been missing.
Red Velvet Cake $ 3.00:
I have discovered that I’m just not a fan of this. I had it at lolo’s and people RAVE about it and I just didn’t dig it. When 50 people tell me something is great and I dont get excited about it I assume I need to try it elsewhere or again. So I gave it a try here and same reaction. The frosting rocks. how can it not? its cream cheese! But the cake, at both places, not much going on. Its like a yellow cake mix that is dyed an ungodly red that is missing ½ the sugar the recipie called for. I just don’t seem to like this cake in general so if lolo’s has the best in phoenix I would say its a lie since this tasted almost identical. Now you know you have two places in phoenix that have great red velvet cake. Next time I’m going to try pecan or sweet potato.
Sadly this was all I got to try. I’m basing my review on the ribs and sauce alone. I’m leaving the cake out of the equation since clearly its just not something I would love anywhere. Can’t hold them accountable for that :) I will be back and will update.
Is this the best BBQ I’ve ever had? No its not, but it may very well be the best BBQ I’ve had in phoenix. I have a few more places on the list to try and will update ratings as necessary.
Pros:
Local Joint Service: The ribbing/​joking/​family type treatment.
Large Selection: Dare you not to find SOMETHING that looks tempting on this menu.
Affordable: This has a bit of a catch will I will go into in the cons.
Cons:
Limited Seating/​Parking:
I had zero problems the evening I went but I can imagine during a rush this would be awkward. I have no clue where you would even wait. Out in the parking lot I suppose.
No Plastic:
They seem to have added an ATM inside recently as I see no other mention of this. I meant to check on the fee. I would guess its probably pretty steep so your better off stooping on the way but if you forget they have you covered.
Zero Combination’s:
There are no combos here. You order meat. and you order sides. You get A LOT of BBQ for what they charge but if your going by yourself its going to be a little pricey. If you go with a group it would a much better deal.
Heavy Sauce: I would ask for light sauce or sauce on the side. If you like your BBQ swimming order it straight up and you’ll be a happy camper.

So I spent the 4^th of July weekend in agony. But on the 4^th, I decided I was not going to be a slave to a stomach ulcer. I declared my Independence and headed for Stacy’s. I rolled out of the car and two things hit me… pain and the wonderful scent of the smoker. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed and I’m not sure it was worth suffering the consequences.
We ordered a pound of pork and several sides. The pork was good, but it was smothered in sauce. Had my husband thought to tell me the meat is not served dry before we left, rather than on the way home, we would have gone elsewhere. Although the sauce was really good, I judge a good BBQ by whether the meat can stand on its own merit. The sauce should be a nice accompaniment, not the main attraction. Perhaps I’m in the minority. If you like it all mixed up, chances are you’ll really like Stacy’s.
The greens were really good. The potato salad not so much IMO because it’s made with mustard. The BBQ beans were good, but a little too sweet for me. Cornbread is nothing special. And at 99 cents for a small piece, I think it was definitely priced too high.
I would come back for a sandwich (you need something to absorb all that sauce!) if in the neighborhood. I would definitely come back if I could get the meat dry. But I have to say, I still like Kinfolk’s better at this point. Sorry Stacy. I really wanted to love you as much as everyone else does.

I liked Stacy’s.
I guess I was hoping for more from the small shack-​like building. It was Saturday after lunch but before dinner and there were a few of us there eating. I asked a little bit about a «combo» type meal and pretty much was cold shouldered. He said no but did not offer to expand on that at all. It is not like the menu is reader friendly. Like what is Stacy Style? I wasn’t about to ask.
Beside the unwelcoming greeting, The food looked good. There was a good flavor to the pulled pork but disappointed by the lack of pre order knowledge. I would have preferred to know the sandwich is a wet style. In fact there was another guy there who sent the ribs back because they were drowning in sauce.
There was a good 4 – 6 oz of meat on a small hamburger bun. The sandwich was good, the sauce was good, the cream soda was great. lol
I will be back but will be asking more questions before I order. I want to try fried corn.
Man customer service goes a long way. I would normally give a 3 for today’s review but I feel optimistic.

Down home, comforting and above else yummy! The food here goes right to your soul and your waistline! Tried just about everything on the menu as we went with our chef friend who LOVES to try the while menu at places!
Highlights.
Rib tips (mmm, gristle!)
Brisket
Greens
Yams
Cabbage
Potato Salad
Banana Pudding
Sweet Potato Pie
All the meats are smothered in a tangy sweet sauce which is very good but should be asked for on the side. This place is really inexpensive and done very well!