- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Hap's Pit Barbecue
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 7 pm
Sat 10:30 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Hap's Pit Barbecue
Review Highlights
-
"The pulled pork and beef did not disappoint." In 23 reviews -
"Best BBQ in the Phoenix Metro hands down." In 7 reviews -
"...definitely worth the drive to Honey Bears, even if the one..." In 5 reviews
Loading...
43 reviews in English
-
Review from Taylor Momo J.
Phoenix, AZ
This place is great! I've been here (not often) over the past 8-10 years and they always have great, tender ribs. The combination meat sampler plate is great for first timers. Pricing is a little high but that's because BBQ isn't cheap, especially when it is done right.
I wish they had coupons. But they do have daily specials. -
Review from Derrick Z.
Shiprock, NM
12/13/2011
i gave hap's a 4 star because their ribs are damn good. i have ordered the same item during lunch time. so my review may not included all that hap's has to offer.
i ordered a ribs & chicken combo with 1 side and a drink for $12. kinda pricey for a lunch but i figured if the meat taste great then it's worth the cost. well, the ribs and chicken taste great and my coleslaw was just okay.
the day we went it was busy and seating was a little hard to find. but other lunch days we are the only ones inside. nice look inside the restaurant.
all in all, not a bad place for some above average ribs and if you are living large and want some ribs on the spot check out hap's pit bbq. -
Review from Chris and Michele S.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/24/2012
One star for their great service. Food was the worst BBQ ever, horrible, ribs were rare? Yes pink stuck to the bone not done, threw them away. Expensive and horrible food.
Comment from Julian M. of Hap's Pit Barbecue 5/1/2012
We hold your feedback in high regard. In response, it is… More » -
Review from Greg M.
2/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm on the fence with Haps. On a good day, this is a 4 star bbq joint. However, I have found that there are some inconsistencies.
They have great bbq sandwiches with a deliciously balanced sauce and a nice quality bun. I liked the brisket over the pulled pork, but both were really good.
The main inconsistencies I have noticed are with the side dishes. You definitely need to know what to order... here's what I've tried:
Cole slaw: Blandy McBlanderson. Needed more salt, vinegar, and pepper. Not good at all.
Corn bread: I know corn bread should be crumbly, but the first time I went here I tried to pick up the nice, thick slice of corn bread and it completely disintegrated in my hand. To eat anything, I had to pick up crumbs with my fork. The other time, it was okay, but I think there should be some more moisture in their bread.
Garlic mashers: This was the best side that I've had. Not too garlicy, and not too creamy.. I like my mashed potatoes with some clumps for texture.
Another thing I have to mention is the value. For a sandwich, two sides, and a drink, it's under $10. Now THAT is a real value, in my eyes... as long as you pick the right sides, that is.
The more I come here, the more I like it, so I may have to update my review after I've had some more of their sides and possibly some of those delicious looking homemade cobblers they have.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Captain L.
Mesa, AZ
5/13/2011
I do simple reviews after having BBQ in 49 states... :)
Pork: Great
Chicken: Great
Beef: Good
Ribs: Awesome
Beans: Awesome - Strangely similar to what you get at Joe's in Gilbert... Hmmm....
Slaw: Meh. I'm not a fan of the large chunks of cabbage. I like mine shredded better.
The seating is very limited and the line gets long around noon (out the door long).
It's best to get it to go. -
Review from Kevin U.
1/28/2011
Great Food, Great working people that know what their doing, and great vision from the owner. Quality and service are top notch with a clean environment is hard to beat. I don't know who has the best bbq anymore. Give me a suggestion if you know of any.
Of Course Ribs at the best, Pulled Pork, rib tips and many sides to choose from.
I had no idea of the 24th Street and Jefferson Location, Thanks David B. -
Review from Johnson D.
Mesa, AZ
8/10/2009
This place serves the best BBQ within 5miles of the place I currently spend most of my billing hours. Certainly better than the BBQ Company on 36th.
I get the 2 meat combo which comes with a side (beans), chips (good chips), and 2 meats of your choice for like $7.50-$8. I've tried and been impressed with the Pulled Pork, Brisket, and Smoked Ham. Their meats have a very nice flvor and are served with just a tiny drizzle of bbq sauce, nothing more. The flavor of the meats speak for themselves, you really don't need bbq sauce, but the drizzle is a nice compliment as opposed to being the main dish as it is at other, gross, bbq places.
Service is quick, efficient, and very friendly. They have a lot of micro-brew-ish sodas, fresh homemade deserts, and other yummy treats, if that's your thing. -
Review from Amy B.
9/13/2009
Ive seen this place riding on the lightrail, but have not stopped here until now because they A) do not have thier own stop and it requires me to drive down, and B) are not open past 4 on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.
So I finally drag myself down there on Saturday for some BBQ. The place is part of a really nice clean little strip mall with adaquate parking. Place has adaquate seating and you order at the counter. No waiter service here, which is fine by me.
They have lunch and dinner options, and being that I wasnt all that hungry for a dinner plate on a Saturday afternoon, I went for a Beef Brisket sandwich. The "lunch" menu is more ala carte. No sides, and you chose what you want to go with your order. The lady at the register said its a better value to get the dinner plate, which comes with some sides, and is only a few dollars more. I just didnt want that much food this time so I kept it small.
The sandwich was fine. Not the greatest, but I did enjoy my experience here. I will probably return and try the dinner plate at some point, as this place seems legit, clean and has a full menu. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars, and being that I wasnt blown away, I went with 3 stars since I I felt that was more realistic to my experience there then bumping it up to 4. Its worth a shot at this place, and I really did like it. -
Review from Joe E.
Phoenix, AZ
12/4/2010
I've been there a few times, and it's good enough to keep coming back. The BBQ lamb is fairly unique, and has a very nice taste to it. The sandwiches come on a bakery-style bun, as opposed to the super cheap hamburger buns you see at most fast-food BBQ places. Not gourmet, but noticeably better.
The garlic mashed potatoes were surprisingly good. Again, not gourmet, but for just over a buck, a nice addition to the sandwich.
There are still quite a few things on the menu I need to try, and I'm looking forward to going back. -
Review from Traclyn P.
Tempe, AZ
2/6/2009
HOLY SHAROLEE!!! My co-worker and best friend suggested that we run down to Haps for a quick bite and to get out of the office for a bit. Even though I brought lunch I was down for the escape.
We get there and right when we get to the register in this little case they have like four different kinds of what looks to be cobblers. They have a peach one. A PEACH ONE!! I was so stoked. Peach is my favorite. I ordered the special that they had on the sandwich board outside. Hot ham and cheese. A large drink and the peach cobbler. The cashier immediately asks me if I want ice cream to go with it. I decided no because it might melt before it would be of any use to my cobbler. The employee that was going to make our sammiches is behind the counter and I see her go grab a peach cobbler and pop it into the microwave. WOW its gonna be warm oooey goodness. Fill my drink the large is
L A R G E two hands needed. I get done and our sammiches are ready. Quick, quick, quick!
We get back to the office and I dive into the peach. Oh my goodness. It was/is so good. It was yummy. I thought about sharing with my friend but decided against it. Too good. The sandwich was good. I liked it and the price wasn't bad. -
Review from Alicia B.
Boston, MA
11/30/2007
"Hand rubbed meat can't be beat." That's what a t-shirt reads. It's hung up on the wall next to other things, like posters with catchy phrases and local acknowledgments of Hap's being the best BBQ around town.
This place is really just a hop, skip and jump from my office. On a rainy November day, BBQ sounds superb. So, I hop, skip and jump over to Hap's. It's my first time and I'm curious to see how they do BBQ. After all, I hail from the south, you could say, and have eaten some pretty great BBQ in Oklahoma and Texas.
At Hap's around 12 on a Friday, there's a line out the door. I agree to wait. The wait allows me to check out the decor and patrons. It's mostly men here, and I begin to think, "What a meat market." Literally, with pulled pork, lamb, chicken, ham and links as your choices. But, all I see when I look around are young and middle aged men. Some are rather cute. Who knew such things existed in this business area off Washington and 48th St.
I'm not the only one with wandering eyes. I notice several of the patrons take notice of me, the only young female in the place. Yep, that's right. I'm here for the BBQ.
The menu is a bit cumbersome to read. There's the regular menu and a catering one. Then there's a small black board with suggested specials. I jump at the chance to try their smoked BBQ lamb with their mint dressing on the side. Mint isn't the only dressing option you have, but it sounded like the ideal match for lamb - even the little black board said so.
So, it's my turn at the register. The woman behind the counter gives me a big, friendly smile. I smile back. "I'd like to try your smoked lamb sandwich with mint on the side." I tell her it's to go. She punches up my total - $5.07 - runs my card and hands me a receipt. She also asks for my name, for when you place an order here and it's ready, they shout out your name. Not some number. Not profanity. Your name. Very cool. Well, they didn't have a chance to shout my name. While the woman hands me my receipt copy and card, a man leans over the counter. "Alicia?" Yep. "Here you go. Enjoy." I didn't even have to wait one millisecond. I snatch up the bag and left. It's not that I wanted to eat there, but if I had, there wouldn't have been any open booths anyway - just a couple of stools against the wall, nearly in the way of the line of hungry lunchers.
I anticipate biting into the sandwich and having an "oohhh" moment. The sandwich is sloppy, pieces of lamp escaping the entrapment of the bun. I dunk the lamb pieces in the mint dressing, which is my favorite part of the sandwich. Don't get me wrong, the meat is good. It just didn't wow me. Nor did the bun, which is your basic hamburger bun you can buy at the grocery store. The sauce was also just okay. I mean, I could tell it was BBQ sauce, but, let's face it, it wasn't oh-my-god BBQ sauce. So...
3 stars for Hap's. I can see why Phoenix likes this place, for it offers up a plethora of BBQ options and sides, including broccoli and cheese casserole. Or, supposedly, they have a really great cauliflower casserole. My friend says so. If that's not your thing, there's bags of chips, cobbler (peach, cherry, etc.), chocolate nut brownies and even coleslaw.
So, why not a higher rating? Because I wasn't wowed by their translation of BBQ. Granted, I ordered one simple sandwich, but even that one simple sandwich, with all its flavor and sustenance, wasn't enough for me to deem this place my preferred lunch destination.
Yet, it's definitely worth checking out.
(But, as my friend told me, "It's no Honey Bears.") -
Review from Jaime F.
12/2/2010
I'm not a BBQ snob, I'm not from the South, I don't know what things are called when you add coleslaw to them, I don't have a pit in my backyard. Yet, my love affair with pork runs deep, to the bone, kinda like how I love my grandma but pork isn't racist, so it's almost MORE pure. I've even been known to cook pork myself, braise it, slow cook it, dance with it.
Hap's pulled pork sandwiches are god damn awesome, I don't care what anyone says. The pork is perrrfectly cooked, tasty, mounted on some nondescript buns and served in easy-to-open foil inside a brown paper bag of wonderful. I've never eaten anything else here, and I probably never will.
I also like the quaint atmosphere and how it's always busy enough at lunch time for you to know it's good, but not so busy that it takes an hour to get in and out of there. Another thing I like about Hap's is that they take down you first name and call it out when your food is ready. This may seem menial, but it adds a bit of personability to a place which I always can appreciate.
My co-workers have gotten the pulled chicken and beef and all that other stuff and they too share my love for this great lunch time spot. The only negative I will say about Hap's is that every time I eat it I want to take a nap right after; which isn't so bad considering I have a job in which sleeping could be considered MORE productive. -
Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
4/10/2008
Despite the fact that Hap's is one of the closest dining destinations to the office, I rarely choose to stop here. This is telling. I have a weak spot for barbecue. Traditionally, I've never been a huge meat eater, but that's changed over the last three years and a good barbecue pork sandwich makes me knees buckle.
It's a tiny little place and can get quite crowded during the peak time. The set-up of the room and number of people can make it appear claustrophobic. The walls are busy with bizarre paintings, including barbecuing pigs.
Hap's provides a decent sandwich, but nothing noteworthy. The most memorable aspects of the restaurant are the crowd and decor. They choose to lean toward an Oregano's-style punny marketing route. Alicia B. provided a fantastic description of the usual patrons, generally professional men.
Although I'm ambivalent, the friendly service amazes and the menu options are more diverse than many local barbecue spots. If I must have barbecue at work, though, it's definitely worth the drive to Honey Bears, even if the one on Van Buren doesn't have fries. -
Review from Tom T.
Mesa, AZ
3/20/2008
I've been eating at Hap's since they were in a trailer in a parking lot on 24th and Jefferson. And for those of you who have don't hail from the south, you will find this to be extremely good BBQ. I always opt for the 2 meat combo dinner with smoked lamb and pulled pork (sometimes beef brisket). Served up with cornbread and mashers plus BBQ sauce and mint sauce on the side. My one gripe is they don't serve corn on the cob. Head over just before or after the busy lunch hour and escape the wait in line.
I don't see Honey Bear's getting New Times Best of Phoenix consecutive years in a row. Not to say that Honey Bear's isn't good but I guess it depends on what kind of BBQ sauce you like since the sauce makes it. Hap's was also highly regarded in Sunset Magazine's Best of the West and several other publications hung on their wall. -
Review from Jeff T.
Chandler, AZ
1/25/2011
Perhaps with the exception of the lamb (which is really just a novelty anyway), everything is very well done - all the essentials (pulled pork, spare ribs, brisket) are cooked and served the way they should be. Sauce is served warm and delicious, although no sauce is provided on the side. I have not seen or tasted anything much better at BBQ competitions.
Only room for improvement is on the sides... cornbread is a little dry. But when you want good BBQ'd meat, do you really trust someone that spent too much time baking? Focus on what's important!
As a "tip" for getting great value, get the rib tips sandwich, served open face. It is a very generous portion for the cost and the meat is surprising meaty and tender, considering this cut is really just a byproduct. All sandwiches are served on a warm bun that is fresh and has perfect size and texture so to not distract from the meat and sauce.
I actually look forward to CPA seminars across the street (AZ Society of Certified Public Accountants) because of Haps. -
Review from Kenny W.
Laveen, AZ
7/18/2010
Best BBQ in the Phoenix Metro hands down. Forget Honey Bears, Joe's, The Pits Again, and throw Famous Dave's out the window also. If you are looking for great BBQ Hap's is it.
There are several reason's to love Hap's. But the only reason to love a BBQ joint is because of their meat. Not only does Hap's have the traditional beef, pork, and chicken, but they also have some odder choices as well like lamb, and ham (some places have ham but most don't). Hap's uses a combo of pecan and green mesquite wood for smoking (I don't know anyone that uses green mesquite). This combo gives the meat a really rich smoke flavor but does not hide the taste of the meat. This rich taste also insures that you don't need to use sauce on your meal (Thank God for wood and fire). The sides at Hap's are a good compliment as well. Garlic mashes, bean medily, and fresh made potato salad are some of the best. If you are a rib fan then Hap's is your place. They don't serve babys but spares are my favorite anyway and Hap's brisket and pulled pork are very flavorful as well.
If you are wanting BBQ in Phoenix Metro Hap's is your place. They only have one location so it gets real busy during the lunch hour. I would suggest to call ahead and have your meal waiting for pickup. -
Review from Adam L.
Phoenix, AZ
9/4/2008
I just stopped by Hap's to pick up some ribs and chicken for the first NFL game of the year. I have eaten here once before and forgot the great smoked taste that all of their meats have.
I would compare it to something like a Shane's Barbecue, not really a hole in the wall type barbecue spot but definitely small and very clean. I think the meat has a much better taste than Shane's, more of a smoked taste rather than relying on the sauce for the taste.
I would say this is more of a pick-up type place and for sure a place to get some family sized meals for a small party or during a game. -
Review from Jeremy P.
Mesa, AZ
Updated - 6/1/2011
Since my previous review last year, I've eaten at Haps quite a few more times. After lunch today (a coworker insisted we go there), I think it's finally time to reduce this to one star.
Why?
Well, in short, it's because they cut every corner they can find. I've already mentioned the terrible side dishes. The flavorless mashed potatoes, the garlic-less garlic toast, etc. The buns they use are terrible; it's dry, spongy, and completely flavorless. The scoop of ice cream they put on top of the cobbler (which they charge you about $1.50 for) is that yellow garbage you get in those five gallon buckets labeled "frozen dairy dessert product."
And perhaps most indicative of their overall cheapness, they replaced the Henry Weinhard's root beer with that plastic bottled A&W crap some time last year. Yes, I can tell the difference, and yes, that move alone cost them my business.
For the record, my lunch today (a pulled pork sandwich, a cup of cobbler with a scoop of ice cream, and a cup of water) cost me almost $12. With a drink, that would have been $14. For low quality food, those prices are unacceptable.
I guess people in Arizona like this garbage. If someone tells you this place has good food, you can rest assured they either have no taste buds or actually like bad food.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/17/2010
I stopped in here for lunch, and I have to say, I don't know what the fuss is about.
First of all,… Read more »
-
-
Review from Daniel H.
Gilbert, AZ
2/21/2010
Love this place! I've searched out good BBQ in Phoenix and I have finally found a great "lunch spot." I've also had the catering a couple times and it is also great.
Good prices, the line (every day at lunch!) moves fast... and you can eat outside almost every day.
I always get the Brisket Sandwich "meal" but my friends tell me the Pulled Pork is better... I guess it's all good! -
Review from Lauren V.
3/1/2011
And I don't even like BBQ.
Well, that's not totally true, every once in a blue moon a nice pulled pork sandwich sounds good. But I generally find it to be vinegary and sometimes sugary (which I can't fathom for the life of me) and sort of sour and just weird. Usually I only eat it when forced to: at a friend's for dinner or the co-workers want to go out for BBQ for lunch.
The latter being the reason I ended up here recently. We had actually attempted to lunch at the nearby indoor go kart race track, which has a café, but they don't serve until 1p. So we hit up the cramped mini strip mall of some of the only food for miles in this business park area I refer to as the "no man's land" when it comes to food.
I eyed the pulled pork sandwich on the menu, but decided to be adventurous (a risk when you don't really like BBQ) and went for the beef brisket wrapped in a tortilla. I added cheddar cheese (I mean go heart attack or go home, right?) to the wrap and got a drink and a side of garlic mashed potatoes for about $7.
It was rather busy in the small place on a Friday, so we had to sit at the bar style seating which means you stare at a wall - at least make the view out the window, I say. It was awkward seating for our party of two, so don't stumble in with 4-5 co-workers on a Friday and expect to all sit together unless you're lucky and get a small booth.
About 3-5 minutes later they called our orders. Pretty quick for how busy they were, and totally fine if you're running in and taking it to go. And damnit if that tortilla wasn't flavorful and amazing, and the brisket inside?! Fantastic. I was really, really impressed. Oh, it was greasy as hell (it dripped out the bottom and all over my hands) but very good. And VERY rich. I liked it so much I went back about two weeks later to get the same, and this time gobbled it up fast and felt ill after. So if you don't have an iron stomach take your time on this one. The mashed potatoes were a good size and also very tastey.
All in all, I was very impressed with this fast food spot. For the money I got measurably better food than I would have imagined. Plus quick and friendly service makes four stars. Done and done. -
Review from Mark T.
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. I have frequently commented that the number of good BBQ joints in Phoenix is lacking. This is located in a small shopping area just down from my office and today I decided to stop by with a friend rather than my typical drive past.
We arrived at a great time - just seconds before the long line formed. She ordered the pulled pork sandwich and I went for the same but Tennessee style (that's topped with slaw for y'all from from the south). David B. described the quality of food in relationship to the decor. Another indicator is the level of sloppiness. When I slowly opened the aluminum foil and saw the saucey/cole slaw mess, my expectations increased. The sandwich was of large size and presented a dilema for me and my dining partner (perhaps more for her as she was wearing a nice business suit) - do we dive in and end up wearing half it on our pants and shirt, or should we be civilized and use a knife and fork. Yes, the alternative would require both utensils. Given we had several work hours left in the day, we elected the later. The flavor was excellent. The saucy perfect and the slaw set it off just right.
Two large sandwiches and two medium drinks - just over $13. I was seriously eyeing that piece of sweet potato pie or the brownie...who am I kidding? AND the brownie...but I refrained.
I have to put this spot near the top of my Phoenix BBQ locations. I will definitely come back again. -
Review from Jorge S.
Phoenix, AZ
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Potato salad not good at all. Beans not good at all. Ribs were really pink and when its pork I rather be safe than sorry. U ordered garlic bread and that was a joke ! How can u mess up garlic bread cmon guys ! Youll never see me there again but u can catch at honey bears tho !
-
Review from Jessica F.
Phoenix, AZ
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sorry, but I'm just not a huge fan. My co-workers seemed to like it and they get pretty good reviews, so maybe it was just an off day for them. The beans were pretty good since they had bacon in them, but there were lima beans in them too. Yuck!
-
Review from Cecilea M.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/2/2011
The best BBQ in Tempe and the service is awesome. What more can you ask for?
-
Review from Jesse J.
So after an uneventful trip to Honey Bears the previous week I decided to try out Hap's. It is just as close to my house and the reviews were pretty decent so I wanted to try for myself.
I got the Brisket sandwich which was actually really good. The sauce was dripping out the sides all nice and messy like a BBQ sandwich should be. It was a tangy and sweet sauce with nice flavor. The brisket was chopped into nice pieces so every bite you weren't ripping it apart. I also had corn bread as my side. It was decent sweet and crumbly like it should be.
Overall I think I have made the switch I still have to try out Stacey's but Hap's is quality and they have a great menu even including lamb. -
Review from April J.
Washington, DC
7/29/2010
Good, solid bbq! Looked up this place online as it is close to my hotel. Didn't have a car so made the 1 mile walk on over in the desert heat. I arrived sweating feverishly, but was quickly cooled off by the pleasant staff. The guy at the counter was super nice and made me feel right at home there. I wasn't sure what kind of sandwich to order and he suggested the beef brisket. It was awesome! Tender, juicy cuts of brisket with a perfectly balanced bbq sauce on a soft bun. I know this may seem odd to comment on the Coke I had, but even it was just right... I hate when on a hot day I grab a cup to get some coke from the coke dispenser and it's not fresh. The pop here was nice and bubbly just like I like it.
Prices were extremely reasonable, staff was friendly, & food was fast and fresh (and so was the coke). -
Review from Bobby W.
Phoenix, AZ
6/17/2010
I went here for lunch today for the first time. There is plenty of parking, and you get a whiff of a little piece of bbq heaven when you set foot inside.
I opted for the pulled pork sandwich, which I thought was decent. I thought it could have had more bbq sauce. There was hardly any, so it was a little bland to me.
The line moved fast (the food came out fast also), and the service was good. If you are looking for a decent, quiet place for lunch, give this place a shot. Just ask for extra bbq sauce. -
Review from Alma M.
Elk Grove, CA
3/27/2011
I have only been to Haps once so this review is for the pulled pork sandwich. I give the sandwich 3.75 stars. The pork was tender and the sauce had the right sweet and tangy flavor. It is not best of the best I have tried. I do see myself as a repeat customer if I'm ever back in this area.
-
Review from Troy M.
Phoenix, AZ
8/18/2010
I'm hard to please when it comes to barbecue, and I wasn't particularly impressed by the barbecue at Hap's. Now, admittedly, I went out on a limb and tried somthing that was a risk--barbecue pulled lamb. But I had the lamb in a combo with the barbecue pulled pork to ameliorate the risk. I wasn't impressed with the pork, either.
The side dishes and choices of breads are much more interesting. I had the garlic mashers and cornbread and both were solid and tasty choices.
The barbecue sauce was good, but nothing special.
I wouldn't want to start a barbecue war, but I'd recommend the nearby Honey Bear's over Hap's. -
Review from Colin M.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/23/2009
Because I was running late I left work without eating lunch. Yelp on my iPhone pointed out Haps as being an excellent place to eat on my way to I-17.
Food is awesome. Everything I had, (sampler) ranging from smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork and brisket was really, really awesome. And not that I'm into it but the sampler plate (to go) must have weighed 5 pounds. No way I could finish.
One of those little hidden gems that you have to go find. HIghly recommend and will gladly go back again. -
Review from Mike W.
Mesa, AZ
9/19/2010
It was good but they didn't have any sauce.Freaking how can you have good BBQ without sauce?!
-
Review from Erik B.
Tempe, AZ
11/11/2010
I'm originally from NC, so needless to say, I'm incredibly picky about my BBQ. For instance, I feel that neither the sauce nor the smoke should over-power the meat. No place in the valley has a true NC BBQ sauce, but if you like thicker, heavy BBQ sauces as opposed to the thinner, vinegar based sauces that we have in NC, then you will love Hap's sauce. I'm of the opinion that smoke should complement the meat not over-power it, and they absolutely achieve this expectation of mine. You shouldn't assume that I mean that their BBQ has no flavor; it absolutely does, and it is perfectly balanced.
With that said, Hap's is by far the best BBQ I have found in the valley. Their ribs and pulled pork are spectacular! They have a strong, smoky flavor without over-doing the smoke as a lot of places do. Their brisket is not as good as the ribs and pork, but It's still better than most places I've tried in the Phoenix area. This opinion has to do to with my pork biases: We don't think highly of beef BBQ in NC. I've tried their lamb as well, which I wasn't a fan of, but if you like beef BBQ, you probably would love the brisket or lamb. My only complaint is that they're not open on Sundays. I highly recommend this place! -
Review from David A.
Goodyear, AZ
2/2/2011
Just happened to be in the neighborhood when we saw this BBQ place. The pulled pork and beef did not disappoint. The sandwiches can be called 'hardy' portions on large buns. The sauce was excellent. The place is very clean. Very good service. Was not impressed with the coleslaw - seemed flat. Will return as the high ratings of this establishment are well deserved.
-
Review from Ken S.
Phoenix, AZ
8/5/2010
Decided to go to Hap's for lunch today from my fellow Yelpers reviews. I had the pulled pork sandwich Tennessee style, potato salad, Cole slaw, and Mr Pibb.
I will say that when I walked in it was clean, busy, and smelled pretty good. They do use the old fashioned wight up a ticket and put it on the cooks line. So, one guys order seemed to get over looked while i was waiting in line. No biggie to me, he seemed a little irritated. They promptly took care of him in a hurry though.
I got my food pretty quick, unwrapped my sandwich and was very much pleased at my $4.69 sandwich. It was piled on with pork and did have just the right amount of sauce ( not too much where that is all you taste) I enjoyed the pork very much, it wasn't fatty at all and had a really nice flavor.
The sides were a little lackluster for me. The Cole slaw was "OK" pretty bland, not a lot of flavor. The Potato salad on the other hand was full of flavor, just not the flavor I like. I think it had some kind artichoke in it. I guess im used to the mustard potato salad mom used to make.
Overall I would recommend this place. I will be back for the beef brisket and more Mr. Pibb. -
Review from Kevin G.
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay, so Kevin and I initially wanted to go to Samauri Sams next door, but they closed at 5 (seriously??), so we checked out Yelp reviews for this place and decided to give it a go. The atmosphere was... interesting. Very loud mural on the wall of a cartoon pig cooking meat, with innuendos littered all over the place (see photos other reviewers have left). It is a very clean establishment, and the staff was super welcoming and friendly. I am not a huge fan of barbecue, but my pulled pork sandwich was amazing, as well as the warm cornbread I got on the side. Kevin got something similar with some spicy sausage or something. I didn't care for his, mostly because I don't like spicy things, but he enjoyed it. I think the food and the staff is worth between 4 and 5 stars, but OMG the music. Nothing but really lame jazz and 90's soul music. Each song was progressively worse than the last, and I kid you not - Brian McKnight came on and I just about lost it. The music did not match the atmosphere and killed the vibe for us, although we had a few giggles and fully enjoyed being there anyway. Would I go again? Yes. Would I most likely strangle the person in charge of music next time? You can count on it.
-
Review from J seth A.
Phoenix, AZ
4/15/2009
I went here with someone from work not expecting much, and holy cow, I was blown away. The pulled lamb is the best I've ever had. (And it comes with a side of this delicious mint sauce stuff that is so good.) They have amazing corn bread, garlic bread, and this spicy broccoli and cheese casserole. It's in a sort of bad part of town, but the rougher the neighborhood the better the barbque.
-
Review from Sherita W.
Chandler, AZ
8/14/2010
Stopped in here today after reading the reviews of others. The ribs are delicious. I also had ham and beef brisket although good there was nothing special about them. I really enjoyed the Old Settler Beans. I am not much of a potato salad person so I took one bite and I was done. My friend found it to be wonderful and ate both hers and mine. I must admit this is some of the best BBQ I have found here in AZ. I will definitely return for the ribs they were tender, flavorful and just all around wonderful.
-
Review from Amanda K.
Phoenix, AZ
6/13/2010
Great ribs! Miles better than the ribs at Bobby Q, and cheaper too! I took some out-of-town friends here on a Saturday afternoon, and we sat outside with our rib plates. They were pretty down on the Arizona food scene (being snobby NYers), but after our meal they said they were pleased to finally have a good meal after bad ones in Sedona, Flagstaff and at the Grand Canyon. I definitely would go back and hopefully I'll have room for peach cobbler next time.
-
Review from Joe K.
Tempe, AZ
1/31/2011
I'll start by saying that Barbecued Pork is my absolute favorite food. I could eat BBQ Pork and coleslaw every single day if I knew I'd live. And Hap's definitely delivered on awesome barbecue. To me, I want the people who make my bbq to have a passion for the pit, to love the craft, because really, it is a craft. And as soon as I walked in the lady (owner?) behind the counter spoke to me with such dedication about how Hap's barbecues their pork...and why it was the best joint in town. Awesome. She also hooked me up with some extra pork because I couldn't decide what I wanted...everything just sounded too good and mouth couldn't stop watering. That's customer service. When I did finally decide and got my order it was just what I wanted. Succulent pulled pork on an open faced sandwich that wasn't skimpy on the sauce. The sauce was incredible too, a really flavorful zing that was way beyond what you can get in the grocery store. My meal also came with delicious and moist corn bread and a good helping of coleslaw....you just can't get bbq pork with out coleslaw..Im sorry but its absolutely necessary :P Bottom line, awesome joint where the people really care about the food they make which definitely shows.
-
Review from Dave G.
Glendale, AZ
Updated - 7/20/2010
Good service bbq was tastee. Overall happy!
