Travis Taylor slices a beautifully smoked piece of brisket before laying it out on a tray alongside some ribs, turkey, and pulled pork. The method of preparing the meats follows a traditional central Texas style using mesquite firewood smokers. The various meats can cook anywhere between 10-14 hours. Slowly the meat is smoked to perfection until it is so tender and moist it falls right off the bone. Travis is co-owner with Clay and Susan Caldwell and Clay's son, Spencer. Travis brought the restaurant business experience while the Caldwell's brought their passion for authentic Texas style barbecue to Queen Creek.
Six smokers run every day and the brisket is their featured menu item. However, their pork ribs are not to be missed either. The ribs are cut St. Louis style and smoked with Pecan wood to pair with its sweeter profile flavor and brushed with an in house sauce. They also make their own sausages which is a mix of pork and beef with jalapeno and a creamy cheddar cheese.
If that wasn't enough, the sides manage to keep up with the meats in flavor and choice. Hearty offerings like corn casserole, potato salad, cole slaw, mac and cheese, and pinto beans adhere to tradition and are made from scratch. The mac and cheese for example, is made with a blend of smoked gouda, yellow, and white cheddar. Their sauces are also made in house and add the perfect accompaniment of zing to any of the meats.
Travis says they do tours of Texas and the barbecue scene there every few months to gain inspiration and stay on top of trends. Sticking to quality and making everything in house is important too. This is true of everything including their drinks menu. A mocktail called Watermelon Wave is a refreshing option for all ages, while the Blueberry Bliss cocktail uses smoked blueberries.
Their Queen Creek location is their second and located at Pecan Lake Entertainment. They add a fun and delicious addition to the complex where picnic tables are arranged outside with views of the green and a nearby go-kart will be finished this Fall. The area is a relaxing hangout filled with activities for the whole family and classic dishes for every appetite.
A framed poster inside says 'If Texas and Arizona had a baby, it would be Caldwell County BBQ'. By using the Texas approach to barbecued meats they also bring a bit of Arizona with flavors of citrus and green chile, hence a fusion of both. The food is mouth-watering and filling, so bring an appetite and some friends.
www.caldwellcountybbq.com