If you’re a barbecue enthusiast in Arizona, you’re in for a treat! Papa Bears BBQ, a family-owned establishment rooted in the rich traditions of West Texas BBQ, has recently opened its doors on historic Route 66 in A pache Junction. With over 20 years of experience, pit master Papa Bear Don and his family have brought their love for smoked meats and secret recipes to the East Valley, offering a delectable experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
A Labor of Love: The Papa Bears BBQ Story
Papa Bear “Don” may have spent the majority of his life as an air traffic controller, but his true passion lay in perfecting the art of West Texas BBQ. After years of serving mouthwatering BBQ to friends and family, he decided it was time to share his culinary love affair with the rest of us. In 2017, Papa Bears BBQ hit the streets of Arizona in a custom-built food truck, and now, in 2023, they’ve settled into their first brick-and-mortar location in Apache Junction.
A Menu to Satisfy Every Craving
Papa Bears BBQ proudly serves Phoenix and the East Valley, offering a variety of daily specials and the option to order meat by the pound, perfect for satisfying those barbecue cravings. The must-try items on their menu are the Brisket and Pulled Pork, slow-smoked for 14-16 hours with their secret rub. The result is tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
The Art of Smoking Meats: A Texas Tradition
What sets Papa Bears BBQ apart from the rest is their smoking process. They use a southern-fried smoker that’s often referred to as the “Cadillac of smokers.” The blend of different hardwoods gives the meats a unique and authentic flavor that is deeply rooted in Texas BBQ traditions.
Texas BBQ Excellence
Papa Bears BBQ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey to the heart of the Lone Star State through the magic of their authentic Texas flavors. The core of this authenticity lies in their commitment to preserving and celebrating the culinary traditions of Texas BBQ.
One of the hallmarks of Texan barbecue is the meticulous attention paid to the flavors and textures of accompanying sides. Papa Bears BBQ proudly embraces this tradition with a selection of homemade sides that perfectly complement their smoked meats. Among these, you’ll find favorites like their velvety mac and cheese, smoky-sweet beans, and creamy potato salad. These sides are crafted with the same dedication to freshness and quality as their smoked meats, ensuring that every aspect of your meal is a true reflection of Texan BBQ traditions. Each bite of their sides takes you on a journey through the diverse and flavorful landscape of Texas cuisine, making your dining experience at Papa Bears BBQ a genuine Texan affair.
Freshness and Quality: A Top Priority
Papa Bears BBQ takes pride in their homemade sauces and sides, prepared fresh every day. This dedication to freshness extends to their meats, sourced with care to ensure the highest quality for their customers.
A Dining Experience for All
Whether you’re looking for a casual dine-in experience, takeout, or catering for special events, Papa Bears BBQ has you covered. Their beautifully designed restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for customers to enjoy their mouthwatering BBQ.
Community-Oriented
Papa Bears BBQ has strong ties to the local community. Since its beginnings as a food truck in 2017, the family is now focusing on their brick-and-mortar location, but they still offer the food truck for catering events, providing Arizonans with a true taste of Texas at their special gatherings.
Grand Opening and More
Papa Bears BBQ celebrated their grand opening on October 7, 2023, inviting the community to join in on the BBQ festivities. They’re committed to bringing delicious, authentic BBQ to Apache Junction and beyond, making every meal an occasion to savor.
As a family-owned business, Papa Bears BBQ reflects the dedication and love that goes into crafting each dish. With a commitment to quality, authenticity, and the local community, they’ve quickly become a beloved BBQ destination in Apache Junction. If you’re craving a taste of Texas in Arizona, be sure to check out Papa Bears BBQ – they’re ready to satisfy your BBQ desires!
1200 W Apache Trail Apache Junction 85120
(480) 982-1096
