When a restaurant is still going strong after more than 20 years, you know it’s gotta be good. Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert is one such place, serving up gigantic portions of slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and several other mouthwatering meats since 1998. See the deliciousness for yourself:

Dating to 1929, this quaint red brick building has worn many hats over the years.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ It was first a Safeway Pay n’ Takit grocery store, but also served as a church, deli, and several other businesses prior to becoming Joe’s Real BBQ in 1998.

This charming, cafeteria-style restaurant has been owned by the same two families since day one.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ The atmosphere brings vintage kitsch into a modern atmosphere, where nostalgic vibes mingle with a climate-controlled patio to create the perfect hangout spot for all ages.

Joe’s smokes its meat over Arizona pecan wood for hours with no gas or electricity to bring out all the natural juices and depth of flavor.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ Build a plate with one, two, or four of the following choices: chicken, brisket, ham, pork, sausage, turkey, and ribs.

You can also create a custom sandwich with your choice of one or two meats on a fresh hoagie roll.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ For those with insatiable appetites, the “Big Bad Wolf Sandwich” features rib meat, ham, pulled pork, coleslaw, and cheddar cheese, all stuffed between two crispy slices of Texas toast.

Jumbo baked potatoes are also an option, loaded with one meat and all the other usual suspects.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ These bad boys are also offered meat-free, and pairing it with a cold root beer is a must.

The meat might be the star of the show, but sides can make or break a BBQ restaurant.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ Joe’s has a whopping 12 options, all made from scratch every single day. Think potato salad, cornbread, and mac ’n cheese so good that the recipe for it is a popular search on Google. Just look at that golden, baked-to-perfection crust!

Looking for a no-fuss family dinner that everyone can agree on? “Joe’s Big BBQ Feast” feeds four and includes ribs, pork, brisket, sausage, two big sides, and bread for all your soppin’ and sandwich-making needs.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ

If you’re trying to eat healthily, Joe’s offers several salads that cut calories without skimping on flavor.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ The BBQ chicken salad is the crowd favorite, boasting corn and bean salsa, Fritos, cheddar cheese, BBQ ranch dressing, sour cream, and cilantro. There’s also a regular house and Caesar salad on the menu.

No matter what entree you opted for, skipping dessert isn’t an option.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ You can’t go wrong with warm apple cobbler, but the lemon cake and chocolate chip cookies are solid options, too. Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

Unfortunately, Joe’s has temporarily shut its doors due to Coronavirus concerns, but they and other small businesses will need our support once businesses start reopening! Definitely keep the restaurant in mind for a future visit, and keep checking their website and Facebook page for updates.

Facebook/Joe’s Real BBQ

It was first a Safeway Pay n’ Takit grocery store, but also served as a church, deli, and several other businesses prior to becoming Joe’s Real BBQ in 1998.

The atmosphere brings vintage kitsch into a modern atmosphere, where nostalgic vibes mingle with a climate-controlled patio to create the perfect hangout spot for all ages.

Build a plate with one, two, or four of the following choices: chicken, brisket, ham, pork, sausage, turkey, and ribs.

For those with insatiable appetites, the “Big Bad Wolf Sandwich” features rib meat, ham, pulled pork, coleslaw, and cheddar cheese, all stuffed between two crispy slices of Texas toast.

These bad boys are also offered meat-free, and pairing it with a cold root beer is a must.

Joe’s has a whopping 12 options, all made from scratch every single day. Think potato salad, cornbread, and mac ’n cheese so good that the recipe for it is a popular search on Google. Just look at that golden, baked-to-perfection crust!

The BBQ chicken salad is the crowd favorite, boasting corn and bean salsa, Fritos, cheddar cheese, BBQ ranch dressing, sour cream, and cilantro. There’s also a regular house and Caesar salad on the menu.

You can’t go wrong with warm apple cobbler, but the lemon cake and chocolate chip cookies are solid options, too. Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

Have you ever eaten at Joe’s Real BBQ? If so, what’s your favorite item on the menu? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more mouthwatering ‘cue in the Grand Canyon State: These 9 Hole In The Wall BBQ Restaurants In Arizona Are Great Places To Eat.

Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Arizona you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!

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Address: 301 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USAAddress: Terminal 4, 3400 E Sky Harbor Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA