The Barbecue Company Grill and Cafe, Phoenix

“Heavenly sauce [that’s worth a] drive across town without complaint.” That’s how the Phoenix New Times sums up The Barbecue Company Grill and Cafe. Since 1987, this renowned catering company has fed hordes of hungry party-goers with St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork, and tender beef brisket deemed worthy of awards and recognition, including the National Championship award from Sparks Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Reno. And though catering continues to be their bread and butter—they sell meats and Southern-style sides by the pound and fruit cobbler by the pan—the company expanded its one-leg business model into a dine-in eatery. During lunch hours Monday through Friday, The Barbecue Company opens its doors to customers with a full menu of award-winning barbecue piled onto hearty platters or sandwiches. The cooks also deliver their decadent fare to office-dwellers who can't take a break or convince their boss it's New Year’s Day again.