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The Thumb BBQ Review: A Pit Stop Worth Taking

Matty Thomas December 18, 2023 Restaurant Reviews

Pricing: $$

Ambiance: Casual

Food: Barbecue, Tri-Tip, Brisket

Drinks: Standard

When it comes to dining out, we all love a unique and unforgettable experience. Enter The Thumb BBQ, Scottsdale’s gourmet BBQ gas station and car wash, featured on popular shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and consistently earning rave reviews.

Nestled in the heart of the desert, The Thumb BBQ offers much more than just finger-licking barbecue; it’s a one-stop destination for mouthwatering food, quirky ambiance, and a little retail therapy. We decided to fuel up our taste buds and take you on a ride through our delicious adventure.

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Before we dive into the details, let’s start with the big picture: The Thumb BBQ boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.3 stars. With accolades from Guy Fieri himself, it’s safe to say that this place lives up to its reputation as “the funky gas station/BBQ cafe dishin’ out da bomb brisket!”

Ambiance, Food, and Drinks:

  • Ambiance (4/5): The Thumb BBQ embraces its quirky setting within a gas station, complete with dining areas and scattered tables throughout the establishment. It’s part roadside attraction, part restaurant, making for a uniquely enjoyable experience.
  • Food (4.5/5): The Thumb BBQ excels in its food offerings. The brisket sandwich is a standout, featuring a lean cut with the perfect balance of tenderness and smoky flavor. The BBQ sauce adds a delightful peppery sweetness to the ensemble. Don’t miss the pulled pork and the chicken, which are equally delectable. We highly recommend the sliders trio for those who want a taste of everything.
  • Drinks (4/5): While The Thumb BBQ is known for its food, its drinks also hold their own.

Menu Highlights:

  • Brisket Sandwich
  • Pulled Pork
  • Sliders Trio (Brisket, Pork, Chicken)
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Hangover Fries
  • Angry Mustard

External Reviews

To provide you with a well-rounded perspective, we scoured external reviews. The Thumb BBQ has earned praise on various platforms, including Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor. One reviewer on Yelp commented, “It’s hard to believe one of the best brisket sandwiches ever came from a gas station!!” The positive sentiments from patrons consistently echo our own experience.

In Conclusion

The Thumb BBQ is a hidden gem in the Scottsdale dining scene, combining the unexpected charm of a gas station with top-notch BBQ. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this quirky establishment is a pit stop worth taking.

From the mouthwatering brisket sandwich to the addictive Mac & Cheese, you’ll leave with a satisfied palate and perhaps a cute cactus-themed gift from their shop. The Thumb BBQ has truly redefined what it means to dine at a gas station.

So, gas up your car and your appetite, and make your way to The Thumb BBQ. It’s a culinary adventure that’s off the beaten path but well worth the journey.

For more reviews like this, check out our lists of Scottsdale’s most essential restaurants.


Matty Thomas December 18, 2023 Restaurant Reviews