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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Tempe

Barbecue lunch spots

Barbecue that fits into a workday schedule without requiring a three-hour commitment.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Theos Kitchen To Go image 1
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Takeout Restaurant

Food truck setup offers outdoor seating with shaded picnic tables and fans for comfort. Atmosphere feels home-like and genuine, creating a welcoming vibe despite the small space. Crowd includes locals who appreciate the cozy neighborhood feel and quality food.

Wings come with crispy texture and full flavor, featuring sauces like chipotle honey barbecue and mango habañero. The BBQ sauce is made in-house and packs a punch.

Frequent visits show this spot offers consistent lunch options like burgers and churros. Prices stay reasonable, not exceeding dinner costs, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I've had some of the best burgers I've ever had here."

"The barbecue wings here are outstanding and packed with flavor."

"The jalapeno burger at this Lunch Spot is seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Takeout options are available, including online ordering through apps.

2

Expect generous portions that are great for sharing or a hearty meal.

3

The menu features a variety of burgers with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

02
Mac Daddy Wingz and Cheeze image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a friendly and inviting atmosphere with line dancing lessons and a community feel. The space is clean and cute, seating about 80 people including a bar area. The vibe is relaxing with low background music, creating a welcoming environment.

Generous portions come with well-cooked, seasoned wings in flavors like honey BBQ and hot honey lemon pepper. Loaded Mac & Cheese topped with BBQ tenders adds a phenomenal flavor experience.

Offers a reliable go-to lunch spot with consistent availability. Occasionally, lunch orders may not be ready for immediate pickup.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the fries and wings, is amazing."

"The Barbecue wings are flavorful and well-cooked."

"The Loaded Mac and Loaded Fries at this Lunch Spot were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Expect a wait time due to food being cooked to order.

03
Maui Hawaiian Grill image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Hawaiian restaurant offers generous portions and affordable prices with a clean dining room and a warm atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a cooling mist that adds to the island vibe. The menu features authentic Hawaiian BBQ with standout dishes like BBQ beef and macaroni salad.

Generous portions of BBQ beef and spicy chicken come piled high on the Hawaiian BBQ mix plates. The BBQ chicken and katsu BBQ beef mix offer flavorful and satisfying meals every time.

Fast service suits quick lunches. The mini meal offers generous portions, often enough for multiple meals.

People are saying

"The BBQ portions here are huge and perfect for sharing."

"The Barbecue portions here are huge and perfect for sharing."

"The fire chicken at this Lunch Spot is fiery and flavor-packed."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions that can easily serve two people.

2

Prices are considered affordable for the generous portion sizes.

3

Online ordering for takeout is convenient and typically ready on arrival.

04
Sala Thai Restaurant Tempe image 1

Small dining space features warm lighting, elegant wooden accents, and a subtle aroma of Thai spices. Atmosphere feels cozy and intimate, suitable for quiet meals or date nights. Guests enjoy a chill vibe with soft music and attentive service.

Tender, flavorful BBQ red pork stands out with fluffy rice and a fried egg. BBQ pork skewers and crispy fried chicken also feature prominently alongside noodle dishes and a roti dessert.

Lunch offers amazing flavors that satisfy well. Meals serve as a solid choice for groups or colleagues.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here flavorful and delicious."

"The BBQ pork skewers are a must-try dish."

"I had an amazing lunch here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 1am on weekends, making it a late-night option.

2

Prices are reasonable, with large portion sizes.

3

The restaurant allows guests to bring their own beverages.

05
Central BBQ Lakehouse image 1

Lakeside Korean BBQ restaurant offers huge outdoor patio seating with beautiful water views and boat rides on the lake. The atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable, featuring cushioned chairs and misted fans. Food arrives via robot servers, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

High-quality meats come with perfect seasoning and ideal cooking. The all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ offers a great selection with exceptional service and stunning views.

Offers an all-you-can-eat option that suits group lunches well. Serves lunch efficiently with a menu that fits both casual and date settings.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here has premium cuts of meat and seafood."

"The Korean Barbecue here is delicious, with premium cuts of meat."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is super friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on appetizers and drinks from 4-6pm daily.

2

A DJ plays every Saturday night until 10pm, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

06
Dragon Flame Chinese Grill 龙焱烧烤 image 1

Space features red lighting and a dramatic flying dragon suspended from the ceiling, creating a quirky atmosphere with classic 80’s music. Outdoor seating includes a spacious patio with unique LED and hologram displays. Two small dogs roam freely, adding a friendly and relaxed vibe.

Authentic Chinese BBQ shines with BBQ Lamb Rib cooked to perfection and rich in hearty spice. The BBQ squid offers a sweet start and a spicy finish, making it a standout choice.

Lunch includes a lunch entree, a drink, and an appetizer. The cost for two people totals around $70.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and packed with flavor."

"The Barbecue lamb ribs are tender, juicy, and beyond delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is phenomenal and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with only three spots available in front.

2

There is no air conditioning, making it uncomfortable during summer.

3

No free water is available at the restaurant.

07
Tom's BBQ - Tempe image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Dining room resembles a Chicago BBQ joint with homey, inviting atmosphere filled with sensational aromas. Energy shifts from quiet and chill to lively, encouraging socializing and conversation. Walls display original pictures and a small statue, adding unique character to the space.

Barbecue here features savory brisket with balanced sweetness and fat, plus special pork ribs that stand out. The hot sauce adds flavor without overpowering, and the service is friendly and attentive.

Lunch offers a good amount of food with specials that work well for takeout. The spot serves as a helpful and solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I can say it's the best BBQ I've ever had."

"I've never had Barbecue this good; it exceeded my expectations."

"The staff here makes this Lunch Spot feel like family."

Good to know

1

The family meal deal serves enough food for about ten people.

2

Dinner plates and lunch meals are available until 2pm.

3

Prices are high, with two meals costing around $35.

08
Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House Tempe image 1

Spacious sports bar combines family-friendly atmosphere with multiple interactive games like shuffleboard and trivia. Loud energy rises during football games, enhanced by a Big 10 theme and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Smoked meats and craft beers complement the lively, cozy environment.

Barbecue here features BBQ brisket that stands out for its flavor and tenderness. The spot offers fantastic BBQ and ranks among the few non-chain barbecue places in the area.

Lunch comes out quickly and tastes very good. It suits gatherings with friends and family well.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the smoked meats and wings."

"The barbecue here is fantastic and outstanding."

"The Lunch Spot server Mia was so nice and attentive."

Good to know

1

Family Feud night happens every Wednesday, making it a fun family outing.

2

Trivia night takes place on Tuesdays at 8pm, with a lively atmosphere.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays, featuring half-price appetizers.

09
Tempe Eats Food Hall & Bar image 1

Food hall with a self-serve beer wall offering 40 taps including margaritas and espresso martinis creates a unique drinking experience. Atmosphere stays fun and relaxing with a mix of R&B, Latin music, and line dancing, suitable for groups or casual nights out. Layout features a full bar in the center and an unconventional design that stands out from typical spots.

Brisket from Rolling Smoke BBQ melts in your mouth and stays tender. A variety of BBQ sauces makes sharing easy and complements the food perfectly.

Lunch offers large, juicy chicken with good value and daily specials. Portions are generous enough for leftovers the next day.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the fish and chips."

"The brisket and ribs here are so tender and melt in your mouth."

"It's a fun lunch spot with fantastic options for everyone."

Good to know

1

Tempe Eats hosts various events like karaoke and salsa nights throughout the week.

2

DJ Corgi's Brunch happens every Sunday, featuring live music and a fun atmosphere.

3

The food hall is suitable for gatherings, accommodating groups of up to 35 people.

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Tempe, Arizona

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