Papa Bears Barbeque

Seemingly out in the middle of Apache Junction, this is a better than average BBQ place. Small menu, hole in the wall restaurant. Good service, slightly higher prices than I've seen at other BBQ places by a dollar or two but the food is tasty, not dry. Staff is efficient and spot on for their recommendations. Parking was dusty but ample for the restaurant size. Restaurant and bathrooms were clean. Lots of folks in and out for take out, only a few folks sat down and ate in the restaurant. The restaurant seating never filled. Tables offered only two sauces, a Carolina (mustard based) and a traditional bbq sauce. Brisket contained quite a bit of fat even though lean was requested--but if you like your brisket that way--it's damn good. I felt the ribs were the best--I'd be back for the ribs.. fall off the bone, not dry. Steak fries were crispy and fresh. Mac and cheese was tasty but seemed to be sitting out a bit. Potato salad was tasty and went well with the bbq. The Cole slaw was good, not great but still worth a try. Beans were tasty but not for some of the other folks in my group. Banana pudding was not too sweet and complemented the meal end.

You can smell the delicious scents from this restaurant wafting through the air when you are in the area. I have been dying to try it because my nose can't ignore what's going on... I am glad to have stopped in! The parking lot is a little tight and had about 10 parking spots. It's at an incline which leads to a pretty busy street so if there is traffic it can be awkward to leave. There may have been different parking I didn't notice, but I am referring to the immediate parking in front of the building. It's a very cute place with a fair amount of seating for dining in. It was clean and welcoming upon entering. The staff were very friendly and we got our food super quick! We were still chatting with the person at the cash register when our food was ready for us! I ordered the brisket sandwich meal which is priced at $17. It was very good. The meat was a great portion on the sandwich. Flavor was great, it didn't even need bbq sauce. I ordered coleslaw for the side and I enjoyed it! I can be picky when it comes to the flavor of coleslaw and this one was not bad. A little sweet but still tasty. It appears they do different flavored bbq sauces (I think it said monthly). We both asked for a sample of this month's pineapple bbq. It didn't end up arriving, but I didn't follow up on it because the meat didn't really even need sauce. I definitely can see myself popping in for some smoked goodness again! It's awesome to have good bbq in the area.

The food is amazing . Always fresh but I will tell you if it's dinner you want , go early because the menu narrows significantly if it's close to closing time! I was pretty disappointed on my last trip there because the pulled pork was gone. If I was smart I wouldn't review this place and keep it to myself, however, I would much rather tell more people and keep the doors open. (Still sounds selfish) My only complaint is the crappy parking lot and I've got a jag that hugs the road but the low tires don't like the holes. Park at the bank and walk across the street is my solution. The service is spot on and the ambience is nice . Not many places to dine but who wants to eat ribs in public anyway .

For a while, I've been meaning to try this location as I try to stick to a vegetarian diet. I figured I could always tag along with someone and enjoy some tasty sides if needed. The staff was super friendly to discuss the menu, make suggestions for us, and ensure a quality meal served quickly with a smile. Love the mom and pop feel of this location, and the little touches to the dining area. It felt very comfortable and loved the potato salad & coleslaw!

This business started as a Texas BBQ food truck, but recently expanded to add this brick-and-mortar location, which offered fast, friendly service and a small dining area during my dine-in late lunch visit.My beef brisket plate ($16.95) was brought to my table just a few minutes after I ordered at the counter. It was generously sized with meat, two sides, onions, pickles and two slices of white bread. Two sauces were available at the tables (regular and Texas mustard), but I also heard they have spicy BBQ sauce available upon request.The brisket was somewhat greasy, the pinto beans were pretty basic, and the bread was somewhat stale. I did, however, like the slaw and the pickles.I found the dining area to be clean and basic with background music coming from the kitchen. They also offered a few bottled beers.Overall, A-OK.

Yelpers attention please!!1st time to Papa Bears Barbecue. Millie tried to loaded potato with brisket, I had the brisket plate with 2 sides Cole slaw and steak fries. Loaded potato could easy feed 2!! Brisket plate was so tender and seasoned to taste so great and mouth watering. Yummy...... 4 tables and a counter to sit in and enjoy the great tasting food inside. Easy parking off Apache Trail. Great amount of food for the money. Cole slaw is mayo based and is delicious. Steak fries seasoned even to taste great. Add to you list of must try!!

Came here after shopping in Phoenix. I have said it before, but I've had BBQ all over the country and love some good Q. We got a three meat plate with a couple sides. We picked the pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. All three had great flavor, and they were all very tender. When you walk in, like most small BBQ places, you walk up to the counter and order your food. They have a few tables inside, but there isn't much room, so I imagine if they were busy, you might not find a place to sit. Our food came out quickly and exactly as we ordered it. Overall, this was a good choice for some good Q.

When my husband suggested trying a new barbecue place, I was totally on board. We pull up to Papa Bears barbecue and the smell pulled you inside. Not a large storefront only a few tables. There was a good size group ahead of us unfortunately they got the last half rack of ribs. Luckily they still had a few ribs left for the rib plate. Hadn't planned on taking a photo of my food, but once I tasted that first rib! It was so moist and tender and flavorful. Fall off the bone! Didn't even need barbecue sauce. The flavor was amazing. The mac & cheese? They really should call it cheese and Mac. It was very cheesy in the best way. I overheard them tell somebody if you want to reserve ribs, you need to call before 4 PM. I highly recommend making that call. They also explain to me that Papa Bears started out as a food truck, so if you see him driving around follow that truck for the best barbecue out there.

The service was amazing. We came in to buy dinner to go for a small group so we had lots of questions. The lady at the front was so friendly, helpful and patient with us!!! The owner came out too as well as another lady. Then we got the food to go and it was SOOOOO GOOD!!! The meat was falling apart and delicious. The mac and cheese was a hit too. My favorite was the smoked turkey and cole slaw. Definitely recommend this place and I can't wait to eat my leftovers tomorrow!

Ate here for the first time today. It was very good and very generous portions. We will definitely be back!