[Mark]

FYI. I was on Yelp and saw mention of this soon-to-open BBQ joint.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/circle-h-barbecue-phoenix#hrid:t-VEc15PUzZ6J22p9-0eGQ

http://circlehbarbecue.com/

[AzScott]

I decided to go here for lunch today to check it out.  The location is right at 7th Ave and Camelback on the NW corner by the McDonald's and Fry's.  Walking in the atmosphere is really nice.  I like the open ceiling, colors, pictures, etc.  I didn't see the smoker but there was a pretty good line in the kitchen.  A guy sat me down, explained the menu, took my drink order and let me stew over the choices.  The menu is OK and by that I mean the burgers looked good, the sandwiches looked good but the plates left me wanting. What I wanted was a reasonably priced plate with say 2 or 3 meats.  The menu has a half rack and choice of meat for $20 and a "Big One" which is a hot link, 1/2 rack of ribs, a half pound of brisket, and a chicken breast for $31.  I wasn't going to go for either one of those since it was just little ole me.  So I asked about the brisket sandwich since I didn't go there for a burger but wanted to at least get a taste of the brisket.  The brisket sandwich comes with pulled brisket but they were very accommodating when I asked for sliced brisket instead.  The brisket was good and it included some meat from the point and the flat.  There was a little fat left on the flat which was good, the tenderness was almost spot on.  If anything, it was lacking a little salt but I just added some that was on the table.  The sauce that came with it had a flavor sticking out and I didn't place it.  Allspice maybe but I thought it was ok.  I also really like the bun.  The server was friendly, attentive, and knew the items.

To sum it up with my one time visit and 1 BBQ meat tasting, I think they have a good thing going.  I do wish there was a way to try two or three meats without spending $20 or $31.  I think if they do this right they could end up with a pretty good concept

[Zor]

I've been there a few times and even got a HUGE to go order to feed the guys at work one night. The brisket is awesome! Pulled pork is very respectable, the chicken and sausage are both really good and the ribs leave me wanting just a bit. I usually get pork and brisket when I go in there. Scott, check out a burger next time you go in. All of the burgers have some kind of meat on top of them. I think one has pulled pork, one pastrami and one sausage. Meat is definitely my favorite condiment. The first time my girlfriend and I went in we got the "big one" that Scott described above and it was worth every bit of 31$. The guy that owns it also has a coffee shop a few blocks south of there on 7th, and he's a good dude. First time I went in he showed me the smoker, it's a stick burner and he uses mesquite in there, so everything has a very heavy flavor from that. He's super accommodating. If you want two meats and a side, just tell your server that's what you want and they'll get it worked out for ya. I highly recommend the brisket and pork your first time in or just go for the big one and add some pork to it so you can try it all. Like I said the ribs are the only thing that I'm not head over heals for. Sides are good too, there's an always changing seasonal vegetable and then the usuals. They also have a liquor license so you can grab a drink too. Last time I was in for a to go order the owner and I sat down and had a whiskey while discussing the finer points of smoking and spices.

....now I'm getting hungry,

Zor