Let me save all of the BBQ aficionados on this forum some time and hard earned money. This "Hogs 'n Hops" restaurant is simply another embarrassing effort by a Scottsdale restauranteur to create a profitable concept restaurant from a type of cooking that he knows absolutely nothing about. In essence, a beautiful, real-life example of the Dunning-Kruger effect. When will these naive businessmen learn that great BBQ comes from the competition circuit, not some fru-fru chef? And, what an expensive lesson this will be when this place is out-of-business in less than 6 months, guaranteed, unless they have some REALLY deep pockets!
My friend and I are both KC guys. We know the real stuff when we eat it, and this ain't it. In two words, the meat is
absolutely tasteless. To quote my friend, "It tastes like he forgot to put rub on it." Additional adjectives include dry, bland and boring. We'll never go there again, and I, too, wonder what "awards" this establishment's ribs have earned. I certainly didn't see any American Royal trophies. I imagine the award was given by the chef's wife and children for best ribs of the family BBQ.
Having lived in Scottsdale for 15 years, I've long hoped that some decent BBQ would show up. My hopes have been dashed many times: Bad to the Bone, Big Daddys, Big Earls, Dickeys, and now Hogs 'n Hops have all turned out to be disgraceful pretenders that no amount of cartoon pig logos, mason jar drinks, star emblems on the wall or country music tunes can overcome. So, for now, my wait will continue.
Little Miss BBQ guys, are you listening? How about another joint at Scottsdale Road and Shea.... one with a decent parking lot and a few more helpers?
