Great news for East Valley barbecue aficionados: One of Arizona’s top ’cue joints is coming to the 480 area code.
Naked BBQ, which opened in north Phoenix in January 2015, is launching a second location in the Scottsdale Fiesta Shopping Center on the southeast corner of the 101 and Shea.
It’s taking over the space formerly occupied by Cousins Subs, across the parking lot from Portillo’s.
While that’s not as convenient for me as a location in, say, Chandler would be (hint, hint), it’s only half the drive it takes to get to Naked’s current location at I-17 and Bell.
A drive I gladly make for perhaps the best Valley barbecue from a place without the words ‘‘Little Miss’’ in its name.
Taking center stage are the pulled-to-order pork sandwiches, including Naked’s award-winning Pork on Pork sandwich with pulled pork topped with smoked pork belly (pictured).
Naked is one of the few Valley BBQ joints where you can find a Carolina-style vinegar and pepper sauce (among several others). It also offers a Carolina version of its cole slaw and house-made pickles.
Owner Oren Hartman says the new location will have all the same delicious food as the original, plus a couple more options. It also will serve local craft beers as soon as its liquor license is approved.
Demo work has finished and the location should open in February, Hartman says.
