After 20 years, Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert applies for liquor license

Is Joe’s Real BBQ, a family-friendly downtown Gilbert landmark for the past 20 years, finally going to start offering beer and wine?

That’s the way it appears after the Arizona Department of Liquor’s website confirms Joe’s has applied for its first-ever liquor license.

Joe’s Real BBQ has made no official announcement, and owner Joe Johnston hasn’t responded to MXSW’s request for comment.

Such a move, however, would seem to make sense, given the competitive nature of downtown Gilbert’s ever-crowded food-and-nightlife scene.

And in the past 18 months, the town has welcomed several new barbecue joints with liquor licenses, including Arizona Barbecue Company, Waldo’s BBQ, and Rudy’s BBQ.

To date, the pastoral-themed Joe’s Real BBQ only has offered sodas, including its own house-made root beer, and a few other non-alcoholic beverages.

Stay tuned…