Naked BBQ, one of Arizona’s top barbecue restaurants, makes its East Valley debut at 11 a.m. today in west Chandler.
It takes over the former Pizza Five85 space on the southeast corner of I-10 and Ray.
Naked BBQ takes its name from its dry-rubbed meats – mainly chopped brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sliced turkey, and hot links – that are served without sauce.
If you want sauce, however, several varieties are available on the side, including a South Carolina mustard sauce and a rare (for Arizona) North Carolina vinegar and pepper sauce.
Naked BBQ also offers a North Carolina version of its coleslaw and house-made pickles.
Owner Oren Hartman debuted Naked BBQ on the northwest corner of I-17 and Bell in north Phoenix in 2015. A Scottsdale location opened on the southeast corner of the 101 and Shea in 2017.
The Chandler hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
