Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom launches in downtown Phoenix

🍖🍺 Downtown Phoenix just scored a new spot where award-winning craft beer meets globally inspired barbecue.

Opening today, Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom is a collaboration between Nicky’s Barbecue founder Chris Figueroa and Oro Brewing’s Dave Valencia, blending the Valley’s most beloved pop-up BBQ with Oro’s award-winning beers.

It takes over the former Throne Brewing space near the northwest corner of I-10 and Central – across the street from the Burton Barr Central Library.

The menu showcases classics like Texas-style brisket and St. Louis ribs, alongside dishes that reflect Figueroa’s Peruvian roots — think papa a la huancaína and creative sides such as elote en vaso and mac and cheese.

The taproom’s bar program is anchored by Oro brews like Inside the Park blonde ale and Trigo Suave tangerine wheat ale, plus craft cocktails and wine.

Inside, Golden Oak pairs rustic design with local artistry: a desert-inspired mural by Tanner Christensen and works by Geovanny Urrutia add color and character to the space.

Figueroa says the goal was to create more than a restaurant: “We wanted Golden Oak to feel like an experience. … Everything we do is designed to make people feel welcome and cared for.”