Little Miss BBQ-University

4301 E University Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States
+1 602-437-1177
$$$ Barbecue restaurant , Takeout restaurant
(3140 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Little Miss BBQ-University is a barbecue and takeout spot nestled on East University Drive in Phoenix, known for serving serious, Texas-style smoked meats in a straightforward, no-frills setting. As a destination for barbecue enthusiasts who prioritize quality over casual dining flair, this place fits comfortably into the neighborhood as a reliable stop for hearty, expertly smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages.

The atmosphere here is practical and focused on the food, with limited indoor seating that's cool and comfortable, but expect some customers to enjoy their meals outdoors in the shaded patio space nearby. It’s a good spot to swing by for a late lunch or early dinner, especially if you appreciate smoky, tender meats paired with savory sides like beans and jalapeño cheddar grits, which carry just enough kick to keep the meal interesting without overwhelming the flavors.

Meat is the main event, and the brisket—sourced from a dedicated rancher in Southern California—is a standout, sliced to a balance of fatty and lean, delivering the kind of melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps locals and visitors coming back. The sausage and pork ribs also hold their own, smoked to order with a subtly seasoned crust and juicy interiors. Those who lean towards variety can order plates combining brisket, pork ribs, beans, and grits, which showcase the care taken in balancing traditional barbecue flavors with southern-inspired sides.

The house-made sauces reflect the pitmasters’ competition barbecue roots, ranging from a sweet, tangy mustard sauce that pairs beautifully with the smoked turkey and pork, to a richer, spiced tomato-based option that enhances but doesn’t overpower the meat. Bottles of their signature sauces are available for take-home, a nod to barbecue fans wanting to bring a taste of Little Miss BBQ into their own kitchens.

Patrons who appreciate detail often notice how the sides add texture and brightness—creamy coleslaw is an option for topping sandwiches, and potato salad is refreshing with a hint of cilantro and red onion. The pecan pie, a smoky-sweet finish to the meal, is a favored local delight that complements the savory experience.

This restaurant attracts a crowd that’s willing to pay a bit more for meticulous smoking expertise and quality ingredients. It’s the kind of place barbecue lovers might choose for bringing family members who demand good ribs or a pastrami sandwich specialty day. The staff is known for friendly, helpful service, giving off a warm and welcoming vibe despite the busyness that can come with peak hours.

In summary:

  • Best for: Those chasing authentic, competition-style Texas BBQ in a casual setting
  • Who will enjoy it most: Barbecue purists, families looking for quality ribs and brisket, and locals who appreciate slow-smoked meat paired with classic southern sides
  • Best time to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners, particularly on Thursdays if you want to try their pastrami special
  • Atmosphere: Practical and relaxed with both indoor and shaded outdoor seating, focusing on the food experience more than ambiance
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

3140 Reviews
Carlos Chua

01 Jan 2026

Fantastic BBQ! Was searching for a place I could bring my father in law to that served ribs and chances upon this place. We enjoyed it immensely! The beef ribs and the pulled pork were excellent! Have to add that the Sausage was also great. My father in law remarked, "can we come back here again before we leave?" And he's hard to please we enjoyed the pecan pie as well. Shout out to the friendly staff! We felt very welcome

Saif

30 Dec 2025

I was fortunate to show up on a Thursday which is when pastrami is featured. And I love pastrami. The staff could not have been friendlier and kind. We had a brief wait outside but it was shaded and we were eventually welcomed inside to the cool air conditioning to order our food. Seeding is limited on the inside so we had to sit outside. I went with the pastrami sandwich and it was delicious. I will share, If I am going to pay over $20 for a sandwich then a healthier bread option should be available. 4 stars.

Janjan Chanitha Klaiklueng

05 Dec 2025

Little Miss BBQ is the best BBQ in town! My Fav is Ribs and also pork belly. Meat was so soft. House sauce was so amazing. I highly recommended

Ryan Dellolio

03 Dec 2025

Visit Date: 11/20/25 After hearing and reading so many great things about Little Miss BBQ, I decided to take the drive out with some of my friends to finally give it a try - and we certainly weren’t disappointed! Although pricy, the quality of the meat expertise of the pit masters were apparent. I ordered the two meat plate with brisket, pork ribs, beans, grits and also added a sausage. Although I’m not normally a fan of beans or grits, both of these sides were excellent and flavorful - honestly making me rethink my opinions on both! The ribs were tender, but not overly tender which sometimes happens when they’re overcooked. The brisket was extremely tender and well seasoned - and paired excellently with their house bbq sauce. The sausage was delicious albeit slightly dry, but I still enjoyed it a lot. The service here was superb. Although ordering at a small counter, the employees were extremely kind and helpful with an amazing attitude… which is not something you always see at restaurants. It definitely gave us a great first impression which was then drilled in with the quality of the good. One other thing I’d like to note was display of smokers that they had out front - very impressive and it made the whole seating area smell so good! Overall, I would definitely recommend this BBQ joint if you’re looking to splurge for something authentic and delicious! My friends and I will definitely be back.

ddando7

02 Nov 2025

The location we went to was awesome! The staff was very nice and friendly!! We were given samples of their brisket, Texas beans and their creamy jalapeño cheese grits which were all amazing!!! Can't wait to go back! Side note, it is pretty pricey but man was the food amazing!!!

Angela Wang

01 Nov 2025

Ribs, ribs, ribs!!! And Fatty Brisket!!! We have been wanting to try their Beef Ribs multiple times, but they either ran out or closed. Seriously, just like what the other reviewers had pointed out. We finally made it there early enough to secure some beef ribs this time. Line was long and partial shade was provided. We got to sample the house made sausages while we were waiting in line. The sausage was really tasty except that it was way too salty, IMO. We finally got inside and and order 1 rib, about 1 1/4 lbs. then someone in front of us ordered the pork belly, it looked so good so we couldn’t resist and order some too. Beef Ribs: delicious, fall off the bone tender. I don’t think I have ever such tender and flavorful beef ribs, ever. Pork Belly- it was really yummy except a little dry for me, and a little too salty. On the pricy side. $37/lb. Sides: Beans- way too salty Grits- way too salty Banana Pudding- too sweet for me I would go back for the Beef Ribs anytime. The only thing this can really improve is the logistics of where the igloo water. If you need ice water when dining in, you got to get out of the buildings and head over to the lines and get water. 1 cup max because you will need to use the other hand to open the door to get back in.

Brandon Lytle

17 Oct 2025

I was turned onto this place from a buddy of mine who brought me one of their green chili burritos. I instantly fell in love with that burrito as I go to Phoenix occasionally, I really try to stop by here when I can, and I finally tried some other food that they had and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing. I got the jalapeño cheese grits the beans I also got fatty brisket and the burnt ends and the burnt ends are to die for. It’s like candy. I can’t wait to bring my whole family here. The atmosphere is super cool and very homie. And the employees are super friendly and funny. The people that is sleeping on this place better come check this out and the people that are complaining probably still have people wiping their butts. There’s nothing to absolutely complain about this place. I’d give more than five stars if I was able to!

Yogaand Doritos

10 Oct 2025

I wanted to give 5 starts but just not quite perfect! The brisket is legit the most tender and juicy brisket on the planet! Good seasoning too. Ribs melted and I mean melted off the bone! Sausage was legit. LOVED the bbq sauce and sweet mustard! Staff was SO NICE!! No, we didn't have to wait in line because we went an hour ahead of time just in case haha and we were first! The only negatives to me is the price, portions for the price and the sides were just ok. I get the quality of the meat is amazing so that is why it's expensive but then ya need to give me the same energy with those sides and LOAD them up! My hubby loved the beans and I thought they were ok.., I needed sweetness but that's just a personal opinion. Coleslaw was decent but could have had more flavor and the potato salad I thought was good! Just really small side portions for the price. All in all so worth it for the meat!

Join the Little Miss BBQ-University Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.