After a scenic drive to Horseshoe Bend, the hunger pangs were real, and the only town nearby was Page, Arizona. Driving through, one place instantly grabbed my attention – Big John’s Texas Barbecue. Trust me, one look and you’ll understand why it was the only option for a BBQ craving fix.
Big John’s isn’t your typical restaurant; it’s an experience even before you taste the food. Housed in a converted gas station, the exterior is a vibrant display of Americana and Texas pride. Classic gas pumps stand guard out front, and a vintage truck adds to the nostalgic charm. You’re immediately greeted by the playful cowboy cutout, inviting you to become part of the Wild West scene and snap a memorable photo.
A fun cowboy cutout at Big John's Texas Barbecue in Page, Arizona, inviting visitors to take photos.
The iconic sign clearly marks your destination, ensuring you know you’ve arrived at BBQ heaven.
The distinctive sign for Big John's Texas Barbecue in Page, Arizona, clearly visible from the road.
But the real showstopper, the piece that truly screamed authentic Texas barbecue, was impossible to miss.
The Heart of Texas BBQ in Arizona: The Smoker
Stepping onto the Big John’s Texas Barbecue property, my eyes were immediately drawn to it: a massive steel smoker, proudly stationed in the parking lot. Initially, I wondered if it was just part of the décor, another element of the roadside attraction. But then, the aroma hit me – rich, smoky, and undeniably mouthwatering. Any doubt vanished as I watched staff loading a wheelbarrow of wood into its depths. This wasn’t just for show; this behemoth was the real deal, the heart and soul of Big John’s, where the magic happened.
A colossal steel smoker, the centerpiece of Big John's Texas Barbecue in Page, Arizona, used for slow-cooking their meats.
This smoker was unlike anything I’d ever seen, easily 6 to 8 feet wide, radiating heat and the promise of incredible barbecue. The sight and smell alone were enough to ignite serious anticipation for the feast to come. It was clear: Big John’s Texas Barbecue was serious about their craft.
Diving into the Sampler Plate: A BBQ Revelation
As a dedicated food blogger, it felt almost mandatory to order the Sampler Plate. Okay, maybe “mandatory” is a stretch, but in the name of thorough research (and a serious BBQ craving), it was the only responsible choice. The Sampler Plate at Big John’s is a carnivore’s dream: chopped beef brisket, tender pulled pork, spicy link sausage, and two succulent baby back pork ribs. Consider it professional dedication to delivering you the most accurate and drool-worthy information. You’re welcome!
The combo plate arrived, a glorious mountain of smoky goodness. Where to even begin? My gaze landed on the ribs, perched enticingly atop the meaty landscape. Their strategic positioning demanded immediate attention. And let me tell you, these ribs were a revelation. The meat surrendered to the slightest touch, practically falling off the bone. Each bite was infused with a deep, smoky flavor, a testament to hours spent in that giant smoker. They were, simply put, divine.
Moving on to the sausage, I discovered a delightful balance of sweet and spice. The sweetness was subtle, not overpowering, and the spice provided a pleasant kick without being aggressive. It was a well-crafted sausage, enjoyable from start to finish.
Then came the beef brisket, the king of Texas barbecue. Big John’s brisket delivered that melt-in-your-mouth, rendered fat perfection that brisket aficionados crave. The texture was spot-on, tender and yielding, and the subtle smoke flavor complemented the rich beefiness perfectly.
The pulled pork, while not boasting the same intense smokiness as the brisket, was still a worthy component of the sampler. Chopped into thin, manageable pieces, it was flavorful and moist.
To complement the meats, Big John’s offers a selection of sauces. I sampled the sweet sauce, which lived up to its name with a pleasant sweetness balanced by a touch of tang. It paired exceptionally well with the pulled pork, enhancing its natural flavors. For those who like a bit more heat, the hot sauce delivered a satisfying spice that built gradually, a sneaky heat that lingered just the right amount of time. Mixing the hot sauce with the spicy sausage? Pure genius, amplifying the spice factor to a delightful level.
But wait, there’s more! The sides at Big John’s are far from afterthoughts. The coleslaw leaned towards the sweeter side, offering a refreshing crunch and a welcome cool contrast to the rich meats. And the beans? Forget overly sweet baked beans. Big John’s serves up hearty pinto beans with pork, a more savory and substantial side that felt authentic and satisfying.
Peach Cobbler: The Perfect Desert Oasis
After conquering the Sampler Plate, a food coma was imminent, but in the best possible way. My stomach was full, my taste buds were singing, but the road trip wasn’t over. However, a quick check of Google Maps delivered some less-than-ideal news: a road closure had transformed my two-hour drive into a five-hour marathon.
Such devastating news clearly warranted dessert. And what better way to console oneself in the Arizona desert than with peach cobbler? It was the perfect pick-me-up, the ideal fuel for the unexpectedly long drive ahead. And Big John’s peach cobbler? Let’s just say it’s worth the detour alone.
A generous serving of peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream at Big John's Texas Barbecue in Page, Arizona, a perfect dessert.
If the siren song of smoky, tender barbecue wasn’t enough to convince you to visit Big John’s Texas Barbecue, then the peach cobbler should seal the deal. Served warm, overflowing with juicy peaches and topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, it was pure comfort in a bowl. One bite and any lingering road trip woes simply melted away.
Finding Your BBQ Fix: Big John’s Location
Big John’s Texas Barbecue is conveniently located on Lake Powell Blvd in Page, Arizona. It’s hard to miss, situated right on the side of the road after you pass the school as you head through town. If you find yourself in Page, Arizona, make a point to stop at Big John’s. Your taste buds will thank you.
To help you plan your culinary adventures, I’ve added Big John’s and all the other fantastic restaurants I’ve discovered to my interactive map, which you can find here. And if you have any restaurant suggestions or just want to share your own BBQ experiences, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or connect on social media. Bon Appetit!
