Here we are to March, as we take our trip through the year looking at national food holidays and where to celebrate them in Flagstaff. Be sure to look out for Chocolate Chip Cookie Week is the second week of the month! Every single day in March actually has some sort of food holiday, so here are just the highlights and where to hit up in town to feast those days...
March 6
National Frozen Food Day is on the calendar, so just heat up lunch in ye ol microwave… or take a different take and go for drinking something tasty and frozen like a frozen margarita at Salsa Brava (2220 East Rte. 66) or one of the delish milkshakes at Diablo Burger (120 N Leroux, on the square), as they both have something frozen in them worthy of your tasting.
March 14
It’s “Pi Day” in math geek circles (as “pi” is 3.141414) so celebrate in solidarity and eat some homemade pie goodness at Miz Zips (2924 E Route 66 ) or the Galaxy Diner (931 W Route 66). Really any reason to celebrate pie is a good one and these two spots make ones worthy of merrymaking.
March 17
Today is Corned Beef And Cabbage Day – of course, as it is St Patrick’s Day! Head to Collin’s Irish Pub (2 N. Leroux St.) downtown. They serve this classic Irish dish up every day slow cooked just how it should be. Down a pint (or two) of Guinness just to be in the spirit of the day while you’re there too.
March 18
Warm your tummy with sweet baked goodness on Oatmeal Cookie Day. Try out the ones at Macy’s Coffee House (14 S. Beaver St.). They don’t do oatmeal everyday, but when they do – mmmmm. You can, however, special order them to celebrate your love of Oatmeal Cookie Day or any other day for that matter.
March 19
Poultry Day should take you to Cottage Place (126 West Cottage Ave.) to dine on the finest birds in town. Opt for their Chinatown duck roasted in an Asian Marinade and served with a plum sauce or try the artichoke chicken for a fancy grilled take on a chicken breast entree.
March 21
National French Bread Day, so you know where to go – The Village Baker (1237 S Plaza Way), home to every type of wonderfully scrumptious bread you can think of made by hand in town.
March 23
It’s National Chip and Dip Day so head for some pita chips and hummus dip at Pita Jungle (320 S Regent St.). They have traditional hummus (made with chickpea puree, tahini sauce, fresh garlic and lemon juice), a roasted bell pepper hummus plus a cilantro jalepeno hummus that adds some extra zing.
March 28
For celebrating Something On A Stick Day, take a trip to the Greek Islands (109 East Phoenix Ave.) and welcome the traditionally delightful flavors of beef or chicken souvlaki (that’s beef or chicken on a skewer stick, if you’re not familiar).
March 31
The month ends on Tater Day. So for some of them good ol’ fried up taters, mosey on over to Satchmo’s (2320 North 4th St.) for tater tots with their secret seasonings and/or Bigfoot BBQ’s (120 N. Leroux in the Old Town Shops basement) tater salad for a lip smacking tater tribute.
Every single day of March has a food celebration. You can check out every single one of them at TheNibble.com, should you desire to do so, then think of your fav spots in town to celebrate them.
(This article was written by me originally for Flagstaff Live!)
Showing posts with label Big Foot BBQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Foot BBQ. Show all posts
November 25, 2010
Dining family-style in Flagstaff
Dining family-style in Flagstaff
By Angele Sionna
Dining with the kids can be a challenge. If they’re young – is there anything they’ll eat on the menu? If they’re older, can you all decide on the same thing for dinner? There are several Flagstaff restaurants that help ease that pain and make going out together fun, tasty and not a break-the-bank adventure. Here’s a look at just a few of the best kid-friendly menus in town…
Bigfoot Bar-B-Q
120 N Leroux St, Basement Marketplace of the Old Town Shops
Tucked down in the basement of the Old Town Shops with plenty of room to play in that ab fab “kiddie corral” and splendid for not having to fret about those little noise makers, Bigfoot has to be the number one spot for dining with kids, especially young ones! Add to that awesome days like half price wing basket Mondays and a $3 kids (12 and under) menu that includes hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken strips and grilled cheese – all with fries and a drink. Then toss in buckets of crayons and piles of paper to draw on along with free peanuts that can be thrown willy nilly on the floor. You’ve got a winner. Bigfoot is hands-down the number one place my three tots like to dine.
Café Ole
119 S. San Fransisco
In a time when the economy has left most folks needing any help they can get, Café Ole still has their FREE kids meals on Wednesdays. This is a super (tasty) deal! All day Wednesdays, both lunch (11:30a-3p) and dinner (5-9p), Café Ole serves up a free quesadilla, burrito or taco for sus niños (12 and under). Normally, the kids meals (that include a drink) are $5, still a good price. Plus this little Mexican joint near downtown and NAU has a nice colorful atmosphere that the whole fam will enjoy. Muy Bueno!
Pita Jungle
320 South Regent Street, next to New Frontiers
Ah, choices - they can make a break an out to eat experience with kiddos. Pita Jungle is the place to go for choice. They have a great $5 kids (10 and under) meal – that lets the kiddies pick from nutritious and delicious options. You pick one protein, one green and one carb – plus get a fruit cup and a drink. Proteins range from turkey to tuna to tofu (and many more). Greens include cucumbers, broccoli (make fun all you want but it is my childrens’ fav!), spinach or carrots. Carbs range from pasta to mac and cheese to a pita crisp and more. Quite a feast!
Diablo Burger
120 N Leroux, on the square behind Pesto Brothers
Seating in here is tough for little kids because of the cool high stools, but if they can sit still – Diablo Burger is a great burger joint to take the tots. They have mini versions of their divine grass-fed, locally raised burgers (or a grilled cheese sandwich) with a side of those yummy frittes for around the $5 mark. In nice weather, sitting on DB's outdoor tables and letting the kids play in Heritage square while they as much noise as they want as they burn off that extra energy is an added bonus.
Granny’s Closet
218 S. Milton Rd.
Leave it to ol’ Granny to have a super bargain for kids under six – for just $2.50 they get their shot at that classic soup and salad bar. Pretty sweet. For kids 6 to 12 it jumps up just a bit to $5.50, but still a good reason to go for either lunch or dinner. Add to that those fun booths where kids can watch TV at their table, you’ve got a winner for an entertaining time for all in your party.
Wildflower Bread Company
530 East Piccadilly Drive (Near New Frontiers)
Here’s a little freebie for kids I love – every Wednesday right after school (from 3:30-4pm) you can take the kiddos down to Wildflower for a free milk, cookie and activity. It’s completely free! Wildflower also has a good kids (12 and under) menu for about $4 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It comes with a small milk (or soda) and at lunch or dinner they toss in a chocolate chip cookie too! Choices range from French toast, pancakes or egg and cheese sandwich at breakfast, sandwiches or meatballs for lunch and pastas for dinner.
By Angele Sionna
 |
| Bigfoot's Kiddie Corral |
Bigfoot Bar-B-Q
120 N Leroux St, Basement Marketplace of the Old Town Shops
Tucked down in the basement of the Old Town Shops with plenty of room to play in that ab fab “kiddie corral” and splendid for not having to fret about those little noise makers, Bigfoot has to be the number one spot for dining with kids, especially young ones! Add to that awesome days like half price wing basket Mondays and a $3 kids (12 and under) menu that includes hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken strips and grilled cheese – all with fries and a drink. Then toss in buckets of crayons and piles of paper to draw on along with free peanuts that can be thrown willy nilly on the floor. You’ve got a winner. Bigfoot is hands-down the number one place my three tots like to dine.
Café Ole
119 S. San Fransisco
In a time when the economy has left most folks needing any help they can get, Café Ole still has their FREE kids meals on Wednesdays. This is a super (tasty) deal! All day Wednesdays, both lunch (11:30a-3p) and dinner (5-9p), Café Ole serves up a free quesadilla, burrito or taco for sus niños (12 and under). Normally, the kids meals (that include a drink) are $5, still a good price. Plus this little Mexican joint near downtown and NAU has a nice colorful atmosphere that the whole fam will enjoy. Muy Bueno!
Pita Jungle
320 South Regent Street, next to New Frontiers
Ah, choices - they can make a break an out to eat experience with kiddos. Pita Jungle is the place to go for choice. They have a great $5 kids (10 and under) meal – that lets the kiddies pick from nutritious and delicious options. You pick one protein, one green and one carb – plus get a fruit cup and a drink. Proteins range from turkey to tuna to tofu (and many more). Greens include cucumbers, broccoli (make fun all you want but it is my childrens’ fav!), spinach or carrots. Carbs range from pasta to mac and cheese to a pita crisp and more. Quite a feast!
Diablo Burger
120 N Leroux, on the square behind Pesto Brothers
Seating in here is tough for little kids because of the cool high stools, but if they can sit still – Diablo Burger is a great burger joint to take the tots. They have mini versions of their divine grass-fed, locally raised burgers (or a grilled cheese sandwich) with a side of those yummy frittes for around the $5 mark. In nice weather, sitting on DB's outdoor tables and letting the kids play in Heritage square while they as much noise as they want as they burn off that extra energy is an added bonus.
Granny’s Closet
218 S. Milton Rd.
Leave it to ol’ Granny to have a super bargain for kids under six – for just $2.50 they get their shot at that classic soup and salad bar. Pretty sweet. For kids 6 to 12 it jumps up just a bit to $5.50, but still a good reason to go for either lunch or dinner. Add to that those fun booths where kids can watch TV at their table, you’ve got a winner for an entertaining time for all in your party.
Wildflower Bread Company
530 East Piccadilly Drive (Near New Frontiers)
Here’s a little freebie for kids I love – every Wednesday right after school (from 3:30-4pm) you can take the kiddos down to Wildflower for a free milk, cookie and activity. It’s completely free! Wildflower also has a good kids (12 and under) menu for about $4 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It comes with a small milk (or soda) and at lunch or dinner they toss in a chocolate chip cookie too! Choices range from French toast, pancakes or egg and cheese sandwich at breakfast, sandwiches or meatballs for lunch and pastas for dinner.
June 27, 2010
Ode to the french fries of Flagstaff
Oh the glory to the mouth when you take a bite of a good french fry. Crispy exterior with the perfect amount of salt, seasoning and slight oiliness. Then your teeth enter the smooshy, light fluffiness that is the potato’s core. That’s a hard to beat sensation.
Fries have been pleasing American taste buds since the 1800s, though they didn’t take off until after World War I. (The horror that we waited so long to appreciate this beloved side.)
There are plenty of spots in northern Arizona to find fantastic frittes. Here’s a look…
Diablo Burger
120 N. Leroux St (Downtown off the main square with alley entrance behind Pesto Brothers)
At the DB they’re committed to quality and the fries are no exception. The “Frites,” as they call them here, are double cooked in peanut oil Belgium-style and tossed with fresh rosemary. They smell as delightful as they taste! A true piece of poetry for the watering mouths of hungry fry appreciators. These fries also come with a special homemade dipping sauces. I like the ranch. Other choices include Hatch Chile Mayo, spicy honey mustard and pesto.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
605 W Riordan Rd
I often get a basket of Oreganos waffle-cut fries as an appetizer because they are irresistible. They’re lightly salted plus seasoned and crispy without being overly cooked. These bad boys are light and fluffy deep-fried goodness.
Bigfoot BBQ
120 N. Leroux St
Bigfoot has some of the best sides in town hands down. Their garlic romano fries are tasty without being overpowering. So you can easily munch and still give your sweetie a big old smooch after lunch. These fries in particular compliment Bigfoot’s tangy barbecue sauce. As good as those are, the sweet taters are my fav here. They are cooked up with a crispy, lightly salted outside and warm sweet soft inside.
Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant
6355 N Highway 180 (at the base of Snowbowl Road)
The Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant may be more known for its fab chicken wings and relaxing patio, but the fries are a must order. They’re airy on the inside and crunchy on the outside with a touch of salt. I like to order these with wings and dip them in the wing sauce and ranch dressing.
Mama Burger
112 E. Route 66
Mama’s fries are made fresh throughout the day. These old fashioned goodies are thin and cooked just right. Nothing fancy but quality. You can jazz them up by ordering cajun-style (at no extra cost).
Sidebar: Mexi Fries
Stop the presses – a not to be missed spot for some fry goodness is Sedona’s Javelina Cantina. Yes. That’s right. Normally just on the menu to please picky kids, the fries at this Mexican joint rock.
Speaking of a taco and fry combination. Check out the California tacos and burritos at Flagstaff’s Tacos Locos. This taco has fries inside it, along with carne asada, guacamole, and lettuce.
(This article was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live in May 2010)
Fries have been pleasing American taste buds since the 1800s, though they didn’t take off until after World War I. (The horror that we waited so long to appreciate this beloved side.)
There are plenty of spots in northern Arizona to find fantastic frittes. Here’s a look…
Diablo Burger
120 N. Leroux St (Downtown off the main square with alley entrance behind Pesto Brothers)
At the DB they’re committed to quality and the fries are no exception. The “Frites,” as they call them here, are double cooked in peanut oil Belgium-style and tossed with fresh rosemary. They smell as delightful as they taste! A true piece of poetry for the watering mouths of hungry fry appreciators. These fries also come with a special homemade dipping sauces. I like the ranch. Other choices include Hatch Chile Mayo, spicy honey mustard and pesto.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
605 W Riordan Rd
I often get a basket of Oreganos waffle-cut fries as an appetizer because they are irresistible. They’re lightly salted plus seasoned and crispy without being overly cooked. These bad boys are light and fluffy deep-fried goodness.
Bigfoot BBQ
120 N. Leroux St
Bigfoot has some of the best sides in town hands down. Their garlic romano fries are tasty without being overpowering. So you can easily munch and still give your sweetie a big old smooch after lunch. These fries in particular compliment Bigfoot’s tangy barbecue sauce. As good as those are, the sweet taters are my fav here. They are cooked up with a crispy, lightly salted outside and warm sweet soft inside.
Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant
6355 N Highway 180 (at the base of Snowbowl Road)
The Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant may be more known for its fab chicken wings and relaxing patio, but the fries are a must order. They’re airy on the inside and crunchy on the outside with a touch of salt. I like to order these with wings and dip them in the wing sauce and ranch dressing.
Mama Burger
112 E. Route 66
Mama’s fries are made fresh throughout the day. These old fashioned goodies are thin and cooked just right. Nothing fancy but quality. You can jazz them up by ordering cajun-style (at no extra cost).
Sidebar: Mexi Fries
Stop the presses – a not to be missed spot for some fry goodness is Sedona’s Javelina Cantina. Yes. That’s right. Normally just on the menu to please picky kids, the fries at this Mexican joint rock.
Speaking of a taco and fry combination. Check out the California tacos and burritos at Flagstaff’s Tacos Locos. This taco has fries inside it, along with carne asada, guacamole, and lettuce.
(This article was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live in May 2010)
June 8, 2010
Profiles: Bigfoot BBQ in Flagstaff, Arizona
Profiles: Bigfoot BBQ- J Carnes, GM
- Open 6 years
- 120 N Leroux, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001 - located in the Old Town Shops at the corner of Birch & Leroux
- www.bigfootbbq.com
- Twitter.com @bigfootbbq
Examiner: What makes your establishment unique?
J. Carnes: Unlike many places selling "BBQ" as nothing more than grilled chicken slathered in a sauce they bought from someone else, Bigfoot has been doing Flagstaff's best BBQ for over six years (don't believe us, just ask the readers of the Arizona Daily Sun!). To us, that means pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs smoked over real hickory at low temps for a long time--up to 12 hours! And, we do it all ourselves: nothing is pre-seasoned, pre-smoked, pre-pulled, or pre-sauced. Bigfoot does it in-house, by hand, with sauces, rubs, & seasonings we make from scratch!
Examiner: What is a little known factoid about your place?
J. Carnes: Bigfoot's located in a basement. In the back of a woman's clothing store. The clothes may smell like BBQ, but we promise the BBQ tastes better than Yoga Pants. Not kidding. It's tough to simply "stumble upon" this place; rather, you gotta' seek it out. We promise it'll be worth the effort when you get here.
Examiner: What is your specialty?
J. Carnes: We're famous for our pulled pork. Whether as a sandwich or as a traditional BBQ plate w/ homemade cornbread, slaw, and tater salad, pulled pork out sells everything on the menu two to one or better.
Related articles
J. Carnes: The patron's favorite thing about Bigfoot--and they tell us often on our comment cards--is the complimentary box of peanuts, which sits out on an old barber shop chair. Guests help themselves to a little peanut appetizer. Feel free to toss the shells on the floor, another little thing the guests love!
Examiner: What's your favorite?
J. Carnes: Perhaps my favorite thing about Bigfoot is the Kids' Corral. We aspire to be a family place to which parents and kids look look forward to coming. The kids corral has brightly colored, cushy mats on the floor, along w/ books, toys, and a TV that the kids can control themselves. We tune it a kids' network, and we hope it gives the little ones, as well as Mom and Dad, a nice break.
J. Carnes as "Bigfoot"/ Photo by: Melissa Dunstan
J. Carnes: Go ride a bike. Whether you're fit or not, Flagstaff has some amazing cycling. Take a cruiser ride around the Historic Downtown neighborhoods and businesses, from one restaurant or brew-pub to another. Or get out on a trail--Flagstaff has world-class mountain biking. Want a real challenge? Take a road bike up seven-mile Snowbowl Road to over 10 feet altitude. You'll be hungry for BBQ afterward! There are 2 shops in the downtown area that rent bikes (AZ Bikes & Absolute Bikes), and both include helmet rentals.
Check out my reviews of Bigfoot BBQ, including lots of photos of their savory foods HERE.
February 18, 2010
Flagstaff Tastecasters: Big Foot BBQ - The sides and dessert
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| Bigfoot's Sweet Potato Fries |
You may not have ventured far from the fries on the sides menu here. I understand. I am such a fan of the fried okra (best in town), the sweet potato fries (seasoned with cinnamon and sugar) and the garlic romano fries there's never been much of a reason to get something else. But let me tell you - there's reason! It's called mashed sweet tasters! They're worth of the exclamation points for sure. Each bite is bursting with flavor. Buttery goodness and sweetness. You almost forget they're a veggie. Don't tell the kids. Tell them it's dessert. They're going to believe you because these bad boys taste like a treat.
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| The homemade Mac Salad |
Another freshly made side -in fact it's made several times everyday - the cole slaw. Crispy, light and fresh. Nothing old and soggy here!
I could just eat the veggie plate of sides here I think. Mmm mmm good!
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Flagstaff Tastecasters - Big Foot BBQ - The main course
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| Mini versions of the Smokin Bulldawg made for this event |
Continuing our Bigfoot BBQ tastecasting event... the main course has made its way to our plates....
First up.... Let's talk sauce! Bigfoot makes their own every other day from scratch. And it shows. It's the base that barbeque joints are built on. And Big Foot passes the taste test with flying colors. There's a hint of cloves in there but that's the only sauce secret revealed tonight.
Now onto the "Truckstop Creations" of the Smokin Bulldawg and Junkyard Dawg. This is a section of Bigfoot's menu that gets overlooked too often but no more. These are adult dawgs that bring it. They're filling stuff. The Smokin Bulldawg is a smoked Andouille sausage topped with burnt ends (that's the good stuff from the brisket!) Plus onions sauce and cheese. This is a must get!! If you're a pulled pork die hard try the Junkyard Dawg with a big ol 1/4 pound spicy Louisiana hot link with the pulled pork and big foots homemade coleslaw (which by the way they make several time a day fresh!)
Next the straight up meats.... last to the table but tops on taste are Bigfoot's ribs. They're peeled, trimmed, rubbed, smoked, roasted, grilled, glazed and great. The meat is juicy and falls off the bone as all good ribs should. These are St Louis style cut down pork spare ribs. The Bigfoot guys say they like these better than baby back ribs because they're meatier and juicier.
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| Andouille corndogs |
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Flagstaff Tastecasters: Big Foot BBQ - Appetizers
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| Jazz Fest Crawfish Bread |
The chili cheese fries take the classic fries Bigfoot is beloved for then add their red chili. Full of flavor and would be good with a beer to share with friends.
The BBQ Nachos were next up. Jalepenos, cheese and sauce and in this instance pulled pork with their signature sauce. You can also get the nachos with chicken or beef.
Finally in the apps course- a specialty item they came up with for Mardi Gras: Jazz Fest Crawfish Bread which is much like an empanada filled with spicy crawdaddy. This is something I'd like to see permanently make its way onto the menu. Spicy, moist, flavorful crawfish meat. True Louisiana flavors.
Up next the meats and highlights from the "Truck Stop Creations" part of the menu....
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Flagstaff Tastecasters: Big Foot BBQ
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| Bigfoot's pulled beef brisket |
You can follow all the tastecasting talk tonight on www.twitter.com/angeleoutwest and at #tastecasters
Tonight we start off with the tasty sweet tea. Its true southern style brewed with the sugar just the way I like it.
Coming up... stay tuned for the goods.
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January 12, 2010
Hot Buffalo-style Chicken Wings of Flagstaff: Big Foot BBQ
Looking for the best hot wings in Flagstaff? This article is part of the new Hot Buffalo-style Chicken Wings of Flagstaff guide that samples the wings of the city so you can find your favorite. Today's wings are from the ever popular Bigfoot BBQ...
Bigfoot BBQ
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
Bigfoot is a Flagstaff staple. They have one of the best salads, some of the best sides, some of the best wings and some of the best housemade buttermilk ranch dressing for those wings in town! You can get them by the dozen or half dozen. On Mondays a dozen wings are half off - making for a bargain dinner, especially when paired with their garlic romano fries. Mmmm. Here's a look at the wings of Bigfoot:
BBQ- These are the best barbecue wings I've tried in town. Sweet but not too sweet, mellow, a touch smoky. Highly satisfying.
High Octane- Some of the most popular wings at Bigfoot. A nice flavor, not gonna burn ya out. Can see the flecks of black and red peppers. Spicy, tangy and flavorful.
Regular- Has a nice light coating of the regular buffalo sauce that you can fin on many of Bigfoot's buffalo items tangy with only a hint of afterburn.
Teriyaki - Another intersting take on an asian inspired wing, this one is a touch sweet a touch salty in soy sauce kinda way a touch tangy, reminiscent of teriyaki sauce without going full asian restaurant flavor.
Bigfoot BBQ
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
Bigfoot is a Flagstaff staple. They have one of the best salads, some of the best sides, some of the best wings and some of the best housemade buttermilk ranch dressing for those wings in town! You can get them by the dozen or half dozen. On Mondays a dozen wings are half off - making for a bargain dinner, especially when paired with their garlic romano fries. Mmmm. Here's a look at the wings of Bigfoot:
BBQ- These are the best barbecue wings I've tried in town. Sweet but not too sweet, mellow, a touch smoky. Highly satisfying.
High Octane- Some of the most popular wings at Bigfoot. A nice flavor, not gonna burn ya out. Can see the flecks of black and red peppers. Spicy, tangy and flavorful.
Regular- Has a nice light coating of the regular buffalo sauce that you can fin on many of Bigfoot's buffalo items tangy with only a hint of afterburn.
Teriyaki - Another intersting take on an asian inspired wing, this one is a touch sweet a touch salty in soy sauce kinda way a touch tangy, reminiscent of teriyaki sauce without going full asian restaurant flavor.
December 20, 2009
Lucky Foods for the New Year (and where to find them at Flagstaff restaurants)
Would you believe that good luck in 2010 may be as simple as eating the right things to ring in the new year? All over the world, there are New Year’s customs that involve eating special foods to bring good fortune over the upcoming twelve months. Here’s a look at some of the customs and where you can find some of the foods in Flagstaff…
Southerners eat up black eyed peas and collard greens to bring luck in the new year. Tinderbox (34 South San Francisco Street, 226.8400) is your best bet in Flagstaff for some Southern charmed foods. (If you were wondering, the legend of the lucky black eyed peas comes out of Vicksburg, Virginia during the civil war. The town supposedly ran out of food but was saved when they discovered black eyed peas.)
Southerners also add corn bread to their New Year feasts, corn bread symbolizing the wealth of gold. You can find corn bread at Big Foot BBQ (120 N. Leroux, 226-1677), Beaver Street Brewery (11 Beaver Street, 779-0079), and Satchmo’s (1924 East Arrowhead, 774-7292).
Another on the lucky list: noodles. The Japanese find good fortune in them. Get served a tasty helping of Japanese-style noodles at Karma Sushi (6 E Rte 66, 774-6100) and Sakura (1175 Old Route 66, 773-9118).
Cabbage and sauerkraut are considered to bring luck. You can find authentic German sauerkraut at the Matterhorn Grill (103 S Birch, 226.7388). For cabbage, check out the Corned Beef and Cabbage at Collins Irish Pub (2 N Leroux, 214.7363). They’ve also got you covered with their Fish and Chips – made with lucky cod.
If all else fails – anything green from broccoli to lettuce to grapes, even green jello will supposedly buy you some new year’s luck, as green represents money. On that note, a salad’s got you easily covered with all the green. Add an extra blessing by adding shrimp (a Japanese food eaten at the new year to represent long life). So for that extra lucky, long life salad try the Southwestern Shrimp Caesar at Oregano’s (605 Riordan Road, 773.8600). Speaking of green things, keep 12 grapes in your pocket to eat at midnight. In Cuba and Spain, this is considered to bring good fortune in the 12 months ahead.
For your sweet tooth – consume your luck by devouring a filled donut, as is the tradition of several European countries. Stock up ahead of your New Year’s Eve bash with good ones from Malone’s Bakery & Deli (1490 S. Riordan Ranch Road, 913.0133) or Mountain Delights Bakery (inside the Flagstaff Mall).
Whatever you do – don’t eat lobster or chicken to ring in the new year, both are considered to bring bad luck.
But do leave a little something of each food on your plate, no matter what you order. It’s considered to symbolize a well stocked pantry and luck for the year ahead, at least according to the Germans.
Sources for background on lucky foods for the New Year: epicurious.com and fabulousfoods.com.
This story also will appear in Flagstaff Live's December 31, 2009 issue.
Southerners eat up black eyed peas and collard greens to bring luck in the new year. Tinderbox (34 South San Francisco Street, 226.8400) is your best bet in Flagstaff for some Southern charmed foods. (If you were wondering, the legend of the lucky black eyed peas comes out of Vicksburg, Virginia during the civil war. The town supposedly ran out of food but was saved when they discovered black eyed peas.)
Southerners also add corn bread to their New Year feasts, corn bread symbolizing the wealth of gold. You can find corn bread at Big Foot BBQ (120 N. Leroux, 226-1677), Beaver Street Brewery (11 Beaver Street, 779-0079), and Satchmo’s (1924 East Arrowhead, 774-7292).
Another on the lucky list: noodles. The Japanese find good fortune in them. Get served a tasty helping of Japanese-style noodles at Karma Sushi (6 E Rte 66, 774-6100) and Sakura (1175 Old Route 66, 773-9118).
Cabbage and sauerkraut are considered to bring luck. You can find authentic German sauerkraut at the Matterhorn Grill (103 S Birch, 226.7388). For cabbage, check out the Corned Beef and Cabbage at Collins Irish Pub (2 N Leroux, 214.7363). They’ve also got you covered with their Fish and Chips – made with lucky cod.
If all else fails – anything green from broccoli to lettuce to grapes, even green jello will supposedly buy you some new year’s luck, as green represents money. On that note, a salad’s got you easily covered with all the green. Add an extra blessing by adding shrimp (a Japanese food eaten at the new year to represent long life). So for that extra lucky, long life salad try the Southwestern Shrimp Caesar at Oregano’s (605 Riordan Road, 773.8600). Speaking of green things, keep 12 grapes in your pocket to eat at midnight. In Cuba and Spain, this is considered to bring good fortune in the 12 months ahead.
For your sweet tooth – consume your luck by devouring a filled donut, as is the tradition of several European countries. Stock up ahead of your New Year’s Eve bash with good ones from Malone’s Bakery & Deli (1490 S. Riordan Ranch Road, 913.0133) or Mountain Delights Bakery (inside the Flagstaff Mall).
Whatever you do – don’t eat lobster or chicken to ring in the new year, both are considered to bring bad luck.
But do leave a little something of each food on your plate, no matter what you order. It’s considered to symbolize a well stocked pantry and luck for the year ahead, at least according to the Germans.
Sources for background on lucky foods for the New Year: epicurious.com and fabulousfoods.com.
This story also will appear in Flagstaff Live's December 31, 2009 issue.
September 26, 2009
Barbecue restaurants in Flagstaff (Updated 01/11/10)
As a Texas native, barbeque is an essential meal in my rotation. Going without those slow cooked, tender meats smoked for hours with love would just be a shame. So it’s no surprise then that for me nothing says summer more than great barbeque eaten outdoors on a picnic table. While Flagstaff’s barbeque restaurants don’t actually have outdoor seating, you can still find that down home feeling in their food.
Big John’s Texas BBQ
1740 E Rte 66 (just east of Enterprise)
Call ahead for hours at 928-699-2707
I was so excited when I found Big John’s Texas BBQ. He’s not an official restaurant by any means. Big John runs his joint from a movable trailer with a giant smoker attached. He parks his rig-slash-movable restaurant on Route 66 just east of Enterprise three days a week (usually). Most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the weather is good, you can smell that sweet, sweet smoke in the air as you drive near. And the taste of Big John’s brisket is even better. He takes is B-B-Q-ing seriously and you can taste that careful slow cookin’ in every bite. Big John’s also serves up ribs, pork, great potato salad, barbequed baked beans, and Texas sweet tea. Mmmm Mmmm good! You can buy the meat by the pound (which is how I like to do it for a great family meal) or you can get a sandwich.
Flagstaff BBQ & Catering Co. (Formerly known as Pig in a Poke BBQ)
9001 North Highway 89 at Silver Saddle Rd
About eight miles from downtown sits the modest Flagstaff BBQ (formerly known as Pig in a Poke BBQ). Next to a gas station/ convenience store – this place has that southern barbeque feel as you drive up. Flagstaff BBQ cooks up Kansas City style que. It’s the place to come for a great deal and great tasting barbequed chicken dinner. For just $5.99 you get a half chicken and two sides. Their onion rings and curly fries may add to your thighs but they taste great and compliment the chicken nicely. The brisket sandwich is too try for my liking so I’d opt for Big Johns or The Smokehouse if that’s what you’re craving. Flagstaff BBQ is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Big Foot Bar-B-Q
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
Big Foot has been rated the best barbeque restaurant in Flagstaff for several years running. But truth be told, they really haven’t had much competition until recently. Big Foot boasts on its menu that their “truck stop creations” are “influenced, inspired and outright stolen from some of the most auspicious gas stations across the south.” I’ve eaten at many of those gas stations they compare their grub to and Big Foot doesn’t come close. Still, Big Foot does have a lot to offer. The best things here are the sides. I don’t think I’ve tasted better onion rings or fried okra anywhere in town and they could definitely give some of the sides at real southern joints a run for their money. Their brisket and ribs are in need of moisture but the sauce is sweet and tangy and definitely spices up the meat enough to make a good meal. The atmosphere at Big Foot is really casual and relaxed. You never feel rushed and you leave feeling happy and full, definitely adding to the charm.
Satchmo's
129 E Arrowhead, just of Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ
Menu online at: satchmosaz.comSatchmo's is a KC barbeque meets Louisiana style of joint and has lots of loyal eaters. They're claim to fame here: the pulled pork bbq sandwich. Ribs are also a fan fav and can sell out. (They're only made one day a week). In my experience the portions are smaller than advertised and not as tasty as the hype machine would have you believe. The barbecued turkey tastes more like Thanksgiving turkey than the traditional smoky barbecued turkey but its nice and moist. The meat has a nice flavor. Sauces are okay. Read my full review of Satchmo's HERE.
The Smokehouse (Updated 1/11/10)
3510 E. Route 66
website (but no current menu) at: simplythebestbbq.com
The Smokehouse is a far cry from its successful, moist, flavorful tasty roots. They were among my fav Flag bbq joints, but no longer. The meats we've gotten on our last few trips here (ever since opening in the new location) are really dried out tasting. The meats are served cold - like they've been reheated but not well and they're dried out, again like they've been reheated over and over. The sauces are the best thing about The Smokehouse. They're homemade and lean towards sweet more than spicy. You can see how good they used to be at the bottom of this review. It's sad to see how far down the rung they've gone.
UPDATED AGAIN 09/2009: We ate at the Smokehouse at its new location and were disappointed. The food wasn't as good (and a little cold, not fresh out of the smoker), portions were smaller and it costs a few bucks more per entree. The service was poor as well and the location isn't as charming as the old trailer. I hope these were just some kinks and not the future of The Smokehouse.
UPDATE 08/2009: The Smokehouse has temporarily closed down its trailer at the Museum Club and will be opening a brand new real restaurant along Route 66 in September. Watch for an updated review of The Smokehouse at that time, because it's worth waiting for!)
The Smokehouse has been around for about two years but only recently came into my world – and I’m so glad. Their meats melt in your mouth and are slow cooked in the back of this trailer-turned-smokehouse restaurant. Like Big John’s there’s nowhere to eat at The Smokehouse itself. It’s drive up and go – which makes for a great picnic. The owner/ chef – who hails from Austin, Texas - makes both the tasty and tangy mild and spicy sauces himself in the back of the place, along with his cole slaw and spicy pinto beans, and, of course, all the meats which are smoked up there too. The choices here are plentiful – and like all the best Texas barbeque spots – makes sliced turkey brisket, along with other classics like beef brisket, sausage, pork, ribs and more, if you can believe it. For the back of a trailer this place serves up lots of great stuff!
Big John’s Texas BBQ
1740 E Rte 66 (just east of Enterprise)
Call ahead for hours at 928-699-2707
I was so excited when I found Big John’s Texas BBQ. He’s not an official restaurant by any means. Big John runs his joint from a movable trailer with a giant smoker attached. He parks his rig-slash-movable restaurant on Route 66 just east of Enterprise three days a week (usually). Most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the weather is good, you can smell that sweet, sweet smoke in the air as you drive near. And the taste of Big John’s brisket is even better. He takes is B-B-Q-ing seriously and you can taste that careful slow cookin’ in every bite. Big John’s also serves up ribs, pork, great potato salad, barbequed baked beans, and Texas sweet tea. Mmmm Mmmm good! You can buy the meat by the pound (which is how I like to do it for a great family meal) or you can get a sandwich.
Flagstaff BBQ & Catering Co. (Formerly known as Pig in a Poke BBQ)
9001 North Highway 89 at Silver Saddle Rd
About eight miles from downtown sits the modest Flagstaff BBQ (formerly known as Pig in a Poke BBQ). Next to a gas station/ convenience store – this place has that southern barbeque feel as you drive up. Flagstaff BBQ cooks up Kansas City style que. It’s the place to come for a great deal and great tasting barbequed chicken dinner. For just $5.99 you get a half chicken and two sides. Their onion rings and curly fries may add to your thighs but they taste great and compliment the chicken nicely. The brisket sandwich is too try for my liking so I’d opt for Big Johns or The Smokehouse if that’s what you’re craving. Flagstaff BBQ is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Big Foot Bar-B-Q
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
Big Foot has been rated the best barbeque restaurant in Flagstaff for several years running. But truth be told, they really haven’t had much competition until recently. Big Foot boasts on its menu that their “truck stop creations” are “influenced, inspired and outright stolen from some of the most auspicious gas stations across the south.” I’ve eaten at many of those gas stations they compare their grub to and Big Foot doesn’t come close. Still, Big Foot does have a lot to offer. The best things here are the sides. I don’t think I’ve tasted better onion rings or fried okra anywhere in town and they could definitely give some of the sides at real southern joints a run for their money. Their brisket and ribs are in need of moisture but the sauce is sweet and tangy and definitely spices up the meat enough to make a good meal. The atmosphere at Big Foot is really casual and relaxed. You never feel rushed and you leave feeling happy and full, definitely adding to the charm.
Satchmo's
129 E Arrowhead, just of Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ
Menu online at: satchmosaz.comSatchmo's is a KC barbeque meets Louisiana style of joint and has lots of loyal eaters. They're claim to fame here: the pulled pork bbq sandwich. Ribs are also a fan fav and can sell out. (They're only made one day a week). In my experience the portions are smaller than advertised and not as tasty as the hype machine would have you believe. The barbecued turkey tastes more like Thanksgiving turkey than the traditional smoky barbecued turkey but its nice and moist. The meat has a nice flavor. Sauces are okay. Read my full review of Satchmo's HERE.
The Smokehouse (Updated 1/11/10)
3510 E. Route 66
website (but no current menu) at: simplythebestbbq.com
The Smokehouse is a far cry from its successful, moist, flavorful tasty roots. They were among my fav Flag bbq joints, but no longer. The meats we've gotten on our last few trips here (ever since opening in the new location) are really dried out tasting. The meats are served cold - like they've been reheated but not well and they're dried out, again like they've been reheated over and over. The sauces are the best thing about The Smokehouse. They're homemade and lean towards sweet more than spicy. You can see how good they used to be at the bottom of this review. It's sad to see how far down the rung they've gone.
UPDATED AGAIN 09/2009: We ate at the Smokehouse at its new location and were disappointed. The food wasn't as good (and a little cold, not fresh out of the smoker), portions were smaller and it costs a few bucks more per entree. The service was poor as well and the location isn't as charming as the old trailer. I hope these were just some kinks and not the future of The Smokehouse.
UPDATE 08/2009: The Smokehouse has temporarily closed down its trailer at the Museum Club and will be opening a brand new real restaurant along Route 66 in September. Watch for an updated review of The Smokehouse at that time, because it's worth waiting for!)
The Smokehouse has been around for about two years but only recently came into my world – and I’m so glad. Their meats melt in your mouth and are slow cooked in the back of this trailer-turned-smokehouse restaurant. Like Big John’s there’s nowhere to eat at The Smokehouse itself. It’s drive up and go – which makes for a great picnic. The owner/ chef – who hails from Austin, Texas - makes both the tasty and tangy mild and spicy sauces himself in the back of the place, along with his cole slaw and spicy pinto beans, and, of course, all the meats which are smoked up there too. The choices here are plentiful – and like all the best Texas barbeque spots – makes sliced turkey brisket, along with other classics like beef brisket, sausage, pork, ribs and more, if you can believe it. For the back of a trailer this place serves up lots of great stuff!
June 19, 2009
Where to find the best big salads in Flagstaff
Big salad
By Angele Sionna
On a hot summer day when the sun is beating down you can cool off from the inside out (and get in some needed veggies) with a salad. All out big salads a la Elaine of Seinfeld fame are all too often overlooked as deluxe menu items. But that’s not the case at many of Flagstaff’s great restaurants. Here’s a look at some of the best more-than-lettuce creations in town…
Oreganos
605 W Riordan Rd
Oreganos has gigantic salads to suit any appetite. Of those, the one that stands out above the rest - the Southwestern Shrimp Ceasar salad. Oh how delicious it is! Served on a bed of specially made fried noodle crisps, this big boy consists of a mound of crispy green romaine lettuce tossed in just the right amount of their slightly spicy and tangy southwestern ceasar dressing and topped with a fair helping of shredded parmesan cheese and seasoned, grilled shrimp. Makes me hungry for it again just writing about it. Yum!
Big Foot BBQ
In the basement of the Old Town Shops building, at the corner of Birch & Leroux
Big Foot BBQ has one of the best, most unique salads in town. I know - a barbeque joint with a top salad? But it's true! Their Fried Chicken Salad is fab with fresh crispy lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, toasted pecans, croutons, cucumbers, fried okra, fried chicken and buttermilk ranch dressing. The dressing is creamy and compliments the salads’ other flavors perfectly! This isn’t the healthiest of the salads in town, but you’ll still be glad you went for it.
Pita Jungle
320 S. Regent Street (Next to New Frontiers)
Newcomer to town (and first time out of the Phoenix-metro area) Pita Jungle brings with it some delightful options. The salad menu consists of cold traditional salads with a fresh twist like their Caribbean Salad -that mixes pineapples, oranges, grapefruit, apples, strawberries and bananas with mixed greens topped with coconut, raisins and a strawberry vinaigrette. Plus even more innovative concoctions like the Grilled Vegetable Salad, which is a bed of lettuce topped with freshly sautéed hot veggies including broccoli, squash, carrots, and eggplant all coated with a zesty lemon vinagarette dressing. The height of healthy and quite tasty to boot.
Beaver Street Brewery
11 S. Beaver St.
From small side salads to meal-sized biggies, Beaver Street is another great place to go if you're seeking fancified greens. All their dressings are delightfully divine. One big salad of particular note: the Calypso Chicken Salad. It consists of mixed greens tossed in a walnut raspberry vinegarette dressing, topped with grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, dried apricots, dried cranberries, honey chipotle walnuts, feta cheese and red onions. Super refreshing and it’s really pretty looking too.
Mountain Oasis
11 E. Aspen
Mountain Oasis is a home away from home for many salad lovers. Among the top choices here: the Greek Salad. It combines feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onions, pepperoncini and greens topped with Greek dressing. For an extra treat top it with their Gyro meat to make it even more satisfying.
By Angele Sionna
On a hot summer day when the sun is beating down you can cool off from the inside out (and get in some needed veggies) with a salad. All out big salads a la Elaine of Seinfeld fame are all too often overlooked as deluxe menu items. But that’s not the case at many of Flagstaff’s great restaurants. Here’s a look at some of the best more-than-lettuce creations in town…
Oreganos
605 W Riordan Rd
Oreganos has gigantic salads to suit any appetite. Of those, the one that stands out above the rest - the Southwestern Shrimp Ceasar salad. Oh how delicious it is! Served on a bed of specially made fried noodle crisps, this big boy consists of a mound of crispy green romaine lettuce tossed in just the right amount of their slightly spicy and tangy southwestern ceasar dressing and topped with a fair helping of shredded parmesan cheese and seasoned, grilled shrimp. Makes me hungry for it again just writing about it. Yum!
Big Foot BBQ
In the basement of the Old Town Shops building, at the corner of Birch & Leroux
Big Foot BBQ has one of the best, most unique salads in town. I know - a barbeque joint with a top salad? But it's true! Their Fried Chicken Salad is fab with fresh crispy lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, toasted pecans, croutons, cucumbers, fried okra, fried chicken and buttermilk ranch dressing. The dressing is creamy and compliments the salads’ other flavors perfectly! This isn’t the healthiest of the salads in town, but you’ll still be glad you went for it.
Pita Jungle
320 S. Regent Street (Next to New Frontiers)
Newcomer to town (and first time out of the Phoenix-metro area) Pita Jungle brings with it some delightful options. The salad menu consists of cold traditional salads with a fresh twist like their Caribbean Salad -that mixes pineapples, oranges, grapefruit, apples, strawberries and bananas with mixed greens topped with coconut, raisins and a strawberry vinaigrette. Plus even more innovative concoctions like the Grilled Vegetable Salad, which is a bed of lettuce topped with freshly sautéed hot veggies including broccoli, squash, carrots, and eggplant all coated with a zesty lemon vinagarette dressing. The height of healthy and quite tasty to boot.
Beaver Street Brewery
11 S. Beaver St.
From small side salads to meal-sized biggies, Beaver Street is another great place to go if you're seeking fancified greens. All their dressings are delightfully divine. One big salad of particular note: the Calypso Chicken Salad. It consists of mixed greens tossed in a walnut raspberry vinegarette dressing, topped with grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, dried apricots, dried cranberries, honey chipotle walnuts, feta cheese and red onions. Super refreshing and it’s really pretty looking too.
Mountain Oasis
11 E. Aspen
Mountain Oasis is a home away from home for many salad lovers. Among the top choices here: the Greek Salad. It combines feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onions, pepperoncini and greens topped with Greek dressing. For an extra treat top it with their Gyro meat to make it even more satisfying.
November 20, 2008
Best fries in Flagstaff
| *This article was written by me. It first appeared in Flagstaff Live! on Nov. 13, 2008* | |
| Fries, chips, pommes frites, freedom fries, French-fried potatoes—no matter what you call them or how you cook ‘em (deep fried, oven baked, pan fried), fries can be the saving grace of any meal or just a delicious snack. They may not be a healthy choice, but that doesn’t stop fries from being America’s favorite side dish. Introduced to the U.S. by President Thomas Jefferson in the 1800s and made popular after World War I, fries are an edible part of American culture. So, which Flagstaff eateries have perfected the art of good old fries? Here’s a look: Oregano’s Pizza Bistro 605 W. Riordan Rd. A pizza restaurant with some of the best fries in town? You betcha! The waffle-cut (a.k.a. cross-cut) fries at Oregano’s are fabulous. You can order a big basket as an appetizer, which I recommend wholeheartedly. They’re lightly salted plus seasoned and crispy without being overly cooked. These bad boys are light and fluffy, but make no mistake, they’re deep-fried goodness. (Oregano’s just got some great new booths, so you can now be really comfy while devouring them too!) Bigfoot BBQ 120 N. Leroux Garlic Romano fries, sweet tater fries, and regular fries are all served up at Bigfoot in the basement of the Old Town Shops downtown. The sides here (from fried potatoes to fried okra) are among Flag’s elite. The garlic fries are tasty without being overpowering. So you can easily munch and still give your sweetie a big old smooch after lunch. These fries in particular compliment Bigfoot’s tangy barbecue sauce. The sweet taters are my fav here, though. They’re cooked up with a nice crispy and lightly salted outside and warm, smooshy sweet inside. Mmm mmm good. Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery 1500 E. Cedar Ave. Ah, the breakfast fry. What a lovely addition you make to a hearty breakfast that can fill you up all day and give you enough energy for taking some of the great trails in our area. Some of the best breakfast potatoes in town can be found at Brandy’s. Their country potatoes, as they’re officially called, are cut into cubes, grilled up on their stovetop, then seasoned and served. Here’s a little secret, the menu says you can get fries or a pancake with many of their breakfasts plus an English muffin. But if you ask nicely, you can ditch the English muffin and get the breakfast fries and the pancake with your meal. Brandy’s also serves up sweet potato fries and regular fries at lunchtime too. Right now Brandy’s has some great 15-cent specials to celebrate their anniversary. And on Fridays, 15 percent off your whole order total—a perfect time to try the fries! | |
June 6, 2008
Big Foot Bar-B-Q
By Angele Sionna
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>= good, but not great
The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable
Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$= $10
Value (what you get for your money)
*** fair - you get what you pay for, not in a bad way
The first time we ate at Big Foot Bar-B-Q was when we moved to Flagstaff from Dallas, Texas two years ago. Coming from the state with arguably the best barbeque in the world, my first impressions of Big Foot were not good. I don’t know if my tastes or standards for barbeque have changed or I just started ordering better entrees, but I really like grabbing lunch there now.
Big Foot has been rated the best barbeque restaurant in Flagstaff for five years running. But truth be told, they really have no competition. (The closest competitor is a relatively new joint, Pig in a Poke BBQ, just north of town.)
Big Foot boasts on its menu that their “truck stop creations” are “influenced, inspired and outright stolen from some of the most auspicious gas stations across the south.” I’ve eaten at many of those gas stations they compare their grub too (my fav being the original Rudy’s BBQ in Austin, Texas which is really at a working gas station) and Big Foot doesn’t come close. But it’s hard to live up the flavors of fresh, slow-smoked-on-an-open-flame meats at a true Texas legend. Still, Big Foot is decent and has the best barbeque I’ve had in Arizona.
The best things at Big Foot are the sides. In fact, I don’t think I’ve tasted better onion rings or fries anywhere in town and they could definitely give some of the sides at real southern joints a run for their money. And speaking of fries they have several kinds, regular, garlic, and sweet potato, all of which are fantastic. The onion rings have the perfect salty-sweet combo of flavors and melt in your mouth. And the fried okra is good too. It’s a good thing their meat platters are served with your choice of any two sides! And you can also get a “veggie” platter of three sides for just $5, though it will definitely increase the size of your thighs.
Their brisket and ribs are a little too dry for my liking and the sauce is sweet and tangy but average yet the flavors make for a good meal if you’re in the mood for some barbequing. Make sure to order the sliced brisket platter ($10) and not the pulled meat, which is really more like a “sloppy joe” scooped out pre-mixed with too much sauce and not attractive looking at all.
My personal favorite on the menu is the Fried Chicken Salad ($8). It consists of fresh and crispy romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, croutons, toasted pecans, fried chicken breast strips, and fried okra. I order it with their creamy ranch dressing. There is something about the way those flavors all blend together that really make me crave going to Big Foot every so often. It may not be the healthiest salad in town but it is the best one hands down.
Not to be missed is their truly southern style sweet tea. It’s perfectly sweetened just like grandma used to make back home. Also on the drink menu keeping with their trailer trash inspired motif is Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
The atmosphere is really casual and relaxed, maybe a bit too much for some folks’ likings. I wouldn’t take my neat freak grandmother there for instance, but my kids love it. And so do I. You never feel rushed and you leave feeling happy and full, definitely adding to the charm!
Bigfoot is located in the basement of the Old Town Shops in the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff. Only a wire fence separates it from the Aveda salon and clothing store that share the basement. The décor is fun and laid back. It’s a total white trash motif, complete with inflatable beer racing cars hanging from the ceiling, rusted car doors lying around, and guns, hubcaps, deer heads, and cowhides attached to the walls. And feel free to dump the peanut shells on the floor. Its part of the down home decoration.
You stand in line to place your order at the counter before taking a seat and you’re given an old license plate to mark your order number so they can find your table. Seating is at long picnic-style tables with vinyl tablecloths and miss-matched chairs. They have a “Kids Korral” for the young tikes to entertain themselves while you wait for your food to be served, complete with a TV and old toys. They also have a little bar/lunch counter if you come in on your lunch break by yourself or just want to have a beer. Speaking of lunch, on weekdays this place keeps really busy, but the wait for your order to be ready isn’t ever too long.
The manager is always friendly and tries to make customers happy. But I have to say to watch your order total, as the cashier has gotten it wrong in their favor on several different occasions. Also, the menu lists tea and soft drinks as costing only a buck, but we got charged $1.50 at today’s visit. The cashier also charged us for sides separate instead of coming with the brisket platter, but corrected it after we asked about the total. If this hadn’t happened on several other visits I would have just thought it a fluke, but I mention it because it seems routine. They do make it right when you ask though, sometimes will even throw something in for free or give you an upgrade to make up for it.
All in all, I’d recommend Big Foot to both tourists and locals alike. Its in a great location, has a fun atmosphere, and is priced about the same as most other casual eateries in Flagstaff. The food is consistently good, though not great. Still, it’s a place my family regularly requests to go.
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>= good, but not great
The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable
Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$= $10
Value (what you get for your money)
*** fair - you get what you pay for, not in a bad way
The first time we ate at Big Foot Bar-B-Q was when we moved to Flagstaff from Dallas, Texas two years ago. Coming from the state with arguably the best barbeque in the world, my first impressions of Big Foot were not good. I don’t know if my tastes or standards for barbeque have changed or I just started ordering better entrees, but I really like grabbing lunch there now.
Big Foot has been rated the best barbeque restaurant in Flagstaff for five years running. But truth be told, they really have no competition. (The closest competitor is a relatively new joint, Pig in a Poke BBQ, just north of town.)
Big Foot boasts on its menu that their “truck stop creations” are “influenced, inspired and outright stolen from some of the most auspicious gas stations across the south.” I’ve eaten at many of those gas stations they compare their grub too (my fav being the original Rudy’s BBQ in Austin, Texas which is really at a working gas station) and Big Foot doesn’t come close. But it’s hard to live up the flavors of fresh, slow-smoked-on-an-open-flame meats at a true Texas legend. Still, Big Foot is decent and has the best barbeque I’ve had in Arizona.
The best things at Big Foot are the sides. In fact, I don’t think I’ve tasted better onion rings or fries anywhere in town and they could definitely give some of the sides at real southern joints a run for their money. And speaking of fries they have several kinds, regular, garlic, and sweet potato, all of which are fantastic. The onion rings have the perfect salty-sweet combo of flavors and melt in your mouth. And the fried okra is good too. It’s a good thing their meat platters are served with your choice of any two sides! And you can also get a “veggie” platter of three sides for just $5, though it will definitely increase the size of your thighs.
Their brisket and ribs are a little too dry for my liking and the sauce is sweet and tangy but average yet the flavors make for a good meal if you’re in the mood for some barbequing. Make sure to order the sliced brisket platter ($10) and not the pulled meat, which is really more like a “sloppy joe” scooped out pre-mixed with too much sauce and not attractive looking at all.
My personal favorite on the menu is the Fried Chicken Salad ($8). It consists of fresh and crispy romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, croutons, toasted pecans, fried chicken breast strips, and fried okra. I order it with their creamy ranch dressing. There is something about the way those flavors all blend together that really make me crave going to Big Foot every so often. It may not be the healthiest salad in town but it is the best one hands down.
Not to be missed is their truly southern style sweet tea. It’s perfectly sweetened just like grandma used to make back home. Also on the drink menu keeping with their trailer trash inspired motif is Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
The atmosphere is really casual and relaxed, maybe a bit too much for some folks’ likings. I wouldn’t take my neat freak grandmother there for instance, but my kids love it. And so do I. You never feel rushed and you leave feeling happy and full, definitely adding to the charm!
Bigfoot is located in the basement of the Old Town Shops in the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff. Only a wire fence separates it from the Aveda salon and clothing store that share the basement. The décor is fun and laid back. It’s a total white trash motif, complete with inflatable beer racing cars hanging from the ceiling, rusted car doors lying around, and guns, hubcaps, deer heads, and cowhides attached to the walls. And feel free to dump the peanut shells on the floor. Its part of the down home decoration.
You stand in line to place your order at the counter before taking a seat and you’re given an old license plate to mark your order number so they can find your table. Seating is at long picnic-style tables with vinyl tablecloths and miss-matched chairs. They have a “Kids Korral” for the young tikes to entertain themselves while you wait for your food to be served, complete with a TV and old toys. They also have a little bar/lunch counter if you come in on your lunch break by yourself or just want to have a beer. Speaking of lunch, on weekdays this place keeps really busy, but the wait for your order to be ready isn’t ever too long.
The manager is always friendly and tries to make customers happy. But I have to say to watch your order total, as the cashier has gotten it wrong in their favor on several different occasions. Also, the menu lists tea and soft drinks as costing only a buck, but we got charged $1.50 at today’s visit. The cashier also charged us for sides separate instead of coming with the brisket platter, but corrected it after we asked about the total. If this hadn’t happened on several other visits I would have just thought it a fluke, but I mention it because it seems routine. They do make it right when you ask though, sometimes will even throw something in for free or give you an upgrade to make up for it.
All in all, I’d recommend Big Foot to both tourists and locals alike. Its in a great location, has a fun atmosphere, and is priced about the same as most other casual eateries in Flagstaff. The food is consistently good, though not great. Still, it’s a place my family regularly requests to go.
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