Cowboy Barbecue

If you’re a fan of barbecue like I am, mosey on down to soak up some real cowboy grub or in this case great barbecue at Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue in the town of Cave Creek.

Bryan Dooley, chef and owner of Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue

Bryan Dooley, former chef at the Scottsdale Fairmont for 13 years, ventures out on his own to serve up a great menu of barbecue meats including beef brisket, chicken, spare ribs and pulled pork. The sauce is unique being that it’s not quite a sugary sweet type like Kansas City style, but a thinner, vinegar based version. Whatever is in the sauce, it’s good! Sides are equally as tasty with olive coleslaw, cowboy beans and baked potato salad. For dessert, the homemade ice cream sandwiches and Sarsaparilla floats hit the spot. To wash it all down, you can choose from imported and craft beers and wine.

What struck me first about the interior is that the décor is a simple, clean feel, not the typical dusty, wood floors of other Cave Creek restaurants. And that’s how Bryan and his wife Donna intended it to be. It’s not a bar atmosphere, but perfect for families with a kid’s menu and barbecue meat by the pound to take home for later.

My favorite part is the flat screen on the wall showing the old cowboy westerns. Bryan told me that they turn up the sound during the afternoons for young patrons to enjoy.

As a resident of Cave Creek, I’m drawn to the quirky Old West feel that surrounds you, but even though Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue plays up to that genre it doesn’t disappoint with below average Western food. By the looks of the other happy customers, they seem to agree and I hope it will be a permanent fixture in Cave Creek for many years.

Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
6130 E. Cave Creek Road, #2
480-575-7155
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Open 11am – 8pm Tuesday through Saturday