Not So Happy With Hap’s

Hey, we tried another BBQ place! Big shocker.

With Kinfolks gone, i’m trying anything and everything to fill the BBQ void in my heart and in my stomach. Bryan’s Black Mountain BBQ so far is my top contender, but Cave Creek isn’t exactly convenient to get to. After a rather awkward, and frankly frightening, trip to the outdoor swap meat/fleamarket at Phoenix Greyhound Park during which Julie managed to snap the most beautiful photos of junk ever seen without getting us kicked out, shot or arrested…during our drive home we came across Hap’s Pit BBQ in a rather unassuming corner strip mall nestled in between a couple office buildings. The interior was nice enough looking, almost too nice looking for a BBQ joint. The usual stuff…corrugated steel lining the walls, murals of pigs wearing chef hats engaged in various activities that pigs don’t do, and flames painted everywhere possible. It was actually light, airy and open which i liked. The glorious smoky smell which i always sniff for as soon as i walk in the door was there. There was hope. We were greeted by a couple very friendly people behind the counter who gave us time to make some sense of the menu before ordering. With them being so friendly and welcoming i was really rooting for Hap’s. The brisket and chicken sandwiches were an easy order, we were happy to see a couple different sides though we haven’t seen before at previous BBQ places we’ve eaten at. We stuck with the traditional bbq baked beans, and the rarely seen broccoli cheese casserole. 

Julie’s chicken sandwich was probably the best part of the meal. The chicken was juicy, tender and smoky. Good sauce too. Everything else was lacking, especially the sides. The broccoli cheese casserole, which we were both very excited to try, was bordering on tasteless. Big let down. The beans were a mixture of pinto, kidney and lima beans baked with beef and bacon. I don’t want lima beans in my bbq baked beans. I just was not into these beans at all. After 2 forkfuls of the beans i was happily done with them. My brisket sandwich was better than the sides, but still nothing to write home about. The meat had decent flavor, but it was completely shredded. I like sliced brisket, i like chopped brisket but this brisket was completely obliterated. I would have liked if the brisket still somewhat resembled the big hunk of meat it used to be. I’ve had worse, but i’ve had a lot better. One thing that bothered me about Hap’s is the fact that they make you purchase BBQ sauce. They put a bit on the sandwich but if you want more and like your BBQ saucy like i do, be prepared to hand over a buck or two. I’m not looking for a pint of sauce here, just an ounce or two. Although while that bothered me, i was pleased with the prices otherwise paying under $5 for each sandwich. I just wasn’t very happy with the food i was paying for. 

Would i go back? If i was in the area, and i was REALLY craving some BBQ i’d give it some thought. I’d pass on the sides though and just stick with the meat. I wouldn’t go out of my way to go back otherwise.

Brisket Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Old Settler Beans with beef and bacon