Just OK. But like pizza and sex, there really is no bad BBQ.
I think there is something lost in translation from its Texas roots to AZ. Gone is the appeal of the gas station dive. Atmosphere feels a little phony in a pretty, new building. The biggest problems I have with the food is the overpowering mesquite flavor and mediocre sauces. The Texas roots explains the loyalty to mesquite, which is understandable and you cant fault them for staying true... but a little hickory or less creosote-tasting smoke would be nice for a non-Texas palette. The sauces seem a little amateur. I know Rudy's is no amateur in the business, but I think they settled too soon on their signature sauces - they taste like the first ones I made in my backyard. If a true amateur (me) can evolve into better sauces, so can Rudys. Now I need to stop at the new BBQ joint next door to see which one will get my BBQ dollars... stay tuned.