Had to get my barbecue on today. It was a late lunch and all the close places weren't open and the only open one I know of was just too far to drive. On N 7th Street, I finally found Stacey's.
At one time, I pretty much ran all over Hell's half-acre looking for this place. I tried Indian School Road and a couple of other places in Phoenix that were all FORMER Stacey's BBQ locations. I found the real deal in what looks like a former ice cream stand, next to my computer guy's storefront. There is a God.
Ordered half a slab of spare ribs, cowboy beans, corn bread and diet soda. Not only do they accept cash, now they accept credit cards!! (I hear Handel's "Messiah" in the background) There's VERY limited seating. Even the smoker is outdoors.
I loved everything! The spare ribs had nice rub and good smoke. The sweet bbq sauce was a nice change-of-pace to a tangy sauce that was not very spicy, but had a little kick to it. The cowboy beans are the bbq beans with chopped jalapenos added. A nicely spicy side. Unfortunately, they were out of the corn bread. Diet soda came in a can.
BTW, those of you who complain about the "crunchy bits" in the pulled pork or brisket, that is what is called "bark." It's one of the things that gives GOOD barbecue it's flavor. Do the rest of us a favor, if you don't know what the "crunchy bits" are, STOP COMPLAINING!! Your ignorance of what constitutes "good" barbecue is out there for all of us to see. You deserve the barbecue at Dickey's in Scottsdale. I tried THAT "barbecue" once, but never again.
All in all, I will return with several friends to put them through their paces. However, I was just happy to find Stacey's "new" location. I will be back