Caldwell County BBQ: Where Smoke, Soul & Arizona Pride Meet

Caldwell County BBQ

Address: 18324 East Nunneley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Let’s get one thing straight — I’ve eaten a lot of barbecue in my life.

Years in Austin meant I had a front-row seat to the smoky, saucy world of Texas ‘cue. I’ve shared beers with pitmasters, wandered through barbecue competitions across the country, and I even own two smokers of my own (though I’ll never claim pitmaster status — just “passably good with a brisket”).

But this isn’t about Austin. Or Memphis. Or Kansas City.

This is about Arizona barbecue — and the beautiful, smoky love story we get to call our own.

The Heart of the Smoke: Caldwell County BBQ

Tucked just off the 202 on Higley in Gilbert, across from American Furniture Warehouse, sits Caldwell County BBQ — a farmhouse-style gem that’s as warm and welcoming as the aroma drifting from its smokers. And now, lucky for those of us in the Southeast Valley, there’s a new Caldwell County location at Pecan Lake in Queen Creek — bringing their signature mesquite smoke and small-town charm even closer to home.

This Arizona-meets-Texas barbecue dream was born from the hearts (and hungry bellies) of Clay and Susan Caldwell, who drew inspiration from Texas brisket legend Aaron Franklin and set out to create something uniquely local — a brand of barbecue that speaks fluent smoke, spice, and Southwest soul.

The Food: Smoke-Ringed Perfection

If you arrive during peak hours, expect a line — but don’t even think about letting it deter you. It moves fast, and the smell of slow-smoked meat will keep you happily patient.

The mesquite-smoked prime brisket is a thing of beauty — buttery, tender, with a peppercorn crust that gives way to juicy perfection after 20 hours in the pit. The pulled pork is simple, seasoned to perfection, and ridiculously easy to fall in love with.

The sides? They hold their own, too. Aunt Susan’s Corn Casserole is comfort incarnate — creamy, sweet, and nostalgic — while Julio’s Mac & Cheese delivers that ooey-gooey goodness with a sneaky kick from green chiles that keeps you going back for “just one more bite.”

But whatever you do, do not skip the Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage. It’s got the ideal snap, the right heat, and a flavor so rich it’ll make you rethink every sausage you’ve ever had.

Grab a tray, pile it high, and head out back to the shaded picnic tables where the air hums with conversation and the scent of smoke hangs low. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone go quiet — save for the occasional “wow” or “mmm” — because words don’t do it justice.

Plastic utensils shouldn’t be able to cut through brisket this tender… and yet, here we are.

Let’s Talk Sauce

Caldwell County doesn’t just do sauce — they nail it. All house-made, all distinct, all dangerously good.

• Hot & Sweet – the perfect yin-yang balance for those who crave a touch of heat.

• Arizona Gold – a Carolina-style mustard sauce that’s sunshine in a bottle and pairs brilliantly with turkey or pork.

• House Blend – classic, balanced, and perfect for dipping (or drinking, no judgment).

Now, I’m a purist — if the meat can’t stand on its own, we have a problem. But at Caldwell’s, the meat shines bright all by itself. Still, that Arizona Gold sauce? Let’s just say a bottle came home with me.

Let’s Talk Sauce

Caldwell County doesn’t just do sauce — they nail it. All house-made, all distinct, all dangerously good.

• Hot & Sweet – the perfect yin-yang balance for those who crave a touch of heat.

• Arizona Gold – a Carolina-style mustard sauce that’s sunshine in a bottle and pairs brilliantly with turkey or pork.

• House Blend – classic, balanced, and perfect for dipping (or drinking, no judgment).

Now, I’m a purist — if the meat can’t stand on its own, we have a problem. But at Caldwell’s, the meat shines bright all by itself. Still, that Arizona Gold sauce? Let’s just say a bottle came home with me.

Pro Tips

🔥 Brisket is the test. It’s the hardest cut to get right — and Caldwell County nails it. Always start there.

🔥 Don’t drown it in sauce. Taste the craft before you add the extras. Respect the smoke.

🔥 Go early. The good stuff sells out fast. There’s heartbreak in showing up late to an empty tray.

🔥 Order extra. Leftovers are a gift from the barbecue gods. (Pro tip: wrap some brisket in a Benny Blanco tortilla from the Gilbert Farmers Market — you’re welcome.)

🔥 Go with friends. Barbecue is meant to be shared. Order a little of everything — meats, sides, desserts — and make it a feast.

The Verdict

There are only a handful of barbecue joints in Arizona that make the short list of “the best.” Caldwell County BBQ is one of them — every time, every plate, every bite.

From the smoky tenderness of that brisket to the peppery perfection of the sausage, it’s proof that Arizona has found its voice in the world of barbecue.

So whether you’re rolling up to the Gilbert farmhouse or settling lakeside at the new Queen Creek at Pecan Lake location, bring your appetite, a few good friends, and a little patience.

Because this isn’t just barbecue.

This is barbecue with heart, heritage, and a whole lot of hometown pride.