Puny John's BBQ - Tombstone, Arizona

Bina R.

This is probably the worst BBQ we have ever had.

We were told by a man sitting on the corner that this was rated as a "top 5 barbecue restaurant in all of Arizona," so we gave it a try. The brisket and the pulled pork had the texture of stewed meat and were dripping wet as if the meat was actually boiled. And just to be clear, I don't mean wet as in juicy, well cooked BBQ meat. The pulled pork and brisket lacked any flavor or seasoning. The ribs were super lack luster, again lacking any flavor and were dry. I really don't know how you mess up such a forgiving meat like pork ribs, but they somehow managed to do so. The chicken was the only thing that was actually seasoned well, but it was incredibly dry and could not be saved even with BBQ sauce. The spicy mac and cheese was very dry and had a grainy texture. The potato salad had good flavor, but the potatoes were undercooked and still very hard. The only thing we actually liked were the cheddar and bacon stuffed tater tots. You also place the order at a counter, so there was no real service to rate, but the cashier was fine.

Overall, the food was absolutely terrible, and I would recommend you eat literally anywhere else in Tombstone

Tonia C.

The best BBQ in town! Slow cooked brisket is my favorite, while the husband loves the pulled pork sandwich with a side of their to meet chili. It's the bomb! You can also order the meat by the pound, to take home. We go, once a week; it's our new favorite lunch spot on weekends. The owner is very kind, and will even come out and talk to people in the dining area. He told us they work hard to smoke their meats properly, use all leftovers for next day sandwiches, and make their own homemade barbecue sauce. Try the prickly pear BBQ sauce!! Everything is always good, we have not had a bad meal yet. The outdoor patio area is also very quaint and sunny, with water bowls for your dog. We love that Tombstone is so dog friendly; they allow you to bring your pet on a leash and sit outside together. Make sure you don't miss this one, it's some of the best food we've tried in Tombstone.

Julianne

UPDATE 02/24/25
So far, everywhere else in Tombstone is better than Puny John's! As a Carnivore, you can get a steak and Eggs skillet at the Longhorn in town for around the same price, and it is filling and DELICIOUS! I eat at Tombstone restaurants regularly.

UPDATE 03/10/2023

I just removed another star because whoever responded to my review just slandered me when my visit to this restaurant was over a month ago, so they don't even recall who I was. I never raised my voice while in there. In fact, I was very polite and kindhearted, as I always am. I did not complain. And calling me a "Karen" shows they are very immature. I'm surprised they didn't call me a "boomer," too! LOL To be clear, the young lady who helped me the day I was at the restaurant was polite. But the responder on this review is lying, and clearly slandering me.

***
Original Review:

Disappointing food, especially for the price! See photos. That is honestly all that we got.

I love brisket, but not this "brisket." It is shredded beef. They do not carry sliced brisket.

The chicken was mediocre at best and a small portion.

The coleslaw was good, but a ridiculous price for the tiny amount. They didn't even serve butter with the Kings Hawaiian rolls (they aren't complimentary). I had to stand in line again to get it.

The bathrooms and dining room appeared to be clean.

Redd D.

Ribs are good but not great. But the price is unbeatable. Its relatively cheaper than any other bbq place that sells ribs

Benjamin W.

Where to begin? The delicious food? Reasonable prices? Fast service? Or perhaps the easy location? It’s all good here.

You aren’t paying the giant mark up for the old time tombstone feel, but this place makes up for it with all of the aforementioned amenities.

My table ordered the beast burger, brisket sandwich, and onion rings. We are full and happy and would definitely come back again.

Love the indoor covered and outdoor seating as well. Just fantastic.

Jenn K.

We paid $51 for two people. The portions were tiny for that price. The pulled pork was flavorless and soggy. The burger was too pink to finish. The Mac and cheese had a layer of grease floating on top. What a waste of a meal and money!!!

UPDATE AFTER RESPONSE FROM OWNER
Meat portions were not tiny. Side portions were, especially when paying $4+ each for a small cup of greasy Mac and cheese and mediocre beans and potato salad. Maybe the Mac has 5 lb of cheese, but making it that greasy is not a good thing. I totally understand the burger being pink on the outside, but the inside was WAY too pink! Also, the burger and mac were the only things that had flavor. The rest was tasteless!!! Even when doused with sauce (which shouldn’t be necessary with good bbq) it was bad. Furthermore, I think that the owner should be able to take a little bit of constructive criticism rather than getting defensive and insulting customers when responding to reviews. Wish we had checked reviews before we came here!

Alicia J.

Staff was great. You order your food at the counter and they bring it out to you, super quick. Ordered the sampler platter which came with chicken, riblets, pulled pork, sausage and brisket with two sides. We chose the spicy Mac n cheese and spicy baked beans and then two rolls. Everything is a dry rub and there are about six different bbq sauces to choose from. Everything was absolutely fantastic. I will make this a stop any time I am in town. I highly recommend this place.

John P. J.

We got the sampler plate, and it was more than enough to feed me, my wife, and my 3 year old. I am a big guy too. The portion size is well worth the price. The food was delicious!