The Arizona Smokehouse Tucked Behind A Gas Station That Outsmokes Every Local BBQ Spot
As a self-proclaimed BBQ enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of smokehouses in Arizona, but none have impressed me quite like The Thumb at 9393 E Bell Rd in Scottsdale. Tucked away behind a humble gas station, this underrated eatery is a masterclass in low-and-slow cooking.
I recall my first visit like it was yesterday – the tender brisket, the fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the spicy kick of the sausage all combined to create a truly unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for a BBQ spot that will blow your mind, look no further than The Thumb – trust me, you won’t be disappointed! This isn’t your typical pit stop where you grab a sad hot dog from a roller grill.
The Thumb serves up authentic smokehouse fare that puts many standalone BBQ joints to shame, all while offering high-octane fuel, hand car washes, and a shopping experience that feels more like a country market than a convenience store.
A Gas Station That Defies Every Expectation
Walking into The Thumb feels like stumbling through a portal into someplace that shouldn’t exist at a fuel stop. Instead of fluorescent lights buzzing over stale snacks, you’ll find a sprawling space that blends gas station convenience with farmers market charm and serious smokehouse credentials.
The place started as a standard service station but evolved into something far more interesting over the years. Now it houses a full BBQ restaurant, gourmet market, gift boutiques, even an aquarium that keeps kids mesmerized while parents browse.
Guy Fieri featured this spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, which tells you everything about how legit the food game is here. Racing enthusiasts love that they can grab 100-octane fuel for their high-performance rides, then grab some pulled pork while they’re at it.
The vibe mixes old-school roadside Americana with modern Southwest style. Shaded outdoor seating lets you watch the world go by on Bell Road while enjoying your meal.
Inside, the decor leans into rustic touches without feeling forced or theme-park fake.
It’s the kind of place where filling your tank becomes an excuse to stick around for lunch, not a chore you rush through on your way somewhere better.
Brisket That Makes Texas Jealous
Brisket separates the pretenders from the contenders in BBQ, and The Thumb’s version lands solidly in champion territory. The meat comes off the smoker with a dark, flavorful bark that gives way to impossibly tender insides.
You can order regular brisket or pay a bit extra for the moist cut, which comes from the fattier point section. Both options deliver that proper smoke flavor without overwhelming the beef’s natural richness.
The meat pulls apart with just a fork, showing off that telltale pink smoke ring that signals hours of low and slow cooking.
Last summer, I ordered the Full Moist Brisket Stack and nearly cried happy tears into my potato salad. Each slice melted on my tongue like butter with a PhD in smokehouse arts.
The seasoning hits that perfect balance where you taste both the rub and the meat itself.
Some folks say the smoke flavor could be bolder, but honestly, the subtlety lets the quality beef shine through. Texas toast comes alongside to soak up any juices, plus pickles and onions to cut through the richness.
Pro tip: arrive early during busy times because this brisket sometimes sells out, especially on weekends when the Barrett-Jackson crowd rolls through town.
Sides That Steal The Show
Most BBQ joints treat sides like an afterthought, but The Thumb gives them proper respect. The Famous BBQ Baked Beans arrive loaded with chunks of brisket and sausage, turning what should be a supporting player into a meal all by itself.
Mac and cheese comes out creamy and rich, though some folks find it a touch greasy. The potato salad hits that classic picnic style with just enough tang and crunch from celery.
Coleslaw provides the cool, crisp contrast your palate needs between bites of smoky meat.
Sweet potato fries deserve special mention because they nail the crispy outside and fluffy inside balance that lesser kitchens fumble. Onion rings come out golden and crunchy, perfect for sharing or hoarding depending on your mood.
The sides menu runs deep enough that you could easily build a satisfying meal without touching meat at all, though why would you when the brisket exists. Each side gets made fresh rather than sitting under heat lamps for hours.
Portions lean generous, so ordering a two or three meat platter with sides easily feeds multiple people with leftovers to spare. The takeout containers pack everything neatly so nothing gets soggy on the drive home.
More Than Just A Smokehouse
Calling The Thumb just a BBQ spot misses about half the story. This place functions as a full-blown destination where you can knock out multiple errands while treating yourself to excellent food.
The gourmet market section stocks local products, artisan goods, and specialty items you won’t find at regular gas stations. A farmers market area offers fresh jerky (the green chile version gets rave reviews), baked goods that smell incredible, and other locally made treats.
Gift boutiques scattered throughout sell everything from Thumb-branded merchandise to handcrafted Southwest art pieces. That massive aquarium near the seating area keeps kids entertained while parents finish their meals in peace.
Coffee bar service means you can grab a proper cappuccino alongside your brisket if that’s how you roll.
The car wash operation runs separately but adds another layer of convenience. Hand wash services treat vehicles with care, though one review mentioned some unprofessional behavior that management addressed directly.
Most customers report friendly service and quality results.
High-octane racing fuel draws performance car enthusiasts who appreciate finding 98 to 100 octane in Arizona where premium options run scarce. It’s not uncommon to see exotic cars parked outside while owners grab lunch between track days.
Pulled Pork And Sausage Worth The Stop
Beyond the celebrated brisket, The Thumb turns out pulled pork that captures that perfect balance of smoky, tender, and saucy. The meat pulls apart in satisfying strands without turning to mush, holding its texture while remaining juicy throughout.
Andouille sausage brings proper Louisiana-style heat and spice to the menu. The links arrive with a nice snap when you bite through the casing, releasing flavorful juices that complement rather than compete with the smoke.
Some find the regular sausage a bit mild, but the andouille version packs enough kick to keep things interesting.
Two and three meat platters let you mix and match proteins, which makes sense when everything coming off the smoker deserves attention.
Quesadillas filled with smokehouse meat offer a fun departure from traditional BBQ presentations, especially for folks who want something handheld and less heavy.
Tacos represent another creative use of the smoked meats, with three crunchy versions delivering big flavor in a smaller package. The smokehouse filling works surprisingly well in taco format, proving that good BBQ adapts to different styles.
Each protein gets cooked to order rather than sitting around, which explains why wait times stretch during rush periods but also guarantees fresher food on your plate.
Service That Feels Like Hometown Hospitality
Staff at The Thumb consistently earn praise for being genuinely friendly rather than going through scripted motions. The crew takes pride in what they serve and it shows in how they talk about the menu and help customers choose.
Management stays visible and engaged, with ownership regularly checking on diners to ensure satisfaction. That personal touch makes the experience feel less corporate and more like visiting a family-run operation that cares about reputation.
One afternoon I watched the staff patiently explain different meat options to a first-timer, offering samples and recommendations without any hint of impatience despite a growing lunch line.
That willingness to take time with customers creates an atmosphere where you feel welcomed rather than rushed.
Service moves efficiently once you order, with kitchen staff working quickly to get hot food out. Takeout orders get packed with care so everything arrives home in good condition.
For catering, the team shows flexibility and accommodation, even working with customers when weather forces event rescheduling.
A few negative reviews mention occasional attitude or policy enforcement that rubbed customers wrong, but these appear as outliers against hundreds of positive service comments. Overall, the hospitality matches the quality of the food coming out of the kitchen.
The Perfect Pit Stop On Bell Road
Location at 9393 E Bell Rd in Scottsdale puts The Thumb in prime position for both locals and travelers passing through. The spot sits easily accessible from major routes without fighting downtown traffic, making it convenient for a quick lunch or leisurely meal.
Hours run 6 AM to 7 PM daily, giving you plenty of window to stop by whether you need breakfast brisket (yes please) or an early dinner. The extended schedule accommodates different schedules and travel patterns throughout the day.
Pricing lands in that sweet spot where quality exceeds cost without breaking the bank. Two meat platters with sides feed multiple people for reasonable money, especially considering the generous portions and fresh preparation.
Individual items stay affordable enough for regular visits rather than special occasion splurges.
The combination of gas station, car wash, market, and restaurant means you can actually accomplish multiple tasks in one stop, which feels increasingly rare. Fill your tank, grab lunch, pick up a gift, get your car detailed, all without moving your vehicle.
Barrett-Jackson auction weeks see crowds spike as car enthusiasts flock to the area, so timing matters if you prefer shorter waits. Otherwise, The Thumb handles steady traffic without the chaos that plagues trendier spots across Scottsdale.