This Bacon-Lover’s Paradise In Arizona Is A Reason To Plan A Day Trip
Arizona’s sun‑kissed deserts hide a surprising treasure for anyone who can’t resist the sizzle of perfectly crisp bacon.
A short drive into the foothills brings you to a modest shop where the air is constantly scented with smoked pork, caramelized sugar, and a hint of spice that makes your mouth water before you even see the menu.
Arizona‑style hospitality shines here, with staff who greet you like an old friend and let you sample everything from towering bacon‑wrapped pretzels to smoky, melt‑in‑your‑mouth sliders. Whether you’re a lifelong pork enthusiast or just looking for a tasty pit‑stop on a weekend adventure, this spot turns a simple road‑trip into a flavorful celebration.
A Butcher Shop That’s Been Perfecting Pork Since 1979
Family-run operation has been around since 1979, and that kind of staying power tells you everything you need to know about quality.
Located in San Tan Valley on 3359 Combs Road, this place is the real deal. No fancy marketing gimmicks, just honest-to-goodness meat expertise passed down through decades of service.
The staff behind the counter knows exactly what cut you need for your recipe and how to prepare it.
What started as a simple butcher shop has grown into a full-service pork paradise. They still trim and cut everything with the highest standards, maintaining that old-school attention to detail that makes all the difference.
The place stays busy for good reason, with customers lining up regularly to get their hands on premium cuts and house-made specialties.
Open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours, they’re closed Mondays to recharge. Smart move when you’re working this hard to keep quality high.
Walking into The Pork Shop feels like stepping back to a time when butchers knew your name and took pride in every cut.
Bacon That’ll Ruin You For The Grocery Store Stuff
Let me tell you about a problem I now have: regular grocery store bacon tastes like cardboard after trying the KC bacon from The Pork Shop. This isn’t your average thin, watery strips that shrivel up to nothing in the pan.
The bacon here is thick-cut, properly cured, and has that perfect balance of meat to fat that makes breakfast worth waking up for. Customers rave about it so much that bacon gets mentioned in over 113 reviews, which should tell you something.
The KC style bacon is particularly popular, with a flavor profile that stands out from anything else you’ll find.
They offer different varieties depending on what you’re after, whether you want something for wrapping around other meats or just want strips that’ll make your morning eggs jealous. The smoking process they use gives it that deep, rich flavor without being overwhelming.
Pro tip: buy extra because once your family tastes this bacon, your regular supply will disappear faster than you planned.
Burritos That Have Customers Coming Back Weekly
Some folks drive across town every single week just for these burritos, and after one bite you’ll understand why. The Pork Shop makes their burritos fresh, stuffed with their own pulled pork and available in varieties that include the legendary green chili version.
These are not dainty little snacks. We’re talking substantial, satisfying burritos that make a complete meal, wrapped up and ready to take home or devour right there in the parking lot.
One customer admitted to eating theirs like an animal in the parking lot because waiting was simply not an option.
The green chili burritos get called out specifically in reviews as something to die for, with multiple people insisting you absolutely must try them. The pulled pork inside is tender, flavorful, and made right there on site.
Some versions come with a good amount of sauce, which is perfect if you like things moist and flavorful.
They also offer tamales in both red and green chili varieties, giving you even more options for quick, delicious meals.
House-Made Sausages And Brats That Steal The Show
Forget everything you know about sausages from the grocery store. The Pork Shop makes their own right on the premises, and the difference is night and day compared to mass-produced links.
They offer an impressive selection including Italian sausage, smoked sausage, and brats that people have been buying since 2011 and earlier. The variety means you can find exactly what your recipe calls for or just grab something new to try.
During Octoberfest, they even host a special event with dollar brats that draws families year after year.
The Italian varieties pack some serious spice, so be prepared if you’re sensitive to heat. But that bold flavor is exactly what makes them perfect for grilling or adding to pasta dishes.
The smoked sausages have that deep, rich taste that only comes from proper smoking techniques.
Staff members are always happy to explain the differences between varieties and offer recommendations based on what you’re cooking. They clearly take pride in these house-made products, and rightfully so.
Snack Sticks And Jerky For Every Craving
Road trip ahead? Grabbing snacks for a hike?
Just need something to munch on that’s actually satisfying? The snack sticks and jerky at The Pork Shop have you covered in the most delicious way possible.
The cheese meat snack sticks are legendary, with the cheese flavor really standing out in a way that keeps customers coming back. One reviewer mentioned they gift these meat snacks on every road trip from Arizona, which is basically the highest compliment you can give.
The Arizona sticks get particular praise as some of the best around.
They also make green chili snack sticks that deliver a nice kick without overwhelming your taste buds. The jerky selection offers another tasty option, with proper seasoning and texture that beats anything you’d find at a gas station.
These are perfect for keeping in your car, taking to work, or stashing in your camping gear.
Fair warning: once you start snacking on these, stopping becomes remarkably difficult. The quality and flavor make them dangerously addictive.
Ready-To-Eat Specialties That Save Dinner
Sometimes you want amazing food without spending hours in the kitchen. The Pork Shop gets it, which is why they offer a selection of ready-to-eat items that’ll make you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
The bacon mac and cheese has developed a cult following, with people confessing it has a hold on them. That’s the kind of food that makes you rethink your life choices in the best way possible.
The smoked ribs are another standout, with meat that literally falls off the bone and seasoning that hits just right.
Last month I watched someone walk in just for fat to mix with elk meat and walk out with smoked ribs and mac and cheese that they couldn’t resist eating immediately. They grabbed forks and napkins and went to town in the parking lot, which honestly is the perfect review.
The staff was happy to help them out with utensils, showing that kind of customer service that keeps people coming back.
They also offer pork and beans, burnt ends, and other specialties that rotate based on availability.
Premium Cuts And Holiday Centerpieces Worth Planning For
When the holidays roll around or you’re planning something special, The Pork Shop becomes your secret weapon for impressive main courses. They offer smoked turkey for Thanksgiving, fully cooked smoked hams in various sizes, and premium cuts that make everyday meals feel like celebrations.
Customers return year after year for holiday hams, knowing they can count on quality and flavor that grocery stores simply cannot match. The boneless ham options work perfectly for slicing as lunch meat, giving you deli-quality products at better prices.
Pork chops here are trimmed with care and cut to proper thickness.
They’ve even started carrying some beef items like steaks, expanding beyond pork while maintaining those same high standards. The smoked ham hocks are perfect for traditional dishes, and at seven pounds, their bone-in smoked hams feed a crowd beautifully.
Prices remain reasonable despite the premium quality, which seems almost impossible in this economy.
Just remember to call ahead for holiday orders, especially for popular items, because things can sell out when everyone else discovers what you already know.
Custom Orders And Bulk Buying That Smart Shoppers Love
Planning a big gathering or just tired of running to the store every week? The shop handles custom orders that let you stock up on exactly what you want.
Whether you need twenty pounds of their signature bacon for a family reunion or want to try different sausage flavors in bulk, they’ll work with you directly. Many customers place monthly orders, turning their freezers into personal bacon treasure chests.
The pricing gets better with volume too, making it smart for anyone who goes through meat quickly. Call ahead with your list, and they’ll have everything ready when you arrive, saving you time and money.
You can even ask for thicker or thinner cuts, so it fits the way you actually cook at home.
If you’re not sure how much to order, they’ll talk you through portions so you don’t end up guessing and overbuying. Pick it up once, tuck it into the freezer, and suddenly weeknights feel a whole lot easier.