“Wow, that’s some good bbq!” Very few words have caused more of a kerfuffle amongst passionate foodies. What qualifies barbecue as “good” is about as subjective as modern art or avant-garde jazz, with each part of the country divided along sauce lines. To avoid the risk of inviting barbecue sauce-stained fingers to tear into us, we’re going to limit the comparisons of Bashful Bandit’s barbecue to other places in Arizona, so as not to arouse the saucy frustration of readers outside of AZ. Bashful Bandit has been full steam ahead since 2023, with an armada of 1,000-gallon offset smokers (which were made from recycled 1,000-gallon propane tanks). There is always ample seating to accommodate anyone who wants to experience their all-wood, open fire, Central Texas-style backyard BBQ.
Funnily enough, at Bashful Bandit fights about the barbecue might be more of a fitting sight than would seem. Since 1980, the Bashful Bandit was a known and kind of scary place in Tucson. It was an “outlaw” biker bar of questionable repute, so unless you had a good reason to go or were a part of the two-wheeled crowd that called the Bandit home, it was best to avoid it. Now, 40 years later, after the last Harley rumbled out of the parking lot and down Speedway, the ladies and gentlemen behind the brisket have softened the establishment’s edges, and rendered unto us the fat of that labor.
As with all barbecue, there are a bevy of cuts, combos, and sides to choose from at Bashful Bandit. Most of the meats can be purchased a la carte or by the pound. Among the standouts are the briskets and the green chile pulled pork. They also have some smoked jackfruit on offer if the meat doesn’t meet your needs. Also, their Sunflower Crunch Salad? Absolute divinity. As someone hailing from Texas, I have had my share of very, very good barbecue. I have also been able to go around the country to sample the different versions and varieties each barbecue hot bed has had to offer. It’s with that experience that I say this; Bashful Bandit is pretty dang good. There is a fine line between good barbecue and great barbecue, and I think the Bandit has both feet firmly planted on the right side. Their brisket and Sunflower Crunch Salad, as previously mentioned, are above reproach. The Mac-N-Cheese is very filling and flavorful, and all of the sides can be purchased a la carte or by the pound like the meaty accompaniment.
Bashful Bandit’s ambiance is a big departure from its glory days as a rough-and-tumble biker bar, but the spartan and utilitarian atmosphere would be at home in just about any other barbecue joint of note. The original bar stuck around, so the drink selection is robust and completes a perfect pair: good suds and good smoked meat. One of the major highlights of the establishment is the leashed-dog-friendly outside patio with a view of the giant smokers. There is a special pleasure that can be found only when you are sitting next to the smoker who delicately cooked the meal that you are currently eating.
written & photographed by: isaac stockton
3686 east speedway boulevard, tucson, az 85716
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