Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint

- 7677 N 16th St #4434, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint is a long-standing and characterful dining destination located in the heart of Phoenix, offering a blend of authentic barbecue and comforting classics. Far from being a traditional standalone restaurant, this eatery is uniquely situated within the expansive Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, giving it a distinctive setting amidst the stunning backdrop of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The name itself is ironic, as the establishment is housed in what was originally a 1940s-era ranch house, creating an atmosphere that is intentionally casual, cozy, and rich with old-western flare.

The restaurant is dedicated to serving a full range of meals, from breakfast and brunch to substantial lunch and dinner offerings. While the primary draw is the barbecue and smokehouse fare, the menu extends to classic American comfort food, a variety of salads, and decadent desserts. This breadth makes it a versatile spot for resort guests, locals looking for a dependable meal, and groups seeking a relaxed dining experience. However, potential visitors should be aware of the current operational status; recent customer experiences indicate that the team may be working under temporary constraints, such as operating from a food truck or adapting to ongoing resort construction, which can affect the consistency of the food execution.

Despite any temporary logistical challenges—such as initial difficulty in finding the location or navigating construction that limits parking—the restaurant is lauded for its hospitality. Staff are consistently described as incredibly warm and attentive, and one reviewer highlighted the evident dedication to service and heart behind the hospitality. This focus on the guest experience ensures a pleasant visit, even during periods where the kitchen operations are constrained. The ambiance, with its two spacious patios and a sunken bar overlooking water features, is a highlight, offering a unique mountain and water views for outdoor dining.

For those visiting for the barbecue, the menu features classic items like Pulled Pork, Chopped Brisket, and Smoked St. Louis Ribs. It's important to note that a customer mentioned barbecue plates are only available after 5 PM, suggesting the lunchtime menu is more focused on sandwiches, salads, and non-barbecue entrées. While a patron found the ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, there was a critique that the seasoning lacked depth and the sauce tasted store-bought. Another critique pointed to a lack of smoke flavor in the pulled pork and dry brisket, which was speculated to be yesterday’s leftovers. The mixed reviews highlight the current transitional state, yet the high praise for the attentive service and inviting setting suggests a strong foundation for future culinary excellence once operations return to a traditional kitchen setup.

Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint is located within the grounds of a major resort in the North Phoenix area, making it a well-known, albeit sometimes tricky-to-find, spot:

• Address: 7677 N 16th St #4434, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA. This address places it inside the expansive Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak.
• Directional Tip: Guests should be prepared to navigate the resort grounds. One customer mentioned the location isn’t easy to find and is tucked deep within the Hilton resort grounds.
• Parking: On-site parking is available, including a free parking lot and free street parking. However, visitors should be mindful of ongoing construction that limits parking and may require a bit of navigation, as one review noted.
• Accessibility: The restaurant is fully Wheelchair accessible, providing a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.

The restaurant offers a wide array of dining services and amenities, catering to both the casual visitor and the resort guest:

• Dining Types: Serves Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with late-night food options also available.
• Service Options: Available for Dine-in and Takeout, with comfortable Seating and Table service.
• Event Services: Offers Catering options for groups and events, leveraging the resort's capacity.
• Atmosphere: Features a Bar onsite, providing a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that is Family-friendly and welcomes Groups and Tourists, as well as being LGBTQ+ friendly.
• Planning: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which is advisable, especially during peak dining times.

Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint boasts several unique highlights that enhance the dining experience:

• Unique Atmosphere: The restaurant is housed in an original 1940's era ranch house with an old-western ambiance, and features a distinctive Fireplace.
• Scenic Outdoor Dining: Offers two spacious patios with Outdoor seating that overlooks pools, a waterfall, and a beautiful mountain backdrop.
• Beverage Program: Known for a Great beer selection, Great cocktails, and a full Bar onsite, with offerings including Wine, Hard liquor, and Happy hour drinks.
• Menu Variety: Offers a comprehensive All-Day Dining menu that includes comforting classics and Arizona-specific items like the Dreamy Draw Chopped Salad and Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Burrito, alongside its signature barbecue meats.
• Customer Perks: Known for Fast service and serves local specialty food, contributing to a unique regional dining experience.

For inquiries, reservations, or to find out the current operational status, potential guests can contact the restaurant directly:

• Address: 7677 N 16th St #4434, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA (Inside the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak)
• Phone: (602) 870-1977

Given the mention of ongoing construction and temporary operations, calling ahead or checking the resort's dining page for the most current hours and status is recommended.

Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint is worth choosing for the total experience it offers, especially for those in the North Phoenix area seeking a casual, memorable, and full-service meal. The appeal lies not solely in the barbecue—which shows potential but currently has mixed reviews due to operational constraints—but in its overall package: a truly unique, cozy, and atmospheric setting housed in a historic ranch building with exceptional resort-level hospitality.

If you are looking for a reliable, family-friendly spot that offers more than just barbecue—including an impressive breakfast menu (Flap Jacks, Brisket Skillet, Smokehouse Benedict), diverse lunch options, and a full bar with great drinks—this is a valuable choice. The service, noted for being incredibly warm and attentive, is a significant reason to visit. Local patrons should view a trip to Hole-In-The-Wall as an opportunity to enjoy a meal in a one-of-a-kind setting with spectacular views, trusting that the heart and dedication of the staff will make the experience pleasant, even as the restaurant works towards its full culinary potential post-construction. We recommend visiting for the comfortable environment, the extensive menu variety, and the great service, perhaps reserving the pure barbecue judgment for a later, post-renovation revisit.

Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint

7677 N 16th St #4434, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA