Tucked along East Indian School Road in Phoenix, Arizona, Frasher’s Smokehouse has quietly built a loyal following that keeps coming back for more. Most people expect a BBQ joint when they hear the name, but regulars know there is something extra special hiding on the menu.
The pizza here has become a word-of-mouth legend among Phoenix locals, and once you try it, you will completely understand why. From St. Louis-style crusts to one-of-a-kind toppings, this humble spot is redefining what a BBQ restaurant can offer.
The Famous St. Louis-Style Pizza That Started It All
George Frasher does something most Phoenix restaurant owners would never dream of: he has his mother fly in provel cheese and thin crust from Imo’s on The Hill in St. Louis just to keep the pizza authentic. That kind of dedication is rare, and customers absolutely taste the difference.
The result is a pizza that feels like a love letter to Missouri, served right in the heart of Arizona.
Locals who grew up in St. Louis say it is the closest thing to home they have found in the Valley. The crust is cracker-thin and crispy, the provel cheese melts in a way mozzarella simply cannot replicate, and every bite carries that unmistakable St. Louis character.
Reviewers have called it fantastic, and one even said it was the closest pizza to Imo’s outside of St. Louis itself.
Burnt Ends Pizza: The Dish That Appeared on Food Network
Some menu items are born out of pure creative genius, and the Burnt Ends Pizza at Frasher’s Smokehouse is exactly that. George Frasher created this bold mashup specifically for the restaurant’s appearance on the Food Network, combining two of the most beloved foods in American cuisine into one unforgettable dish.
Smoky, tender burnt ends sit on top of that signature thin crust with provel cheese, creating something truly unlike anything else in Phoenix.
One reviewer who used to work at Mellow Mushroom called it one of the most unique pies he had ever tasted, pausing mid-bite just to appreciate the experience. The toppings are bold, the flavors are layered, and the combination of BBQ smokiness with the St. Louis-style base is nothing short of brilliant.
If you only order one pizza here, make it this one without any hesitation.
Toasted Ravioli: A St. Louis Staple You Did Not Expect Here
Walk into Frasher’s Smokehouse expecting ribs and brisket, and you might be completely caught off guard by the toasted ravioli on the menu. This crispy, breaded St. Louis classic is fried to a golden finish and served as an appetizer that locals have grown to love.
One St. Louis native who reviewed the restaurant noted they were slightly smaller than Imo’s version but still absolutely great.
Toasted ravioli, or T-ravs as St. Louis natives call them, are pasta pockets coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until perfectly crunchy. They are usually served with marinara sauce for dipping, and Frasher’s version delivers that satisfying crunch and savory filling every time.
Finding this dish in a Phoenix BBQ spot feels like a delightful surprise, and it speaks volumes about the restaurant’s commitment to honoring its St. Louis roots in every corner of the menu.
Brisket Sandwich with Green Chile Mac and Cheese: A Match Made in Phoenix
Smoky, moist, and packed with rich BBQ flavor, the brisket sandwich at Frasher’s Smokehouse has earned serious praise from diners who say they did not even reach for the sauce because the meat was that good on its own. Paired with the green chile mac and cheese, this combo hits every note a comfort food lover could ask for.
One happy customer described the experience as fantastic and mentioned the brisket was full of rich, smoky BBQ flavor without being overly fatty.
The green chile mac and cheese adds a subtle Southwest kick that balances beautifully against the deep smokiness of the brisket. It is the kind of side dish that keeps you going back for one more spoonful long after you think you are done.
Together, the sandwich and the mac and cheese feel like the perfect Phoenix-meets-St. Louis meal that Frasher’s was born to serve.
Gooey Butter Cake: The Dessert Locals Cannot Stop Talking About
St. Louis has given the food world many treasures, and gooey butter cake might just be the sweetest one. Frasher’s Smokehouse serves this dense, buttery dessert that has reviewers raving and regulars planning return visits just to get another slice.
One diner admitted they were too full after dinner but simply could not leave without ordering a piece to take home, and they ate it the moment they walked through their front door.
The cake is rich, sweet, and almost custardy in the center, with a slightly crisp edge that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth interior. It is only available on Wednesdays, which makes it feel even more special and worth planning your visit around.
Several reviews specifically mention this dessert as a highlight, and one family said they only managed to eat half because it was so wonderfully sweet and indulgent.
Smoked Ribs That Keep Phoenix Diners Coming Back
There is something deeply satisfying about a rack of ribs that has been smoked low and slow until the meat practically falls off the bone. At Frasher’s Smokehouse, the ribs are cooked competition style for over three hours, giving them that deep pink smoke ring and tender texture that BBQ fans dream about.
George Frasher himself has been perfecting his BBQ craft for over 30 years, and the ribs are a shining example of that expertise.
One couple on a date night called the smoked ribs their absolute favorite, giving them a chef’s kiss in their review. Baby back ribs have also earned glowing praise, with another diner calling them delicious and pairing them perfectly with the legendary BBQ baked beans.
Whether you are a longtime BBQ fan or just discovering the joy of properly smoked meat, these ribs are a must-order every single visit.
The Reign Pizza with BBQ Chicken: A Crowd Favorite Worth Trying
Word of mouth is a powerful thing, and the Reign Pizza with BBQ chicken at Frasher’s Smokehouse has been spreading through Phoenix one conversation at a time. A reviewer mentioned that a fellow diner at the restaurant raved about this pizza so enthusiastically that it immediately jumped to the top of their must-try list for their next visit.
That kind of unsolicited recommendation from a stranger says everything you need to know.
BBQ chicken pizza is a classic concept, but Frasher’s elevates it with their St. Louis-style thin crust and the signature provel cheese that changes the entire flavor profile. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with tender grilled chicken, and the crispy crust holds it all together without getting soggy.
For anyone who loves the crossover of BBQ and pizza, this pie is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice that delivers every single time.
Burnt Ends: The Smoky Centerpiece of the Menu
Ask any regular at Frasher’s Smokehouse what they order first, and there is a very good chance burnt ends will be the answer. These caramelized, smoky cubes of beef are tender on the inside with a slightly crispy bark on the outside, and they pair beautifully with any of the three house BBQ sauces available at the table.
A St. Louis native who reviewed the restaurant called them the place where Frasher’s really shines.
Burnt ends come from the point end of a smoked brisket and require patience and skill to get right. George Frasher has clearly mastered the process, because multiple reviewers use words like tender, flavorful, and smoky to describe every bite.
One family even said the burnt end pizza, which uses these same gorgeous pieces of meat as a topping, became their all-time favorite menu item after just one visit to the restaurant.
The St. Louis Salad and a Menu That Goes Beyond BBQ
Frasher’s Smokehouse is full of happy surprises, and the St. Louis Salad is one of them. Inspired by the salads served at iconic St. Louis restaurants like Imo’s, this dish brings a familiar Midwestern comfort to the Phoenix dining scene.
A reviewer who was born and raised in St. Louis noted that the salad was good and tasted similar to Imo’s, suggesting it could use a little more provel cheese, but overall it was a satisfying nod to home.
The menu at Frasher’s goes well beyond what you might expect from a BBQ counter-service joint. From salads and toasted ravioli to gooey butter cake and St. Louis-style pizza, the restaurant has built a full dining experience that feels cohesive and thoughtful.
Every item on the menu tells a story about George Frasher’s roots, his passion for St. Louis food culture, and his desire to share that with Phoenix diners.
A Humble Spot with a Big Heart: The Frasher’s Experience
George Frasher is not just a restaurant owner, he is the kind of guy who stops a stranger in a parking lot to tell them their gas cap is loose, then invites them to try his food. That story, shared by a real customer in a five-star review, perfectly captures the spirit of Frasher’s Smokehouse.
The warmth and authenticity that George brings to every interaction is reflected in every corner of the restaurant experience.
Staff members are consistently praised for being friendly, attentive, and genuinely proud of the food they serve. One server even suggested scrambling BBQ leftovers with eggs for breakfast, which is honestly a brilliant idea.
With a 4.4-star rating across nearly 1,200 reviews, Frasher’s has earned its place as a beloved Phoenix institution. Whether you are stopping in for pizza, ribs, or a slice of gooey butter cake, you will leave feeling like family.
How to Find Us: Getting to Frasher’s Without the Hassle
Finding Frasher’s Smokehouse and Tavern is easier than you might think, even if the place does not exactly announce itself with flashy signs. Located at 7144 N. 7th Street in Phoenix, Arizona, the restaurant sits in a modest strip-style area that feels refreshingly low-key.
Parking is straightforward, and the neighborhood is easy to navigate whether you are coming from central Phoenix or the surrounding suburbs. Hours typically run Tuesday through Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly and avoid the Monday disappointment.
A quick Google search for “Frasher’s Smokehouse Phoenix” will pull up their current hours, menu, and contact info instantly.