When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
Tom's Thumb
Why Tom's Thumb is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tom's Thumb Fresh Market is a distinctive and locally owned BBQ bistro located in Scottsdale, Arizona. This establishment stands out for its unusual combination of world-class BBQ served right inside a renovated gas station, complemented by a full-service car wash on-site. Opened in 2012 by owner Kipp, the vision was to create a unique dining experience that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The venue has gained local popularity and notable recognition, including praise from celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri, who affectionately dubbed it the "Funky Gas Station dishin' out da' bomb brisket." With its casual, welcoming atmosphere and award-winning menu featuring items such as their celebrated brisket stack, Tom's Thumb has become a favored destination for both locals and visitors seeking quality BBQ in an unconventional setting. The restaurant offers a variety of quick bites with reasonable prices in a friendly environment, and it has consistently earned positive feedback for its fresh, well-seasoned food and efficient service. Its location on Bell Road is convenient, making it an accessible meet-up spot for friends looking for a relaxed yet memorable dining experience.
Here's what people think of Tom's Thumb
As of recent, Tom's Thumb holds a 4.9-star rating based on 516 reviews.
Customer reviews for Tom's Thumb Fresh Market reveal an overall positive experience, with the restaurant holding a strong Tripadvisor rating of around 4.3 stars from nearly 400 reviews. Many patrons applaud the high quality of the BBQ, highlighting the fresh, crispy, and flavorful dishes that often require no added condiments due to their seasoning. Positive feedback commonly mentions the unique concept of enjoying world-class BBQ in a former gas station location and the reasonable pricing. Notably, endorsements from culinary figures like Guy Fieri add to its appeal and credibility. However, some critiques focus on isolated incidents such as finding a hair in a meal, which understandably disappointed those visitors. While the atmosphere received slightly lower marks than food and service, it remains generally well appreciated by most guests. Overall, the positive reviews emphasize excellent food quality, friendly service, and a novel dining experience, whereas negative reviews tend to mention occasional lapses in cleanliness or minor service issues. Despite these minor drawbacks, the general consensus portrays Tom's Thumb as a worthwhile place to enjoy BBQ and socialize, making it a popular spot in Scottsdale’s casual dining scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mark Fredrickson
My new favorite hike. Hard at the beginning then a nice final ascent. Beautiful views from both sides. Well marked and maintained without being over civilized. It took us a little over 2 hours round trip so come prepared.
Mike Moore
Tom’s Thumb is like the Hollywood Boulevard of Scottsdale hiking. It’s gorgeous, iconic, and absolutely crawling with people who think silence in nature is a myth. If you’re allergic to crowds, you’ve been warned. Bring patience and maybe a noise-canceling aura. That said, the trail itself? Damn near flawless. Best maintained path I’ve ever walked on. It’s like REI and the city of Scottsdale had a baby and raised it with nothing but trail etiquette and vitamin D. It’s classified as moderate, which feels right. You’ll break a sweat but you won’t need a will and a backup rescue plan. The Thumb itself is cool as hell. Looks like it’s giving you the silent thumbs-up for surviving the uphill. Pull up a boulder, pop a squat, and go full snack goblin while you soak in the view. You earned it, even if Karen from Mesa jogged past you like she was late to a brunch reservation. Four stars because of the crowd. Five if you don’t mind people breathing way too loud near you.
Kyle Windsor
Great trail. Mile 1=tough and full sun; Mile 2=simple and much shade. No gravel or slipping issues. Arrived at 6am. Lots of parking. Worth it!
Stuart Raymond
My favorite hike in the area. The huge boulders make it feel otherworldly. That is if you're not from this area. For me it's magical. It's not a hard hike as in it's not a rocky climb. But it is up and up and up on smooth terrain. So it's like going up the stairs in a large building for like an hour. But it's so awesome. Once you get to the top you can play around the rocks for hours. That's what I do. Climb to the top and spend a couple hours just enjoying it.
spencer wiegand
Went on veterans day with some friends. Was a rough start and it is mostly an incline. It flattens out after. We all slipped at least once so bring good grip shoes or boots. A rattlesnake was on the trail so be careful and always have one ear open. Don’t forget to checkout lookout pointe too!!!
How to reach Tom's Thumb
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Why Tom's Thumb may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Tom's Thumb with your friends? Tom's Thumb presents a uniquely compelling venue that defies typical expectations—a gas station that has evolved into a vibrant, multifaceted destination perfect for social gatherings. Imagine a place where convenience meets charm, where fueling your car also means discovering excellent food, unique market finds, and a friendly atmosphere all under one roof. This spot stands out not just for its convenience but for its reputation as a lively hub where people come together to share great eats, enjoy a quirky ambiance, and make memories. Whether you’re looking for a casual meetup with friends or a fun outing with family, Tom's Thumb offers the perfect blend of casual dining, entertainment, and shopping in an unexpected setting. Its strong 4.9 rating and hundreds of positive reviews underscore the joy and satisfaction visitors experience here. Rallying your group at Tom’s Thumb ensures a dynamic, social, and unique experience that goes beyond the ordinary, allowing people to connect, laugh, and relax together in a setting that’s anything but generic.
What kind of activities await you at Tom's Thumb, and why is it perfect for a group meetup? Tom’s Thumb offers a variety of engaging options that cater to diverse interests, making it an excellent meeting place for groups of all sizes. The first and most obvious activity is enjoying the highly praised food offerings. Guests rave about the delicious barbecue, with signature items such as ribs, prime rib sandwiches, and tacos that come with a range of homemade sauces. The quality and creativity of the food create a shared culinary adventure, perfect for groups who love to try different things and share plates. Beyond the food, Tom’s Thumb doubles as a fresh market and unique gift shop, where groups can browse local, artisanal products and interesting trinkets together. The setting is casual but quirky, located in what looks like a gas station and car wash but surprises visitors with an exceptional dining and shopping experience. Its outdoor patio adds a lively and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for conversations and group activities as everyone enjoys good food and good company.
How does the food at Tom's Thumb enhance group gatherings? Food is central to any social meetup, and Tom’s Thumb excels by delivering an impressive menu that appeals to all palates. The standout feature is the barbecue, characterized by rich flavors and handmade sauces that encourage sharing and sampling — an ideal way for friends or families to bond over food. In addition to the ribs and prime rib, the variety of sandwiches, tacos, and sides offers something for everyone. The pastries and desserts, crafted by in-house pastry chefs, add a sweet finish that can delight the whole group. While some reviewers mention the portions might be smaller relative to price, the overall quality and distinctive flavors more than make up for it. The friendly and attentive service, despite some feedback about occasional slowness, consistently enhances the dining experience, making guests feel welcome and relaxed. Eating together at Tom's Thumb transforms a simple meal into an opportunity to share stories, celebrate special moments, and enjoy quality time in a unique environment.
What makes Tom's Thumb’s ambiance and setting ideal for social events? The atmosphere at Tom’s Thumb is a key reason why it’s a favored meetup spot. Despite its location in a gas station environment, visitors describe it as quirky, fun, and surprisingly cozy. The combination of a fresh market, food court, and car wash creates a one-of-a-kind space that energizes group gatherings. The outdoor patio, in particular, invites groups to linger comfortably, offering fresh air and an open setting that encourages easy conversations and socializing. Its uniqueness is part of the charm—people are often drawn by the novelty of dining at such an unexpected venue that consistently delivers a pleasant experience. This setting breaks the monotony of standard restaurants or meeting places, giving groups a shared story and atmosphere to talk about. The venue’s popularity also adds to its buzz, ensuring that your meetups are set against a lively backdrop where the energy of fellow visitors contributes to a warm social vibe.
How can groups maximize their time at Tom's Thumb? When planning a visit to Tom’s Thumb with friends or family, timing and group dynamics matter. Because the place gets busy, especially on weekends, it’s smart to plan ahead or arrive early to avoid long waits. Groups can take advantage of the diverse menu by ordering a mix of barbecue, sandwiches, and desserts to share, turning the meal into a communal tasting experience. The fresh market and gift shop offer a fun diversion for the group after eating, where everyone can explore and pick out unique items, from local goods to quirky gifts. The car wash service is another interesting feature—some might enjoy pairing their dining experience with a quick, quality vehicle wash, enhancing the overall outing. Encouraging everyone in your group to participate in different activities available at Tom’s Thumb ensures a fuller, richer group experience that caters to different tastes and interests, strengthening bonds and creating memories beyond just a shared meal.
Why do visitors consistently rate Tom's Thumb so highly, despite its unconventional nature? The 4.9-star rating from over 500 reviews reflects a solid consensus that Tom’s Thumb offers something truly special and enjoyable. Even though it resides in a gas station, many visitors are impressed by the quality of food, customer service, and unique ambiance. The friendly staff and efficient service contribute significantly to making guests feel valued and comfortable. Some reviewers note slow service or occasional product shortages, but these are generally outweighed by the welcoming atmosphere and outstanding food quality. The eclectic combination of a market, restaurant, and car wash is not typically found elsewhere, making Tom’s Thumb a destination rather than just a pit stop. Its reputation as a fun, quirky, and dependable place for casual dining and social gatherings makes it ideal for groups looking for an alternative to traditional meetups, where each visit feels like an event.
What practical tips should groups know before visiting Tom's Thumb? To get the most out of your meetup at Tom’s Thumb, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind. Since the place is popular, especially on weekends, making a reservation or visiting during off-peak hours can help your group avoid long waits. Arriving with an appetite will pay off given the rich and flavorful barbecue and wide selection of sides and desserts available. Groups should also plan to spend some extra time browsing the fresh market and gift shop, as this adds an enjoyable shopping element to the visit. If you’re traveling by car, take advantage of the award-winning car wash service on-site. Lastly, patience with the sometimes slower service ensures everyone stays relaxed and enjoys the full experience of this unique venue without stress. Overall, a little preparation enhances what is already a highly praised destination for friends and families.
How does Tom's Thumb stand out as a venue for memorable gatherings? Tom’s Thumb is not your typical meetup spot; it’s a place that combines convenience, quality, and quirky charm in a way that makes socializing fun and memorable. Groups gather here not just for food, but for an experience that includes excellent barbecue, interesting shopping, a friendly atmosphere, and even a car wash. The exceptional 4.9 rating highlights that customers feel valued, satisfied, and entertained, which is crucial when choosing a location for social events. Its blending of different utilities under one roof—and the unusual fact that it all happens in a place traditionally just for fueling cars—adds conversation-worthy uniqueness to every gathering. Whether celebrating a birthday, catching up after a long time, or just enjoying weekend leisure, Tom’s Thumb gives your group a playful backdrop and great food that fosters connection and happiness.
With its standout combination of tasty barbecue, unique setting, lively atmosphere, and diverse offerings, Tom’s Thumb is an ideal place to host a meetup with friends or family. It turns an ordinary gathering into a special outing with plenty to see, do, and share, making it a favorite for those in the know looking for something beyond the ordinary.