Brewhouse / BBQ
Retrograde Brew & BBQ
"World-class technique meets local flavor. Between the 1,000-gallon barrel smoker and the custom house microbrews, Retrograde has set a massive new standard for dining in the Gila Valley."
The Story: Global Expertise, Local Roots
Located in a beautifully revived historic space in Downtown Safford, Retrograde Brew & BBQ is the culmination of years of culinary dedication. Founded by Chef and Brewer Dell Morris alongside his uncle, community business leader Brian “Red” Norton, Retrograde brings world-class craft brewing and authentic central Texas-style live-fire cooking back home to the Gila Valley.
Chef Dell refined his culinary expertise in the elite kitchens of the Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North, working in the celebrated Proof kitchen and expanding his footprint to prestigious locations in Vail, Jackson Hole, Nassau, and Palo Alto. Turning his creative focus to live-fire cooking and craft fermentation, he immersed himself in commercial brewing at Tempe’s iconic The Shop Beer Co. and collaborated on exclusive small-batch recipes with Torrito Farms in Willcox. Today, that entire journey is poured straight into Safford’s local culture.
The Smoke: Authentic Central Texas Live-Fire
The undisputed centerpiece of Retrograde’s kitchen is a massive, custom-built 1,000-gallon barrel smoker. Operating with relentless dedication to true barbecue craft, the team prepares slow-smoked meats daily, available Thursdays through Sundays starting at 11:00 AM until sold out. Signature offerings include:
- Prime Brisket: Coated in a traditional Texas rub, slow-smoked to buttery perfection.
- Signature Sandwiches: Chopped brisket loaded with house BBQ sauce and garlic mayo, or pulled pork topped with a bright jalapeño cilantro slaw and golden BBQ sauce.
- House-Made Sides: Elevated scratch sides including signature Hatch chile borracho beans, pasta salad, smoked red chile, and a classic wedge salad featuring fire-roasted tomatoes and blue cheese.
The Brews: Safford’s Premium Microbrewery Experience
Retrograde flawlessly pairs its heavy-hitting wood smoke with an evolving roster of premium, house-crafted beers brewed on-site, alongside exceptional regional guest taps and Arizona wines. Local favorites on tap include:
- Saffy Light & Light Lager: Crisp, bright, ultra-light, and completely refreshed for the desert heat.
- Dos Hazy: A New England-style Hazy IPA exploding with juicy, vibrant peach ring notes.
- West Coast IPA: Bold, classic, and beautifully balanced with deep citrus, fruit, and dank resinous pine.
- Whitey’s Pale Ale: A stone-fruit forward pale ale with clean, light pine accents.
- Amber Brown Ale: A deep, complex American-style brown ale highlighted by rich notes of coffee, chocolate, and subtle peach.
Operating Hours & Location
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (All-Day Happy Hour + Brisket Taco Patio Party starting at 4:00 PM)
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (BBQ Service Starts)
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (BBQ Service Available)
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (BBQ Service Available)