12 Hidden Colorado BBQ Joints That Could Rival The South’s Finest
When most folks think about world-class barbecue, their minds wander straight to Texas brisket or Carolina pulled pork.
But here in Colorado, tucked between mountain towns and urban neighborhoods, a smoky revolution is happening that’ll make even the most devoted Southern pit master sit up and take notice.
I stumbled onto this BBQ scene accidentally during a road trip, and what I discovered changed everything I thought I knew about Rocky Mountain cuisine.
1. Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que (Denver)
Last summer, I followed my nose down a Denver side street and ended up at Roaming Buffalo, where the aroma alone could convert a vegetarian. Their brisket has that perfect smoke ring you’d expect from a championship Texas pit, but with a Colorado twist that involves local craft beer in the mop sauce.
The pulled pork practically melts on your tongue, and their house-made sauces range from sweet to face-melting spicy. What really sets this place apart is their commitment to sourcing meat from Colorado ranches, giving everything a distinctly local flavor profile.
The sides deserve their own standing ovation, especially the jalapeño cornbread that’s become legendary among Denver food bloggers. Service is warm and welcoming, making first-timers feel like regulars from the moment they walk through the door.
2. Owlbear Barbecue (Denver)
Named after a creature from fantasy gaming lore, Owlbear combines nerdy charm with seriously impressive smoking techniques. The owner spent years perfecting recipes in his backyard before opening this spot, and that dedication shows in every tender bite of their championship-worthy ribs.
Their burnt ends are criminally good, with caramelized edges that crunch before giving way to juicy, flavor-packed centers. I’ve watched grown adults literally close their eyes in bliss while eating their pork belly tacos, which shouldn’t work but absolutely do.
The quirky atmosphere includes board games on every table and staff who genuinely geek out over barbecue science. Their seasonal specials often incorporate unexpected ingredients like green chile or Colorado peaches, proving innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully on one plate.
3. Post Oak Barbecue (Denver)
Walking into Post Oak feels like teleporting straight to the heart of Central Texas, minus the humidity and plus those gorgeous mountain views. The pitmaster here is a Texas transplant who refused to compromise on authenticity, importing actual post oak wood to fuel his custom-built smokers.
Their brisket is sliced thick, glistening with rendered fat, and sporting a bark that crunches audibly before revealing impossibly tender meat underneath. The simplicity of their approach—quality meat, salt, pepper, smoke, and time—lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
They sell out regularly, so smart diners arrive early or call ahead to reserve their meat. The no-frills atmosphere and butcher paper-lined trays signal that this place prioritizes substance over style, exactly as traditional Texas BBQ demands.
4. Wayne’s Smoke Shack (Superior)
Tucked away in Superior, Wayne’s looks like the kind of place you’d drive past without noticing—which would be your loss. Wayne himself is usually manning the smokers out back, tending to his meats with the focus of a meditation guru and the skill of a surgical precision expert.
His St. Louis-style ribs have won multiple local competitions, and one bite explains why: they’re tender enough to pull cleanly from the bone but still have that satisfying chew. The homemade coleslaw provides the perfect creamy, tangy counterpoint to the rich, smoky meats.
Wayne’s personality shines through in every aspect, from the dad jokes scrawled on chalkboards to his willingness to discuss smoking techniques with anyone who asks. This is neighborhood barbecue at its finest, where regulars know they’re getting food made with genuine passion.
5. Smōk (Denver)
Smōk proves that barbecue can be both traditional and trendy without sacrificing soul for style. The sleek, modern interior might seem at odds with down-home cooking, but their pitmaster trained under some of the South’s most respected names before bringing those techniques to the Mile High City.
Their smoked turkey breast challenges everything you thought you knew about dry holiday birds, staying juicy while absorbing layers of hickory flavor. The cocktail program deserves special mention, featuring bourbon drinks that complement rather than compete with the bold meat flavors.
Date nights happen here just as often as family dinners, thanks to an atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy. Their tasting platter lets newcomers sample multiple meats, though fair warning: you’ll probably end up ordering more once you taste how good everything is.
6. Switchback Smokehouse (Kittredge)
Perched in the foothills near Kittredge, Switchback offers something most BBQ joints can’t: stunning mountain vistas to enjoy with your ribs. The drive up the winding roads is absolutely worth it, especially during fall when the aspens turn gold and the smell of smoke greets you a quarter-mile away.
Their specialty is a coffee-rubbed brisket that sounds weird but tastes like genius, with the coffee adding earthy depth without overpowering the beef. The owners are adventure enthusiasts who named their restaurant after hiking switchbacks, and that Colorado outdoor spirit permeates everything they do.
Live music on weekends turns dinner into an event, with local musicians playing while families share platters on the expansive deck. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger for hours, ordering just one more round of their addictive smoked wings.
7. Serious Texas B-B-Q (Loveland / Fort Collins / Durango)
With three locations across Colorado, Serious Texas takes its name seriously—and so should you. The founder grew up in Texas eating barbecue at legendary joints, and he’s replicated those flavors with obsessive attention to detail that borders on fanatical.
Their sausage links have that perfect snap when you bite through the casing, releasing a flood of spicy, savory juices. I’ve personally witnessed Texans grudgingly admit that Serious Texas holds up against their hometown favorites, which is basically the highest compliment possible in the barbecue world.
Each location maintains consistency while adding slight regional touches, like green chile mac and cheese that nods to Colorado tastes. The portions are generous enough to feed a small army, and their family packs make them a go-to for weekend gatherings and football watch parties throughout Northern Colorado.
8. B-Man’s BBQ (Sedalia)
B-Man’s operates out of what’s essentially a glorified shack on the edge of Sedalia, and it’s absolutely glorious. There’s no pretense here, just a man nicknamed B-Man who decided his backyard hobby should become everyone’s lunch destination, and thank goodness he made that decision.
The pulled pork sandwich comes piled so high you’ll need both hands and possibly a structural engineer to figure out how to eat it. His sauce recipe is a closely guarded secret, but I detect notes of molasses, vinegar, and something mysteriously spicy that keeps you coming back for more.
Cash only, limited hours, and zero apologies for either—that’s the B-Man way. Locals know to check his social media before driving out, because when he sells out, he closes up shop and goes fishing, which honestly just makes me respect him more.
9. Sundance Pit BBQ (Colorado Springs)
Colorado Springs’ best-kept secret hides in plain sight, serving up competition-quality barbecue to military families and locals who know good smoked meat when they taste it. Sundance has been perfecting their craft for years, and their trophy case full of awards tells you everything you need to know about their skills.
The beef ribs here are dinosaur-sized, requiring serious commitment and possibly a nap afterward. Their dry rub balances sweet and savory notes perfectly, creating a crust that’s flavorful enough to stand alone without sauce, though their tangy vinegar-based option is excellent.
Family recipes passed down through generations inform their cooking, giving everything a homestyle authenticity that chain restaurants can’t replicate. The atmosphere is casual and kid-friendly, making it perfect for those nights when you want amazing food without fancy fuss or dress codes.
10. JKQ BBQ (Black Hawk)
Nestled in Black Hawk’s casino district, JKQ serves up barbecue that’s a bigger jackpot than anything you’ll find at the gaming tables. The location might seem random until you taste their food and realize they’re strategically positioned to feed hungry gamblers craving real, substantial meals.
Their tri-tip is a California-style nod that works beautifully, sliced thin and served with a chimichurri sauce that adds brightness to the smoky meat. I’ve stopped here specifically on mountain drives just to grab their brisket sandwich, which has absolutely ruined me for lesser barbecue elsewhere.
The combination of mountain town charm and serious smoking expertise makes JKQ a destination worth visiting even if you never set foot in a casino. Their weekday lunch specials offer incredible value, and the staff treats everyone like they just hit the slots big time.
11. Frank’s Bar-B-Que (Denver)
Frank’s has been a Denver institution longer than most food trends have existed, serving no-nonsense barbecue to generations of families who know quality when they taste it. The recipes haven’t changed much over the decades because when you’ve got something this good, why mess with success?
Their hot links pack serious heat that builds gradually, rewarding brave eaters with complex flavors underneath the spice. The banana pudding dessert is so good it should probably be illegal, providing the perfect sweet ending to a savory, smoky meal that fills you up proper.
Old-school hospitality defines the Frank’s experience, with servers who remember regulars’ orders and treat newcomers like future regulars. This is the kind of place where neighborhood celebrations happen, where proposals have occurred, and where Denver’s barbecue legacy continues strong with every plate served.
12. Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs (Denver)
The owner brought his family’s Mississippi Delta recipes to Denver decades ago, and his restaurant has been spreading Southern gospel through food ever since. While the catfish gets top billing, the ribs here are absolutely spectacular, with a sticky-sweet glaze that’s balanced by tangy undertones and serious smoke.
This is soul food barbecue, where every dish comes loaded with love and flavor that speaks to generations of cooking tradition. The collard greens are cooked low and slow with smoked meat, and the mac and cheese is creamy comfort in a bowl that could be a main course itself.
Eating here feels like being invited to a family reunion where you’re immediately accepted as kin. The walls are covered with photos and memorabilia celebrating Black culinary heritage, making Mississippi Boy not just a restaurant but a cultural experience that honors Southern cooking traditions beautifully.