10 Of The Best Barbecue Spots In Denver, Colorado Locals Swear By

Somewhere in Denver, pork ribs get a dry rub made with Chinese five spice and locally roasted espresso. I had to read that twice.

Coffee on ribs sounds like a breakfast mix-up, yet the place behind them earned a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.

That is just one twist in this city’s smoke game. Another kitchen serves bison back ribs and pulled lamb shoulder.

A third hauls in post oak wood from Texas so its brisket tastes like Austin, even at a mile high. Colorado might not have its own famous barbecue rulebook, but these pitmasters clearly aren’t waiting for one.

I love how Colorado barbecue refuses to pick one style. Texas, Carolina, Kansas City, and Mountain West ideas share the same city here.

Some spots run counter lines, some sell out, and one even hands out free boiled peanuts.

So which plate deserves your next lunch break? Grab a stack of napkins, because the smoke trail starts right here.

1. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ

Any menu item called the Big Kahuna Belly Buster is basically a dare printed in ink. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ on Cortez Street lists it right alongside the classics, so plan your stretchy pants accordingly.

The heart of the menu is simple. You get barbecue sandwiches, platters, and ribs served in a rustic room with a down-home feel.

Brisket and pulled pork lead the meat lineup, and spicy sausage holds its own. Sliders come stacked with pulled pork or brisket if you want to sample without committing.

Sauce fans get options here. A lineup of sauces lets you play mad scientist with each bite until you find your favorite match.

Comfort food fills in the gaps nicely. Chicken fried steak, roast chicken, and fried pickles keep the non-rib crowd happy.

Sides stay classic, with BBQ baked beans and potato chips on the list. Save room for dessert, though, because bread pudding and apple cobbler are waiting.

Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Groups can even book ahead, since the restaurant accepts reservations and offers a private dining room.

Timing matters a little. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy, while weekday mornings after opening tend to run quieter.

Takeout and delivery work too. That’s handy when a big game and a brisket craving land on the same night.

Doors open at 11 a.m. daily and close at 8 p.m. Free on-site parking makes the stop easy, which is a small miracle in Colorado’s capital city.

Address: 1551 Cortez St, Denver, CO 80221

2. Post Oak Barbecue

Firewood rarely gets a road trip, but this kitchen insists. Post oak wood from Austin, Texas, fuels the smoke for its Central Texas style barbecue.

The star is USDA Prime Natural Angus brisket, smoked for 14 hours. Pulled pork gets the same long, slow treatment.

Other meats round out the tray nicely. Look for pork belly, smoked turkey, house sausage, and St. Louis cut heritage pork spare ribs.

Burnt ends show up only on Fridays. Mark your calendar, because that one-day window makes them feel like a weekly holiday.

Can’t decide between a potato and a plate? The Brisket Tater and Pork Tater solve that problem by loading baked potatoes with smoked meat.

Then there’s the Dirty Mac, which piles your choice of meat onto jalapeño bacon mac and cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes a nap feel mandatory.

Sides go well past the basics. Garlic mashed potatoes with brisket gravy, collard greens, fried okra, and cornbread muffins earn a look.

For dessert, gooey butter cake and banana pudding compete for your last bit of room. Good luck choosing just one.

The room mixes wood and brick in a laid-back, modern way. It sits on Tennyson Street in northwest Denver, with ordering at the counter.

Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. A weekday lunch gives you a calmer shot at the brisket.

Reservations aren’t taken, and the shop closes Mondays. Street parking can be tricky, so a short walk might be part of the deal.

Address: 4000 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

3. Ragin’ Hog BBQ

Brunswick stew doesn’t show up on many Denver menus, which makes its presence here a quiet flex. Ragin’ Hog BBQ leans hard into Southern-style smoked meats and doesn’t apologize.

A husband-and-wife team runs the show. That small-shop feel fits the rustic counter-service setup on Lowell Boulevard.

Pulled pork, chicken, and brisket make up the core lineup. Ribs and hot links join in when you want something to hold with both hands.

The sauces are made in house, and there are several to try. The Carolina-style sauce is a standout, so give it a fair shot before reaching for anything else.

Collard greens come with their pot likker, the flavorful cooking liquid Southern cooks treasure. Sip it or soak it up with whatever’s nearby.

Potato salad rounds out the side list. Order the Brunswick stew too, since it’s a classic Southern dish that pairs naturally with smoked meat.

Dessert has a real personality here. Buttermilk pie and a red velvet cookie give you two very different ways to finish.

The room tends to stay calm and quiet. It’s a nice change if you prefer conversation over clatter with your lunch.

Hours run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Sundays are closed, so plan your craving around that.

Parking is usually easy, with lots and street spots nearby. Takeout and delivery are available when you’d rather eat on your couch.

Address: 4361 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211

4. Smokin Yard’s BBQ

Free boiled peanuts are a strong opening move for any restaurant. Smokin Yard’s BBQ offers them, and suddenly the wait for your plate feels much shorter.

The Yard family runs this spot, and the story began in Idaho Springs back in 2008. The Denver location came later, bringing what they call High Elevation style barbecue down the mountain.

Hickory-smoked pulled pork gets plenty of attention. Brisket, ribs, chicken, and hot links fill out the smoker lineup.

Sandwich fans have fun choices. The Carolina Pulled Pork comes with mustard sauce and slaw, while the Brisket Sloppy Jo turns a lunchroom classic into something smoky.

Burnt ends also land in a sandwich when they’re available. Grab one if you see it, because availability is the key word.

Weekends bring special treats. Smoked prime rib appears on Fridays and Saturdays, and smoked beef short ribs show up Sundays in limited amounts.

Not in a barbecue mood? Fried catfish and chicken fried steak make strong cases for themselves.

The side list is long enough to need its own map. Think onion rings, creamed corn, fried okra, fried pickles, sweet potato fries, and spicy coleslaw.

A patio with string lights makes nice evenings even nicer. Inside, the surroundings stay down to earth and easygoing.

Curbside pickup and takeout are options, though delivery isn’t. Parking is usually plentiful, which helps on busy Saturday evenings.

The spot sits along West 1st Avenue, a quick hop from central Denver. It makes an easy stop when a Colorado weekend calls for comfort food.

Address: 900 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223

5. Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine

Teriyaki parmesan corn is not a phrase you expect on a Southern barbecue menu. Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine serves it anyway, and that playful streak says a lot.

Ribs are the signature here, and they’re known for being tender. Wings share the spotlight, with a juicy, smoky reputation of their own.

Hot links bring some spice to the party. They’re nicely seasoned, so add one to your tray if you like a little kick.

Can’t pick a favorite? The 3 Meat Plate lets you build a lineup and settle the debate one bite at a time.

Seafood fans get a surprise option too. A fried jumbo shrimp plate sits on the menu for anyone who wants crunch over smoke.

Classic sides back up the main event. Then that teriyaki parmesan corn swoops in as the wild card worth trying at least once.

Service happens at the counter, and it moves quickly. You order, grab a seat, and let the kitchen handle the rest.

The location sits on South University Boulevard, not far from the University of Denver campus. It’s handy for students, neighbors, and anyone driving through south Denver.

Long hours are a big perk. The doors open at 11 a.m. and stay open until 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Outdoor seating gives you fresh Colorado air with your ribs. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can supervise.

Saturday afternoons and evenings draw the biggest crowds. Weekday afternoons are a smarter bet for a relaxed meal.

Address: 2100 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210

6. Pit Fiend Barbecue

Coffee usually shows up after lunch, not on the ribs. Pit Fiend Barbecue flips that idea with a dry rub of Chinese five spice and espresso from Novo Coffee, a local roaster.

The cooking relies on live fire and wood smoke. Ideas come from barbecue traditions around the world, not just one region.

That global streak shows in the meats. Pulled lamb, medium-rare smoked pork tenderloin, and mojo pulled pork with citrus and garlic sit beside brisket and Duroc spare ribs.

Vegetarians aren’t stuck with sides. Mushroom and jackfruit options come as sandwiches, rice bowls, or pitas.

Speaking of rice bowls, brisket and pulled pork versions are on the menu too. They’re a fun swap if bread isn’t calling your name.

Mac and cheese is a house favorite, with pit beans, cucumber salad, and cornbread muffins keeping it company. Cowboy candy and smoked pickled jalapeño add sweet heat.

Still hungry? Smashburgers, smoked wings, smoked nuts, and fried pickle chips round out a seriously fun menu.

Seating is limited and the mood is very casual. Takeout is a smart backup plan if the tables are full.

It sits on Larimer Street in the RiNo Art District. Dogs are welcome outside, and free street parking is nearby.

The shop closes Mondays and Tuesdays and can sell out later in the day. Showing up earlier gives you the best shot at your favorite meat.

Address: 2826 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

7. Smok Barbecue

A barbecue joint inside a hotel sounds like a mix-up at the front desk. Smok Barbecue makes it work at The Source Hotel in Denver’s River North Art District.

The chef grew up in Austin and cooked in Kansas, Dallas, and Boulder fine dining before opening this place. That travel history shows in a menu that pulls from several regional styles.

Meats smoke over post oak for up to 14 hours in an eco-friendly rotisserie smoker. The kitchen also works Colorado ingredients into its traditional methods.

Michelin gave it a recommendation, which is quite a badge for a counter-service smokehouse. You still order casually, so no fancy manners required.

Brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, pork belly, spare ribs, turkey, and chicken fill the meat list. There’s even a smoked salmon sandwich for a curveball.

The sides deserve their own fan club. Hatch chile and cheddar cornbread, creamed corn, pit beans, and mac and cheese compete for space.

Brisket goes beyond the tray here. Look for brisket tacos, a brisket burrito, and a chopped brisket sandwich.

Chili cheese fries and fried okra make great sharing plates. Banana pudding wraps things up on a sweet note.

Early birds, take note. The restaurant also serves breakfast on most mornings before switching to lunch at 11 a.m.

Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Reservations aren’t taken, but service tends to move fast.

Address: 3330 Brighton Blvd #202, Denver, CO 80216

8. Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que

Bison back ribs and Colorado lamb shoulder sound like a ranch menu from a Western movie. At Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que, they’re simply what’s for lunch.

A husband-and-wife team opened this family-owned, woman-owned smokehouse in 2015. Its focus is Colorado craft barbecue with cowboy-style flair.

The house-made bison and venison sausages are worth a detour. Traditional favorites like brisket, pork, burnt ends, turkey, and wings are here too.

Meats come dry-rubbed, with sauce on the side. That lets the smoke speak first and puts you in charge of the rest.

Speaking of extras, the strawberry jalapeño jam is a sleeper hit. Spread it on cornbread or try it on ribs for a sweet and spicy surprise.

The kitchen makes its menu from scratch, rubs and desserts included. Caramelized banana pudding is the sweet finish to aim for.

Side standouts include smoked poblano cheddar mac, red eye cowboy beans, collard greens, and Southwest potato salad. Plant-based diners can order smoked tofu or portabella mushrooms.

Curious about the Redneck Reuben? It’s on the sandwich list, and the name alone makes it hard to ignore.

Brightly colored walls, a copper counter, and an open kitchen set the scene. Westword has named it Best Barbecue Restaurant several times, plus Best Colorado-Style Barbecue in 2021.

Parking can take a little hunting nearby. Curbside pickup is a handy shortcut when you’re in a hurry.

Hours are limited, and the shop closes Mondays and Tuesdays. Food can sell out, so earlier visits are the safer move.

Address: 2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210

9. Jordy’s Barbecue

Mac and cheese by the pint is a power move, and so is banana pudding by the pint. Jordy’s Barbecue sells both, which tells you this crew understands leftovers.

Jordy’s runs as a mobile barbecue caterer. Its West Colfax Avenue address gives brisket fans a place to find it.

Brisket is the headliner. The kitchen serves sliced USDA Prime beef brisket in a Central Texas style that keeps the focus on beef and smoke.

A brisket sandwich comes with one side. It’s a solid pick for lunch when you want the best part without a full tray.

Banana pudding is the signature dessert. Grab a pint and decide later if you’ll share.

Coleslaw adds crunch next to rich meat. The mac and cheese brings the creamy comfort.

Pleasant surprise: a full vegetarian menu is offered. Mixed groups won’t have to argue over where to eat.

Breakfast and brunch are listed among its dining options too. Barbecue before noon sounds like a perfectly reasonable life choice.

Dogs are allowed both inside and outside. Your pup may not get brisket, but it gets the company.

Live music adds to the mood. Outdoor seating gives you room to enjoy it on a sunny Colorado day.

Families will find high chairs and a changing table. There’s also on-site parking, which beats circling the block.

Delivery isn’t offered, and reservations aren’t taken. Since this is a mobile operation, check its schedule before heading out.

Address: 2060 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204

10. GQue BBQ Denver

The Sasquatch is real, and it’s a sandwich. GQue BBQ stacks sausage, brisket, and apple slaw into this one, so the legend finally makes sense.

Competition barbecue is the backbone here. The team has won Grand Championships, Reserve Grand Championships, and Team of the Year honors.

The founder brought a love of barbecue from Missouri to Colorado. Today the meats get hickory smoke seven days a week.

USDA Prime brisket leads the lineup. Pulled pork, turkey, pork spare ribs, and jalapeño cheddar sausage back it up.

Wings get extra attention. They’re hickory smoked and then flash fried for crispy skin, and there’s even a Wing Club for serious fans.

The Carolina sandwich pairs pulled pork with apple slaw. The BBQ Mac Bowl tops mac and cheese with your choice of smoked meat.

Sides are made in small batches. Hand-cut salt-brined fries, homemade kettle chips, garlic mashed potatoes, and pit smoked beans are on deck.

Loaded baked potatoes come with your choice of protein. It’s dinner and a side dish wearing one jacket.

This location sits at McGregor Square, steps from Coors Field. Game days, concerts, and lazy afternoons make solid excuses to stop by.

Sports fans can also find GQue at Coors Field, Empower Field, and Folsom Field. That’s a lot of smoke for one scoreboard-loving state.

Reservations are accepted, which is rare in barbecue land. Outdoor seating and live music add a little extra fun.

Address: 1601 19th St, Denver, CO 80202