Best of Denver
The Best Brunch Spots in Denver 🥞🍳
Few food experiences stir up as much comfort and craving as smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ. Denver’s best BBQ restaurants deliver more than just tender brisket; they blend Southern and Texas traditions with inventive sides, local brews, and inviting atmospheres. From roadside counters serving slow-smoked classics to trendy barbecue outposts with creative cocktails, there's a spot to suit every level of barbecue devotion.
Sample award-winning ribs, dig into platters of pulled pork, or try Caribbean-inspired specials. This curated guide spotlights essential BBQ destinations—whether you're hunting for hidden gems, family-friendly feasts, or a spot with standout sauces.
🥇 Best for Brisket Lovers: Post Oak Barbecue — Texas-style, smoky brisket, and jalapeño mac in a lively setting.
🎲 Most Unique Atmosphere: Pit Fiend Barbecue — D&D-themed decor, inventive meats, and top local brews.
🌿 Best Deck & Gold Sauce: Yazoo BBQ Company — Pecan-smoked ribs, signature gold sauce, and a covered rooftop bar.
🍗 Must-Try Brisket: Customers rave about the fatty brisket sandwich, calling it juicy and tender with a distinct smoke ring.
🔥 Cluckin’ Hot Sauce: The signature hot sauce is a perfect blend of heat and flavor—don’t miss it with wings or ribs.
🍻 Full Bar Experience: Great cocktails and a lively bar complement the BBQ, making it a favorite spot for both food and drinks.
🚗 Parking Perks: Free parking lot and usually ample street parking make it easy to visit, even during busy times.
🌟 Try the Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage: A spicy twist that many guests find addictive and a perfect complement to the smoky meats.
🍻 Great Beer Selection: Pair your BBQ with a local craft beer or one of their well-priced drinks from the full bar.
🍽️ Family Friendly: The kids’ menu and high chairs make it an easy choice for families visiting together.
🚗 Plenty of Parking: Free parking lot usually has ample space, making it convenient for groups and solo diners alike.
🔥 Signature Dirty Mac: The brisket-topped mac and cheese is a must-try, often highlighted as the best dish by regulars.
🍺 Great Beer Pairing: The extensive beer and whiskey selection perfectly complements the smoky BBQ flavors.
🕒 Visit Early on Weekdays: To avoid long waits, come right at opening Tuesday through Thursday, when it’s less crowded.
🎉 Catering Excellence: Their catering service goes above and beyond, often including special treats like birthday cards and swag for celebrations.
🍺 Upstairs Bar Experience: The heated covered deck upstairs offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere with a full bar and great views, highly recommended over the basic downstairs seating.
🔥 Signature Sauces: Don’t miss trying the gold sauce on the smoked wings, a local favorite for its unique flavor.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free parking is available in the lot and on the street, but it can fill up during peak hours, so plan to arrive early for best spots.
🍑 Popular Sides: The creamy coleslaw and baked beans are fan favorites, perfect complements to their smoked meats.
🍖 Go Early for Lunch: Arriving before the lunch rush ensures quicker service and more seating options in this popular spot.
🍹 Try the Cocktails & Slushies: The craft cocktail and slushie offerings complement the smoky BBQ perfectly—a must-try for first-timers.
🥚 Don’t Skip the Deviled Eggs: A standout appetizer that many locals rave about for their perfect balance of flavors.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free parking is available outside and in the garage below The Source Hotel, but it fills quickly during peak hours.
🔥 Order Early to Avoid Sell-Outs: Many menu items, especially popular sides, sell out quickly by early evening—arrive before 6 PM for best selection.
🎲 D&D & RPG Fans Unite: Themed decor and branded D20 dice make this a must-visit for tabletop gamers looking to nerd out while enjoying BBQ.
🍺 Pair with Local Brews: Enjoy your meal alongside beers from the neighboring OMF Brewing for a perfect casual combo.
🌿 Gluten-Free & Vegan Friendly: All meats and sauces are gluten-free, and several vegan sides and entrees like smoked mushrooms and jackfruit are available.
🔥 Best for Group Celebrations: Large parties rave about attentive service and a festive atmosphere, especially when guided by popular servers like Kat and Tamir.
🍹 Happy Hour Highlights: Enjoy discounted drinks and small plates from 12 PM to 6:30 PM daily, making lunches or early dinners budget-friendly.
🅿️ Parking Tips: Paid parking is available but can be scarce during peak hours; consider ride-share or early arrival to secure parking.
🥢 Server Recommendations: Ask your server for recommended cuts like hanger steak or Toro beef to elevate your BBQ experience.
🍖 Sauce Variety Delight: The extensive selection of homemade BBQ sauces allows guests to customize their meals, making each visit unique.
🚗 Best Parking Access: Use the west entrance parking lot shared with Safeway for the easiest access and plentiful free parking.
🌞 Peak Lunch Hours: Expect busiest times between 12 PM and 2 PM, especially Fridays; arriving earlier avoids the lunch rush.
🥧 Crowd-Favorite Dessert: The red velvet cookie is a unique sweet treat that draws repeat customers despite its unconventional flavor.
⏰ Arrive Early: The restaurant often sells out before closing at 2 PM, so early lunch is recommended for the best selection.
🌭 Try the Real McCoy: This sandwich is a fan favorite, loaded with brisket burnt ends and bison sausage, offering a hearty and unique BBQ experience.
🍽️ Limited Seating: The space is small, making it tough for groups larger than four; consider takeout for bigger parties.
🌿 Outdoor Patio: Enjoy your meal on the shaded patio, a pleasant spot especially when the weather is nice.
🍹 Try the Rum Punch: Guests rave about the perfectly balanced rum punch, a must-have to complete the Caribbean dining experience.
🌿 Unique Sides: The collard greens and curry slaw offer an authentic and flavorful side experience not often found in Denver barbecue spots.
🐟 Catfish Po’ Boy: A standout menu item for those seeking something different; pairs well with the house-made tartar sauce.
🛍️ Double Bag Large Orders: For takeout orders over $150, ask for double bagging to avoid spills during transport.
Denver’s BBQ scene serves up a satisfying range of smoky meats, standout sides, and welcoming, flavor-packed experiences. Try a few from this guide and discover your new favorite local pitmaster.
Bookmark this list, share it with fellow barbecue fans, and follow along for more handpicked guides to Denver’s must-try restaurants and neighborhoods. Explore Denver's culinary scene in our full directory.
For brisket and ribs, Post Oak Barbecue stands out with its authentic Texas-style approach and melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Smok Barbecue is another top pick for generous portions of ribs and creative regional sauces, while Smokin Yard’s BBQ in Baker gets rave reviews for its juicy brisket and classic sides. Each offers a unique barbecue experience, so try them all if you want a taste of Denver’s smoky best.
Absolutely—Smokin' Dave's BBQ and Brews features a kids' menu, high chairs, and plenty of space for families, making it a comfortable spot for all ages. Ragin' Hog BBQ is another family-owned favorite, known for its welcoming service and easygoing approach, offering counter service, dine-in, and takeout. These spots ensure both adults and kids can enjoy hearty barbecue classics together.
Yazoo BBQ Company features an upstairs covered deck and full bar, making it a favorite for outdoor dining. Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que’s shaded patio is an inviting place for a casual meal, while Smok Barbecue provides outdoor options at The Source Hotel. Arriving early is best, as patios fill up fast during peak times.
Most Denver BBQ spots are casual and operate on a walk-in basis, like Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que and Pit Fiend Barbecue. However, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ strongly recommends reservations, especially for dinner and large groups. Smok Barbecue, Smokin Yard’s BBQ, and The Jerk Pit Smokehouse do not accept reservations, but lines can move quickly. Plan for peak hours if you want to avoid a wait.
For something beyond classic Southern or Texas BBQ, visit The Jerk Pit Smokehouse for Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk chicken, smoked brisket, and curry slaw. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ lets you experience tabletop grilling with premium cuts and Asian-inspired flavors in the heart of downtown. Both offer a flavorful break from the traditional barbecue scene.
Denver’s BBQ scene serves up a satisfying range of smoky meats, standout sides, and welcoming, flavor-packed experiences. Try a few from this guide and discover your new favorite local pitmaster.
Bookmark this list, share it with fellow barbecue fans, and follow along for more handpicked guides to Denver’s must-try restaurants and neighborhoods. Explore Denver's culinary scene in our full directory.
Denver’s BBQ scene serves up a satisfying range of smoky meats, standout sides, and welcoming, flavor-packed experiences. Try a few from this guide and discover your new favorite local pitmaster.
Bookmark this list, share it with fellow barbecue fans, and follow along for more handpicked guides to Denver’s must-try restaurants and neighborhoods. Explore Denver's culinary scene in our full directory.
For brisket and ribs, Post Oak Barbecue stands out with its authentic Texas-style approach and melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Smok Barbecue is another top pick for generous portions of ribs and creative regional sauces, while Smokin Yard’s BBQ in Baker gets rave reviews for its juicy brisket and classic sides. Each offers a unique barbecue experience, so try them all if you want a taste of Denver’s smoky best.
Absolutely—Smokin' Dave's BBQ and Brews features a kids' menu, high chairs, and plenty of space for families, making it a comfortable spot for all ages. Ragin' Hog BBQ is another family-owned favorite, known for its welcoming service and easygoing approach, offering counter service, dine-in, and takeout. These spots ensure both adults and kids can enjoy hearty barbecue classics together.
While most BBQ spots focus on smoked meats, places like Pit Fiend Barbecue offer vegan and gluten-free-friendly options, such as smoked mushrooms and jackfruit. Many sides—like potato salad, coleslaw, or mac and cheese—are vegetarian, and sauces and meats at Pit Fiend are all gluten-free. Always check with staff about dietary needs, as menu details may vary.
Yazoo BBQ Company features an upstairs covered deck and full bar, making it a favorite for outdoor dining. Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que’s shaded patio is an inviting place for a casual meal, while Smok Barbecue provides outdoor options at The Source Hotel. Arriving early is best, as patios fill up fast during peak times.
Most Denver BBQ spots are casual and operate on a walk-in basis, like Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que and Pit Fiend Barbecue. However, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ strongly recommends reservations, especially for dinner and large groups. Smok Barbecue, Smokin Yard’s BBQ, and The Jerk Pit Smokehouse do not accept reservations, but lines can move quickly. Plan for peak hours if you want to avoid a wait.
For something beyond classic Southern or Texas BBQ, visit The Jerk Pit Smokehouse for Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk chicken, smoked brisket, and curry slaw. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ lets you experience tabletop grilling with premium cuts and Asian-inspired flavors in the heart of downtown. Both offer a flavorful break from the traditional barbecue scene.
