Kealoha's BBQ is a beloved Hawaiian BBQ food stand located in Denver's Central Business District, known for its authentic island flavors and generous portions. The owners source ingredients straight from Hawaii, ensuring genuine taste, and the vibrant outdoor setting adds to the unique dining experience.
What's Included:
š Hawaiian BBQ chicken and ribs
š Burgers and shrimp tacos
š Sides like mac salad and rice
āļø Outdoor seating in Denver Pavilions
Important Information:
Operating Hours: 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Thursday and Saturday Closed Fridays and Sundays Outdoor seating only, weather permitting Counter service with friendly staff
Haley's Pick š½ļø
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place sheās obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, itās worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barellaās bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
Itās barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isnāt just a meal, itās a moment worth lining up for.
ā Haley @milehighandhungry
š Local Insights
š½ļø Call Ahead for Faster Pickup: With lines often long, ordering ahead via text before opening helps avoid wait times.
šŗ Authentic Hawaiian Ingredients: Owners import ingredients from Hawaii every two months to maintain flavor authenticity.
āļø Outdoor Seating Tips: Seating is all outdoors; best visited on nice weather days and bring sun protection during summer.
š Popular Combo Picks: Try the Lilikoi BBQ ribs with mac salad and white rice for the full Hawaiian BBQ experience.
Public Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Kealoha's BBQ is highly praised for authentic Hawaiian flavors, especially the Lilikoi ribs and teriyaki chicken, with guests loving the generous portions and friendly service. While wait times can be long during busy periods, the quality and taste consistently earn rave reviews. Some mention the outdoor seating and occasional limited menu items as minor downsides.
Last updated on
July 7, 2025
š½ļø Standout Dishes
Lilikoi BBQ Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Loco Moco, Spam Musubi, Burgers, Shrimp Tacos, Mac Salad, Rice
āæļø Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating available. Outdoor seating area is fully accessible to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
