About
4.5
(
120
)
Mama Jo's Chicken, Biscuits, BBQ offers a genuine Southern comfort food experience with standout dishes like Nashville hot chicken, smoked ribs, and fluffy biscuits the size of a baby's head. The friendly atmosphere and homemade sauces make it a local favorite for lunch and dinner in Denver's Central neighborhood.
What's Included:
๐ Nashville hot chicken and fried chicken biscuit sandwiches
๐ Smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket on weekends
๐ฅ Classic Southern sides including collard greens, hush puppies, and pimento mac and cheese
๐ Unique desserts like fried banana pie and banana pudding hand pie
Important Information:
Closed Mondays Operating hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM Dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup available No reservations accepted; counter-service only
Haley's Pick ๐ฝ๏ธ
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place sheโs obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, itโs 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 Barellaโs 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.
Itโs barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isnโt just a meal, itโs a moment worth lining up for.
โ Haley @milehighandhungry
๐ Local Insights
๐ฅช Biscuit Size Matters: The biscuits here are famously largeโexpect a biscuit sandwich sized like a baby's head, perfect for a hearty meal.
๐ Try the Unique Desserts: Fried banana pie and banana pudding hand pie are local favorites that add a sweet Southern twist to your meal.
๐ฑ Vegetarian BBQ Option: Their smoked jackfruit sandwich offers a delicious vegetarian alternative rarely found at barbecue joints in Denver.
๐ Weekend Brisket Special: The brisket is available only on weekends and can sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you want to try it.
โฐ Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Friday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 6 PM
๐ Best For
Families, locals, solo diners, casual lunch and dinner
๐
Mama Jo's Chicken, Biscuits, BBQ
3525 E Colfax Ave
,
Denver
,
CO
80206
Public Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Mama Jo's is celebrated for its authentic Southern barbecue flavors, generous portions, and standout fried chicken biscuits. Guests consistently praise the quality, fast service, and friendly staff. Some note the fried chicken breading can be thick, but overall, the food and atmosphere receive high marks with no major consistent negatives.
Last updated on
July 27, 2025
๐ฝ๏ธ Standout Dishes
Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, Pulled Pork, Smoked Ribs, Brisket (weekends), Collard Greens, Pimento Mac and Cheese, Hush Puppies, Coleslaw, Fried Green Tomatoes, Sausage Links, Banana Pudding Hand Pie, Fried Banana Pie, BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich (vegetarian)
๐ Best Times to Visit
Visit Tuesday to Saturday between 11 AM and 1 PM to beat the lunch rush; weekend brisket is a must-try but can sell out early.
โฟ๏ธ Accessibility
Mama Jo's features wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, ensuring comfortable access for all guests.
๐งโ๐ณ Reservation Policy
None
๐ฅ๐ชฉ Denver Recs. No Noise.
Get a guide to the best events and pop-ups each week by text. Curated by locals, for locals. Trusted by thousands.
Join for Free
Similar Restaurants
Heading
Highlands
Highlands
Hearth
$
$
โข
โ Coffee Shop
โ
โข
Heading
4.9
(
)
Hearth offers cozy vibes, exceptional coffee, and artisanal baked goods in West Highlands, perfect for those seeking quality and eco-friendly charm.
Heading
Cap Hill
Cap Hill
Blue Sparrow Coffee
$
$
โข
โ Coffee Shop
โ
โข
Heading
4.8
(
)
Blue Sparrow Coffee serves expertly crafted coffee and tea in a cozy, trendy spot with comfy seating and a quiet atmosphere.
Heading
Highlands
Highlands
Kike's Red Tacos
$
$$
โข
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading
4.6
(
)
Kike's Red Tacos is a lively food truck serving authentic Mexican tacos and quesadillas with fast service and a casual outdoor seating area.
Heading
Highlands
Highlands
Two Brothers Cafe
$
$$
โข
๐ณ Breakfast
โ
โข
Heading
4.7
(
)
Two Brothers Cafe offers hearty breakfast classics with great coffee and friendly service in a cozy West Highland spot loved by locals.
Heading
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill
Okinawa Japanese Cuisine
$
$$
โข
๐ฃ Sushi
โ
โข
Heading
4.3
(
)
Okinawa Japanese Cuisine offers modern sushi, traditional rolls, sashimi, and Japanese entrees in a sleek, cozy setting with great cocktails.
Heading
Highlands
Highlands
Method Coffee Roasters LoHi
$
$
โข
โ Coffee Shop
โ
โข
Heading
4.5
(
)
Method Coffee Roasters LoHi serves expertly crafted coffee and tea in a cozy, trendy Highland spot perfect for solo visits and study sessions.
Heading
LoDo
LoDo
Marioโs Speakeasy Pizza
$
$$
โข
๐ Pizza
โ
โข
Heading
4.6
(
)
Marioโs Speakeasy Pizza offers late-night, authentic New York-style slices with a lively bar and rooftop seating, delivering a casual and vibrant urban vibe.
Heading
Sloanโs Lake
Sloanโs Lake
Brew Culture Coffee
$
$
โข
โ Coffee Shop
โ
โข
Heading
4.7
(
)
Brew Culture Coffee delivers expertly crafted brews and kombucha in a bright, cozy spot with local art and live music vibes on West Colfax.
Heading
RiNo
RiNo
Port Side
$
$$
โข
โ Coffee Shop
โ
โข
Heading
4.7
(
)
Port Side offers a casual, trendy coffeehouse vibe with house-roasted beans, espresso drinks, and creative breakfast and lunch bites.
Heading
RiNo
RiNo
Yazoo BBQ Company
$
$$
โข
๐ BBQ
โ
โข
Heading
4.5
(
)
Yazoo BBQ Company delivers authentic pecan wood-smoked barbecue in a cozy RiNo spot with a lively bar and full-service upstairs deck.
Heading
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill
Charlie Brown's Bar & Grill
$
$$
โข
๐ American
โ
โข
Heading
4.4
(
)
Charlie Brown's Bar & Grill is a beloved Cap Hill lounge with live piano sing-alongs, classic drinks, and a welcoming covered patio.
Heading
Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek
Machete Tequila + Tacos
$
$$
โข
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading
4.4
(
)
Machete Tequila + Tacos serves vibrant tacos with creative fillings and an extensive tequila menu in Cherry Creekโs lively setting.
Back to Restaurants
โ
Cancellation Policy
None
