Pit Fiend Barbecue

Open

Closed

$

$$

🍗 BBQ

•

RiNo

•

counter-service

4.8
Pit Fiend Barbecue serves bold Texas-style BBQ with a D&D-themed casual vibe in Denver’s North Denver neighborhood, perfect for meat lovers and game fans.

$

$$

•

Heading

•

counter-service

Reservations
Now

đź“Ť

Pit Fiend Barbecue

RiNo

$

Discover bold Texas-style BBQ at Pit Fiend Barbecue in RiNo, Denver. Enjoy tender brisket, creative sides, and a D&D-themed casual vibe.

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About
4.8
(
454
)

Pit Fiend Barbecue offers a unique blend of top-tier Texas-style smoked meats and tabletop role-playing game culture in a relaxed, casual setting. Known for their moist brisket, pulled pork, and inventive sides, this Latino-owned spot delights visitors with flavorful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by D&D themes and gaming memorabilia.

What's Included:

    🔥 Texas-style smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, lamb, and chicken
    🥗 Variety of sides including mac and cheese, potato salad, cucumber salad, and cornbread muffins
    🎲 Immersive D&D and tabletop RPG decor and merchandise
    🍺 Beer selection from adjacent OMF Brewing
    🚪 Outdoor seating and dine-in options

Important Information:

  • Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
  • Walk-ins only; no reservations
  • Credit, debit, and mobile payments accepted with a 2% credit card processing fee
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
  • Dogs allowed in outdoor seating areas

    • Haley's Pick 🍽️

    You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s 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 Barella’s 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.

    It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

    – Haley @milehighandhungry
    🔊
    🔊
    🔊

    đź“Ť Local Insights

    🔥 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.

    ⏰ Hours

    Monday: Closed

    Tuesday: Closed

    Wednesday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

    Thursday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

    Friday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

    Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

    Sunday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

    👉 Best For

    Meat lovers, tabletop RPG fans, casual dining, families, groups

    đź“Ť

    Pit Fiend Barbecue

    2826 Larimer St

    ,

    Denver

    ,

    CO

    80205

    Open in Google Maps

    Public Review Sentiment

    Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews

    Pit Fiend Barbecue is widely praised for its exceptional Texas-style smoked meats, especially the brisket, and inventive sides like mac and cheese and cornbread muffins. Guests love the friendly service, quick pace, and unique D&D-themed ambiance. While most reviews highlight the flavorful and moist BBQ, a few mention occasional issues with cold sandwiches or dry ribs, but these are rare and often resolved by the staff. The 2% credit card fee has been noted but is clearly posted. Overall, it’s regarded as one of Denver’s best BBQ spots.

    Last updated on

    July 7, 2025

    🍽️ Standout Dishes

    Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked Lamb, Smoked Chicken, Pulled Lamb, Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad, Pit Beans, Cornbread Muffins (Jalapeño and Regular), Elote Salad, Smoked Pork Belly, Pork Tenderloin, Rice Bowls, Vegan Smoked Mushrooms, Vegan Smoked Jackfruit, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, Bread Pudding (Ube Cinnamon Roll)

    📆 Best Times to Visit

    Visit Pit Fiend Barbecue between 11 AM and 3 PM from Wednesday to Sunday for the fullest menu and to avoid sell-outs; summer elote salad is a seasonal highlight.

    ♿️ Accessibility

    Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating are available, ensuring comfortable access for guests with mobility needs.

    🧑‍🍳 Reservation Policy

    None

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