About

4.7
(
2512
)
Smokin Yard's BBQ delivers genuine Southern BBQ favorites in a casual, down-to-earth setting with a vibrant bar. Known for their tender brisket, ribs, and wings, this spot stands out for great cocktails, quick service, and a family-friendly atmosphere in Denver's Baker area.
What's Included:
๐ Classic Southern BBQ dishes including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork
๐ Popular hearty sides like creamed corn and sweet potato fries
๐น Full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine
๐ Casual atmosphere perfect for groups, families, and solo diners
Important Information:
Service Options: Dine-in, takeout, outdoor seating availableAccepts credit, debit, and mobile paymentsWheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seatingDoes not accept reservations
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
๐ Must-Try Brisket: The brisket sandwich is frequently recommended as the best in Denver, especially the fatty brisket for its juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
๐ฅ Cluckinโ Hot Sauce: Regulars swear by the signature Cluckinโ Hot sauce to add the perfect spicy kick to wings and ribs.
๐ป Bar Highlights: Great cocktails and a full selection of beer make it ideal for those who want a drink with their BBQ.
๐
ฟ๏ธ Parking Perks: Free parking lot and ample street parking make visiting hassle-free, even during busy times.
โฐ Hours
Monday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM
Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM
๐ Best For
Families, groups, solo diners, BBQ lovers
๐
Smokin Yard's BBQ
900 W 1st Ave
,
Denver
,
CO
80223
Public Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Smokin Yard's BBQ is highly praised for authentic, flavorful Southern-style BBQ with consistently tender brisket and ribs. Customers love the generous portions, fast and friendly service, and casual, family-friendly vibe. Some reviews note occasional dryness in ribs and variability in smoke flavor, but these are minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. The lively bar and comfortable atmosphere are also highlights.
Last updated on
July 7, 2025
๐ฝ๏ธ Standout Dishes
Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, Chicken Wings, Burnt Ends, Country Fried Chicken, Smoked Chili, Corned Beef, French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Creamed Corn, Fried Pickles, Hot Links, Boiled Peanuts, Chicken Fried Steak, Spicy Coleslaw, Salad
๐ Best Times to Visit
Arrive around opening or early lunch (11 AM to 1 PM) to avoid the busiest crowds and enjoy fresh BBQ; weekends bring peak crowds and lively atmosphere.
โฟ๏ธ Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restrooms, and seating ensure guests with mobility needs can comfortably enjoy their visit. The layout supports easy navigation.
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

Boulder


Boulder
Flagstaff House
$
$$$$
โข
๐ American
โ
โข
Heading

4.7
(
)
Flagstaff House offers refined American fine dining perched atop Flagstaff Mountain with breathtaking window views, top-notch service, and a romantic, upscale atmosphere.


Heading

Central Park


Central Park
Park Avenue Tacos
$
$$
โข
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading

4.6
(
)
Park Avenue Tacos serves fresh, flavorful Mexican street-style tacos with great cocktails and a lively, casual vibe in the Central neighborhood.


Heading

LoDo


LoDo
Encanto Cocina & Cantina
$
$$
โข
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading

4.8
(
)
Encanto Cocina & Cantina blends authentic Mexican flavors with a vibrant, cozy atmosphere and standout cocktails in a lively neighborhood hub.


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.


Heading

Tennyson


Tennyson
Post Oak Barbecue
$
$$
โข
๐ BBQ
โ
โข
Heading

4.6
(
)
Post Oak Barbecue offers classic Texas-style BBQ with a laid-back vibe in Berkeley, featuring smoky meats and cozy wood-and-brick interiors.


Heading

LoDo


LoDo
Chez Maggy
$
$$$
โข
๐ฅ French
โ
โข
Heading

4.4
(
)
Chez Maggy is a modern French restaurant in Denverโs Central neighborhood, known for its refined French cuisine, cozy upscale ambiance, and standout dishes.


Heading

RiNo


RiNo
Smok Barbecue
$
$$
โข
๐ BBQ
โ
โข
Heading

4.5
(
)
Smok Barbecue delivers regional BBQ classics with craft cocktails in a rustic-chic setting within the vibrant RiNo neighborhood.


Heading

RiNo


RiNo
SuperMegaBien
$
$$$
โข
๐ฝ Latin American
โ
โข
Heading

4.6
(
)
Cool hotel restaurant serving Latin American plates on dim-sum-style carts in cozy, trendy digs.


Heading

LoHi


LoHi
bartaco
$
$$
โข
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading

4.5
(
)
bartaco offers a trendy, cozy taco joint with fast service and a great drink selection in the LoHi neighborhood.


Heading

Baker


Baker
MAKfam
$
$$
โข
๐ฅก Chinese
โ
โข
Heading

4.6
(
)
MAKfam delivers bold, authentic Chinese cuisine with a hip-hop vibe in Denverโs Baker neighborhood, featuring standout bao buns and spicy noodles.


Heading

RiNo


RiNo
Nocturne
$
$$$$
โข
๐ฅ Fine Dining
โ
โข
Heading

4.8
(
)
Nocturne is a bi-level jazz lounge and eatery in Denverโs River North Art District, offering eclectic plates, crafted cocktails, and live jazz for a stylish, intimate night out.


Heading

Highlands


Highlands
Uncle
$
$$
โข
๐ Ramen
โ
โข
Heading

4.5
(
)
Changing menu spot known for ramen and pork belly, served from behind a centerpiece chefโs counter in a cozy, trendy Highlands setting.


โ
Cancellation Policy
None