Smoked bison ribs. Pulled Colorado lamb.
Pork ribs dressed up al pastor style. Denver barbecue has picked up some seriously wild habits, and you deserve to know about them.
The city sits nowhere near Texas or the Carolinas, yet pitmasters here smoke brisket over post oak for 14 hours. One kitchen rubs its ribs with coffee and chile.
Another started life as a humble food truck and now pours its whole heart into banana pudding by the pint.
You can grab a tray at a serve-yourself counter or eat at a picnic table with your dog nearby. Some spots run a market hall stall, while others work out of a small brick room with a smoker out back.
The smell alone could pull you off a busy Colorado street.
So which plate will you chase first? Maybe the burnt ends that only show up on certain days.
Maybe the strawberry jalapeno jam meant for cornbread. Your napkins should probably start stretching now.
1. Post Oak Barbecue
Texas called, and it wants its brisket back. Too bad, because this Tennyson Street joint is keeping it.
The prime brisket here leads the show, and the menu makes no secret of its Texan roots.
Inside, wood and brick give the room a relaxed, modern feel. You grab your food at the counter in a serve-yourself setup, so lunch moves quickly.
Beyond brisket, you can try beef rib, turkey breast, and dry rub wings. A pork belly sandwich also sits on the menu for anyone craving something rich.
Feeling bold? Order the burnt ends piled on a loaded baked potato.
Mac fans get choices too. The brisket mac and pulled pork mac both turn a simple side into a full meal.
Jalapeno cilantro coleslaw adds a fresh, zippy crunch next to the heavy stuff.
Save a little room for banana pudding or the gooey butter cake. Both make a sweet finish after a smoky plate.
It's closed on Mondays and doesn't take reservations. Street parking can get tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Address: 4000 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
2. Pit Fiend Barbecue
A name like Pit Fiend sounds a little spooky. Relax, the only scary part is how fast your plate empties.
This themed spot on Larimer Street serves smoky food with plenty of personality.
Brisket and spare ribs carry the reputation here. Both come out tender, and the rib plate makes an easy first order for newcomers.
The mac and cheese gets plenty of love as a signature side. Pit beans and coleslaw round out the classic lineup nicely.
The coleslaw is even vegan, which is handy for mixed groups.
Want something different? Try a brisket rice bowl or a pulled pork rice bowl.
They pack the smoky flavor into a neat, filling meal you can eat with a fork.
Cornbread muffins come plain or with jalapeño for a little kick. If you only want meat, there's even an option for smoked meats with no sides.
Ordering happens at the counter, so there's no table service. Dogs can join you at the outdoor seating.
The doors open Wednesday through Sunday, starting at noon.
Address: 2826 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
3. Ragin' Hog BBQ
Got a soft spot for Southern cooking? Then this husband and wife team might just win your heart.
Their rustic counter on Lowell Boulevard focuses on Southern-style smoked meats.
Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs make up the core of the menu. Each one pairs with housemade sauces, and the Carolina sauce earns special attention.
Sides are where this place truly shines. Collard greens come with pot likker, that flavorful broth left from slow cooking.
Brunswick stew, potato salad, and baked beans also show up on the list.
Dessert is a real treat here. Buttermilk pie brings old-school Southern comfort to the table.
A red velvet cookie works nicely if you want something to take along.
Portions are a nice size for the price, which keeps fans coming back. Prices land on the friendly side compared with many city spots.
Parking is usually easy, thanks to a lot and street spaces. The kitchen closes on Sundays and wraps up early on Saturdays.
Plan your visit for a weekday lunch or early dinner.
Address: 4361 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211
4. Smokin Yard's BBQ
String lights over a patio make barbecue taste even better. That's just science, or at least it feels that way here.
Smokin Yard's serves Southern classics in down-to-earth surroundings.
The menu covers a lot of ground. You'll find smoked wings, brisket, chicken, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, and St. Louis dry rub ribs.
Pork belly gets high marks, and so do the burnt ends. The brisket sandwich and hot link sandwich both make solid lunch picks.
Here's a fun twist for the weekend. Smoked prime rib appears on Fridays and Saturdays.
It's a great reason to plan your week around a dinner date.
Not every craving involves smoke, of course. A fried catfish platter sits on the menu, and so does a veggie burger.
The fries also have a loyal following.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are available. Parking is usually plentiful, which is always a relief.
Order at the counter, then head outside to enjoy that patio glow.
Address: 900 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
5. Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que
Bison ribs and lamb shoulder are not your average backyard menu. At this woman-owned family spot, they're the stars.
The kitchen calls its style Colorado Craft BBQ, built around regional ingredients.
Brightly colored walls and a copper bar set a cheerful mood. You can also peek into the open kitchen while you wait.
Colorado bison back ribs make a great first order. Pulled Colorado lamb shoulder offers something you won't spot at many smokehouses.
Bison green chile sausage brings local flavor in every bite.
Classic fans are covered too. Dry-rubbed pork spare ribs and Angus beef brisket hold down the traditional side.
The rubs and desserts are made from scratch.
Don't skip the strawberry jalapeno jam. Spread it on cornbread or try it on ribs for a sweet and spicy surprise.
The hot sauces bring serious heat for brave eaters.
Caramelized banana pudding wraps things up nicely. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 11 a.m.
Address: 2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210
6. Yazoo BBQ Company
Sauce lovers, gather around. This Broadway spot treats its house-made sauces like treasure.
Some are rare finds, and one super hot sauce takes a moment before the heat arrives.
Yazoo keeps things simple with a counter-serve setup. The digs are small, but outdoor picnic tables give you extra elbow room.
Ribs are a big draw, along with chicken and brisket. Chopped brisket and hot links also appear on the menu.
Pair your meat with smoked BBQ beans for a deeper smoky taste.
Craving dessert? The peach cobbler offers a sweet, fruity ending.
It's a nice way to cool your mouth after testing that fiery sauce.
The staff have a friendly reputation, and service moves quickly. Prices stay affordable, which makes it easy to try a few things at once.
You'll find it open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dogs are welcome outside, and parking is usually easy.
Bring a friend, so you can sample more sauces together.
Address: 2150 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80205
7. GQue BBQ Denver
Baseball and barbecue are a winning team. Lucky for you, GQue sits just steps from Coors Field in McGregor Square.
That makes it a handy stop before or after a game.
The specialty here is championship-style hickory-smoked barbecue. Signature items include brisket, pulled pork, and dry-rub wings.
Pulled pork is slow-smoked and pulled by hand. Brisket gets sliced to order, so it hits your tray fresh.
Pork spare ribs and jalapeno cheddar sausage add even more options.
Got a mac and cheese fan in your crew? The BBQ Mac Bowl is a popular pick.
It turns a cheesy side into a full, hearty meal.
There's also a full vegetarian menu, which helps when friends eat differently. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly setup and changing tables.
Reservations are accepted, a rare perk for a barbecue spot. Dogs can hang out with you on the outdoor seating.
Hours run late on Fridays and Saturdays, perfect after an evening downtown.
Address: 1601 19th St, Denver, CO 80202
8. Smokin' Dave's BBQ - DENVER
Big appetite? Good, because this rustic smokehouse doesn't do tiny portions.
Smokin' Dave's dishes out sandwiches, platters, and ribs with a down-home feel.
Brisket and pulled pork lead the parade. Spicy sausage, roast chicken, and ribs follow close behind.
The award-winning menu also has fun surprises. Fried pickles make a tangy starter, and chicken fried steak brings comfort food energy.
There's even a dish called the Big Kahuna Belly Buster, and the name says plenty.
Sliders are great for sampling. Pulled pork and brisket versions let you taste both without picking just one.
A wide selection of sauces sits ready for dunking. BBQ baked beans and potato chips keep the sides classic.
Dessert fans have choices to make. Bread pudding, apple cobbler, and pecan pie all compete for your attention.
Reservations are accepted, and parking is usually easy in the on-site lot. A kids' menu and high chairs make it simple for families too.
Address: 1551 Cortez St, Denver, CO 80221
9. Saucy's Southern BBQ & Cuisine
Great barbecue sometimes shows up where you least expect it. Saucy's sits on South University Boulevard, serving Southern-style plates with a big grin.
Ribs and wings are the signature items. The ribs come out tender, and the wings bring juicy, smoky flavor.
Hot links also earn praise for their spices. Want a bit of everything?
The 3 meat plate lets you build your own sampler. Loaded sides make it a full Southern feast.
Not every bite has to come from the smoker. A fried jumbo shrimp plate offers a crispy change of pace.
It's a smart pick for seafood fans in your group.
Then there's the teriyaki parmesan corn. It's a playful side you won't spot on many barbecue menus.
Sweet, salty, and cheesy all at once sounds like a fun gamble.
Order at the counter, then grab a seat inside or outdoors. The kitchen runs daily until 10 p.m., great for late cravings.
Dogs are welcome outside.
Address: 2100 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210
10. Jordy's Barbecue
Eighteen hours is a long time to wait for anything. For Jordy's prime brisket, that's exactly how long the smoke does its work.
The result is Central Texas-style barbecue with plenty of patience behind it.
Jordy's began as a food truck and has been moving into a permanent home on West Colfax. Co-owners Jordan and pitmaster David run the show.
Sliced USDA prime beef brisket is the headliner. The pulled pork sandwich and pork spareribs also hold strong spots on the menu.
Jalapeño cheddar and original sausages round out the meats.
Sides deserve their own spotlight here. Mac and cheese comes topped with burnt ends, which feels like a double win.
Potato salad, coleslaw, and smoky pinto beans complete the spread.
The housemade BBQ sauce and mustard add a nice finishing touch. Banana pudding is a signature, and you can even grab it by the pint.
Dogs are allowed inside and outside, a rare bonus. There's also on-site parking.
Check ahead for current hours as the new space settles in.
Address: 2060 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204
11. Smok Barbecue
Barbecue for breakfast? At Smok, that's not a silly question.
Morning hours run on most days, which makes this one of the more unusual stops on the list.
Smok sits inside The Source Market Hall on Brighton Boulevard. The rustic-chic setting blends regional barbecue styles with Colorado ingredients.
Meats are hand-rubbed and smoked over post oak for up to 14 hours. Brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken fill the lineup.
Burnt ends also get plenty of attention.
The menu likes to play around a bit. Brisket tacos and a brisket burrito give smoked beef a fresh twist.
Chili cheese fries make a fun shareable treat.
Fried okra and coleslaw keep the sides Southern. Banana pudding offers a creamy, sweet goodbye.
Smok has also earned a Michelin recommendation, a nice nod for a local, independent spot. Outdoor seating and slushies help on sunny Denver days.
Parking is usually easy around the market hall.
Address: 3330 Brighton Blvd #202, Denver, CO 80216
12. Brothers BBQ
Two brothers, one big barbecue obsession. Nick and Chris O'Sullivan turned that passion into their first Brothers BBQ back in 1998.
Today, this homegrown counter chain still smokes its meats over hickory wood each day. The 6th and Washington location serves ribs, hot links, brisket, and more with all the trimmings.
The hot links stand out for their caramelized outside. They taste great with or without sauce.
Pork ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends also earn praise.
Can't decide? The sample plate gives you a little of several meats.
A beef rib makes a mighty choice if you're truly hungry. BBQ sliders work well for lighter appetites.
Brothers BBQ beans and the mac and cheese bowl are solid sides. Vegetarians can order the Impossible Burger instead.
Hours stretch from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The patio sometimes hosts live music, and dogs can join you outside.
Parking is usually easy, which makes a quick stop simple.
Address: 568 N Washington St, Denver, CO 80203
