Colorado may not be known for its barbecue scene, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some seriously delicious spots to sink your teeth into. From classic Texas-style brisket to inventive vegetarian options, here are some of the best BBQ joints in Colorado.
Genuine Colorado BBQ
Located in Wheat Ridge, Genuine Colorado BBQ serves up slow-smoked meats with a distinctly Colorado twist. From the "Sloppy Siesta," a brisket and sausage sandwich topped with green chiles and queso, to the "Colorado Quesadilla," a smoked chicken and cheese quesadilla with a side of green chile, Genuine Colorado BBQ puts a local spin on classic BBQ fare.
Roaming Buffalo BBQ Co.
For a taste of classic Texas-style BBQ, head to Roaming Buffalo BBQ Co. in Denver. Their brisket is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over Texas oak and pecan wood, resulting in a tender, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. But don’t sleep on their other meats, like their pulled pork and St. Louis-style ribs. And for vegetarians, their smoked portobello mushroom sandwich is a must-try.
Moe’s Original Bar B Que
With locations in Denver, Boulder, and Englewood, Moe’s Original Bar B Que is a beloved staple of Colorado’s BBQ scene. Their meats are slow-smoked over hickory wood, resulting in a sweet and smoky flavor. Don’t miss their Alabama-style white sauce, a tangy, mayo-based sauce that pairs perfectly with their pulled pork. And for a unique twist on BBQ, try their "Bama Bird," a smoked chicken sandwich topped with white sauce, pickles, and onions.
Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse
Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse has locations in Estes Park, Lyons, and Denver, making it a great option no matter where you are in Colorado. Their meats are smoked for up to 14 hours over a blend of hickory and fruit woods, which imparts a deep smoky flavor. Don’t miss their "Bruschi" brisket sandwich, which is topped with garlic aioli, roasted red peppers, and provolone cheese. And for a sweet finish, try their smoked bourbon bread pudding.
Rolling Smoke BBQ
Rolling Smoke BBQ started as a food truck in Denver, but now has a brick-and-mortar location in Aurora. Their meats are smoked for up to 16 hours over hickory wood, resulting in a smoky, moist, and tender flavor. Don’t miss their "Brontosaurus Rib," a massive beef rib that feeds two people. And for a unique twist on BBQ, try their "Fried Mac n’ Cheese Balls," which are deep-fried nuggets of macaroni and cheese, served with a side of BBQ sauce.
Wayne’s Smoke Shack
Located in Superior, Wayne’s Smoke Shack is a hidden gem of the Colorado BBQ scene. Their meats are slow-smoked over hickory wood, resulting in a deep smoky flavor. Don’t miss their burnt ends, which are crispy, caramelized pieces of brisket that melt in your mouth. And for vegetarians, their smoked tofu sandwich is a delicious and flavorful option.
Conclusion
Colorado may not be known for its BBQ scene, but these joints prove that the state can hold its own against more traditional BBQ regions. From inventive twists on classic fare to down-home Texas-style brisket, there’s something for every BBQ lover in Colorado. So next time you’re in the state, be sure to check out one of these top-notch BBQ joints.