I was born in Mississippi, where we pretty much cut our teeth on barbequed ribs, and no matter what city I live in, I nose around until I find the best BBQ in town. And luckily (as with most things) Denver does not disappoint! These BBQ places in Denver are dishing out traditional fixings like rib tips and burnt ends (smothered in housemade sauces of all sorts and spice levels), as well as Colorado inspired items like lamb shanks and smoked trout. Whether you're looking to warm your bones in the winter or add a little spice to your life with some sweet heat in the summer, these Mile High BBQ spots will blow your mind...and your taste buds!
1. Wayne's Smoke Shack
If you've got a hankering for some real deal Texas-style BBQ, take a trip to Wayne's. But get there early because they're only open for lunch, from 11am until they run out, which is hands down a sure sign of BBQ authenticity. (The early bird gets the brisket)! Wayne's also prides itself in supporting the local community with the use of Savory Spices and high quality ingredients from Colorado ranchers and farmers. Kudos to you, Wayne!
2. Yazoo BBQ Company
Want some rib meat that will fall off the bone and stick to yours? Go to Yazoo for some true southern BBQ! They massage their meats with four special dry rubs before slow cooking them to smokey perfection, and they offer four sauce varieties in which to drench them. Check out one of their two locations, order their signature "bob," and enjoy live music on their rooftop deck. Now that's finger pickin' good!
3. Moe's Original BBQ
Moe's is all about "Bama style" barbeque smoked daily in house, served up with a local craft beer and delectable sides like sweet potato casserole and specials like fried green tomatoes. They've got three locations around Denver, and in two of them you can entertain yourself with live music, bowling, billiards, and an arcade. Sounds like the perfect Saturday shindig to me!
4. Boney's BBQ
It's a family affair down at Boney's, where they're serving up sultry soul food that's been passed down and perfected over six generations and across three families. Rib tips, hot links, fried okra, collard greens, and peach cobbler that'll make you wanna slap your mama!
5. Roaming Buffalo BBQ
These guys are doing something totally original and carnivorously delightful! The name says it all at this Colorado craft BBQ joint, where you'll find the traditional, as well as items like bison short ribs, lamb shanks, smoked trout, house made venison sausage, red eye cowboy beans, and smoked poblano cheddar mac. Roam on down to the Buffalo and get you some one of a kind Colorado barbeque!
6. Ragin' Hog BBQ
Many accolades have been doled out to this friendly, unassuming authentic southern-style barbeque spot, and they most certainly deserve it. They've got five choices of sauces (Memphis, Carolina, Georgia, Sweet and Hot) with which to smother your chopped pork and burnt ends before easing the pain with their creamy, heavenly homemade buttermilk pie, just like Mamaw used to make. It doesn't get more southern than that, y'all!
7. Big Country BBQ
Big Country is a mouthwatering amalgamation of southern and Colorado-style barbeque that got its start as a food truck and opened a brick and mortar last spring in Sunnyside. They knock it out of the park with their smoked Colorado grass fed beef meatloaf, creamy king ranch (Texas) casserole, brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork sandwich with a smoked seven layer jalapeño popper. Say what!?
8. Russell's Smokehouse
Russell's is doing it "slow and low below Larimer Square" with their succulent "nod to the Colorado Cowboy era." This is WAY more than a barbeque joint! They've got the usual suspects alongside finger-lickin' foods like chicharrónes, smoked bone marrow, pork belly, shrimp and grits, and Sunday fried chicken. Amen.
Is it acceptable to eat BBQ for breakfast!? Do you know of any scrumptious spots we forgot? Let us know in the comments.
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