Clicky

https://ourbigescape.com/

Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

Locating Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Denver in a city with a rich tradition of barbecue was daunting because there are many great restaurants in the area that serve up delicious smoked meats and sides. The top 5 barbecue restaurants in Denver offer a range of flavors and styles, from classic Texas-style brisket to Carolina-style pulled pork.

1. Owlbear Barbecue – Owlbear Barbecue, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a highly-rated barbecue restaurant that serves Texas-style barbecue. They use high-quality meats and traditional smoking techniques to create delicious dishes. Customers love the brisket, pork ribs, and pulled pork, as well as the sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. The restaurant also offers excellent customer service, which adds to the overall dining experience.

2. GQue Championship BBQ – GQue Championship BBQ, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Denver, offers award-winning barbecue. Their meats are smoked with applewood and cherrywood for a unique flavor. Customers rave about the brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, such as potato salad, collard greens, and jalapeno mac and cheese. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make this restaurant a top choice for barbecue lovers.

3. Roaming Buffalo BBQ – Roaming Buffalo BBQ, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is another highly-rated barbecue restaurant in Denver that offers a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pork, chicken, and turkey. Customers love the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the meat, as well as the delicious rubs and sauces. The restaurant also has a great selection of sides, including smoked beans, cornbread, and sweet potato casserole. The friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere make this restaurant a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts.

4. Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ – Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a family-owned restaurant that serves Southern-style barbecue. Their meats are slow-smoked with hickory wood for a rich, smoky flavor. Customers love the pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including cornbread, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The casual atmosphere and affordable prices make this restaurant a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

5. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew – Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a popular restaurant chain in Colorado that offers delicious barbecue and craft beer. Their meats are slow-smoked over hickory wood for a unique flavor. Customers love the ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The restaurant also has a great selection of sides, including jalapeno creamed corn, baked beans, and coleslaw. The friendly staff and fun atmosphere make this restaurant a great place to enjoy some delicious barbecue and beer.

Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

1. Owlbear Barbecue - Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

Owlbear Barbecue

Address: 2826 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm, Closed Mondays
Phone Number: (720) 432-4205

Owlbear Barbecue, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a cozy, Texas-style barbecue joint located in the RiNo district of Denver. The restaurant has a rustic interior with wooden tables and benches, an open kitchen, and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and they are happy to offer recommendations to diners.

The restaurant is known for their delicious smoked meats, especially their brisket, which is slow-cooked for 12 hours over oak and pecan woods. The pulled pork and spare ribs are also popular menu items, and customers rave about the smoky, flavorful meat. The sides are equally delicious, with options like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and pinto beans.

One unique aspect of Owlbear Barbecue is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques. The meats are sourced from local farms and ranches, and the restaurant uses only wood-burning pits and smokers to cook the meat.

Main Menu Items:

Brisket – Owlbear Barbecue’s brisket is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The brisket is slow-cooked for 12 hours over oak and pecan woods, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a smoky bark on the outside. The brisket is served by the pound and can be ordered sliced or chopped.

Pulled Pork – Another popular menu item at Owlbear Barbecue is the pulled pork. The pork is slow-cooked for 12 hours over oak and pecan woods, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a delicious smoky flavor. The pulled pork is served by the pound and can be ordered with or without sauce.

Spare Ribs – Owlbear Barbecue’s spare ribs are a customer favorite. The ribs are smoked over oak and pecan woods until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, and they are finished with a delicious rub that adds even more flavor. The ribs are served by the half rack or full rack.

Sausage – Owlbear Barbecue’s house-made sausage is another popular menu item. The sausage is made with high-quality meats and seasoned with a blend of spices, resulting in a delicious, savory flavor. The sausage is served by the link and can be ordered with or without sauce.

Mac and Cheese – For a tasty side dish to accompany your meat, be sure to try Owlbear Barbecue’s mac and cheese. The mac and cheese is made with elbow pasta and a blend of cheeses, resulting in a creamy, cheesy dish that is sure to satisfy. The mac and cheese can also be ordered with add-ons like brisket or pulled pork for an extra hearty meal.

The service at Owlbear Barbecue is excellent, with attentive staff and a friendly atmosphere. Customers are greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome, and the staff is happy to answer any questions about the menu or the restaurant.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the brisket and mac and cheese, and both were fantastic. The brisket was tender and flavorful, and the mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Highly recommend!”

“The ribs and pulled pork were amazing! The meat was tender and juicy, and the rub had a great flavor. The sides were also delicious, especially the coleslaw. The service was excellent, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed.”

“Owlbear Barbecue has some of the best barbecue in Denver! The brisket is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy and laid-back. Highly recommend!”

Overall, Owlbear Barbecue is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for delicious, Texas-style barbecue in Denver. The smoked meats are outstanding, the sides are delicious, and the service is top-notch. They rank amid the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Denver for good reasons.


2. GQue Championship BBQ - Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

GQue Championship BBQ

Address: 5160 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm
Phone Number: (303) 379-9205

GQue Championship BBQ, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is located in Broomfield, just outside of Denver. The restaurant specializes in award-winning barbecue, and the menu features a variety of smoked meats, sandwiches, and sides. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with wooden tables and chairs, a large bar, and a wall of trophies and awards.

The signature food at GQue Championship BBQ is the brisket, which is slow-smoked for up to 18 hours over hickory wood. The brisket is tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, and it’s no wonder that it has won numerous awards.

The menu also features other smoked meats, such as pork ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, as well as sandwiches, salads, and sides.

One unique aspect of GQue Championship BBQ is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques. The meats are sourced from trusted suppliers, and the restaurant uses only hickory wood to smoke the meat. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.

Main Menu Items:

Brisket – GQue Championship BBQ is famous for their award-winning brisket. The brisket is slow-smoked for up to 18 hours over hickory wood, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a delicious bark on the outside. The brisket is served sliced, and it can be ordered by the pound or as part of a plate or sandwich.

Pork Ribs – Another customer favorite at GQue Championship BBQ is the pork ribs. The ribs are slow-smoked over hickory wood until they are tender and juicy, and they are finished with a delicious rub that adds even more flavor. The ribs are served by the half rack or full rack, and they can be ordered with or without sauce.

Pulled Pork – For a tasty sandwich or plate, be sure to try GQue Championship BBQ’s pulled pork. The pork is slow-smoked over hickory wood until it is tender and juicy, and it is served pulled with or without sauce. The pulled pork can also be ordered as part of a combo plate with other smoked meats.

Smoked Chicken – If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try GQue Championship BBQ’s smoked chicken. The chicken is slow-smoked over hickory wood until it is tender and juicy, and it is finished with a delicious rub that adds flavor without being too heavy. The smoked chicken is served as a quarter, half, or whole bird, and it can be ordered with or without sauce.

Burnt Ends – For a unique and delicious menu item, try GQue Championship BBQ’s burnt ends. Burnt ends are the crispy, flavorful pieces of meat that come from the point of the brisket, and GQue Championship BBQ serves them in a variety of ways. You can order them as a sandwich, as part of a plate, or even as a side dish. The burnt ends are tender, smoky, and packed with flavor.

The service at GQue Championship BBQ is excellent, with friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant. The staff is happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions about the food or the restaurant, and they are attentive to the needs of diners.

Customer Reviews:

“The brisket at GQue Championship BBQ is out of this world! It’s perfectly cooked and has a delicious smoky flavor. The sides are also great, especially the jalapeno mac and cheese. The service is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Highly recommend!”

“I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was amazing! The pork was tender and juicy, and the bun was soft and fresh. The sides were also delicious, especially the baked beans. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. Will definitely be back!”

“GQue Championship BBQ is hands down the best barbecue in Colorado! The brisket is legendary, but everything on the menu is top-notch. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Highly recommend!”

Overall, GQue Championship BBQ is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for delicious, award-winning barbecue in the Denver area. The brisket is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious, and the service is top-notch. They stand out among the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver.


3. Roaming Buffalo BBQ - Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

Roaming Buffalo BBQ

Address: 2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11am-8pm, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone Number: (720) 324-8779

Roaming Buffalo BBQ, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Denver’s Rosedale neighborhood. The restaurant specializes in smoked meats, including brisket, pork, chicken, and turkey, and the menu features a variety of sandwiches, plates, and sides. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs, a large bar, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The signature food at Roaming Buffalo BBQ is the brisket, which is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over hickory and applewood. The brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, and it’s no wonder that it has won numerous awards.

The menu also features other smoked meats, such as pulled pork, smoked chicken, and turkey breast, as well as sandwiches, salads, and sides.

One unique aspect of Roaming Buffalo BBQ is their commitment to using high-quality meats and traditional smoking techniques. The meats are sourced from local farms and ranches, and the restaurant uses only wood-burning pits and smokers to cook the meat. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.

Main Menu Items:

Brisket – Roaming Buffalo BBQ’s brisket is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over hickory and applewood, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a delicious smoky flavor. The brisket is served sliced or chopped, and it can be ordered as part of a plate or sandwich.

Pulled Pork – Another popular menu item at Roaming Buffalo BBQ is the pulled pork. The pork is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served pulled with or without sauce. The pulled pork can be ordered as part of a plate or sandwich.

Smoked Chicken – For a lighter option, try Roaming Buffalo BBQ’s smoked chicken. The chicken is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served as a quarter or half bird. The chicken can be ordered with or without sauce.

Turkey Breast – For a unique menu item, try Roaming Buffalo BBQ’s smoked turkey breast. The turkey is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served sliced or chopped. The turkey breast can be ordered as part of a plate or sandwich.

Burnt Ends – Roaming Buffalo BBQ’s burnt ends are a customer favorite. The burnt ends are the crispy, flavorful pieces of meat that come from the point of the brisket, and they are served in a variety of ways. You can order them as a sandwich, as part of a plate, or even as a side dish. The burnt ends are tender, smoky, and packed with flavor.

The service at Roaming Buffalo BBQ is excellent, with friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant. The staff is happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions about the food or the restaurant, and they are attentive to the needs of diners.

Customer Reviews:

“The brisket at Roaming Buffalo BBQ is amazing! It’s perfectly cooked and has a great smoky flavor. The sides are also delicious, especially the mac and cheese. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Highly recommend!”

“The pulled pork sandwich is delicious! The pork is tender and juicy, and the bun is soft and fresh. The sides are also great, especially the baked beans. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the restaurant has a great vibe. Will definitely be back!”

“Roaming Buffalo BBQ has some of the best barbecue in Denver! The turkey breast is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back and inviting. Highly recommend!”

Overall, Roaming Buffalo BBQ is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious, traditional barbecue in Denver. The brisket is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious, and the service is top-notch. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Denver.


4. Boney's Smokehouse BBQ - Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ

Address: 1543 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Closed Sundays
Phone Number: (303) 825-9900

Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a casual barbecue joint located in the heart of downtown Denver. The restaurant serves up a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pork, chicken, and turkey, as well as sandwiches, sides, and desserts. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with wooden tables and chairs, a large bar, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The signature food at Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ is the burnt ends, which are crispy, flavorful pieces of meat that come from the point of the brisket. The burnt ends are slow-smoked until they are tender and smoky, and they are served in a variety of ways, including on a sandwich or as part of a platter.

The menu also features other smoked meats, such as pulled pork, chicken, and turkey, as well as sandwiches, salads, and sides.

One unique aspect of Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ is their commitment to using high-quality meats and traditional smoking techniques. The meats are sourced from local farms and ranches, and the restaurant uses only wood-burning pits and smokers to cook the meat. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.

Main Menu Items:

Burnt Ends – Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ’s burnt ends are a customer favorite. The burnt ends are the crispy, flavorful pieces of meat that come from the point of the brisket, and they are slow-smoked until they are tender and smoky. The burnt ends can be ordered as part of a platter or on a sandwich.

Pulled Pork – Another popular menu item at Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ is the pulled pork. The pork is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served pulled with or without sauce. The pulled pork can be ordered as part of a platter or on a sandwich.

Smoked Chicken – For a lighter option, try Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ’s smoked chicken. The chicken is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served as a quarter or half bird. The chicken can be ordered with or without sauce.

Brisket – Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ’s brisket is slow-smoked until it is tender and flavorful, and it is served sliced or chopped. The brisket can be ordered as part of a platter or on a sandwich.

Turkey Breast – For a unique menu item, try Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ’s smoked turkey breast. The turkey is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served sliced or chopped. The turkey breast can be ordered as part of a platter or on a sandwich.

The service at Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ is friendly and efficient, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant. The staff is happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions about the food or the restaurant, and they are attentive to the needs of diners.

Customer Reviews:

“The burnt ends at Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ are amazing! They are crispy, smoky, and packed with flavor. The sides are also delicious, especially the cornbread. The service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is cozy and laid-back. Highly recommend!”

“I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was fantastic! The pork was tender and juicy, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The sides were also great, especially the potato salad. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the restaurant has a great vibe. Will definitely be back!”

“Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ has some of the best barbecue in Denver! The brisket is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back and inviting. Highly recommend!”

Overall, Boney’s Smokehouse BBQ is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious, traditional barbecue in downtown Denver. The burnt ends are a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious, and the service is friendly and efficient. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Denver.


5. Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Brew - Barbecue Restaurants in Denver

Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew

Address: 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-9pm
Phone Number: (303) 308-8066

Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in downtown Denver. The restaurant serves up a variety of smoked meats, including beef brisket, pork, chicken, and turkey, as well as sandwiches, salads, and sides. The interior of the restaurant is casual and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs, a large bar, and a friendly atmosphere.

The signature food at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is the beef brisket, which is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over hickory wood. The brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, and it is served sliced or chopped.

The menu also features other smoked meats, such as pulled pork, chicken, and turkey, as well as sandwiches, salads, and sides.

One unique aspect of Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is their commitment to using high-quality meats and traditional smoking techniques. The meats are sourced from local farms and ranches, and the restaurant uses only wood-burning pits and smokers to cook the meat. The restaurant also has a selection of craft beers on tap, as well as a full bar and a wide selection of wines.

Main Menu Items:

Beef Brisket – Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew’s beef brisket is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over hickory wood, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a delicious smoky flavor. The brisket is served sliced or chopped, and it can be ordered as part of a plate or sandwich.

Pulled Pork – Another popular menu item at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is the pulled pork. The pork is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served pulled with or without sauce. The pulled pork can be ordered as part of a plate or sandwich.

Smoked Chicken – For a lighter option, try Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew’s smoked chicken. The chicken is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served as a quarter or half bird. The chicken can be ordered with or without sauce.

Turkey Breast – For a unique menu item, try Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew’s smoked turkey breast. The turkey is slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and it is served sliced or chopped. The turkey breast can be ordered as part of a plate or sandwich.

St. Louis Ribs – Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew’s St. Louis Ribs are slow-smoked until they are tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The ribs can be ordered as part of a plate or a full rack, and they are served with a choice of side.

The service at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is friendly and attentive, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant. The staff is happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions about the food or the restaurant, and they are attentive to the needs of diners.

Customer Reviews:

“The beef brisket at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is amazing! It’s perfectly cooked and has a great smoky flavor. The sides are also delicious, especially the mac and cheese. The service is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is casual and fun. Highly recommend!”

“I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was fantastic! The pork was tender and juicy, and the bun was soft and fresh. The sides were also great, especially the cornbread. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant has a great selection of beers. Will definitely be back!”

“Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is the best barbecue in Denver! The chicken is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and laid-back. Highly recommend!”

Overall, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious, traditional barbecue and craft beer in downtown Denver. The beef brisket is a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious, and the service is friendly and attentive. They can definitely be counted among the top Barbecue restaurants in Denver.


Each of the barbecue restaurants in Denver has its own unique atmosphere and signature dishes, making it worth trying out all of them to find your favorite. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Denver, be sure to check out these top 5 barbecue restaurants for a taste of some of the best barbecue in the city.



You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

For More Photos Visit Our Instagram at World Recipes Daily – Our Big Escape

Scroll to Top