Jake FosterLet the scent of hickory and slow-rendered brisket guide you through the Mile High City for your next hearty meal.
Finding the best BBQ in Denver means navigating a landscape of sizzling burnt ends and sticky ribs that satisfy serious cravings.
I’ve combed through the local smokehouses to highlight the top spots delivering unforgettable, finger-licking flavors for your next meaty destination.
How much does BBQ cost in Denver?
For a standard smoked feast, expect to spend between $17 and $25 per person, while premium brisket platters and large multi-meat spreads can easily push the bill over $70.
| Dining Style | Average Price Range |
| Casual 2-3 Meat Combos | $16.99 – $19.99 per person |
| Premium/High-End Plates | $30.00 – $73.00+ per order |
| Catering Services | $14.00 – $27.00 per person |
| Standard Sides | $7.00 – $8.00 each |
1. Smokin Yard’s BBQ
Website: https://www.smokinyards.com/
Address: 900 W 1st Ave
Contact: (303) 284-3349
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Craving a uniquely Colorado-centric flavor profile? Smokin Yard’s BBQ delivers a high-elevation style by pulling smoking techniques from multiple distinctive regions.
I dug into their four-meat platter last month and found the flexibility perfect for tasting different regional preparations on one tray. Their menu goes way beyond standard coleslaw by offering specialized sides like fried okra and creamed corn.
The Yard family has kept the local feel alive since 2008 while expanding into the bustling Art District. This central location makes it highly convenient for city explorers hungry for a savory lunch.
But one frustrating downside is that some popular items, like their specialty brisket sandwiches, are only served conditionally, so you might not find them available.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding St Louis Ribs
That St Louis BBQ ribs were outstanding. Everything tasted as good as they looked and there were three barbecue sauces to complement. That green beans and mashed potato were surprisingly tasty too. Despite the odd location sitting within the more industrial side of downtown Denver, the food would bring you back again and again
- V Cheng | Google Review
Incredible Meats And Sides
Amazing!!! Came here for New Year’s Day. Got two meats (st. Louis ribs and baby back ribs) with fries and baked beans. My fiancé got the brisket sandwich, potato salad, and Cole slaw. Everything was incredible. We housed everything and then decided to take a nap.
- Jessica Jeon | Google Review
2. Riot BBQ
Website: https://riotbbqcompany.com/
Address: 2180 S Delaware St
Contact: (303) 872-6862
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday – Monday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday, Closed
For diners seeking a bold culinary crossover, Riot BBQ masterfully fuses Texas technique with the asado traditions of Northern Mexico. This results in fascinating dishes like their signature pork ribs.
They even support local agriculture by sourcing its pork from Colorado farms to ensure fresh cuts.
This spot is all about connecting deeply to local history while offering a modern dining room. Families appreciate the kid-friendly amenities like board games that keep children entertained while adults enjoy a full bar featuring bourbon cocktails.
Unfortunately, the location shuts its doors completely on Tuesdays. I was incredibly disappointed when I was craving mid-week ribs, as I had to completely adjust my schedule around this frustrating weekly closure.
Customer Reviews:
Delicious BBQ, great ambiance
Very delicious bbq. Great ambiance. Plenty of seating especially if it’s warm and you can sit on the patio. Sucks theres no combo options or ability to order quarter pounds of food to try a variety without getting ya wallet beat up. All the meats had really great flavor and while none of the sauces blew me away, the meats didn’t much. Only side that was lackluster was the Mexican dirty rice. Not much flavor and hard to find any of the referenced brisket or pork in there so just seemed like rice. But other than that great.
- Big Mic | Google Review
Best BBQ spot I’ve Hit
Hands down the best BBQ spot I’ve hit in a long time. The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth, the turkey sausage brings the perfect snap and smoke, and that Mexican dirty rice? Unreal. Do yourself a favor and don’t skip the esquites cornbread to close it out — next level.
Amazing hospitality, great vibes, and seriously crave-worthy food. This place is a must. 🔥
- Gabriel M | Google Review
3. Post Oak Barbecue
Website: https://postoakdenver.com/
Address: 4000 Tennyson St
Contact: (303) 458-1555
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Monday, Closed
Purists chasing authentic Central Texas flavors will appreciate that Post Oak Barbecue exclusively uses real wood shipped directly from Austin.
They adhere strictly to tradition by running wood-fired pits with absolutely no gas or electric assists.
I stopped by for lunch recently and was blown away by their massive sandwich option packed with premium smoked beef. The kitchen utilizes all-natural beef alongside an extensive whiskey selection perfect for happy hour pairings.
They even serve homemade gooey butter cake based on cherished family recipes to provide a complete dining experience.
However, I found it annoying that highly coveted items are restricted to specific days, forcing you to arrive early.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing Texas BBQ
This was some amazing Texas BBQ. This is definitely competing with some KC BBQ. The service was good , nothing stellar. The food took about 10-15 minutes to come out to our table. The food was very good. I had a pulled pork Texas style sandwich along with their baked beans and French fries. All of the food was fresh and tasted amazing. I am definitely coming back here if I happen to be in area.
- Andy Calderon | Google Review
A Little Slice Of Home
Words can’t describe how much I love this place. Definitely some of the best Texas BBQ I’ve ever had and I moved here from Texas! Atmosphere is a little slice of home and the staff has such a warm, welcoming hospitality, you don’t want to leave. You need to try their smoked meats of course but their brisket chili, jalapeño bacon mac-n-cheese, and banana pudding are to die for. Price is absolutely worth it too.
- Madison Sawyer | Google Review
4. Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine
Website: https://www.saucyssouthernbbq.com/
Address: 2100 S University Blvd
Contact: (720) 484-6035
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Guessing meat weights can be frustrating, but Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine provides complete transparency by listing the exact count of items on their plates.
This straightforward approach ensures you know precisely how many hotlinks or wings will arrive at your table. They even have a direct messaging feature that allows customers to easily submit special dietary requests straight to the owner.
If you ever crave crispy fried chicken alongside your ribs, their expanded southern menu covers all the comfort food bases.
And I love that they also maintain a reliable late-night schedule by staying open until 10:00 PM every single day.
Just be aware that some customers were disappointed by the standard rib plate since it’s capped at just three ribs, which can feel a bit small.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Food
Absolutely fantastic food. I lived on the East Coast for a few years and this is top-tier! Those hot links and smoked wings were my favorite. Customer service is immaculate. 10 out of 10. I’ll lick this plate clean, Carolina BBQ is my fave. Mia is the sweetest! Will be back.
- Shea Weston | Google Review
Best BBQ Ever
Evan and Simon were so great – honestly you never know with college spots but these guys made the best BBQ I’ve ever had in my life. Warm atmosphere, positive vibes, AMAZING food. Been in a couple times before and I never write reviews but after today I just HAD to throw something up.
- henry weigel | Google Review
5. Ragin’ Hog BBQ
Website: https://raginhogbbq.com/
Address: 4361 Lowell Blvd
Contact: (303) 859-6003
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday, Closed
Skipping the sweet Kansas City variations entirely, Ragin’ Hog BBQ focuses strictly on authentic southern-style barbecue.
Every piece of protein is smoked fresh daily on-site to guarantee optimal flavor and tenderness. The kitchen also prepares all its unique sides entirely from scratch each morning.
Their comprehensive meat combos offer tremendous value by including a drink and a freshly baked dessert in one package.
Overall, I love that this family-owned operation creates a warm, personal atmosphere that feels incredibly welcoming compared to large corporate dining chains.
The main drawback is their strict policy of closing early the moment they sell out of fresh meat, killing late dinner plans.
Customer Reviews:
Overflowing Pulled Pork
To echo Raymond’s review, the pulled pork was overflowing…and quite tasty. I really enjoyed sampling the 6 different BBQ sauces. I also feel the sandwich combo was quite a deal considering not only the portion of pork but the two sides and dessert! The buttermilk pie is amazing!
- Robert Willson | Google Review
Delicious BBQ Affordable Price
Delicious bbq for a very affordable price. There is a $14 sandwich, drink, 2 sides, and a dessert deal! The pulled pork and mac and cheese were my favorite. Huge selection of different types of sauces.
- Matt Rojas | Google Review
