Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9/10 and Yes. While this is my second official review for Rollin’ Bones, I’ve eaten here at least 5 times over the past few years and have left happy and full in each and every instance. Not only is Eric a super approachable and friendly owner who is willing to talk all things barbecue (unless he’s slammed with orders, which happens often due to the demand), but he’s also still crafting some of the best ribs in the state, to go along with a great selection of bbq meat staples and rotating options as well, like Jerk Chicken (a personal favorite), Lamb Ribs, Oaxaca hot wings, and rosemary mesquite beef short ribs. Even though they operate out of a food truck, they can go toe to toe with almost any of the brick and motor locations found in Colorado and should be visited whenever you see the Western Wagon themed truck parked and open for business. On top of the ribs, they may have some of the best coleslaw and pickles in the state as well. Absolutely worth a stop 100% of the time

Date Visited: 3/28/2024

Address: Was posted up at Cannonball Creek Brewing at 393 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80403

Day of the Week: Thursday

Time of Day: 6:30 PM. Open at 3 typically and came here after a hike

Owner: Eric Holinger

Website: https://rollinbonesbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2016

Number of People in Line: 6 people and another 10 with plates

Regional Style of BBQ: Mix of several styles

Total Cost: $51.60 with tip. Ordered a half rack of ribs, the smoked chicken, mac & cheese with green chili pulled pork, and coleslaw

Type of Wood: Apple, cherry, mesquite, oak, and other fruitwoods

Type of Smoker: Offset custom-made smoker combo, with rotisserie wheel and a gas fired burn box attached (Eric is the 4th owner)

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, paprika, and others

Best Dish: Ribs

Best Sauce: Didn’t review

Best Side: Homemade Pickles or Coleslaw

Interior Description: Food truck that’s shaped like an old-time western frontier wagon

Pro Tip: Still a Top 3 rib in Colorado, don’t skip it. Also get the coleslaw and the jerk chicken if available

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 9.25/10

Seasoning: Multiple spices with his custom dry rub

Description: The ribs were still extremely delicious, with a great smoky and seasoning blend to each bite. They were cooked to almost perfect tenderness, without falling off the bone and becoming mush, but also not tough either. Would still put this rib up against any others in Colorado for the best in the state. No sauce needed on this one either. As one last tip of the hat, Eric uses some of the meatier ribs I’ve had in a while, with minimal fat, but not too lean either. Will always order these whenever I see the truck posted up somewhere and would recommend them to anyone

Smoked Chicken

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Moist and juicy across every piece, it had a good smoky flavor to it, but not a ton for seasoning. It was improved with both of the sauces, but it’s pretty good on it’s own. While not as good as the Jerk option, it’s still a very tasty selection if you’re craving smoked chicken, which is oddly a difficult item for Colorado spots to get right. Would get again, but will switch to the Jerk option if available

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Description: Light and crunchy with a slight acidic snap to go along with a little bit of sweetness. Would eat this on its own without barbecue, but it is also a perfect addition to the chicken and ribs to help cut some of the richness and fat. Would recommend if you’re looking for a nice refreshing slaw that isn’t loaded with mayo, of which it contains zero, and uses a homemade oil and vinegar-based dressing. Would recommend and will order again

Sides – Mac & Cheese With Green Chili Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Description: Good creamy texture, with the pasta being cooked al dente as well. Not as good on its own, the pulled pork and green chili definitely add a layer of flavor and seasoning, jumping the mac into the 8’s for ratings. Recommend going with pulled pork and green chili option if available, but could skip if just on it’s own

Sides – Homemade Pickles

0/10 Ranking: 9 to 9.5/10

Description: Perfectly crisp with a great vinegar balance to it and just a hint of sweetness. These are right up there with The Real Dill as the best pickles I’ve had in a long time. Absolutely make sure to grab some of these

Interior & Menu Photos: