Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.25 to 8.5/10 and Yes. This is the original location, with a second located in Denver. Situated right off the exit for Idaho Springs, Smokin’ Yards is a nice little pit stop either going to or coming back from the mountains. Situated along Clear Creek and the main drag in Idaho Springs, the place was pretty full when we walked in following a hike with our dogs. As soon as you enter, you place your order at the front counter and take a seat in the front, or you can head to the back if you want your dogs to join along. In terms of the food, everything we had was pretty tasty overall, with a solid floor but also a lower ceiling on the flavors. That said, it was certainly busy and popular with the locals for a reason, and is a safe and reliable BBQ option for anyone traveling through. Worth making a stop if in the area and craving some smoked meats

Date Visited: 9/27/2025

Address: 2736 Colorado Blvd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 11:40 AM. Open at 11 AM

Owner: Father and sons team of Alan, Ian, Scott, and Andrew Yard

Website: https://www.smokinyards.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2008 for the original location in Idaho Springs, 2018 for Denver location

Number of People in Line: 25 people were already sitting down when we came in, with another 20-30 following us afterwards

Regional Style of BBQ: “High Elevation BBQ” with methods pulled from several regions

Total Cost: $65 with tip. 4 Meats 3 Sides Platter with brisket, hot link, pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, and coleslaw, mashed potatoes & gravy, and fried okra and 2 beers

Type of Wood: White Oak and Hickory 

Type of Smoker: Unsure

Type of Seasoning: Salt and pepper blend for brisket and then other blends for different meats

Best Dish: Sausage or ribs

Best Sauce: Spicy Chipotle or Swine Bite N Bold

Best Side: Coleslaw

Interior Description: Two separate seating areas, one up front and one in back, which does allow dogs. Front area seating has standard wooden tables with metal chairs and a full bar for your drink options. The back seating area was more rustic, with concrete floors and wood-paneled walls, which were adorned with pig art

Pro Tip: Didn’t get any this time, but get here as early as possible for the burnt ends, as they typically sell out within the first 30 minutes, but are some of the best in the state

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: The brisket was listed as being sliced, but it was really chopped up and crumbling apart. Slightly overcooked and dry, but had really good smokiness; however, it needs more seasoning and bark. Burnt ends were a better option if I remember correctly from my last visit, but I would still order these if craving some brisket and was already in for a stop

St Louis Style Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: Salt, pepper, and others, with a light glaze of sauce

Seasoning: 8.25/10

Description: These were some pretty lean ribs for the meat and bone ratio, but with fall-off-the-bone tenderness while still having a nice tooth to them. Needs more smoke and seasoning, but good texture and overall flavor. The ribs are worth ordering, but not the best of the best

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: A little dry, but with nice pieces of bark mixed in. Light smokiness and seasoning, but tasty overall. Would probably get again, but not a must-have 

Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Description: Sliced for presentation, the casing still had a good snap and a nice heat to it, too. Kielbasa consistency, but good meat-to-fat ratio for its interior. Worth ordering again for the table to share

Sauces – Spicy Chipotle and Swine Bite N Bold

Description: Didn’t officially review

Sides – Fried Okra

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Crispy breading and perfectly cooked, but not much for seasoning or flavor, as it needs more salt at a minimum, or the dipping sauce it comes with. Would get again though 

Sides – Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10

Description: Thick consistency with a nice, heavy beef gravy. Reminds me of cafeteria mashed potatoes for consistency, but it was well seasoned and well balanced with the gravy. Would probably get again 

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Description: A Mix of green and red cabbage and carrot. Mayo-based, but with a more viscous and light consistency, it was creamy, but with a light tartness to each bite. It was also a little sweet and really good overall, but it needs a little pepper. Even though this leans on the Mayo side for its flavor profile, I would probably get it again

Interior & Menu Photos: