BBQ

GQue BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8/10 and Yes. With multiple locations across the front range, GQue has certainly earned their ranking and success by producing some of the best pulled pork in the state. Decent little spot for grabbing some bbq, stick with the pork options and you can’t go wrong

Date Visited: 12/23/2020

Address: 5160 W 120th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020. Multiple locations in Lone Tree, Lakewood, Denver, Folsom Field

Day of the Week: Wednesday

Time of Day: 12:23 PM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Jason Ganahl

Website: https://gquebbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in November 2015

Number of People in Line: 0, but a few sitting down

Regional Style of BBQ: Combination of several regions

Total Cost: N/A

Type of Wood: Hickory shipped in from eastern Kansas

Type of Smoker: N/A

Type of Seasoning: N/A

Best Dish: Pulled Pork, maybe their ribs

Best Sauce: Not reviewed

Best Side: None ordered

Interior Description: Low key interior on the end of a strip mall, with awards, photos, and cut wood stacked along some of the walls, with walk up ordering

Pro Tip: Go for the pulled pork, ribs, or burnt ends

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and others

Description: Use a blend of seasonings for their brisket. Once of the juicer briskets in Denver, with good hickory smoke flavor running through it. That said, seasoning was too light and needed more, with about a 1/4 inch smoke ring to it. Doesn’t need any sauce, but the house tangy is a nice addition and one of the few bbq sauces I’ve really really enjoyed. Said they smoke the brisket for 13-14 hours and use the same seasoning blend for the brisket as the ribs. Seasoning has an unique eastern asian flavor to it that doesn’t taste like your standard American barbecue, but is good overall. Was also some of the thickest cut brisket I’ve had. 50/50 on if I’d order again

Burnt Ends

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Description: Good blend of fat and meat to each piece, with good smokiness and bark to them and seasoned well overall. Were a little tough to chew on some of the cuts however, say I can’t say they are the best of the best, but they are pretty solid for the most part and are probably close to a top 10 burnt end in Colorado

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Seasoning: Same as brisket

Description: These are some sweet ribs with strong tastes of brown sugar running through them. Moist and juicy, but they were a little tough to the bite. A very unique sweetness running through them giving me hints of eastern asian flavors. Had a light wisp of smoke to them, but pretty mild overall. A good rib with unique flavor, would put them in the top 5 in Denver, but certainly not a traditional style seasoning. Would get again

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: One of the better pulled porks I’ve had in Denver. It was a little tough and chewy, but some of the best individual flavoring I’ve had in the state. Had a small amount of hickory coming through for the smoke flavor, but could have used more to it. They sprinkle a little bit of the seasoning over the top of the pulled pork as well. It was moist and had enough flavor that it didn’t require sauce, but the Tangy is a nice addition if adding some on. Would order again as this is one of the better pulled porks in the state

Sauces – Tangy – Needs review

Interior & Menu Photos: Didn’t take any

Switchback Smokehouse

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8/10 and Yes. Ended up stopping here after a warm winter day hike and was pleasantly surprised by what we found. Nestled right between Bear Creek Road and Bear Creek itself, Switchback is a cozy little spot with indoor and outdoor picnic table seating. One of the only places I’ve ever seen with smoked duck as an option, would recommend to anyone driving by, but would also say its worth making the short trip from Denver for a destination visit as well. Wide ranging and non-traditional bbq menu that should please almost anyone in your group, with a dog-friendly patio that makes a great spot for a post hike bite. Would recommend making a stop

Date Visited: 2/26/2022

Address: 26220 Colorado 74 Frontage, Evergreen, CO 80439

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 2:11 PM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Darryl Swartz

Website: https://switchbacksmokehouse.com/

Number of Years in Business: Since 2012

Number of People in Line: About 15 people already sitting down

Regional Style of BBQ: Doesn’t claim on specific style and blends several together for unique offering. Does make the brisket Montreal style, so more of a thinly sliced pastrami than traditional brisket

Total Cost: N/A

Type of Wood: Colorado fruit woods

Type of Smoker: Unsure

Best Dish: Duck

Best Sauce: Mule Sauce

Best Side: Didn’t order any

Interior Description: Small cozy interior with walk up ordering, that has interior and exterior picnic tables for you to sit down and enjoy your bbq at. Picturesque views along Bear Creek make this a fantastic spot to grab a tasty bite of bbq

Pro Tip: Don’t skip on the duck, as one of the only places you can find it and is top quality on top of it.

St Louis Style Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Really solid rib overall, that was fall off the bone tender, but at the same time had a nice crispy exterior as well. That said, the rib had minimal seasoning to it that left it a little bland, but had really great smoke flavor running through it. Would recommend adding The Mule hot sauce they they make in-house for the best combination. Would order this one again

Duck

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Good apple smoke coming through in each bite. Extremely tender and juicy with a nice light gaminess with the natural duck essence coming through. Had a mild seasoning on the outside which was tasty, but had it had been more powerful/intense it would have put the duck over the top into almost being perfect. Would absolutely order this one again

Sauces – Mule Sauce (Hot) – Need official review

Sides – None ordered

Interior & Menu Photos:

Hogback BBQ & Grill

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.5/10 and Yes. Located right off of 470 in a short little strip mall, these guys are turning out some of the top brisket and smoked chicken around. Laid back vibe, with good food and reasonable prices, would recommend this place to anyone who is in the area and looking to get their bbq fix taken care of

Date Visited: 1/21/2023

Address: 7986 S Depew St, Littleton, CO 80128

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 12:15 PM. Opens at 11:00 AM

Owner: Andrew Petrone and Greg Petrone (originally from Littleton, with a catering business as well)

Website: https://hogbackbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2015

Number of People in Line: No line, but 15 people sitting down already

Regional Style of BBQ:

Total Cost: $57.54 pre tax and tip for 1/2 lb brisket, Half rack of Baby Back Ribs, 1/4 lb of pulled pork, 1 hot link sausage, 1/2 chicken, and a Colorado Native Amber

Type of Wood: Apple & hickory

Type of Smoker: Reverse Flow Off-set Smoker

Type of Seasoning: Blend of several

Best Dish: Brisket or chicken

Best Side: Fried Okra

Best Sauce: Maybe the Spicy but noting special

Interior Description: Modern and clean interior, with a good amount of seating, both inside and out. Wood paneling and sports flags line the walls and create a laidback vibe

Pro Tip: Stick with the brisket, chicken, and hot links, but feel free to skip the ribs and pulled pork

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: They cut it fatty and lean. Super juicy with a moderate level of smoke pulling through each bite. Fatty pieces were properly trimmed and good thickness for each cut. Would order again and one of the better briskets in Denver

Burnt Ends – Not usually served here, but can request end pieces of the brisket

Baby Back Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Seasoning: Sauced with some unknown seasoning

Description: Juicy and moist with good texture to each bite. No real smoke flavor coming through though, as sauce flavoring dominates everything else. A good, but average rib, nothing special and don’t need to order again

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Description: Mild smoke coming through, but was juicy on its own. Not much for seasoning/flavor and does need a little of the original sauce to bring it up a level. Could skip this one next time

Sausage – Hot Link

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Split sausage that’s brushed with sauce. Slightly dried out, but good overall heat level and spice flavor. Would order again if in the mood for a hot link

Smoked Chicken

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Well cooked with a good crispy seasoned skin to it, served as a legit half chicken. Had a light and pleasant smoke flavor coming through. Might be one of the juicer chickens I’ve had in awhile, but does need more smoke flavor internally to take it over the top. Would order again and one of the best smoked chickens in Colorado

Sauces – Original, Spicy, & Carolina

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Description: The Original is a pretty basic barbecue sauce, with nothing really unique about it. Reminds me of a Sweet Baby Rays or store bought option. The spicy has a little bit of a kick to it, but also nothing too special. Lastly, The Carolina is closer to a Heinz Yellow Mustard than anything else, with maybe a little too much vinegar to it. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend any of them

Sides – Fried Okra

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Description: Lightly fried with a good crunchy texture. Could use more seasoning, but tasty overall. One of the few places in Denver offering this, so would recommend grabbing if you have a chance

Interior & Menu Photos:

Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Q

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 7.5 to 8/10 and Yes. Bison ribs are the main reason to come here along with their lamb, as both meats are a rarity to find for most BBQ places. Overall, nothing special for the standard BBQ meat options, but the specialty cuts do shine through. Customer service was top notch from ownership as well, especially with comping a half rack of Bison ribs after first order was not up to their usual standards. Would go back again

Date Visited: 4/1/2021

Address: 2387 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210

Day of the Week: Thursday

Time of Day: 11:00 AM. Opens at 11:00 AM

Owner: Coy & Rachael Webb

Website: https://roamingbuffalobbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in January 2015. Had a second location in Golden, CO but it has since closed down

Number of People in Line: 1 ahead of me

Regional Style of BBQ: Self-described “Colorado Style”. Coy is originally from Texas though.

Total Cost: $25 with tip. 1/4 lb of burnt ends, 1/4 lb of pulled lamb shank, 1 bison jalapeno cheddar sausage. (I did also order a 1/2 a rack of bison ribs, but they were comped by Rachael for the miss order on the first round of ribs I got)

Type of Wood: Pecan

Type of Smoker: N/A

Type of Seasoning: Blends of several seasonings

Best Dish: Bison Ribs

Best Sauce: Hot

Interior Description: Small interior with only 4 tables, but does have outdoor seating options. Very small kitchen/bbq prep area for them, which creates a cozy atmosphere while waiting in line

Pro Tip: Get the bison ribs and lamb options, as one of the only place you can find either

Burnt Ends – Thursday only

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and other blends with BBQ sauce. Cooks them for an extra 3 hours after separating and coating with the sauce

Description: While the burnt ends are moist, with good seasoning and flavor overall, it does taste slightly different than most other burnt ends around. The flavor that comes through ends up tasting more closely to a beef roast, which was still enjoyable, but not the traditional expectation. The cuts are massive and could be trimmed a bit more of some their fat, as some were almost completely fat with no meat to them. Said they chop off half of the point to make the burnt ends and then leave the remaining portion to be sliced fatty or lean. Overall, nothing too special and 50/50 on ordering again

Bison Short Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce

Description: First batch I ordered were insanely tough and dried out to the point that I actually took it back. The owner Rachael agreed that they were a pretty rough batch and gave me a new one right away and even comped them. Have to give her big points for customer service on that one. The second batch of ribs had good flavor to them, with a nice light gaminess coming through along with smokiness. Had a good texture to it, where they were almost fall off the bone, but still had a little bit of bite to them. Would order these again, but a half wrack would be all you need

Pulled Lamb Shank

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Seasoning: Not sure if there was any

Description: Moist, with minimal seasoning if any to it, which does allow the natural lamb flavor to really shine through. Needs some of the sauce though, as it can’t stand on its own without either a side dish to combine with it like a coleslaw or a little sauce added. Both the hot bbq and sweet sauces can quickly overpower the lamb though, so use sparingly

Bison Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Good snap to the casing. Interior has a creamy, but still structurally sound blend of fat and meat. Little heavier on the fat than usual and almost has a chorizo type flavoring coming through. Can definitely pick up on the cheddar though. Good overall, but a little salty, so 50/50 on if I would get it again, as it was tough to finish a whole one due to the saltiness

Interior & Menu Photos

A Bit Twisted Brewpub & BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.5/10 and Yes it is. A rare BBQ brewery blend, where both of the crafts are churning our delicious options. The BBQ is worth a stop on its own, but with a large tap list of tasty beers as well, would recommend popping by if you’re in the area

Date Visited: 3/10/2024

Address: 3095 S Peoria St # B, Aurora, CO 80014

Day of the Week: Sunday

Time of Day: 11:15 AM, opens at 11:00 AM

Owner: 4 Owners, two from Texas & two from Colorado. Matt Vargocko, Brandon Foreman, Michael Richie and one more

Number of Years in Business: Opened September 25th, 2021. Looking to open two more locations as well

Number of People in Line: 0, but about 8 rolled in after me

Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas

Total Cost: $49.89 with 20% tip. Ordered the two meat platter with smoked chicken and pulled pork, with a 1/4 lb of the brisket and flight of 4 beers. Came with Texas Toast, potato salad, and baked beans for the combo

Type of Wood: Post Oak

Type of Smoker: Offset Smoker and several upright smokers out back

Best Dish: Pulled Pork

Best Side: Baked Beans

Interior Description: Small little strip mall spot from the outside, with a Texas BBQ meets Colorado craft beer themed interior with seating for 30-40. Nice walk-up bar, with a large tap list of house-made beers to choose from. Just a hint of smoke smell in the air, with laid-back rock music playing in the background. Multiple TVs also give a slightly sports bar theme as well, but definitely a chill spot to grab some beers and bbq

Pro Tip: Get the pulled pork and brisket, skip the chicken and order the in-house beers, which are solid all around.

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: They keep the point and the flat together for slicing the brisket, but you aren’t able to request fatty or lean, just whatever they give you. Ended up getting two fatty pieces served to me, which was fine on my end, as they don’t have burnt end options. The brisket was a little on the thicker side for its cut of each slice, but had good smoke flavor running through it and a nice light seasoning of salt and pepper. That said, needs more of the seasoning to come through overall. Minimal red ring and could use a little more fat left on on the brisket during trimming, as some of the leaner sections where a little tougher and dried out at the ends. Would order again though

Burnt Ends – Not served here

Pork Spare Ribs – Only served on special occasions

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and possibly some others

Description: Very juicy, with good smoke flavor, and large chunks of the bark and meat mixed in each bite. Sauce isn’t needed, but it could use a little more seasoning to it. One of the better pulled porks in Colorado though and would order again

Smoked Chicken

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Pretty dried out, but has good smoke and pepper flavor to it. Needed some sauce to give it a little bit of moisture, but then the sauce overpowers the chicken flavor, which is a shame, because the smokiness and seasoning were actually really good. If it were juicier, I could bump this up 1 to 2 spots in its ratings. Would be down to give it another try though, as the flavor was there, just not the juiciness desired

Sauces – Had two options, but didn’t rate them

Sides – Potato Salad

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Description: While I typically don’t get potato salad, this one came with the combo meal I ordered, so figured I’d try it out. Even though I’m not a fan of potato salads, this one did have good overall taste and the potatoes were cooked perfectly. Not something I’d order again based on my preferences, but for people that like this type of dish, it is one of the better ones I’ve ever had

Sides – Baked Beans

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Smokey and very tasty, as they add a little bit of bacon to it as well. Very much appreciated that it wasn’t overly sweet like some baked beans can be, but had a light and balanced sweetness to it. Similar to the potato salad, I’m not typically a big baked bean fan, but would order these again as a side

Interior & Menu Photos:

Scooter’s Smokehouse & Grill

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.5 to 9/10. Yes, definitely worth a stop, especially at their new location in Georgetown, which I’ll still need to visit, as this review was while they were still at their Conifer location. For high elevation barbecue, it’s hard to find better, as they do a solid job across the board with all of their meats, but the turkey and pulled pork were the clear winners from the order. Would recommend for anyone heading into the mountains for the weekend and especially for anyone coming back from an early morning 14er hike, as their menu is a perfect reward for guilt-free binge eating of BBQ

Date Visited: 6/4/2021

Address: This visit was at their original location in Conifer, but they have since moved to 1416 Argentine St, Georgetown, CO 80444

Day of the Week: Friday

Time of Day: 1:00 PM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Tyler, Kathy, & Mike Barnette

Website: Don’t have one listed, but do have an Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/scootersbbqcolorado/

Number of Years in Business: Since 2016 starting as a trailer, the moving to brick and mortar

Number of People in Line: 6 with 6 more seated

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas

Total Cost: $36 with tip. 1/4lb burnt ends, 1/4lb lean brisket, 1/4lb pulled pork, 2 ribs, 1/2lb turkey, 1 shiner bock

Type of Wood: Hickory

Type of Smoker: Commercial convection for the majority of smoking, but does have reverse offset smokers onsite too

Type of Seasoning: Salt and pepper for brisket, then additional for other meats

Best Dish: Turkey or Pulled Pork

Best Sauce: Didn’t try any

Best Side: Didn’t order any

Interior Description: They’ve since moved, but it was a simple mountain rustic interior, with maybe 5-8 tables and nice bar for ordering and grabbing a drink. Most people seemed to be grabbing to-go orders. Had some covered picnic tables for outdoor seating in the front as well

Pro Tip: Order the turkey and pulled pork for sure, with the brisket and ribs being optional, and could skip the burnt ends next time around

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt and pepper only

Description: Had the fatty cut for my order. Very juicy and good blend of fat and meat. Thickly cut pieces, but I would be willing and able to eat a few of them. Needs a little more seasoning as it’s still pretty light on the smoke flavor, but the hickory comes through nicely. Would order again

Burnt Ends

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt and pepper

Description: Light sale and pepper covering, with hickory smoke being the main flavor coming through. More meaty than fatty, they were slightly dried out but tasty overall. Wouldn’t feel the need to order again over the fatty cut, but would eat a few for sharing at the table if available

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Tender, but not quite fall off the bone. Light seasoning but really good hickory smoke coming through. No sauce needed for these ribs. Would order them again, but also nothing too over the top. Might be the 5th or 6th best in Colorado, but need to order again at the new location

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Great texture with the crunchy pieces of skin mixed in with the meat and fat. Definitely a Top 5 maybe Top 3 pulled pork in Colorado. The meat stands on its own and it doesn’t require sauce. That said, the original sauce does give it a little bit of extra sweetness if that’s your thing

Turkey

0/10 Ranking: 9 to 9.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: The turkey was extremely juicy with good smoke and seasoning flavoring coming through. Thinly slices, it may be Top 3 if not Top 2 turkey in Colorado. Leave the sauce off this one, as it stands on its own no problem. Quarter pound was enough with everything else ordered, but would absolutely get this one again

Interior & Menu Photos

Hank’s Texas BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9/10 and Yes. Sadly, Hank’s is no longer in business, but there is a chance it could come back at some point. That said, the place had great vibes and brisket and would have recommended it to anyone who was craving some Texas Style BBQ

Date Visited: 5/12/2021

Address: 5410 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220

Day of the Week: Wednesday

Time of Day: 11:15 AM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Christopher Nicki

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2019

Number of People in Line: 2 in front and then 6 more after me

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas

Total Cost: $39 with tip. 1/4lb lean brisket, 1/4lb fatty brisket, 1 spare rib, 1 sausage, 1/4lb pulled pork, 1 Shiner Bock

Type of Wood: Post Oak

Type of Smoker: Offset reverse flow

Type of Seasoning:

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: Hot/Smokey

Best Side: (Needs review)

Interior Description: One of my favorite in Colorado. It has a nice BBQ feel without feeling faked or gimmicky. There’s also a really nice outdoor patio area that sits adjacent to the outdoor smokers & firewood. Laid back 90’s and 2000’s music filled the speakers while I was there, so any millennial should feel right at home when they come for a visit

Pro Tip: Beef ribs on Saturday’s, Prime Rib Sunday’s, Wing Wednesday, Burger Fridays

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: Texas Style fatty and lean only for options, no burnt ends here. Juicy and trimmed well, had great overall flavor, but needs more of a smoke and seasoning punch to take it to the top of the local ranks. That said, I could easily east 1/2lb of the fatty and lean problem and this was easily a top 4 or 5 brisket in Denver. Smoked for 9-12 hours between 225 and 260 degrees

Burnt Ends

Description: Not served here

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, onion powder

Description: Tender, but only at the minimum baseline for juiciness and moisture, as they could almost be considered dried out. Minimal seasoning on the ribs and not a ton of smoke flavor coming through either. 50/50 on if I would order the ribs again. Said they smoke them for 4-6 hours

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe cumin and others?

Description: Very juicy, maybe one of the juiciest in Colorado. Had a unique flavor with the seasoning, but not much for smoke coming through. A little over cooked as the meat was on the verge of getting mushy. That said, really good with the smokey sauce and would order again with that

Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Description: Good blend of fat and meat with a nice internal texture and consistency. No sauce needed and can stand on its own. Not necessarily a distinctive flavor profile that comes out of it, but it does a great job of blending seasoning and meat for a balanced and tasty sausage

Sauces – Hot

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Smoky with a slight heat on the backend. Really good with the pulled pork

Sauces – Carolina

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Description: Intense mustard and vinegar flavor coming through. Overpowering is the first word that comes to mind, so only need minimal for dipping

Interior & Menu Photos

Post Oak Barbecue

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9/10 and Yes. Absolutely worth a stop, with almost every one of their meats being a top option for Colorado. May be the best spot in the state on any given day, as it will scratch the itch of anyone craving some Texas style BBQ. Always one of my first recommendations for anyone asking where to go in Denver, as it’s never left me disappointed. That said, get there early, because this place always fills up fast

Date Visited: 3/5/2021 and 6/26/2021 for their anniversary party (with suckling pig)

Address: 4000 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

Day of the Week: Friday for first visit and Saturday for second visit

Time of Day: 11:08 AM for first visit and 10:38 AM for second visit. They open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Nick Prince

Website: https://www.postoakdenver.com/

Number of Years in Business: June 26th, 2019

Number of People in Line: 7 people the first time and 5 people the second time

Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas

Total Cost: $42 with tip. 1/4lb of brisket, 1/4lb burnt ends, 1/4lb pulled pork, 1 sausage, 1 spare rib, 1 Shiner Bock

Type of Wood: Post Oak and mesquite

Type of Smoker: Offset smoker and electric combination

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, & garlic for brisket but additional blends for other meats

Best Dish: Brisket or burnt ends

Best Sauce: Texas

Best Side: Coleslaw

Interior Description: Modern upscale interior meets Texas BBQ joint with classic tin tiled ceilings, reclaimed wood walls, and refurbished wood floors, that has an elevated design with a high-end bar and whiskey wall directly across from the chopping boards. Fun and classic old-school bbq vibes with a warm and pleasant staff who always seems to be having a good time

Pro Tip: Go on Fridays for the burnt ends and Saturdays for the beef ribs, as they are one of the few places in Colorado that does them

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, & garlic

Description: Smoked for 14 hours with Prime Angus cuts. They had a good 1/2 smoke ring around each piece and had a nice smoky and peppery flavor running through it. A very juicy and moist brisket, easily a top 3 in the state and worth an order every visit

Burnt Ends

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, & garlic

Description: Only served on Fridays. The seasoning and smokiness make for a great flavor running through each piece. Juicy and mostly meaty, they add their own blend of Texas sauce and few other ingredients to it before tossing them back in the smoker for another hour and half to caramelize. Would order again

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Seasoning: 8 different spices

Description: St. Louis cut heritage pork. Fall off the bone tender with good smoker and flavor running through the entire rib. This one sits behind Rollin’ Bones and Smok for best in Colorado, but it is a very close number 3

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Description: While the pork was juicy, it had little smoke or seasoning coming through each bite. Was a good, but pretty middle of the road pulled pork and needs some sauce to improve it. Could be skipped for other meats or sides next time around

Jalapeno Cotija Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Description: Made in-house with a balanced spice, meat, and fat blend to it. Had a good crunch to the casing with subtle smoke notes and a creamy texture running through each bite. The spice level with the jalapeno was right on point. Would order again

Sauces

Sides – Coleslaw

Sides – Mac & Cheese

Interior & Menu Photos

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8/10 and Yes. Worth a visit if you’ve never been, as the BBQ was decent overall, although not spectacular, but the ambiance and the vibes make up for it. Ordered the redneck taco with pulled pork and the Big Brother Sampler on a local’s recommendation and neither disappointed. Portions and sides were great for the price and will leave you full at the end of your meal. Worth stopping in you’re nearby one, but lean more towards pork than beef options

Date Visited: 2/9/2023

Address: 3108 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

Day of the Week: Thursday

Time of Day: 11:15 AM opens at 11:00 AM

Owner: Pat Martin

Website: https://www.martinsbbqjoint.com/

Number of Years in Business: Since 2006, with multiple locations in multiple states

Number of People in Line: 3 in line, with 15 people already sitting down

Regional Style of BBQ: Tennessee

Total Cost: $51.91 plus tip

Type of Wood: Hickory

Type of Smoker: Coffin smoker, similar to Lockhart BBQ joints

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and several others

Best Dish: Ribs or redneck taco

Best Sauce: White sauce

Best Side: Mac & cheese

Interior Description: Old school BBQ style, with road signs, license plates celebrity photos, and posters lining the walls. Light country music playing with a nice smokey smell hitting you as soon as you walk in

Pro Tip: Try the white sauce, as it’s not something you get everywhere, as well as order the redneck taco

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and maybe others?

Description: Served fatty or lean, ended up ordering the fatty pieces. Light smoke and seasoning through the piece, but good flavor overall. Needs more bark and more smoke to come through though. Good, but nothing special

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Dry rub and wet rub options available

Description: Really good smoke flavor running through it, one of the smokiest I’ve ever had, but not overpowering. Fall off the bone tender, without being mushy and over cooked. Light seasoning for the the wet rub, that needs more overall to take it to the next level. The dry rub was a little too much dusty seasoning on the tip and the rib being a little over cooked as well. While good, make sure you go with the wet option

Sauces – Jack’s Creek

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Classic west TN style, with a sweet vinegar & pepper sauce from their description on the bottle, which was accurate as described. Good heat blend and a very watery sauce, but good on the pulled pork and the brisket

Sauces – Alabama White

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Description: Creamy, with a cinnamon or nutmeg finish and just a smidge of pepper to it. Very unique flavor, but I think it would go best with a chicken dish

Interior & Menu Photos

LuLu’s BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8/10 and Yes. Good spot for some BBQ while up in Louisville. The service and wait staff were extremely friendly and the restaurant has a welcoming feel overall. The brisket was definitely the best meat ordered, with the ribs coming in second. Seeing as how there was about a foot of snow on the ground at the time I visited and around 25 degrees outside, would be interested in going back to see if warmer temperatures would lead to better BBQ flavoring and to check out the outdoor seating options. Overall, it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area and feeling like you want a taste of Texas. They are also planning a second location in Arvada for 2024, so will be trying the new location a little closer to home once it opens

Date Visited: 2/10/24

Address: 701 Main St, Louisville, CO 80027

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 1:03 PM. Opens at 12:00

Owner: Kevin Herrington

Website: https://www.lulusbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2011

Number of People in Line: No line, but 30 people already sitting down when I got there

Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas

Total Cost: $58.50 plus tip

Type of Wood: Post Oak

Type of Smoker: Off-set

Type of Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: Original

Best Side: None ordered, but relish was 8.5/10

Interior Description: BBQ sheet metal sheds, road signs, and Texas stars cover the walls. Large outdoor seating options in the front and back as well. No music playing, so quiet vibe, with a faint smoke smell hanging in the air

Pro Tip: Go for the brisket and request burnt ends if possible

Brisket 

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: Lean pieces for the half a pound, with 3/4 inch red ring on each piece. Good flavor overall, but needs more smoke and seasoning flavor to come through to take it to the next level. Moisture level is on point, but just a little bit on the dry side. Would get again and was the best meat from today. Friend recommended that I order the burnt ends next time

Pork Spare Ribs  

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper with a little of the sweet and mild sauce added at the end

Description: Tender to the bite, with a heavy pepper flavoring coming through, but not much for smoke flavor. Cooked well, but flavor and smokiness are coming up a little short. Would try them again though

Pulled Pork 

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper, but minimal overall

Description: Juicy on its own, but sauce makes it better. Not a ton of smoke flavor or seasoning, and somewhat bland on its own. Sweet and mild sauce is a good addition, but no need to order this one again

Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Seasoning: Unknown

Description: Okay flavor with a little bit of spiciness to it, but nothing special. Casing had a good snap, but overall not blown away by the flavor or seasoning. Good fat to meat ratio though. Not made in house, as Old Style Sausage makes them down the street. Skip for the next time

Interior & Menu Photos