Colorado Barbecue reviews

Turner’s Pit Barbeque

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.75/10 and Yes. A small spot in the tiny town of Berthoud, just south of Fort Collins. Walking up, there was not a ton of smoke in the air, but it was also 30-40 mile per hour wind gusts, so this wasn’t surprising. Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was that they had a very friendly staff, and it seemed to be a local gathering spot for playing Golden Tee and starting the weekend early, based on the patrons I saw.  As a heads up, it’s more of a bar/restaurant feel than a traditional/designed BBQ joint for the interior, but don’t let that stop you from heading in and placing an order. That said, I was very happy that I saw some massive offset smokers out back, so I was still encouraged that I was about to get some good smoked meats that matched the high reviews and recommendations they’ve received. Similar to when I was walking up to the restaurant, there was not much of a smoke smell upon entering, but it certainly had a laid-back, welcoming vibe to it, with just a hint of BBQ smoke in the air. Also, in addition to the BBQ, they have a full burger, sandwich, apps, and salad menu, with full bar options available as well to help wash down your meal. They even have a small stage set up as well for some live local music if that’s your jam. In terms of the food, I was pleasantly surprised at how good everything was, with each dish I ordered being extremely enjoyable and reasonably priced, but especially the brisket, which is easily the best I’ve had north of Denver. Overall, it creates a strong local hangout community feel, and while it does lean older in years for the patrons, it also creates a warm, friendly environment that is typically synonymous with happy BBQ vibes and pits. Probably a top 10 brisket and ribs in the state, and absolutely some of the best BBQ north of Denver. Would recommend and will be back for sure

Date Visited: 1/16/2026

Address: 237 Welch Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513

Day of the Week: Friday

Time of Day: 11:32 AM. Opens at 11:00 AM

Owner: Veronica and Mike Turner? (Wife and husband owners)

Website: https://turnerspitbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened brick and mortar location in December of 2024, but was a food truck and caterer previously

Number of People in Line: 0, but 12 already sitting down and about 20 who came in after me

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas-Style

Total Cost: $89.31 with tip. Ordered 1/2 lb of brisket, 1/2 lb of pulled pork, 1/2 slab of ribs, mac & cheese, garlic mashed red potatoes, and 2 Dale’s Pale Ales for drinks

Type of Wood: Oak

Type of Smoker: Custom Off-sets

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

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: Original

Best Side: Garlic Butter Mashed (Red) Potatoes

Interior Description: Tiled floors, with wooden tables and chairs, with a full L Bar providing plenty of stool seating. Stage for live music and a nice outdoor patio with metal tables and chairs for good weather seating options. Had some light blues music playing for a laid-back atmosphere, which leans more local dive bar than a pure BBQ joint, but is an enjoyable experience overall

Pro Tip: Make sure you place a double order of the brisket and ribs. Best BBQ north of Denver so far 

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10

Seasoning: Salt and pepper

Description:  For the half-pound order, it came in two thickly cut pieces and one thinly cut, with lean having a section of each. Both the fatty and lean pieces had about a half-inch of red ring around them, and the entire piece had some nice bark to it. While nothing over the top in terms of seasoning or smoke flavor, it was perfectly tender and melted in my mouth. Really well balanced between the smoke, salt, and pepper, as well as being well trimmed, even for the fatty piece. While I would like a little more pepper and smoke to come through in each bite, this is one of the best-cooked briskets I’ve had in Colorado in a while and would absolutely get it again. Would have to put them in the top five to ten in the state based on this initial visit, so will need to come back again for a follow-up. Absolutely worth ordering and making a trip for

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, lightly sauced

Description: Peppery ribs, which make their presence known right in the first bite, and something that other Colorado spots could take a page from (coming from a pepper fan). Well-cooked, being juicy and tender, but not perfectly fall-off-the-bone. They were also well trimmed with a good amount of meat on each rib. It looks like they do a light sauce right at the end of the cooking process that gives it a nice sweetness and glaze, but doesn’t overpower it with sweetness either. Every now and then, you bite into a sugar crystal for a pleasant and surprising sweet crunch, too. Really tasty rib that I would absolutely get again, and one of the more pepper-leaning options in the state

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.25/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Juicy with a light smokiness to it. Really well cooked, but could use some more seasoning and smoke to it too, as the overall flavor was a little light. Had a little bit of bark mixed in for some texture, and was improved with just a little bit of the original BBQ sauce. Quality pulled pork, but not as outstanding as the brisket or as good as the ribs. Would get again, but not a must 

Sauces – Original

0/10 Ranking: Didn’t review

Sides – Spicy Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Description: Shell pasta with heavy cheese sauce visible over the top. Seems closer to a queso cheese blend, with a little bit of heat and spice to it. Noodles were well-cooked, but the sauce seemed a little too close to queso than a true Mac and Cheese. That said, a unique option for the state and is worth ordering for the table, and was a tasty side overall

Sides – Garlic Butter Mashed (Red) Potatoes

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: They used red potatoes for the mashed selection and left some of the skin on for some additional texture. It had large pepper grains, which were visible and blended throughout. That said, while they were creamy and peppery, they also needed some salt, as they were a little bland otherwise. Good touch of garlic to them without it being overpowering, leaving a balanced and tasty bite each time. Would get again, especially as a rare spot serving mashed red potatoes for the base

Interior & Menu Photos:

Smokin’ Yards BBQ – Round 2

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

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:

Busey Brews Smokehouse & Brewery

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8 to 8.25/10 and Yes. Situated right in the heart of downtown Nederland, this is a unique spot that was a brewery first and has added a smokehouse option to it. While the beers may have been the original focus, the barbecue also delivers and making it a great spot to stop after a day hike in the mountains or a winter skiing session at Eldora. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the entire place has a nice laid-back atmosphere, accentuated by being perched right along a river that trickles by as you dine or drink. Solid small town mountain vibes, with steel features, custom wood ledges, and historic skis and split boards adorning the walls. While it might not be the best barbecue in the state, its atmosphere, ambience, and overall experience make it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area and craving a bite and a beer. Would absolutely come back if in the area, both for the BBQ and the in-house pours. Reasonably priced as well with the combo plates, so while you do have the option to order meats individually, I would recommend ordering one of the combination platters for the better value. And even though the beer is certainly the focus here, this is a solid mountain BBQ option to stop at as well

Date Visited: 7/2/25

Address: 70 E 1st St, Nederland, CO 80466

Day of the Week: Wednesday

Time of Day: 11:48 AM. Open at 11:00 AM during the week and 10:30 on weekends

Owner: Kyle and Janice Busey

Website: https://buseybrews.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened October 19th, 2019

Number of People in Line: 22 sitting down, with another 10-15 that came in after me

Regional Style of BBQ: Multiple styles, although the owner is from Virginia, so leans Carolina style

Total Cost: $68.06 with tip – Ordered the platter and a half rack of ribs on the side, plus a beer. Came with brisket and pulled pork for the mains, and then coleslaw for the side

Type of Wood: Honey locust, sugar maple, and peach. Will change up what they use depending on availability

Type of Smoker: Unsure

Type of Seasoning: Multiple different blends

Best Dish: Ribs

Best Sauce: Didn’t review, but three different options were available

Best Side: Mac & Cheese

Interior Description: Rustic mountain is probably the best way to describe Busey’s interior. With corrugated walls, concrete floors, and custom wooden countertop seating surrounding a unique fire pit seating option, it creates an industrial, but inviting environment. Indoor seating options with a full bar for probably 30-40 people, with additional exterior seating that I believe is dog-friendly. It’s the perfect place to stop, be it after a long day of skiing and needing a rest before starting the drive back, or just stopping in for a quick pint or bite of BBQ after a well-earned day in the mountains

Pro Tip: Go for the ribs, enjoy the beer, and sit in the back patio area to take in the views with the river slowly flowing by

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: Thickly cut fatty piece that came with the platter. It was a juicy brisket with a light smokiness to it and mild seasoning. While tender and juicy, it wasn’t anything special or over the top, but was a decent brisket. 50/50 on ordering again 

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, sugar, maybe others

Description: Half rack as an add-on, the ribs were tender but not quite fall off the bone. Still had a little tooth to each bite. They sauce them on top of a pre-rub, which creates a nice peppery finish, probably one of the most pepper-heavy options in the state, and this was the best meat dish I had today. While I typically don’t like sauce, these were well done, and the sauce had a nice snap to it, vs being too sweet. Would get these again. Well-balanced flavors and an enjoyable rib overall  

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: In-house blend, season before and after pulling

Description: The pulled pork had some nice bark to it, with it being juicy and tender in each bite as well. Nicely seasoned, albeit a little salty, and a really solid overall option to get. Would order again 

Sauces – 3 Options House BBQ, Hot BBQ, Virginia BBQ

Description: Didn’t review

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Description: Green and red cabbage, mixed with carrots. Very dill heavy, so much so it overpowered everything else. Unless you love dill, skip it. Outside of the flavor, it did have a nice refreshing crunch and acidity, but dill was too much 

Sides Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 7.75/10

Description: Italian bread crumbs sprinkled on top with some Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce within the noodles. Noodles were Al dente, and the breading added a nice crunchy texture. Sadly, though, the Mac itself was somewhat flavorless. Would try something else next time 

Interior & Menu Photos:

Boudreauxs BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.75/10 and Yes. Located along Main Street in downtown Canon City, Colorado, Boudreauxs has a nice, inviting look and feel from the street, with a cool mural on the side of the building, and with the light smell of smoke enticing you to step inside as you stroll along. Once you open the doors, you are greeted by a friendly staff and traditional BBQ joint settings, with seating at the bar, on the main floor, or on the outside patio, which is dog-friendly and shaded. This all comes together to create a laid-back vibe and environment, perfect for enjoying some barbecue. I ended up meeting with the owner, Drew, who was extremely welcoming and happy to chat all things BBQ with me. Learned he likes to use Pecan wood for his smoking activities and typically gets their wood from Los Cruces or Galveston, Texas, when he makes his regular trips to visit his dad. He will use local wood too, as needed, but definitely prefers his Texas logs. In terms of the food, Boudreauxs might be the best BBQ south of Denver for those venturing near the Colorado Springs area. With solid brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and some of the best coleslaw in the state, it’s 100% worth a visit if you’re in the area and craving some BBQ. Not sure if it’s completed as of this posting, but he’s also planning on opening up a Cajun specialty food store section in the restaurant, which I will absolutely be coming back to visit and buy from

Date Visited: 6/8/25

Address: 224 Main St. Canon City, CO 81212

Day of the Week: Sunday

Time of Day: 11:30 AM. Opens at 11:00 AM

Owner: Drew

Website: https://www.boudreauxsofcanoncity.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2023

Number of People in Line: 0 in front of me, but 5 came in afterwards

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas/Louisiana

Total Cost: $60.40 with tip. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and a beer

Type of Wood: Pecan

Type of Smoker: Southern Pride Rotisserie Smoker

Type of Seasoning: Salt, Pepper, and Cajun Blends

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: Original & Hot are a tie depending on personal preference

Best Side: Coleslaw

Interior Description: Nice, clean atmosphere with wooden beams and awnings, with corrugated steel in the bar and in the ceilings. Sports teams, beer signs, and mounted animals adorn the walls, with the Wisconsin/Packer and Leinenkugel’s influence present from the previous owner, so Midwesterners will feel right at home. Light classic rock playing with three TVs playing as well. Plans to expand with a small interior southern Louisiana a speciality shop and to expand the kitchen and outdoor area. Both areas are great to eat at, but the patio is also dog-friendly 

Pro Tip: If you’re in this part of town, make sure to stop for the brisket and coleslaw, which are both in the top 10 for Colorado for their respective categories. Make sure to get some of the pickles too, as they were perfectly balanced, and nice and crisp, especially on a hot summer day

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9 /10

Seasoning: Salt and pepper

Description:  A well-trimmed and thickly cut fatty slice that had a mild smoke ring, but also really good smoke and flavor running through it. While it looked overcooked, the meat was tender and juicy, with a pleasant smoke and seasoning to each bite. It could use a little more pepper, though, to bump it up a rank. But beyond that, a really good brisket, especially for using Pecan wood, which I typically don’t like for beef smokes. Would get again and possibly top 10 in the state

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, sugar, others

Description: Thinner ribs, but perfectly tender and fall off the bone, while still having a good bite to them. Less smoke flavor than the brisket, but still a nice amount of it. A slightly sweeter rib, and the meat could use a little more flavor to it, but a really good option, and I would get it again. Skip the sauces for this one though

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 8.75/10

Seasoning: In-house blend, seasoned before and after smoking

Description: Really well balanced with a nice smokiness that’s probably one of the top 5 in the state. Could use a little more pepper or seasoning, but beyond that, it’s a damn good pulled pork with some sauce needed, but both the original and hot are tasty additions if you’re a sauce fan. Ordering again next time I’m there

Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Cheddar cheese mixed in, so once again, any Midwesterners visiting will feel right at home. The casing had a good snap and nice smoke flavor, but inside was dried out and crumbled with each bite. Flavors were on point, just needs more fat and less cook time. Would get again to see if it was just a one-off with being drier

Sauces – Originial

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Description: A thinner sauce that has a nice pepper and vinegar kick to it. It was a nice addition to the pulled pork

Sauces – Hot

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Description:  This one lives up to the name and is a more amped up version of the original. Nice sweet heat to it, that builds nicely. Solid Texas hot-style BBQ sauce option  

Sides – Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description:  Nice breading on top and mixed in with the pasta, looks like they bake it and then scoop it to size. Al dente noodles that were nice and creamy. Could use more seasoning and flavor, but solid side overall and would get again 

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Description: Creamy, with nice crispy cabbage and slight acidity. One of the best I’ve had in a long time, would absolutely get again, even though it’s more mayo than vinegar-based, which I usually lean the opposite of. Could use a little pepper and more vinegar, but pretty much perfect beyond that 

Interior & Menu Photos:

Wayne’s Smoke Shack – Round 2

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.25 to 8.5/10 and Yes. Worth a stop, but not the best in Colorado in anything outside of maybe their garlic mashed potatoes. Wayne’s is located out in a nice suburban strip mall, nestled between Boulder and Denver in the town of Superior, and is open only on Fridays and Saturdays. Admittedly, I was reviewing this for a second time due to a recent Reddit post regarding my Colorado BBQ rankings, where a lot of people had some strong opinions that Wayne’s was the best brisket and BBQ in the state. As such, I recognized I hadn’t been there in almost 5 years, and my original review was one of my first ever, so I wanted to give them a second chance to see what everyone was raving about. Walking up to the front door, I was hit with a nice smell of smoke and an unexpected number of people already waiting in front of me. For it only being 6 minutes past opening, I was pleasantly surprised to see 28 people ahead of me in line. Upon entering, I noticed they have frozen BBQ meats also available for takeaway, which is a unique option not really available at other Colorado locations. They also have grab-and-go take-away side dishes as well. As a heads up, they don’t have a liquor license, so only fountain drinks and sweet tea here. Friendly staff, though, and can serve down to 1/4 lbs of any of the smoked meats. I got the Wayne special, which came with 1/2 lb meat option plus a side and drink, and I added in a wide range of additional meats and sides. While the steady flow of people was nice to see, I found myself confused, because while this is better BBQ than I remember, it’s also not worth the premium price they charge compared to other locations. Add in that they don’t have Shiner Bock or Lone Star (Central Texas BBQ staples) or any other beers I can enjoy with my barbecue, and I find myself sticking closer to my original review than what my local Reddit enthusiasts think. Although, to be fair, they were better than I remember and do have a good BBQ vibe and ambiance to it, with solid customer service and improved sides, so I bumped them up 14 spots in my state ranking and 17 nationally. While the food was better than I remember, none of the meats blew me away, with some leaving me underwhelmed. Overall, it is worth stopping in for a visit, as they do have some unique flavors compared to other locations across the state, but I have a hard time putting them in a top 5 in anything outside of their garlic mashed potatoes

Date Visited: 5/24/2025

Address: 406 Center Dr, Superior, CO 80027

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 11:06 AM. Open at 11:00 AM (Only open Friday & Saturday)

Owner: Wayne & Sam Shelnutt (Husband & Wife)

Website: https://www.waynessmokeshack.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2011 and expanded in 2017. Suffered severe smoke damage on December 30th, 2021 in the Superior fire, re-opened June 6th, 2023

Number of People in Line: 28 before me, and 22 came in behind me. Took about 20 minutes to get through ordering

Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas Style

Total Cost: $93.70 with tip already included or built in. Ordered the Wayne Special, which is a 1/2 lb of any meat, a side, and a fountain drink, but I went for the $3 brisket up charge as well. Also ordered 2 ribs, 1 brisket burnt end sausage, 1 chicken quarter, 1/4 lb of turkey, and then garlic mashed potatoes and the Smoke Shack BBQ Chili for an extra side. Came with free white bread as well, but the sauces are $1 a piece, with three options available

Type of Wood: Post Oak

Type of Smoker: Upright Electric or Gas-powered smokers, I think, but I need to verify

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper for brisket, and then a ton of others for ribs, chicken, and turkey

Best Dish: Burnt End Sausage

Best Sauce: Didn’t try or review any, but they are each $1 a piece

Best Side: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Interior Description: Wood paneled shaker shingles align the walls, with the Colorado flag painted over it, and a black corrugated open ceiling with clean ductwork visible. Comfortable table seating with padded chairs and wood booths or wooden picnic tables and polished concrete floors. On the far wall, they have black and white photos of Central Texas legends and pits for a nice old meets new age BBQ vibe. They have sauces, but charge $1 per sauce, so I skipped them. Had classic and present-day rock music playing. Metal picnic tables out front for about 50-60 people, with seating inside for about the same, but more lined up family style, with the interior picnic tables being connected in two long rows

Pro Tip: Get the garlic mashed potatoes and a reminder that they are only open on Fridays and Saturdays. And if you want a beer with your BBQ, get it as a to-go order, as they don’t have a liquor license

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to maybe 8.75/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe garlic

Description: They use grass-fed beef I believe, as they had several signs mentioning it. Juicy brisket with good smoke and pepper coming through in each bite. Lean pieces did start to crumble, though, and it was just slightly overcooked, but really good overall. Minimal smoke ring, but a nice bark with a nice punch of salt and pepper. Similar for the fatty piece, while it was really good and pretty juicy, it was a little tough and was slightly overcooked, making it crumble, and causing it to be a little mushy to the bite. While this was better than I remember, it’s not the best in the state, especially for still being the highest-priced option anywhere. Pit Fiend, Post Oak, Smok, Hogback, Scooter’s all above it, same with others, but probably in the Top 10 in the state. The pieces were also thickly cut, which was also needed with it crumbling apart. Would order again, but it’s also the highest priced brisket in the state, so just a heads up

Brisket Burnt End Sausage

0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10

Description: Smoky flavor right when you bite in. Not much of a snap to the casing, but a nice, balanced interior that holds together well and has a nice, fat-to-meat blend, leaning heavier on the meat for the ratio. Would like some more seasoning and spice to it, but a delicious sausage overall, and would order again. Served sliced or whole, depending on preference 

Wayne’s Signature St. Louis Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Blend of a lot of seasoning, including brown sugar. Sweet blend

Description: Heavily seasoned, with a visibly crunchy bark on them. Literally fell off the bone when I tried to pick it up. A sweeter rub and rib, with, I believe, brown sugar crystals being present on the outside. The meat literally slid off the first bone and was really juicy, but just a little overcooked, similar to the brisket. Would like a little more bite to it for texture, but still enjoyable. Leaning more fatty than lean, good taste overall, but not much smoke flavor or pepper coming through. Meat itself doesn’t give a ton of flavor, but the bark makes up for it. Solid rib and would get again, but only one is needed, not one I’d get a whole rack of

24 Hour Smoked Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Multiple and then mixed with a Carolina mustard

Description: Really juicy pulled pork, with a Carolina mustard flavoring coming through right away. Not much in the way of smoke coming through, and definitely a sweeter pulled pork. Good overall, but if mustard isn’t your thing, you’ll probably want to order something else. No real bark there either, but would get again  

Slow Smoked Chicken Quarters

0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10

Seasoning: Mixed blend, but not a fan

Description: Very juicy chicken quarter, with a nice crunchy skin. Sprinkled with a slightly sweet seasoning that was okay but not great. Not much smoke or flavor in general to the chicken meat itself. Probably not one I’d get again, which is a shame, because while it was super juicy and cooked perfectly with the crunchy skin, the flavor just wasn’t that enjoyable. Would skip for the next time 

Brined Boneless Turkey Breast

0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10

Seasoning: Mixed blend, same as the chicken

Description: Really juicy turkey breast, thickly cut. I think similar seasoning as the chicken, and while cooked well, it was also lacking in smokiness and flavor. Unfortunately, the overall cohesion of flavors just doesn’t stand out and isn’t anything special. Better turkey at several spots in Colorado, so skip this one for something else. Seasoning just isn’t my favorite and brings its rating down, but still really well cooked, so 50/50 on if I’d get it again  

Sides – Garlic Mashed Potatoes

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Description: Best thing I ate here today. Creamy, buttery, and velvety with a large punch of garlic in each bite, these are some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve had in years. They leave some of the skins in it, which provides a nice texture to the dish, with fresh black pepper blended in each bite as well. Absolutely order again, and would get an extra side order to take home  

Sides – Smoke Shack BBQ Chili

0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10

Description: Loaded with pulled pork, kidney beans, green chili, and onions, this is a solid side dish option to go with. It has a little bit of a kick to it for spice, but the flavors are balanced, with the beans having just a little bit of tooth to them for a nice textural experience. Would get this again too

Sauces

I didn’t have any or review them, but I believe they have 3 options available in Original, Texas Hot, & Carolina Mustard for an additional charge of $1 each

Interior & Menu Photos:

Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8 to 8.25/10 and Yes. Sitting right in the heart of Denver University, you walk in and are immediately greeted by a friendly staff. You order at the counter, with 3 options for combo plates, or you can grab individual meats and sides. As a heads up, they don’t actually smoke things here; everything is, in fact, grilled. That said, they do a good job with it and are consistent with their grilling technique across all of their meats. Since they don’t smoke anything, there is no real BBQ smell to speak of inside of the restaurant, but they offer a laid-back, clean environment with a nice offering of quality options at a reasonable price, with all meals served in to-go containers. Also, a special shoutout to Darrian, who was working today and gave us great customer service, and as an added bonus, he makes the banana pudding, which I’d recommend getting as well. Another thing to note is that they don’t have a liquor license, so only bottled and fountain drinks are available, in addition to sweet tea. No brisket here either, but they supplement that with having catfish and shrimp as a southern replacement. Would go back again if I’m in the area, especially for some of the shrimp

Date Visited: 5/18/2025

Address: 2100 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210

Day of the Week: Sunday

Time of Day: Arrived at 11:55 AM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owners: Khristian Matthews & Ki’erre Dawkins (Cousins)

Website: https://www.saucyssouthernbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Started as a Food Truck in 2018, opened a their brick & mortar on October 1st, 2022

Number of People in Line: 1 person sitting down ahead of me. 4 came in after us

Regional Style of BBQ: Mississippi Style

Total Cost: $42.81 plus tip. Ordered the 3 Meat Plate With 2 Sides. Came with Ribs, Shrimp, Wings, & ordered a Hot Link on the side. Went with the Southern Style Green Chili Mac N Cheese, Sweet Baby Baked Beans, and ordered a side of Great Granny’s Green Beans, & Fried Okra, with Banana pudding for dessert (although this was offered by the staff to try as a sample)

Type of Wood: None, they grill everything, nothing is smoked

Type of Smoker: N/A, everything is grilled

Type of Seasoning: Lots of sauces

Best Dish: Shrimp

Best Sauce: Sweet Red Chili

Best Side: Okra or Banana Pudding

Interior Description: Clean interior, with a modern restaurant vibe to it. Outdoor and indoor seating available, with chairs, high tops, and booths that can probably fit 50 people. Small drink station. Have black and white photos of the owners, staff, and Mississippi hanging on the walls in addition to several articles on the owners 

Pro Tip: Make sure to get the shrimp with the sweet chili sauce

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure, but heavily sauced

Description: As a reminder, these are grilled, not smoked, just like everything else here. That said, the grill flavor comes through right away in each bite, with the sauce being enjoyable and not coming across too sweet or generic tasting. The ribs were a bit tough, but that’s also somewhat expected when you grill vs smoke them. Not sure if I’d order them on their own, but I would have one if the group got a rack

Hot Link

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 8.75/10

Description: These had a nice snap to the casing, even after being split in half and served on a bun. They had a little bit of spiciness and heat to them, with a nice texture and balanced meat-to-fat blend. Would get again, but can do without the bun

Chicken Wings

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Honey Bourbon mixed with Hot Lemon Pepper sauce 

Description: Really good flavor to them and with just a hint of spiciness in each one, this sauce mixture was recommended as one of the owner’s personal favorites. Definitely had the chargrilled essence to it and was cooked well, but was just slightly overdone. Would order again and would get the same sauce

Shrimp

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10

Seasoning: Sweet Chili Sauce

Description: Well seasoned and perfectly cooked. Would recommend getting this with the sweet chili sauce. Crispy without being mushy and overcooked inside for the shrimp, they were a nice change of pace as a BBQ option not typically found in Colorado. Would get again 

Sides – Fried Okra

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Crispy and very well-cooked. Could use some more seasoning to it, but would order again 

Sides – Southern Style Green Chili Mac N Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Really creamy consistency with the green chili sauce adding in a little heat, but nothing crazy. Cooked a little past al dente, but still good overall. Would probably order again 

Sides – Sweet Baby Baked Beans

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Solid side dish overall, with the classic Bush’s baked bean flavor to them, albeit with an improved upon taste. Beans had a nice bite and viscosity to them. While I’m not typically a baked bean fan, would recommend if it’s one of your typical orders

Sides – Great Granny’s Green Beans

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Description: Served with bacon chunks and potatoes mixed in, it was a little too salty and tasted like canned green beans that were mixed in with everything else. Apologies to Great Granny, but I wasn’t a big fan of these. Skip this one for next time 

Sides – Banana Pudding

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Creamy banana pudding with vanilla wafer crumpled on top, I believe, but could have been homemade as well. Tasty without being overly sweet, it has an enjoyable little tang to it, and the crunch of the wafer adds a nice bit of texture at the end. Would order again

Sauces

Didn’t officially review, but had the sweet red chili on the shrimp, which was excellent and would recommend. Then, for the wings, I took Darrian’s advice and mixed the honey bourbon with the hot lemon pepper, which is one of the owner’s favorite blends and was a solid recommendation for the chicken

Interior & Menu Photos:

Sugarfire Smoke House

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 7.75 to 8/10. Maybe. Rolling in, I had my hesitations about the place, based on its location in a suburban planned strip mall development, but also with it being a chain from out of state, as this is 1 of 12. That said, when I walked in the door I was pleasantly surprised, as I was instantly hit with a nice waft of oak floating through the air. In traditional bbq or fast casual fashion, you order cafeteria line style, choosing between individual meats, combo platters, sandwiches, burgers, and even salads. Opted for the Meat Daddy platter as it was a taste of pretty much everything and was a pretty affordable price for how much food you get. Started with the brisket, which shocked me at how good it was, but after that, all of the meats mostly let me down, with a small upswing at the end with the cheesy garlic mashed potatoes. Service was on point, and the place had a laidback chill environment/vibe to it, with 90’s-2000’s rock and alternative playing at a low volume, while the staff cracks jokes with each other. Not the best place to get bbq in Colorado, but certainly not the worst either. Without a ton of close other options in Westminster/Thornton, it’s a okay spot to stop at, but isn’t worth a special trip on its own either. Would come back if people invited me, but also not making a stop unless it’s directly on my way

Date Visited: 5/4/2025

Address: 14375 Orchard Pkwy #100, Westminster, CO 80023

Day of the Week: Sunday

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

Owner: Mike Johnson and Chad & Jamie Green

Website: https://sugarfiresmokehouse.com

Number of Years in Business: Opened June 2018

Number of People in Line: 2 people were already sitting down before I walked in and 23 came in after me over about 45 minutes

Regional Style of BBQ: Blend St Louis/KC/Memphis/Texas

Total Cost: $44.99 with tip. Ordered the Meat Daddy Platter. Came with 1/4 lb brisket, 1/4 lb of pulled pork, 1/4 lb of turkey, 4 ribs, 1 sausage, and two sides. Choose the brisket mac & cheese and the cheesy garlic mashed potatoes. Also came with a fountain drink, so I got sweet tea and ordered a Gravity Amber on the side (separate charge at the bar)

Type of Wood: Oak & cherry

Type of Smoker: Electric or gas? (Unsure, as I didn’t see a trailer or pit out back and couldn’t see into the kitchen)

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, in-house blend

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: Texas Hot

Best Side: Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes

Interior Description: Sitting inside a newer built strip mall, in a planned suburban shopping district, there is seating for probably close to 100 between the indoor and outdoor options. Inside has concrete polished floors running throughout, with a combination of black corrugated steel, brick, and stained/reclaimed wood aligning the walls and the ceiling. It has a new age bbq vibe to it, without being overly corporate or cookie-cutter about it. You order traditional cafeteria line style, leading you into the fountain drinks, sweet tea and bbq sauce station, before flowing past a fully stocked bar into indoor and outdoor seating options. BBQ sauces and paper towels adorn every table, with mostly metal chairs, stools, and wooden benches available for seating

Pro Tip: Stick to the brisket and cheesy garlic mashed potatoes and avoid the pork options

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 8.75/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: Served as lean slices for the platter, the brisket has a nice smoke flavor that comes through with each bite, and was well seasoned, but could have used a little bit more. That said, they did have a nice peppery finish to them.  Even though the lean slices were from the end, they were all juicy and well trimmed, with just enough fat to them. Minimal smoke ring to each piece, but a really solid brisket overall and would get again. For being a St. Louis style bbq spot, I had slightly lower than average expectations for the brisket, so was pleasantly surprised when it was as good as it was

Baby Back Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 7.25 to 7.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, others (maybe paprika or the house rub)

Description: Bland is the first word needed to describe these ribs. Was surprised they weren’t sauced, especially with being St. Louis style for bbq, but that unfortunately didn’t help its cause. While they looked appealing and well seasoning from the outside, they were unfortunately pretty flavorless, with minimal smoke or seasoning coming through. That said, they were mostly well cooked, as they were tender and had a nice meat to fat ratio, but just didn’t have enough pulled together to make it one to get again. Skip it 

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 7.75/10

Seasoning: Unsure, but minimal

Description:  While it was a juicy pulled pork, it was slightly overcooked and was, similarly to the ribs, rather bland. Low level of smoke coming through and have to search a bit for seasoned pieces. No bark to speak of, leaves this one on the not to order again list

Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10

Description:  Whole sausage link, sliced up. Had a little bit of snap to the casing, but was mostly limp. Creamy interior, especially with the melted cheddar cheese, that has a nice spice kick with the jalapeño coming through on the backend. No real smoke flavor to speak or to be found, but still an enjoyable cheddar sausage for yourself or to share, but nothing special overall either 

Turkey

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Looks like the house-blend

Description: Really juicy turkey that’s thinly sliced. Not a ton of seasoning or smoke coming through, but it was cooked perfectly, with it being tender and moist to each bite, but I would have liked some more smokiness to come through. Not a must order, but would get again to split with the table 

Sauces

Description: Didn’t officially review any, but tried them all with Texas Hot being the best, but they were all pretty average

Sides – Brisket Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Sauced and chopped brisket on top of the mac. Not the biggest fan of the sauce they used, but the mac was super creamy with the noodles being just slightly past al dente. Good dish, but also needs more seasoning to it. Would get again though but not a must order 

Sides – Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10

Description: Heavy on the garlic in all the best ways. This one may stick with you for a while, so fair warning. That said, they are worth the potent breath, as they are velvety smooth, with some very small but enjoyable mashed pieces still finding their way through in each bite. One of the most flavorful mashed potatoes I’ve had at bbq spots in Colorado, would absolutely order these again

Interior & Menu Photos:

Serious Texas B-B-Q

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8/10 and Yes. Sitting almost directly in the middle between Loveland & Fort Collins, Serious Texas B-B-Q sits on a large property and building, with great views of the surrounding Front Range Mountains, and a great outdoor patio area with a mini waterfall and space for your furry friends. Very much a Texas-style interior, with corrugated steel along the walls and large wooden tables for dining, with red metal fold-up chairs. While the BBQ is okay overall, the setting and views give it some extra points towards being worth a recommendation. A cool place for Colorado BBQ where you can have a great view of the Front Range, enjoy some good food next to a running hardscape waterfall, and you can bring along your dog for the patio seating. Would stop by again if in the area

Date Visited: 9/8/2024

Address: 201 W 71st St, Loveland, CO 80538

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 1:30 PM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Hunter Swanson. Took over for his parents that started it, Joe & Cookie

Website: https://www.serioustexasbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Founded in 1998 in Durango, CO. This is one of their 4 locations, with one 2 in Durango, 1 in Fort Collins, and 1 in Loveland

Number of People in Line: 4 in front of us and about 20-30 sitting down already

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas Style

Total Cost: $48 with Tip. Got brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, chicken wings, chipotle coleslaw, mac & cheese, and apple crumble

Type of Wood: Unsure, but I believe it was either Oak or Hickory

Type of Smoker: Electric smoker in the back it appears

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe others

Best Dish: Pulled Pork

Best Sauce: Original

Best Side: Apple Cobbler

Interior Description: It has a nice smell of smoke when you walk in, with a pleasant staff and comfortable seating for probably over 100 people. Switch back lines for ordering your food at the counter, and then you can take it back to your seat, either inside or out. Rustic setting with exposed ceilings and several bar signs, vintage gas station apparel, and stickers lining the walls, with 90s rock music playing when we came in. Had an electric smoker in the back with sweet and unsweetened tea, and grab-and-go cooler beers as you’re waiting in line, which definitely lives up to the Texas influence

Pro Tip: Visit this location for the views if nothing else, but the BBQ is pretty good too. Sit outside on the patio if possible, and go with the pulled pork, ribs, and the apple cobbler

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.25/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe some others

Description: The brisket had a good smoke flavor to it with minimal seasoning and bark. Had about a 1/4-inch smoke ring, but was slightly tough to the bite and was slightly chewy with more thick-cut pieces. Would get it again though, especially if visiting earlier in the day, but it does need more seasoning to it overall, and was oddly cut

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe others

Description: Fall off the bone tender with a nice smoke flavor and level of seasoning, but could use a bit more of both to take it to the next tier. Would get it again though

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: It had some bark to it, with moderate smoke flavor coming through in each bite. Slightly dry, but also good on its own. Would recommend the original sauce with it among all the options available

Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Creamy interior texture with a slight snap in the casing. It had a little bit of spice and heat to it, which was enjoyable and tasty. Had a nice meat-to-fat ratio, but could use a little more smokiness to them. Would get again

Turkey

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Peppery with mild to moderate smokiness. The bird was tender and juicy, but not the best of the best for Colorado. Would get again through if in the mood for smoked turkey

Chicken Wings

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure, multiple spices

Description: They were crisp to each bite, with a light smokiness and a juicy wing overall. They had a dry rub on them as well, with crispy, but not rubbery skin. Good on its own or with ranch, would get these again, and they are one of the rare spots that does chicken wings, so grab them if you’re craving a smoked wing option

Sauces – Didn’t review them, but the Original was good for the pulled pork

Sides – Chipotle Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Description: It was okay, but nothing special at all, with a pretty mild flavor in general. Light mayo and acidity to it, needs more seasoning/flavoring to everything overall. Free tree to skip this one as a side

Sides – Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 7.75/10

Description: Thin and runny sauce, but good overall flavor and cooked al dente. Could skip for the next time, as this also needs extra seasoning or a thicker base sauce for it to be worth a reorder

Sides – Apple Cobbler

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Sweet, but not overly so, with a nice crunch to the crumble and good crispness to the apples. Would get again, but a small order is all you need

Interior & Menu Photos:

Sundance Pit BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.5/10 and Yes. Decided to stop here on my way back from Colorado Springs, as the reviews were outstanding on Google, and I am rarely down this far south. Stopped in almost right when they opened, with the restaurant sitting right along the main street in Palmer Lake. Had nice views looking out into the mountains, with counter service ordering right when you walk in the door. Ended up getting to chat with JT, his fiancée, and a staff member, all of whom were super welcoming and provided great customer service and conversation. Learned that JT has been in the service industry for years and was finally able to open his own spot with Sundance. Originally from Palmer Lake, he grew up in Central Texas as well as attended Culinary school in Austin, which is where his passion for brisket and post oak comes from, and when he moved back, he decided he wanted to bring some of Texas back with him. That passion for Central Texas-style BBQ definitely comes through, especially with the brisket, Texas Twinkie, and even the Tex-Mex-influenced elote. With them starting out less than a year ago, I will absolutely be back to see the evolution of the BBQ and the restaurant, and would recommend it for anyone swinging through the area or on your way between Denver and Colorado Springs. Would recommend for a visit and worth a stop for sure

Date Visited: 9/14/2024

Address: 25 CO-105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 11:25 AM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: JT Cline

Website: https://sundancepitbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened December 16th, 2023

Number of People in Line: 0, but 3 came after me and two to-go orders

Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas

Total Cost: $54 with tip. Ordered 1/2 lb Brisket, Pulled Pork (no 1/4 lb options), 1 Sausage, 1 Texas Twinkie, Coleslaw, 1 Shiner Bock

Type of Wood: Red, white, and post oak depending on availability

Type of Smoker: Off-set smoker, from BBQ Pits by Klose in Houston, Texas

Type of Seasoning: Salt & Pepper

Best Dish: Brisket or Sausge

Best Sauce: Didn’t review

Best Side: Texas Twinkie

Interior Description: Cozy and unique layout, with seating right in front when you walk in, as well as several rooms in back with larger tables for bigger groups. Could probably fit about 30-40 people if needed. Full drink menu including beer, wine, and spirits

Pro Tip: Texas Twinkie is a rare item in Colorado, be sure to grab one or several while you’re here

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: 1/2 lb order ended up being one very thickly cut fatty slice, with some nice bark to it. It had a nice 3/4 inch smoke ring to it and was super tender and juicy and cooked almost perfectly. While the salt and pepper come through each bite, the brisket needs more of both overall. Had a good level of smokiness to it, but could use more intensity there as well. Solid brisket and probably a top 10-15 in the state. Would order again

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: The pulled pork was dry and didn’t have much for seasoning or smokiness coming through. Chopped up vs pulled, while some pieces had some bark, not much overall. BBQ sauce helps a little, but not the best overall. Could skip this next time to try something else

German Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10

Description: Gets these from Sarah’s sausages right now, but is planning on making these in-house down the road. The sausages had a great fat-to-meat ratio, with a taut snap to the casing and a nice smoke flavor to it. Will absolutely order the next time I’m there

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Cream texture with crisp cabbage. Leans more mayo than vinegar, but balanced overall and is a nice side to break up the BBQ with. Worth ordering for the table

Sides – Texas Twinkie

0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10

Description: A unique item not found in the Denver area, so this was a nice surprise to see. It’s essentially a smoked jalapeno, wrapped with bacon, and stuffed with a cream cheese brisket filling. The bacon was crisp on the outside, and the internal filling was very tasty as well. Good spice level to it, and would recommend you grab them if they are available

Sides – Pickles

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Description: Crisp with almost a perfect level of acidity. Finishes clean for each bite, with a slight saltiness perfect for cutting some of the meat’s fattiness. Comes included with all the meats, but don’t skip them

Interior & Menu Photos:

B-Man ‘s BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.25 to 8.5/10 and Yes. B-Man’s is tucked in a small little industrial neighborhood just off Hwy 85, surrounded by camper storage lots, some private businesses, and junk yards. That said, it gives it a nice low-key vibe and also has great views of the Front Range mountains in the distance. Walking up to the building, you get a nice smell of smoke before you open the door, with a friendly staff and welcoming interior waiting for you inside. Outside, you have the primary smoker right front, alongside some unique metal pig art. In terms of the food, the brisket was solid, and the other meats were on par as well, so I would certainly visit again if in the area, but nothing was a must-have. Worth stopping by, especially on a nice weather day to enjoy some good BBQ and nice outside seating views, with or without your dogs and family

Date Visited: 9/7/2024

Address: 5500 N Plum Ave, Sedalia, CO 80135

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 11:35 AM, Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Brian Martinez & Will Johnson (Navy Friends)

Website: https://bmansbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: N/A

Number of People in Line: 1 and then 4 came after me and two had large to-go orders

Regional Style of BBQ: N/A

Total Cost: $36.57 with tip. 3 Meat combo platter with fried pickles. Brisket, pulled pork, and sausage plus two rolls and a Fat Tire

Type of Wood: N/A

Type of Smoker: Multi-chamber off-set smoker. Looked custom built

Type of Seasoning: N/A

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: Mild

Best Side: Fried Pickles

Interior Description: Gave me small cottage vibes when I walked in, with seating for maybe 30 people. You order at the window and then get your food delivered to your table, either inside or out. Depending on the season, would recommend sitting outside for the views of the mountains, and so you can bring your furry friends as well

Pro Tip: Get the brisket and fried pickles, as they are one of the few places that has them

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure, but at least salt and pepper

Description: The combo portion came with three lean cut pieces with a nice 1/2″ smoke ring and a perfect fat trim at the bottom. Tender and juicy with a nice bite to them, but they were just a little bit firmer than I would have liked. Not really much for bark, but the seasoning and the smoke are well blended for a tasty and balanced bite each time. They could have used a little more smoke and pepper to it, but would absolutely get this one again, and it was their best meat overall

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Juicy with some nice seasoning to it. Tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture, but not mushy, and actually had some bark on some pieces as well, which is a feat to accomplish. Was slightly too salty though, and could have used a little more smoke flavor to it, but a solid pulled pork overall, and would get it again. While no sauce is needed, if you do want to add some, I’d recommend the Mild as the best option. It’s the best one for preserving the pork’s flavor, while still bringing a nice sweetness to it that doesn’t overpower the meat’s original taste. The Hot BBQ sauce takes over the flavor of the pork and the palate. Even though the spice and taste of the Hot is enjoyable, it becomes the only flavor you taste very quickly

Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Smoked, cut up, and then sauced. Had a nice meat-to-fat ratio, while still having a taut casing to it. Could have used a little less sauce to it, but good overall. Would get again, but also not making a special stop for them either

Sauces – Mild

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: A thin sauce that is slightly sweet, but not over the top with it. Has a little bit of acidity to it, with a nice flavor overall. Good with the pulled pork

Sauces – Hot

0/10 Ranking: 7.75/10

Description: Thin sauce as well, that does live up to its name, but goes slightly too far with the heat. Unless you’re a hot sauce fanatic, go easy when applying to your BBQ, as it will overpower almost all of the other flavors with its spice. One of the spiciest Hot BBQ sauces in Colorado, so would recommend it if that’s your thing, but if not, proceed with caution

Sides – Fried Pickles

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Pickle chips with a nice light breading and some mild seasoning to it as well. The pickles were crispy without being overcooked and had a nice salt and acidity balance to them. One order should be split between 2-3 people though, but it is also a solid value at only $6. Would get again

Interior & Menu Photos: