Pulled Pork

Smokin’ Outlaw Kitchen

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 7.5 to 8/10 and maybe worth a stop. Upon arrival, they had Eric Clapton and blues music playing, but no smoke smell to really speak of. Overall, the barbecue didn’t really blow me away, but he makes a great hot sauce and the service was top notch. The staff and the owner were super friendly and welcoming, so would stop by and try them out again, as I may have just caught them on an off day

Date Visited: 6/19/2024

Address: 4211 S Natches Ct a, Englewood, CO 80110

Day of the Week: Wednesday

Time of Day: 10:55 AM. Opens at 10:30 AM

Owner: Brandon Hawk

Website: https://smokinoutlawkitchen.us/

Number of Years in Business: Opened as a food tuck in 2019 and brick and mortar in 2021

Number of People in Line: 0, but 3 came in after for to-go orders and 4 came in to sit while I was finishing up

Regional Style of BBQ: Oklahoma/Texas

Total Cost: $33.22 before tip. Ordered 3 meat 2 side combo platter with a hot link, jalapeno cornbread, and soda added on. Got the brisket, two ribs, & pulled pork with bacon mac and cheese and the chili corn

Type of Wood: Oak

Type of Smoker: Split offset

Type of Seasoning: Mostly just salt and pepper

Best Dish: Hot Link

Best Sauce: Hot

Best Side: Bacon mac & cheese

Interior Description: Had 5 picnic tables for seating, but are expanding into the back for probably double the seating space. Wanted Outlaw Reward signs hang next to old western rifles and pistols, as they line the walls along with a few barbecue themed ones. Small and cozy little bbq spot to pop into off of Santa Fe

Pro Tip: Go with the hot links, and pulled pork with the hot sauce

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: Didn’t ask if I wanted it fatty or lean, just served as is. Ended up being a fatty and thick cut, which had minimal bark and seasoning to it. Was tough and a little dried out, as it looks like it may have been cut the day before and simply reheated on the grill. I’d skip this the next time around unless I was for sure getting a freshly cut piece

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure, but light seasoning

Description: Minimal seasoning on these and they also appear to have been precut from a former batch and then placed on a grill to heat back up, as the grill marks were clearly visible. Sadly, this left the ribs a little tough and chewy, but their saving grace was that they did have a nice smokiness to them. Would try them again in a half-rack to see if it improves

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Really juicy overall, but needs some seasoning added to it, as it was pretty light with the flavoring that comes through. That said, adding the hot sauce gives it a nice pop of flavor to enhance it. Would order again

Louisiana Hotlink Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Doesn’t make them in house, but had a great flavor and blend of meat to fat ratio. Splits them for a quick turn on the grill and the casings had a nice snap to it, with a dash of heat to each bite. Best thing they had and would get again

Sauces – Original

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Thicker and sweeter than the hot sauce, it had a good smokiness to it and wasn’t overly sweet. Vaguely reminds me of KC Masterclass BBQ Sauce

Sauces – Hot

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: One of the better hot bbq sauces I have had in awhile. It’s thin in it’s consistency, but never approaches being watery. Has a good flavor and perfect heat level to it. Would order and use again, especially with the pulled pork

Sauces – Carolina Mustard

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Description: A thin sauce as well, that has a good vinegar pop to it. Finished light and doesn’t lean too heavy into the mustard flavoring. Would use again as well

Sides – Bacon Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Noodles were al dente with a nice smokiness coming through each bite. Creamy consistency and nice bacon bits throughout the dish. Good portion size and flavoring, make this a yes for ordering again

Sides – Chili Corn

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Description: Corn was crisp, with what looked like marinated bell pepper strips and green chili added in. Was okay overall, but not a dish I would normally have gotten. Definitely a unique option that I haven’t seen anywhere else, but would probably skip it next time

Sides – Jalapeno Cornbread

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Moist with a nice jalapeno flavor and heat coming through each bite. Hit’s the spot if craving some southern cornbread and would order again

Interior & Menu Photos:

Peg Leg Porker

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9/10 and Yes. Even though we had to park two blocks away, as soon as we opened the car doors, we could already smell the delicious bbq that awaited us. When walking up, you’re greeted by pig themed art work and neon lights, guiding you into your pork haven. A heads up for any brisket fans, that they will need to scratch their itch elsewhere, as Peg Leg exclusively deals in hog, with a little chicken added on the side. That said, they certainly know what they are doing when it comes to crafting delicious pork barbecue and anyone in the area should certainly make a stop, especially for the pulled pork. Laid back vibes, fantastic smells & tastes, with affordable pricing make this an easy recommendation to add this as a pit stop on your next adventure in Nashville

Date Visited: 2/10/2023

Address: 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203

Day of the Week: Friday

Time of Day: 1:08 PM. Open at 11 AM

Owner: Carey and Delaniah Bringle

Website: https://peglegporker.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2013, but has been catering since 1998

Number of People in Line: 6 in line, with about 30 waiting for their order or already sitting down

Regional Style of BBQ: Nashville Style and Memphis Style dry rub ribs

Total Cost: N/A

Type of Wood: Hickory

Type of Smoker: Electric

Type of Seasoning: In-house blends and rubs

Best Dish: Pulled pork

Best Sauce: None reviewed, but several in-house made options available

Best Side: None reviewed, but the kool-aid pickles are a unique option to try out if you’ve never had them

Interior Description: Laid back sports bar themed vibes. Walk up window for ordering your food with several seating options inside and out depending on your preference, with a full bar and the smell of hickory smoke hanging heavy in the air inside or out

Pro Tip: Arrive early if you can, as some locals I was talking to says it can run out on the weekends, with lines starting early. Order the pulled pork in whatever variation pleases you, as it is some of the best I’ve had

St Louis Style Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Coated with a in-house dry rub

Description: Very tasty rib overall. They had good smoke and seasoning in each bite, with the ratio being a pretty perfect blend so that you could taste both simultaneously. As far as texture, while they weren’t fall off the bone tender they also weren’t tough either. Could have been a little moister, but the ribs were trimmed well for a nice fat and meat balance. Would order again

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Super juicy with a great smoke flavor coming through each bite. One of the best pulled porks I’ve had, with no sauce needed on this one. Great blend of meat and fat with a very tasty seasoned bark on the outside with just a little bit of crunch to it. Would absolutely order this one again

Sauces – None reviewed, but had several available

Sides – None reviewed, but had kool aid pickles, mac & cheese, smoked green beans, and coleslaw

Interior & Menu Photos:

Genesee Pub and BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8/10 and Yes. Good bbq overall and a quick easy stop either on your way or coming back from the mountains via HWY 70. When we rolled in after a hike, they were prepping for a Lobster Boil later that evening, so they also have several events and live music events throughout the year. As far as the bbq, the Kielbasa was the group favorite, followed by the turkey and the brisket. The fried okra was definitely a highlight, to go along with a really tasty and light coleslaw as the best sides. Cool setting, solid service, and tasty bbq make it easily worth a stop, especially with being dog friendly!

Date Visited: 6/1/2024

Address: 25948 Genesee Trail Rd, Golde, CO 801401

Day of the Week: Saturday

Time of Day: 12:36 PM. Opens at 10 AM on weekends and 11 on weekdays

Owner: Scott and Matthew Smith (Father & Son)

Website: https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in May 2017

Number of People in Line: 0, but 12 were already sitting down. Table side service

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas

Total Cost: Had three of us, so order the 1/2 Sampler, which comes with 1/2 rack of ribs, 1/4 lb of brisket, pork, turkey, and chicken. Included 8oz baked beans, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and potato salad. Added on a kielbasa sausage, an order of fried okra, and 7 drinks, for $126.46 before tip

Type of Wood: Hickory

Type of Smoker: Electric

Type of Seasoning: Salt & pepper typically

Best Dish: Kielbasa Sausage

Best Sauce: Spicy

Best Side: Fried okra

Interior Description: Elevated interior, with a nice bar and several seating options. Best seat in the house though is outside on the back patio, as it has several tables and sitting areas to accommodate larger crowds when they have live music playing.

Pro Tip: Make sure to order the okra and coleslaw to go along with Kielbasa, turkey, and possibly the brisket

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Salt & pepper

Description: Good flavor overall, with light smoke and light seasoning coming across each bite. Could use more of both, but it had a good meat to fat ratio and every piece was moist. Would order again, but also not a necessity

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Fall off the bone tender, but not much for smoke flavor coming through. Seasoning is tasty, but pretty light again and needs more to it. Split on if I would order them again

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Not much seasoning or smokiness to it, but it was juicy. Add in the spicy sauce to make it a better blend, as it’s a little bland on its own. Could skip this one for the next time

Kielbasa Sausage 

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Description: They split and then grill the links after smoking them. Good meat and fat ratio with a very tasty overall flavor. Would order again

Chicken

0/10 Ranking: 7/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Low seasoning and smoke coming through. A little dried out as well, not worth ordering again

Turkey

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Really tasty and juicy turkey. Nice seasoning, flavor and overall smokiness level. Would order again

Sauces – Original

0/10 Ranking: 7.5/10

Description: Sweet with a little bit of spiciness to it. Okay overall, but nothing special. Reminds me of KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce

Sauces – Spicy

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Good heat and spice flavor to it. Not too thick or too watery, with good heat balance overall and would get again, especially for the pulled pork. Best sauce they have

Sauces – Carolina Mustard

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Description: Very mustard heavy in the flavor with a sweetness to it. Reminds me of Heinz mustard flavoring, which was okay overall, but also nothing that special

Sides – Fried Okra

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Lightly battered and cooked perfectly. Good seasoning and not overly cooked, with a good bit to the tooth on each piece. As a rare Colorado BBQ side option, would absolutely recommend ordering them if you stop by and I will be ordering again next time

Sides – Mac & Cheese

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Description: okay overall, but in-between on if I would order again. Creamy with al dente noodles, but unfortunately it had low flavor and needs more seasoning to make it better and worth ordering a second time around

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Description: Super light coleslaw, with some apples mixed in for a nice crispy sweetness. Could have used just slightly more vinegar to take it over the top, but really good overall and would for sure order again

Sides – Baked Beans

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Description: Admittedly, I’m not a huge baked bean guy, but these came with the platter. They were okay overall, but almost taste like Bush’s Baked Beans and could skip for the next order

Interior & Menu Photos:

Rolling Smoke BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 7/10 and maybe. Might be worth a stop for brisket or burnt ends if you’re popping in earlier in the day, but could also easily just skip it for some better overall options around Denver

Date Visited: 12/1/2020

Address: 7470 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80122. Other locations at the Golden Mill, Stanley Marketplace, and Wheat Ridge

Day of the Week: Tuesday

Time of Day: 11:10 AM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Terry Walsh, originally from Oklahoma

Website: https://rollingsmokebbq.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened March 2014 as a food truck, then 2017 at Stanley Marketplace and February 2018 for this location

Number of People in Line: 0

Regional Style of BBQ: Unsure

Total Cost: N/A

Type of Wood: N/A

Type of Smoker: N/A

Type of Seasoning: N/A

Best Dish: Brisket or burnt ends

Best Sauce: N/A

Best Side: N/A

Interior Description: At the end of a strip mall in the suburbs. Nothing special about the interior, but do have a large offset smoker outside

Pro Tip: Stick to the brisket and burnt ends

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe others

Description: Some of the best flavored brisket I’ve had in Denver for smokiness. Had about a quarter of an inch of a smoke ring going around it and had some good bark, but it was over cooked and a little dried out for my order. May have just gotten a bad piece, but definitely a little tougher and drier then some of the other briskets. Good flavor though and would try and order again

Burnt Ends

0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe some others

Description: Burnt ends were tasty and they had a good combination of fat, meat, and seasoning to each one. Were slightly over season with salt and a little bit overdone, but don’t need any sauce and can stand on their own. I would order them again

St Louis Style Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 6.5 to 7/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: The ribs were tender, but had very little seasoning and smoke flavor that comes through with each bite. Need the sauce to salvage them, which is OK, but nothing special. Wouldn’t come back for them again

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 6 to 6.5/10

Seasoning: Unsure

Description: Nothing special at all, as it was very bland, but it at least was moist for a saving grace. However, no smoke flavor or anything really coming through. Would not order again, very average

Sauces – Need review

Sides – None ordered, need review

Interior & Menu Photos: N/A

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

Seasoned Swine BBQ

/ Mitch Clark / Leave a comment

Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.75 to 9/10 and Yes. Ribs are definitely the main attraction here, but Seasoned Swine is also turning out several delicious options across the majority of their smoked dishes. Was able to meet with Jacob the owner and found out that he is originally from Iowa and learned his rib smoking secrets from the longtime pit master Steve “Woody” Watson of Woody’s Smoke Shack, which is sadly no longer open. Considering that I had actually been to Woody’s a few years before, I was curious to see how it compared. Needless to say, Jacob must have taken great notes, as his ribs were on point, along with several other of his meat options. Easily some of the best ribs and pulled pork in the state, with some of the better house made sauces out there as well, Seasoned Swine BBQ does a great job of blending several styles of BBQ together to create a great overall offering

Date Visited: 10/14/2022 and 10/30/2023

Address: 15800 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401 and second location at 11601 E Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80010

Day of the Week: Friday

Time of Day: 11:04 AM. Open at 11:00 AM

Owner: Jacob Viers

Website: https://www.seasonedswine.com/

Number of Years in Business: Since February 2017 starting as a food truck. Brick and mortar opened in early 2021

Number of People in Line: 0, but filled up by 12:15 for lunch though

Regional Style of BBQ: Jacob is originally from Iowa, so blends a few different styles together such as St. Louis and Central Texas, but doesn’t lock into one specific type

Total Cost: N/A

Type of Wood: Cherry

Type of Smoker: Electric

Type of Seasoning: In-house blend that they make called All-Purpose Swine Candy

Best Dish: Ribs

Best Sauce: Original or Chipotle

Best Side: None ordered

Interior Description: Sitting on the second story of a short business strip near the end of west Colfax, you walk up the stairs and are instantly greeted with some Blues and Rock & Roll playing, with a slight hint of smoke in the air. Clean and bright interior, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with some nice views of the mountains. Minimal decorations hanging around with corrugated sheet metal wrapping the walls that still give off traditional low-key bbq joint vibes

Pro Tip: Ribs are the go to, but they make a top pulled pork and good overall brisket/burnt ends as well

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10

Seasoning: All-purpose Swine Candy

Description: Ordered lean cut pieces, but they were juicy to the bite. Had a minimal smoke ring to them, with light cherry smoke flavoring coming through. Ideally would like more pepper seasoning to come out and a little more smoke flavor to take this to the next level in ranking. That said, it was a tasty and juicy brisket, with no sauce needed. However, if sauce is desired, I am in agreement with Jacob that the chipotle sauce is the move to go with. Worth ordering again

Burnt Ends

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10

Seasoning: All-purpose Swine Candy

Description: Good blend of fat and meat to most of the pieces, but could use a little more fat left on them overall. Had a little better bark than the brisket did. Similar to the brisket, wasn’t overly smoky for the flavoring and could have used some pepper/overall seasoning to come through, but the blend as is, does combine for a sweeter and well rounded flavor that needs no sauce to be enjoyed. Would order again

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 9 to 9.25/10

Seasoning: All-purpose Swine Candy

Description: Perfectly cooked fall off the bone tender ribs, that still had a little bite to them. Good flavoring and seasoning, with a slight sweetness that comes through, but doesn’t go over the top with it. Could be a little juicier and use a little more pepper and smokiness added to it, but overall one of the best ribs in Colorado, with no sauce needed for this one. Would absolutely order again and this is easily their best dish to get when stopping in

Pulled Pork

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10

Seasoning: All-purpose Swine Candy

Description: The pulled pork was juicy and tender with good bark pieces that add a nice crunch to it, but it was just a hair overcooked. Very tasty and well balanced flavor overall, with just a little bit of extra Swine Candy sprinkled on top, and no sauce needed to enjoy. Would have liked a little more smokiness to come through. All that said, this holds up as one of the top 10 and possibly top 5 in Denver. If adding sauce, would recommend the original for this one. Would order again

Sausage – Jalapeno Cheddar

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Jalapeno cheddar sausage that he gets from Edwards Meats. Had a good snap to the casing, being juicy while also maintaining a firm internal consistency and slight creaminess simultaneously. Slightly too spicy for my pallet, but would recommend to anyone who enjoys a spicier sausage option. Even though it was little hot, I will be ordering again regardless, as the flavoring was great, but would also recommend ordering an extra beer to help cool it down

Smoked Chicken

0/10 Ranking: 7.5 to 8/10

Seasoning: All-purpose Swine Candy

Description: Light seasoning and smokiness coming through, but blends together nicely for a sweet overall flavor. However, was slightly dry and not as moist as would be desired. Sauce and or a beer are required for full enjoyment, with the original sauce being the way to go with this one. 50/50 on ordering again

Sauces – Original

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Tomato based with molasses. More of a thin tomato base sauce than most of this type with it’s viscosity, it had good overall flavor with some sweetness and a slight heat to it on the back end. Would get again

Sauces – Chipotle

0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 9/10

Description: Sweet, slightly smoky, that finishes off with a little bit of heat to it. Best with the beef menu items, but would use as sauce for any deep-fried food options as well. Would get again

Sauces – Carolina Mustard

0/10 Ranking: 8/10

Description: Coming in sweeter with a strong mustard flavor and with a low amount of vinegar/acidity to it. Reminds me of something closer to a honey mustard, but would enjoy it along the same lines and it does pair well with the pulled pork if Carolina is your go to style. Would get again

Sides – Didn’t order any

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:

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