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 fiance, and staff member, all of who were super welcoming and provided great customer service and conversation. Learned that JT has been 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, will absolutely be back to see the evolution of the bbq and the restaurant and would recommend for anyone swinging through the area or on your way in 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 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:
The House of Salt & Smoke 