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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9.25/10 and absolutely yes. Always worth visiting, whether you are a local looking for top-notch barbecue or a visitor coming from out of town on your own BBQ journey. I had gone a couple of years without visiting Post Oak after my initial review, as I was spending my time trying other establishments throughout the state to see if any could rival or dethrone them from the top spot. While I had a lot of solid BBQ at other pits, none were truly able to beat the brisket or overall BBQ offering that Post Oak provides. As soon as you walk in, you’re smacked in the face with a pleasant aroma of smoke and delicious meats and greeted by an extremely friendly and attentive staff, who are always willing to answer any questions you may have and will help guide you towards your best option. The owner is typically on-site, bouncing around and helping both front and back of house, always looking to make the experience an enjoyable one for his customers. In true Central Texas-style, you have pickles, pickled onions, and white bread available at no extra cost, with soft drinks and sweet tea to go along with a full bar and tap list. While I’m not a whiskey guy, they have a large-scale collection and have some daily specials on these for any enthusiasts. For the Texas traditionalists, they also have Shiner Bock available, along with several other beer and N/A options. Overall, you can’t go wrong with making a stop here, as they have consistently been producing some of the best barbecue in the state for years and somehow only seem to keep improving. Whether it be for the brisket, beef, and pork ribs, or just the enjoyable and energetic atmosphere, this is a needed first stop for anyone curious about Colorado BBQ. We who are about to dine, salute you!
Date Visited: 11/2/2024 & 1/3/2025
Address: 4000 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
Day of the Week: Saturday
Time of Day: 10:55 AM for the second visit and 11:05 AM for the third. Open at 11:00 AM
Number of People in Line: 0, but over 45 filled in while we ate
Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas-Style
Total Cost: $103 with tip. 1 lb of brisket (half fatty, half lean), 1/2 lb of turkey, full rack of ribs, 1 taco, 1 order Fried Okra, 1 order Jalapeno Coleslaw
Type of Wood: Post Oak
Type of Smoker: Multiple versions, but all wood fired
Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, multiple others for ribs
Best Dish: Brisket
Best Sauce: Need Review
Best Side: Fried Okra
Interior Description: Modern upscale interior meets Texas BBQ joint with classic tin tiled ceilings, reclaimed wood walls, and refurbished wood floors, that has an elevated design with a high-end bar and whiskey wall directly across from the chopping boards. Fun and classic old-school BBQ vibes with a warm and pleasant staff who always seem to be having a good time
Pro Tip: Go on Fridays for the burnt ends and Saturdays for the beef ribs, as they are one of the few places in Colorado that does them. Never skip getting the brisket or the turkey either
Brisket
0/10 Ranking: 9.25/10
Seasoning: Salt and pepper, maybe garlic
Description: Still the best brisket being smoked in Denver, or the state for that matter. Each time I visit and order the brisket, it always has a nice peppery finish to it, with tender and perfectly cooked pieces, whether they be fatty or lean cut. The consistency of quality over the years has been impressive to say the least, and they can go toe-to-toe with many of the top Texas establishments. For them to rival that of Franklin’s, Terry Black’s, etc. I would like them to have a little bit more seasoning and smoke flavor come through, but until I taste otherwise, this is the King of Colorado Brisket. A must-order when visiting
Beef Rib
0/10 Ranking: 9.25/10
Seasoning: Salt and pepper
Description: Available on Saturdays and one of the few places to offer them, it’s best to order with multiple people, as each rib could range from 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. It’s sold per pound, so be mindful of the price when ordering. The rib itself was cooked extremely well, as it had a nice bark and seasoning to the exterior while having a tender and juicy interior with a nice smoke ring. There were a couple of edges that got a little tough, and I would have liked a little more smokiness to have come through, but beyond that, a pretty perfect beef rib and the best I’ve had in Colorado. 3 out of 3 times that I’ve ordered these, they haven’t disappointed, so order with confidence and a full wallet if visiting on a weekend
St Louis Style Heritage Pork Spare Ribs
0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe others, and lightly sauced I believe
Description: Really tasty ribs and Top 3-5 in Colorado easily. Fall-off-the-bone tender, with a nice seasoning and smokiness running through. Really nice meat-to-fat ratio and trimmed perfectly. Using higher-end heritage pork, the meat is flavorful and has been consistently delicious through each order. Always worth getting a few if stopping in
Sausage – Black Pepper
0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10
Description: Good snap to casing and a nice internal blend of meat-to-fat ratio. Slightly sweet, with good spice in it, and the cheddar adds a creamy texture and nice balance. Was the preferred option from the table
Sausage – Guiness Bison Bratwurst
0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10
Description: Similar to the black pepper sausage, but with more gaminess to the flavor and a little spicier than the other. Would get again, but would take the other option over this if having to choose
Turkey
0/10 Ranking: 9/10
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe others?
Description: Succulent and juicy to each bite, with a nice peppery and smoky finish. One of the best turkey options in all of the state, potentially the best overall, this is always an unexpected table favorite. Don’t skip on ordering this during your visit, and grab at least a 1/4lb if possible
Sauces – Didn’t Review
Sides – Fried Okra
0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 8.75/10
Description: These were fried well and had a nice light seasoning and breading to them, but could use a bit more flavor overall. However, this can be accomplished by dipping them in the accompanying sauce they provide. They were perfectly cooked with a nice bite and firmness to each piece, making for one of the better fried okra options in Colorado. Will continue to order again
Sides – Jalapeno Coleslaw
0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10
Description: Light and crispy with a little bit of heat to it. Green and red cabbage blended together, with carrots and sesame seeds mixed in with a vinegar base, I believe. I would like it to be just a dash sweeter but good overall, as it helps cut the fattiness of the meats well as a side dish. Would get it to share with the table, but not my personal favorite
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)
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
Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9/10 and Yes. While this is my second official review for Rollin’ Bones, I’ve eaten here at least 5 times over the past few years and have left happy and full in each and every instance. Not only is Eric a super approachable and friendly owner who is willing to talk all things barbecue (unless he’s slammed with orders, which happens often due to the demand), but he’s also still crafting some of the best ribs in the state, to go along with a great selection of bbq meat staples and rotating options as well, like Jerk Chicken (a personal favorite), Lamb Ribs, Oaxaca hot wings, and rosemary mesquite beef short ribs. Even though they operate out of a food truck, they can go toe to toe with almost any of the brick-and-mortar locations found in Colorado, and should be visited whenever you see the Western Wagon-themed truck parked and open for business. On top of the ribs, they may have some of the best coleslaw and pickles in the state as well. Absolutely worth a stop 100% of the time
Date Visited: 3/28/2024
Address: Was posted up at Cannonball Creek Brewing at 393 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80403
Day of the Week: Thursday
Time of Day: 6:30 PM. Open at 3 typically and came here after a hike
Number of People in Line: 6 people and another 10 with plates
Regional Style of BBQ: Mix of several styles
Total Cost: $51.60 with tip. Ordered a half rack of ribs, the smoked chicken, mac & cheese with green chili pulled pork, and coleslaw
Type of Wood: Apple, cherry, mesquite, oak, and other fruitwoods
Type of Smoker: Offset custom-made smoker combo, with rotisserie wheel and a gas fired burn box attached (Eric is the 4th owner)
Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, paprika, and others
Best Dish: Ribs
Best Sauce: Didn’t review
Best Side: Homemade Pickles or Coleslaw
Interior Description: Food truck that’s shaped like an old-time western frontier wagon
Pro Tip: Still a Top 3 rib in Colorado, don’t skip it. Also get the coleslaw and the jerk chicken if available
Pork Spare Ribs
0/10 Ranking: 9.25/10
Seasoning: Multiple spices with his custom dry rub
Description: The ribs were still extremely delicious, with a great smoky and seasoning blend to each bite. They were cooked to almost perfect tenderness, without falling off the bone and becoming mush, but also not tough either. Would still put this rib up against any others in Colorado for the best in the state. No sauce needed on this one either. As one last tip of the hat, Eric uses some of the meatier ribs I’ve had in a while, with minimal fat, but not too lean either. Will always order these whenever I see the truck posted up somewhere and would recommend them to anyone
Smoked Chicken
0/10 Ranking: 8/10
Seasoning: Unsure
Description: Moist and juicy across every piece, it had a good smoky flavor to it, but not a ton for seasoning. It was improved with both of the sauces, but it’s pretty good on its own. While not as good as the Jerk option, it’s still a very tasty selection if you’re craving smoked chicken, which is oddly a difficult item for Colorado spots to get right. Would get again, but will switch to the Jerk option if available
Sides – Coleslaw
0/10 Ranking: 9/10
Description: Light and crunchy with a slight acidic snap to go along with a little bit of sweetness. Would eat this on its own without barbecue, but it is also a perfect addition to the chicken and ribs to help cut some of the richness and fat. Would recommend if you’re looking for a nice, refreshing slaw that isn’t loaded with mayo, of which it contains zero, and uses a homemade oil and vinegar-based dressing. Would recommend and will order again
Sides – Mac & Cheese With Green Chili Pulled Pork
0/10 Ranking: 8 to 8.5/10
Description: Good creamy texture, with the pasta being cooked al dente as well. Not as good on its own, the pulled pork and green chili definitely add a layer of flavor and seasoning, jumping the mac into the 8’s for ratings. Recommend going with pulled pork and green chili option if available, but could skip if just on its own
Sides – Homemade Pickles
0/10 Ranking: 9 to 9.5/10
Description: Perfectly crisp with a great vinegar balance to it and just a hint of sweetness. These are right up there with The Real Dill as the best pickles I’ve had in a long time. Absolutely make sure to grab some of these
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 I would stop by and try them out again, as I may have just caught them on an off day
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. 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: They don’t make them in-house, but they 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 them, 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 a while. It’s thin in its consistency, but never approaches being watery. Has a good flavor and a 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 heavily 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. It was okay overall, but not a dish I would normally have gotten. Definitely a unique option that I haven’t seen anywhere else, but I 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. Hits the spot if craving some southern cornbread and would order again
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
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 they 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 overcooked and a little dried out for my order. May have just gotten a bad piece, but definitely a little tougher and drier than 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 in each one. They were slightly over-seasoned 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 came 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 was at least moist for a saving grace. However, no smoke flavor or anything really coming through. Would not order again, very average
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
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, it 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 and 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 added 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, I 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 palate, but would recommend to anyone who enjoys a spicier sausage option. Even though it was a 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, it 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-based sauce than most of this type with its 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 a 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
The House of Salt & Smoke 