Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 7/10 and No. Located down in Greenwood Village, Jabo’s was one that was recommended to me heavily on a Reddit thread a few months ago, so I wanted to make a point of trying them out. Sitting in a small strip mall, there’s not a ton of ambiance or smell inviting you in from the parking lot, but not a requirement either. Once inside, the experience started with Jabo coming out and walking me through his sauce process, with 6 rotating options available that he makes in-house and then allows you to blend and choose the spice level. This is 100% unique and not something I’ve ever experienced before. That said, I can’t say that it added much value to the experience, especially as someone who isn’t big on sauced BBQ. However, Jabo is a super-friendly owner with a personal touch and has been here for 25 years, so it is certainly one of the more historic BBQ options in the state. As I waited for my food to arrive, there was light blues music playing, which created a sit-down dinner vibe that seemed more like it used to be a pizza joint, but was converted to BBQ. Red walls and red leather booths and chairs blend with black trim and black and white tiled floors, which was fine, but not the typical BBQ vibes you see. A light and pleasant smoke smell was in the air, but nothing overpowering. I was also warned multiple times about the portion sizes, and they were certainly larger than expected. However, even though the portions were large, the meat itself fell flat in terms of flavor and quality, and the sauces could only salvage so much. So while the service is great, and the owner is very friendly, sadly, the food quality didn’t match, so not one I’d come back to
Date Visited: 11/11/2025
Address: 9682 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80112
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Time of Day: 11:30 AM. Open at 11:00 AM
Owner: Dwight “Jabo” Lawson & Susan “Utah Sconut” Queen
Number of People in Line: Two people were already sitting down, and one came in after me, with one to-go order picked up
Regional Style of BBQ: Oklahoma/Louisiana
Total Cost: $101.15 with tip. Ordered the 2 Meat Platter and a side of ribs. Came with brisket, pulled pork, ribs, coleslaw, and mac & cheese, plus a sweet tea to drink. One of the pricier options in Denver
Type of Wood: Unsure
Type of Smoker: Unsure, but I think electric
Type of Seasoning: Multiple
Best Dish: Pulled Pork
Best Sauce: Mesquite or cherry
Best Side: 5-Cheese Mac
Interior Description: Red walls and red leather booths and chairs blend with black trim and black and white tiled floors. Along the main wall when you walk in, you’ll notice several framed articles about Jabo’s success, but all seem to have been from long, long ago. Somewhat rundown interior, and not the typical BBQ environment or ambiance you would expect
Pro Tip: As a heads up, no alcohol served here, but they do have soft drinks and a good sweet tea
Brisket
0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, others
Description: Chopped into cubes, so no bark to speak of or red ring anywhere. Strongly peppered with slight smokiness and saltiness. While it was somewhat tender, it was over-salted and a little tough for some pieces that were cubed. Okay flavor overall, but not traditional brisket by any means, especially at almost $40 a pound, making it one of the priciest in Denver. Skip it
Pork Spare Ribs
0/10 Ranking: 7/10
Seasoning: Unsure
Description: Not trimmed and slightly overcooked, as they fell off the bone in some areas, but were also tough in others. Weird aftertaste to them as well. All of this, combined with sloppy presentation, makes this an easily passable dish to avoid if you stop in
Pulled Pork
0/10 Ranking: 8/10
Seasoning: Unsure
Description: Really juicy pulled pork with some bark mixed in. Good meat-to-fat ratio and nicely seasoned, but could use more smoke and pepper. Similar to the ribs, it had a slightly off aftertaste that I couldn’t put my finger on. Probably the best meat I had and would maybe order again
Sauces – 6 Rotating options that you customize
Description: Tried the mesquite and cherry, but didn’t do a full review
Sides – Coleslaw
0/10 Ranking: 7.25/10
Description: Green and red cabbage, with carrot and mayo-based dressing. Not overly heavy on the mayo, but also nothing special about it, and just average in general. Skip ordering
Sides – 5 Cheese Mac
0/10 Ranking: 7.75 to 8/10
Description: Sauce added to the pasta, but the pasta was a little overcooked. Needs some more seasoning and flavor, as it was just a little bland. Better with some of the pulled pork. Could skip as well
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: 8.75/10 and Yes. Located along Main Street in downtown Canon City, Colorado, Boudreauxs has a nice, inviting look and feel from the street, with a cool mural on the side of the building, and with the light smell of smoke enticing you to step inside as you stroll along. Once you open the doors, you are greeted by a friendly staff and traditional BBQ joint settings, with seating at the bar, on the main floor, or on the outside patio, which is dog-friendly and shaded. This all comes together to create a laid-back vibe and environment, perfect for enjoying some barbecue. I ended up meeting with the owner, Drew, who was extremely welcoming and happy to chat all things BBQ with me. Learned he likes to use Pecan wood for his smoking activities and typically gets their wood from Los Cruces or Galveston, Texas, when he makes his regular trips to visit his dad. He will use local wood too, as needed, but definitely prefers his Texas logs. In terms of the food, Boudreauxs might be the best BBQ south of Denver for those venturing near the Colorado Springs area. With solid brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and some of the best coleslaw in the state, it’s 100% worth a visit if you’re in the area and craving some BBQ. Not sure if it’s completed as of this posting, but he’s also planning on opening up a Cajun specialty food store section in the restaurant, which I will absolutely be coming back to visit and buy from
Number of People in Line: 0 in front of me, but 5 came in afterwards
Regional Style of BBQ: Texas/Louisiana
Total Cost: $60.40 with tip. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and a beer
Type of Wood: Pecan
Type of Smoker: Southern Pride Rotisserie Smoker
Type of Seasoning: Salt, Pepper, and Cajun Blends
Best Dish: Brisket
Best Sauce: Original & Hot are a tie depending on personal preference
Best Side: Coleslaw
Interior Description: Nice, clean atmosphere with wooden beams and awnings, with corrugated steel in the bar and in the ceilings. Sports teams, beer signs, and mounted animals adorn the walls, with the Wisconsin/Packer and Leinenkugel’s influence present from the previous owner, so Midwesterners will feel right at home. Light classic rock playing with three TVs playing as well. Plans to expand with a small interior southern Louisiana a speciality shop and to expand the kitchen and outdoor area. Both areas are great to eat at, but the patio is also dog-friendly
Pro Tip: If you’re in this part of town, make sure to stop for the brisket and coleslaw, which are both in the top 10 for Colorado for their respective categories. Make sure to get some of the pickles too, as they were perfectly balanced, and nice and crisp, especially on a hot summer day
Brisket
0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9 /10
Seasoning: Salt and pepper
Description: A well-trimmed and thickly cut fatty slice that had a mild smoke ring, but also really good smoke and flavor running through it. While it looked overcooked, the meat was tender and juicy, with a pleasant smoke and seasoning to each bite. It could use a little more pepper, though, to bump it up a rank. But beyond that, a really good brisket, especially for using Pecan wood, which I typically don’t like for beef smokes. Would get again and possibly top 10 in the state
Pork Spare Ribs
0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, sugar, others
Description: Thinner ribs, but perfectly tender and fall off the bone, while still having a good bite to them. Less smoke flavor than the brisket, but still a nice amount of it. A slightly sweeter rib, and the meat could use a little more flavor to it, but a really good option, and I would get it again. Skip the sauces for this one though
Pulled Pork
0/10 Ranking: 8.5 to 8.75/10
Seasoning: In-house blend, seasoned before and after smoking
Description: Really well balanced with a nice smokiness that’s probably one of the top 5 in the state. Could use a little more pepper or seasoning, but beyond that, it’s a damn good pulled pork with some sauce needed, but both the original and hot are tasty additions if you’re a sauce fan. Ordering again next time I’m there
Sausage
0/10 Ranking: 8/10
Description: Cheddar cheese mixed in, so once again, any Midwesterners visiting will feel right at home. The casing had a good snap and nice smoke flavor, but inside was dried out and crumbled with each bite. Flavors were on point, just needs more fat and less cook time. Would get again to see if it was just a one-off with being drier
Sauces – Originial
0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10
Description: A thinner sauce that has a nice pepper and vinegar kick to it. It was a nice addition to the pulled pork
Sauces – Hot
0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10
Description: This one lives up to the name and is a more amped up version of the original. Nice sweet heat to it, that builds nicely. Solid Texas hot-style BBQ sauce option
Sides – Mac & Cheese
0/10 Ranking: 8.5/10
Description: Nice breading on top and mixed in with the pasta, looks like they bake it and then scoop it to size. Al dente noodles that were nice and creamy. Could use more seasoning and flavor, but solid side overall and would get again
Sides – Coleslaw
0/10 Ranking: 9/10
Description: Creamy, with nice crispy cabbage and slight acidity. One of the best I’ve had in a long time, would absolutely get again, even though it’s more mayo than vinegar-based, which I usually lean the opposite of. Could use a little pepper and more vinegar, but pretty much perfect beyond that
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: 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
The House of Salt & Smoke 