Have I rated this place before? Well, even if I have, it's time that I renewed my rating for Pit Fiend. This place has been my go-to for bbq meal for several years now. It's not close from my southeast Denver house at all but I make the trip to go here when I crave for good/quality bbq. Service is (in my frankest sense) solid and this restaurant has never failed in that regard. I always see the same lady manning the front. Her demeanor and speech are always consistent where her professionalism is her strong attribute. Quality is of utmost importance at any restaurant and this place is consistent in that regard as well. Today, I had pulled pork (about 6oz; by the way, you get to pick how much you want as you pay by the weight.) To accompany my meat, I got the Elote Salad and the Jalapeno Corn Bread. These created the perfect combination of balanced breakfast (yup, it was past 11am but it was my first meal of the day!!) It truly filled me up. The ambiance is of a typical bbq place. It's small and yet with the symbiotic relationship with the brewery right next door, the current space size justifies. The customers from said brewery come and get food as "eat-in" to take their plates back to the brewery to eat while brewing themselves up (lol!) Businesses co-exist/co-mingle/co-operate. We all help each other. I am giving my solid high five to Pit Fiend today. This place has my heart. read more

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I really loved the ribs and the pulled lamb at Pit Fiend! I will definitely be getting more of those in the future. I also really liked that you could order in super small sizes such as 1 or 2 ribs and smaller than 1/4 lbs. of meat, really any size you'd like (I'm not sure how low it goes) this is awesome. GET THE COWBOY CANDY FOR $1!* *That is if you like sweet heat. It's a generous amount of jalapenos that are candied. One cup is enough for multiple people, IMO. You can bring your BBQ right over the Out Mutual Friend and they have a nice patio area right outside of Pit Fiend. Grab you a beer and chow down! For me, the sides were not a hit. The coleslaw tasted like it had sesame oil, or something, which wasn't necessarily a "bad" taste, but it's not the crisp, refreshing coleslaw I like to have to cut the already oily meats. It's too much, too heavy, and I could not come close to finishing it with the rest of my meal. I feel like the should change their oil-based recipe to something without oil. The elote I did not like, either. I tried the pit beans and those were fine. The cucumbers I feel are ridiculously priced at $5 for a 4oz cup, when an entire cucumber is $0.89. I understand it's a business, but to mark up a few pieces of cucumbers that high is wild to me. The sauces were, ok. The few I tried really didn't taste different from each other. I'm used to very clearly distinctly different BBQ sauces, especially when they go through that effort to explain them all on the sign/sheet of paper that is too hard on the eyes and long to read. A more aesthetically pleasing presentation of the explanations would be nicer to look at. The burnt ends sell out FAST! We were there pretty early, though it was on a Saturday afternoon around 2-3pm-ish, I believe, and they were already out! And the pit is right out front! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Inside - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Pit Fiend is carrying on the Owlbear torch, smoking savory and succulent meats to the lively RiNo neighborhood. These cats worked at Owlbear, the former BBQ restaurant in this very space. When they closed, they decided to take the leap of faith, rebrand slightly, and carry on the tradition. Well it's probably been three years at this point, clearly they're succeeding in this tough biz! I used to say one of the quintessential Denver experiences was having a plate of Owlbear while drinking an OMF beer ( the neighboring brewery Our Mutual Friend). I'm happy to report the Pit Fiend and OMF relationship is just as strong, and the experience still remains a very Denver thing to do. Things to note: they are using USDA prime beef brisket, heritage breed duroc pork, and make their sausages and sauces from scratch. So they're doing things the right way, not sacrificing quality, and not taking shortcuts. This is important in the BBQ world!!! Low and slowwwww, baby. We split a half pound of fatty brisket, pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, and a cornbread muffin situation. Food was awesome. I was going to town on the brisket. Pulled apart as it should, while still remaining intact. The mac isn't your typical mac, but boy it's rich and cheesy. You can tell they work hard for the community. Sometimes it's overwhelming inside and the staff seems a little behind, but they hustle here. Tip your pitmasters!!! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Feasting - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

First time here, walked in and staff were SO friendly and helpful. We had a bunch of things and everything was yummy! What stood out: Spare ribs were fall off the bone and the brisket was perfect amount of fat and juiciness. Sauces available on the side self serve and the homemade lemonade was also great. The MAC AND CHEESE was THE best I've EVER had. I am a stickler for cook on the noodles and smoothness of the cheese sauce and I have to say- perfection. Love the theme of the place- D&D and casual welcoming feel- it was perfect & we'll be back next time in Denver. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Spare ribs, brisket, pork tenderloin, pork belly, Mac & cheese, elote corn salad & smoked jalapeños - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Today was definitely a bbq day and we came across this establishment. The employees were friendly and there was a great variety of meats. Unfortunately like every bbq pit you need to get there early to get burnt ends but there were other meats to choose from. The only unfortunate thing was they are part of the up and coming group of merchants that charge 2% if using a credit card on top of that city fee and tax. read more

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I was disappointed, extremely expensive, small eating area and it was not spot less to say the least, music was super loud and I like music, I was there for the food so I stayed and ate, no service you order as you walk in and get the food on a paper lined tray, was not impressed by the half a rack of spare ribs it was nothing to write home about and a bit dry, pork belly was good it was the only thing I liked, $42 out the door for half a rack and 1/4 pound of pork belly read more

One of the first places I tried in Denver and it definitely made a good first impression. My boyfriend and I shared a BBQ plate with brisket and pulled pork, and both were delicious, super flavorful and cooked perfectly. I especially loved all the different BBQ sauce options since it let us try a few different flavors with the meat. The elote corn was a little salty for my taste, but still really good and something I'd order again. Overall such a fun spot with great food and a cool atmosphere. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Sides ? Not so much but the pulled pork was great. Moist juicy. Just ate straight off my butchers wrap. Happy guy waited on us. Went outside to the OMF brewery and chowed down. Relaxed easy atmosphere. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Straight up pulled pork - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Located not too far from Denver central market. Cool sauces named after D&D looking characters. We walked in with a RiNo district passport book. They were doing a promo with a free baked potato with meat and side. Brisket had good Smokey flavor and I also tried their Texas red chill with a good spice kick. Mutual friend brewery is next door when you want to experience a good all American meal paired with a local Denver draft. read more

First time trying here arrived 2 hours after opening and they were already sold out - so I knew it had to be good. Returned a few days later under an hour after they opened. We got their chicken sandwich, 8 oz Mac and cheese and apple cider bread pudding. The chicken had a pepper by it indicating it was spicy we doubted the level of spice and ooooo was it spiiiicccccyyyyy! Mac and cheese was delicious. Bread pudding was served warmed and perfect amount of gooey. The bathroom was clean and gender neutral. read more

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Pit fiend is the lifeline of larimer, excellent barbecue options from brisket nachos , baked potato with your choice of meat , smoked duck , lamb , chicken legs and countless specials each week at super fair prices this is such a delightful place to stop in and get some good grub, all of the employees are lovely and the location is so very convenient truly a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Service and ambiance are top notch. read more

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Other than a little miscommunication when ordering this place was buzzing. The food was delicious good quality pieces of meat , Mac n cheese and potato salad. Some strong flavors if that's what you are into. The people were fun and they had some solid deals. Get there early enough because they sell until they run out of items. You can eat indoors... small area but there is seating available. You can also eat outside at the bar area next door and of course they do to go orders too! They have lots of interesting sauces to choose from which I always love. I also love that in the bathroom they had tampons and pads available which doesn't get mentioned enough as being an awesome touch to a place. It means they are thinking about all their customers! Thank you! Would definitely return! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Ordered smoked turkey breast for Thanksgiving and it was the star of the show! Best turkey I've ever had! And the turkey club sandwiches we made the next day were freaking incredible! For non holidays the smoked duck, BURNT ENDS and Pablo's beans are freaking incredible! Thanks gang for all you do putting out delicious food. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Tiny little restaurant next to a brewery where you can bring that food in. The line took quite a while to get through even tho not many people in front of us- I think because the person taking the order is also gathering some of the food for you at the same time. We had a work party of 4 people so we ordered some of the platters- spare ribs, chicken, pork belly, pulled lamb, beef brisket, cucumber salad, potato salad, mac and cheese, gumbo, and toffee cookies The meats were soooooo tender. They had so many sauces to try as well, we tried them all. All of te meat tasted scrumptious. I honestly couldn't tell which was which lol. Cucumber salad was aiight, prob better than the coleslaw. Potato salad standard. mac and cheese had a diff type of cheese than normal but good. Gumbo was odd- wasn't soup, more like pulled pork. toffee cookies good. Overall a good experience! read more

Came here on a whim since we were in the area and our other dinner plans fell through. We decided on bbq since it's not something we get too often. The place itself is kinda small but it gets the job done. We were greeted when we came in and the guy who helped us was nice. I was sad to see some things were sold out (like the mac and cheese) but that was a given considering it was 5:30pm on a Sunday. We got 1/4 each of brisket, pork belly, smoked duck, and beer brat. We also got a side of 4oz of potato salad. The total came out to about $45 with tip. There's a sign that let's you know there's a 2% surcharge for credit cards to offset the processing fee which was fine with us. The sausage was a little on the dry side but everything was great! The smoked duck is something you don't see often and it ended up being my favorite. The brisket and pork belly were super tender and paired well with their many sauces. Their sauces are labeled with interesting names but they have a sign to explain what's what. I think it's unique for them to make their own sauces! The potato salad was really good too! I'm usually not a potato salad person but this one paired well with the meat and balanced everything out well! Highly recommend this place and I'd come back if I was in the area read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Brisket, pork belly, pulled duck, beer brat - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

While this place is a bit of a mystery to find it... it's worth the search. It's off the street a bit, set back in a parking lot next to a tattoo parlor. Craving bbq, we stopped in. Very friendly staff helped guide us first-timers as to what to order and then let us know we could take our food to Our Mutual Friend Brewery next door. Which is what we did. The very fun, relaxed vibe was throughout both spaces. And then there was the food. I think it's my new favorite bbq in Denver. Husband and I shared the Crusader's Mantle combination -- with the beef brisket, macaroni & cheese, cole slaw (we paid extra for it). The mac & cheese was amazing (I don't usually say that about mac & cheese). The brisket was IT. Melt in your mouth yumminess. Look forward to our return trip. read more

I was really wanting to love this spot, I grew up in Texas and I've heard this is one of the best spots in Denver..I have to say, it was a bit of a letdown. The brisket was very dry. The jalapeño cornbread was the other thing I was looking forward to..was also dry and hard :( the folks working here were insanely friendly and the spot was very clean. It just doesn't compare to back home for me. read more

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The Pit Fiend is a true treasure in RINO. What incredible BBQ! This team knows what they are doing. Two pulled pork sandwiches could not have been better. Slaw on the side made with vinegar and sesame seeds - tasted so 'clean'. Let me foot stomp the mac-n-cheese as a side, this is the best mac I've had - Ever. Parmesan cheese crumble on top and placed in the smoker for ~45 minutes. This is not a wet, soupy mac - their twist on this side alone is worth a star and should be mentioned in the Michelin guide. In closing, the option to carry your plate next door to the brewery is the icing on the cake. Thank you, Pit Fiend, your lunch made our day! read more

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The food here is absolutely delicious. The mac and cheese was sold out during our visit, but I've heard great things and can't wait to try it next time. The pork ribs were fantastic, though I don't believe we received the full 1/2 pound that's supposed to come with the Fortune's Favor deal. If that was the correct portion, it definitely didn't feel like enough for two people...so maybe there was just a miscommunication with our the woman serving the ribs. The sides were outstanding across the board. The coleslaw was the freshest I've ever had (and I usually don't even like coleslaw!), the beans were rich and flavorful, and the cornbread muffin was soft and delicious. Seating is flexible, you can dine inside, or grab one of the outdoor tables, which technically belong to the neighboring restaurant (they just ask you to order a drink if you sit there). The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the rib portion concern. That said, we'll definitely be back to try again! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Fortune's Favor - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

We love stopping in at Pit Fiend and are more than happy to make the long trek. The food is delicious, and they have so many options! Especially because they have vegetarian options like Jackfruit which is amazing. The sauces are great - tons of options for various flavor profiles. We like to get a meat option or two, the jackfruit, and an array of sides. I like that they weigh the meat for you and you pay based on how much you're actually getting. The sides can get a bit pricy especially for the small version ($4 for a small coleslaw is crazy), but it's normally worth it. Wouldn't get coleslaw again, but all the other sides are delicious! Love this place! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Sausage, Sandwich, Beans, Coleslaw, Jackfruit - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

As a born-and-raised Texan, having moved to Denver almost 8 months ago, it's safe to say I was missing some good ol' BBQ. I had resigned to not finding a taste of home until this past weekend. During our morning walk around our neighborhood (RiNo/Five Points), we smelled the sweet scent of a smoker going full blast. We were excited, was that BBQ? Off Larimer? Sure enough, tucked away in a corner inside a parking lot with other businesses was Pit Fiend. We made a mental note to check out the reviews and come back. It didn't even take 24 hours for us to stop in and have a taste. My son ordered the chicken sandwich, and my husband and I opted for the brisket sandwich. We also ordered one of each side (except the cole slaw, as it came on the sandwich). If you're into your BBQ sides being made with a vinegar base, this will be your spot. If you love spicy BBQ sauces, this will be right up your alley. If you want your brisket to be moist but full of smoky flavor, this is definitely where you'll find it! The staff was welcoming, answered our questions excitedly, and we were even asked if the BBQ was good halfway through our meal. It was better than good; it hit the spot and took me back to Texas for an hour. Pure bliss. read more

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This is a great little BBQ joint with a small seating area including one larger community table and barstool seats along the walls. You can eat your food on the patio next door at OMF if you buy a beer. The Lamb is fantastic. It seemed like an odd recommendation from the restaurant, but it was great. The lean brisket is great, as well, well cooked and not dry. The sauces are on the spicy side, but really good. And, they have specialty sauces as well. The macaroni and cheese was great. The elote was a little weird because it is an elote salad, so the corn is cold and salty. I don't think I would order the elote again, but everything else WILL be on my plate again ;) Parking in RiNo is always a challenge. Just make sure and plan some extra time to find a spot and hike to the restaurant. read more

Just do yourself a favor and go! I decided to do a little brewery tour and after four breweries I needed food. This joint caught my attention and I was so glad I tried it. The staff was friendly. A/c pumping cold inside or you could even take the food outside and eat next to the brewery while you enjoy a local brew. That brisket melted in my mouth. And all the sauce options filled me with joy! That jalapeño cornbread though. I would make the 1000 mile trip back just for that cornbread! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Brisket, sausage, corn bread, potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Good bbq (from Texas so not as great as Texas but still solid). Mac and cheese was great. Beans were yummy too read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I stopped here to grab food with a friend and the bbq was good! I got a pulled pork sandwich with pickles. The bbq sauce was really different - almost more peppery but it was delicious. The sad part was they were out of most sides so just ended up getting chips. read more

The food was AMAZING! Spent about $65 and des 2 people... stuffed. Service was super fast and efficient. Really chill spot to grab a drink right next to with their outdoor seating by the brewery. 10/10 will come again! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - 1/4 pork belly, 1/4 pastrami, 1/2 Brisket, Medium (8 oz each) Mac n Cheese and Pit Beans - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

probably best brisket for miles! sells out quick so get there when they open if you're set on trying something in particular.

Stopped by on a Sunday evening and got a brisket sandwich and a pork tenderloin with cucumber salad to eat at a nearby brewery. At the time, they were sold out of several of the sides, so come earlier if you have some specific menu items in mind! Both meats were nice and tender and I loved how they had descriptions for all of the sauces and which meats they paired well with -- we liked all of the sauces we tried! The cucumber salad had a nice sesame flare and was enjoyable. Maybe not the absolute best bbq I've ever had, but still tasty and I'd definitely come back! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I'll get to there amazing food in just a minute, but know that the indoor seating is limited. This isn't an issue if it's beautiful and sunny outside because that's where most of the seating is located. Now the food is great!! Whether you're having Pork, Chicken, or Brisket, you'll smell it all cooking right outside of their building and it smells wonderful. The sides a plentiful and just as good. This place could easily be located in the south and have long lines of people waiting to eat good southern BBQ, but it's in Denver and you're very lucky to have it. read more

Small little spot with pretty good eats! I don't necessarily feel the need to go back, but we loved trying multiple different sides and having so many meat choices. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

While not a D&D fan, I thought I'd expand my comfort zone and try this hole in the wall bbq joint. Adjacent to a brew house. I am not a beer drinker but certainly a pork and beef eater. I had the brisket it was tasty and most and the sauce options were plentiful. Desserts included great cookies. I am on the older side. The staff are kind of hipsters? I was very comfortable and enjoyed the "ambiance". If you don't take yourself seriously. But take your bbq seriously - this place is worth a stop. read more

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Not what I was used to in Texas but decent BBQ for Denver. The best thing eaten was the Mac and cheese, followed by the jalapeño corn bread. Short ribs were serviceable but needed sauce for more flavor. Chopped lamb was kind of tasteless, not overly hot, and disappointing. My wife rated the chopped bbq sandwich as fair to good. She thought the potato salad was fantastic and got her 'chef's kiss' seal of approval. We might eat her again if in the area and jonesing for BBQ. Otherwise, we'd probably look for other options. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Chopped brisket sandwich, potato salad, Mac and cheese, jalapeno cornbread, chopped lamb, spareribs - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Everything was soooo good. I always stop by when in Denver both to eat while I'm there and to take home to Las Vegas. An amazing place!!! read more

I'm very fussy about barbecue and it's been hard to find good barbecue in Denver. I've finally found a couple of places that I think are pretty good, but Pit Fiend blows them away. This is the best barbecue I've ever tasted. These guys are fantastic. Karl Fallenius started Owlbear Barbecue in this space several years ago and produced an excellent product, using live-fire, all-wood cooking with two custom smokers made, I believe, from industrial propane tanks. Unfortunately, between the pandemic and rising costs, he ended up exhausted by the food industry and Owlbear closed in January 2022. Fortunately, several of Karl's staffers took over the property and the custom smokers, reopening as Pit Fiend on May 20, 2022, maintaining and improving the product, and doubling down on the Dungeons and Dragons theme. Thank you, guys! I ordered a variety of items. The beef brisket and pork belly were the best I have ever tasted: melt-in-your-mouth tender and extremely flavorful. The mac & cheese was also very creamy with a nicely crunchy topping and a rich flavor. Those were my favorites. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and again, had a deep flavor. The pit beans were also very good, nicely-cooked and tasty. The cole slaw was refreshing. The pulled lamb was very rich and satisfying. The pulled pork was good, but it was a bit dry for my taste. The cornbread muffins were tasty, but a little overbaked. Sauce is really not necessary with a product this special, but six sauces are provided and they all compliment the meats well. This is a very tiny space with very limited seating. A lot of the business is takeout, but Our Mutual Friend brewery has a large facility right next door and is happy to seat BBQ lovers if you buy a beer. Pit Fiend sits at the back of a large parking lot, but none of the assigned parking spots seems to be for their business, so street parking is required. This is a busy neighborhood and that can be challenging, but if you have to walk a bit, the results are definitely worth it. read more

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Very cool place! Very good food with quick service. They have a super cool theme in the restaurant with D&D themed pictures and merch so definitely go if you want great bbq and are a fan of D&D! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Sauce menu - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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First meal upon arrival in Denver for a weeks reprieve from Phoenix heat. Trapped trying to get through downtown before a baseball game, we parked the car and walked to avoid the traffic. Stumbled upon this great BBQ joint next door to a brewery. Patio dining with a takeout drink from next door! We ordered a brisket plate and a pulled chicken plate, coleslaw and beans were our sides. Loved the pickles. The meats were excellent! They were so smoky and there was a nice bark on the beef. Chicken was pretty spicy, already in a sauce, so I didn't add anything. Coleslaw is fresh and obviously homemade, same with the beans. They have a circular order, pay, pickup area so you enter one way and leave another. I did it all wrong. But they weren't super busy so no one scolded me. :) read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Brisket plate and pulled chicken plate with coleslaw and beans - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Found this place by chance while traveling on a business trip. Prices were in line with food budget. Food is delicious and in my opinion properly priced. Most BBQ places charge high and don't serve the quantity and quality you would expect. Pit Fiend provides quality and quantity worth the price in my opinion. I've tried the bourbon pecan and the apple cider bread pudding and box were excellent. Not too sweet and moist. Service is spot on. Interacted with multiple employees and everyone was great. Talked to you and made you feel welcome. The only issue is the limited seating at this place. Not too many spots to eat inside but there is outside seating if going next door for a beer. read more

Conveniently located in the heart of Rino and next to a very busy brewery, this is the perfect spot to walk up and grab some lunch. Service was fast and friendly. Food was delicious! They were out of mac & cheese and potato salad but the sides we got where delicious. Plenty of seating inside and lots of folks where taking their platters to the brewery and enjoying a beer on a hot day. Will definitely be back. read more

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Pitt Fiend indeed! This place serves up legit Texas-style BBQ that's hard to beat. The brisket is slow-cooked, smoky, and succulent--definitely not dry. The coleslaw and sides are delicious, and they offer plenty of mushroom and vegan options too. There are so many sauces to choose from, you'll never get bored. You can enjoy your meal with indoor and outdoor seating, or even sit at the nearby brewery and grab a beer. The Dungeons and Dragons decor adds a fun touch to the atmosphere. Located in Denver's RiNo Art District, this all-natural wood smoke fire BBQ spot is a must-visit! read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I was walking down Larimer when this divine smell of smoked rib came tickling my tummy and o boy did I not get disappointed. Pit Fiend is a barbecue joint with excellent quality meat and service. As I got in, the waiter was serving someone else some delicious and juicy brisket. You could see the juice flowing as the knife was cutting the meat down like butter. We ordered the half rack spare ribs and it was delicious. The bark was so flavorful and the ribs were not overly greasy. The ribs do not come smothered in sauce but instead, an array of multiple sauces are available for dipping at a free serve station. I really appreciated that as I was able to experience the exquisite mouthgasm in multiple different ways and combinations. The theme is dungeons and dragons and the guys at Pit Fiend made me feel like I was hanging out with the homies from my childhood enjoying some D&D and excellent food. I am just absolutely dissapointed that this joint only has 49 reviews. Truly a hidden Gem in Denver. I was just visiting from LA California but will make a point to come here everytime I am in town. Thank you Pit Fiends for amazing food and the nostalgic cozy atmosphere. read more

Pit Fiend Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado