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    Riot BBQ

    4.6 (135 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Riot BBQ Takeout or Delivery

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    RIOT BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Riot BBQ

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    Sauces
    Melissa G.

    Riot BBQ is a very un-assuming facade that does not betray the size of the venue itself. Once you enter and place your order, you can find a variety of tables and sections to hang out including a very inviting patio. They have a sauce and picked vegetable bar where you can serve yourself and try different options of heat. I ordered the brisket quesadilla, and it came fairly quickly to my table. The tortillas themselves were very good as well as the cheese, but I found the brisket itself to be a little on the dry side. For my side I tried the elote / corn bread and that one hit the spot phenomenally. Very creative and very tasty Great and continent location right outside the Evan's light rail station.

    Pork Ribs, Brisket, Smoked Turkey, Pit Beans, Mac and Cheese, elote Esquites Cornbread, and all the desserts
    Jasmyne R.

    What an experience. We flew into Denver earlier that day and wanted to get some dinner. I was craving soul food and settled on Riot BBQ. It was close enough to where we were staying and I love some good BBQ. We get in there and there's one guy ahead of us and he has a huge order so we had to wait awhile. Not a problem at all. The aromas in there were making my mouth water. I was happy to wait. I seen a young guy slicing meats up and juice flowing out of them! I was excited. I asked for a taste of what was their smoked turkey and it melted in my mouth. I never had turkey like that! Wowowow! When we were next up they hooked it up! I felt like royalty only because we had to be patient. I wanted to order everything! I got brisket, the smoked turkey, the pork ribs, the man n cheese, the pit beans, the esquites cornbread, and all the desserts. They gave me a little extra turkey cause they seen my face light up like Christmas morning after trying it. They gave us a discount at that AND threw in a free dessert. It was outstanding. The meats were amazing, juicy and flavorful. The sides were just as delicious. The bbqs sauce on the table were delicious too. The Carolina Gold, the Chipotle, and the Mop sauce was my favorite. The service was impeccable. Larry and his crew got something amazing going on there at Riot BBQ. They made me feel like family and that they cared about my experience there. It's been a long time since I've had service that great. It will definitely be a must stop every time I come to Denver. Also who would have thought Denver to have such good BBQ?! But be sure to get there early because right after we got there around 6, everything was sold out by 7! Someone also suggested to go on a day they have burnt ends! Riot BBQ y'all have my whole heart!

    Gino T.

    In town visiting family and they told us about this very good BBQ place they tried before and wanted to share the amazing food with us. Riot BBQ offers incredible meats and sides created by their staff. All friendly and ready to help you in every way when you order. This is a walk up and order menu and you take it back to a table of your choice. Loved the decor creating an atmosphere of someone's home when you walk in the front door, then you enter the kitchen area to order in an open dining area with industrial feel highlighting old signs and light fixtures. Then you have outdoor seating so there is plenty of room for all. Riot offers local beers and some mixed cocktails, daily specials on the meats and freshly made Iced Tea, lemonade and Hibiscus Fresca which was the best I have ever had! Our food was amazing, we tried the brisket, pastrami, burnt ends and ribs. All were cooked to perfection moist and seasoned Texas style. The sides of Mac n cheese, cornbread, bbq beans, dirty rice, loaded baked potato and house made pickles were an incredible side to the deliciousness of the meat. So many other options as well, but the S'mores Pot de Creme and banana pudding were a great finish to the lunch enjoyed by all. Bravissimo Riot BBQ you guys truly Rock, simplicity meets deliciousness. Bon Appetitto

    Casey D.

    Beautiful building that feels more like a cabin than restaurant. It's a fun place for groups and has a great atmosphere. The BBQ leans more hipster than traditional. The pulled pork was my favorite. It's flavorful and something I'd definitely order again. The ribs were solid, the beans were terrific, and the cornbread was surprisingly good, but the topping looked a little like potato salad at first glance. The Chicken Loco wasn't a repeat order for me, and the sauce had a curry-like texture that just didn't work. The turkey was good but over-seasoned. Overall, there were some really good individual items, but I left disappointed with the meal as a whole.

    Liv D.

    This may be the best BBQ spot in Denver. You'll come hungry and leave stuffed and smelling like that sweet smoker if you sit on the back patio. There are a few things that stand out about Riot BBQ, however. The food is obviously the bomb dot com. The meats are cooked in a traditional American method, and have hints of Mexican influence that take their flavors and textures over the top. You wouldn't confuse this with Mexican food, however. It is American BBQ through and through. I am extremely picky about fat in my meat and the Riot team offers a delicate balance of lean and fatty. Five stars. Hands down. The drinks and sides have much more distinctly Mexican flavors, but still fit cleanly into American BBQ sides - potato salad, corn bread, beans, etc. Another 5 stars. Typical, casual BBQ spot decor. The patio is spacious and integrates the dining experience with the slow process of smoking and cooking the meats on your plate. I like that I was immersed in a way that made me think about the process of how the food I was eating is made. Five stars. The employees seem to like their jobs and genuinely care about their clientele and the business they are running. A rarity. Five stars. Make a trip. It's worth it.

    Cesar H.

    If someone asks me where to get BBQ in Denver, my answer is usually Riot BBQ. I've eaten their food multiple times at this point and every visit reminds me why I like it so much. What stands out to me is that they're doing their own thing. You can tell there are Texas barbecue influences, but there are also flavors from Northern Mexico throughout the menu, which I personally love. The chicken loco is fantastic. The Texas sausage is always a good choice. And if the al pastor pork ribs are available, get them. The sides are great too. Don't skip the esquites cornbread, mac and cheese, or potato salad. More than anything, I appreciate the attention to detail. Nothing feels like it's there just to fill space on the menu. Every item feels intentional. I've recommended Riot BBQ to plenty of people and will continue to do so.

    Brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, Mac n cheese, and sauces
    Lior G.

    Entirely possible they had a bad day, but for a well recommended bbq place, I was disappointed. I can at least say the smoked chicken was pretty good. And I didn't really like anything else sadly. The brisket was dry, and the pulled pork was bland. Not so bad with the sauces, but it should stand on its own. The Mac was also very genetic. Good, but same as any mac-n-cheese from anywhere. Nothing made it stand out. I love bbq, but unfortunately this place not likely to be in my repeat list

    Lena N.

    I really needed brisket yesterday, and oh man did this place deliver! Everything was delicious! They had the World Cup game on too. By far the best barbecue I've had in Denver! The Mexican flavors aren't interesting twist. Can't wait to go back!

    Pork Ribs Al Pastor, Macha Cole Slaw, Banana Pudding, pickle chips.
    Ken B.

    Thanks again Yelp for directing me to the Michelin star Riot BBQ place in Denver. Let me start by saying WOW! Meat was cut by the LB while you wait. Served on metal trays with bandanna napkin wrapped silverware- nice touch. I wanted ribs and they disappeared off my tray. I was a bit too adventurous and ordered 6 ribs and that was 2 lbs! A bit too much for just me. They scaled back to a pound. Lol. I could have polished off a couple more. Macha slaw was interesting and totally unique in the world of same old slaws. I like a bit more punch and added the house made thin cucumber pickle slices with each bite. Fantastic! Those pickles are with the trip to this place. Not kidding. They give em away. I debated on Mexican key lime pie and while I shrugged it off, the manager said, here, take a banana pudding on me. That was as good as Magnolia Bakery and that really saying something folks! BBQ sauce was Da'Bomb! Riot sweet and smoky did the trick. I wanted to drink it! Do NOT miss this BBQ gem in Denver. Thank me later!

    Erin S.

    The best BBQ I've had in Denver. I may have said that before about other BBQ places, but after having Riot BBQ, nope, this wins, hands down. The flavoring, the tenderness of the meat, the sides, the staff, the decor it was all excellent. I split, with my bestie, the pulled pork, brisket, the esquites cornbread, and Mac and Cheese. They have a few different types of sauce you can select from. Each sauce does fit well with one meat- you just have to try them all out and see what sauces tastes best with what meat. They are closed on Tuesdays and are open at 11am on all other days as long as they still have food to feed you for that day! Burnt ends run out fast on the weekends. Divine! Highly, highly recommend!

    Ribs, brisket, pulled pork Mac n cheese and burnt ends
    Lindsay W.

    Being from Kansas City, I don't hand out BBQ praise lightly -- we're spoiled with some of the best in the country. That said, Riot BBQ is the real deal. The meats were perfectly smoked, tender, and packed with flavor, and the sauces complemented everything without overpowering it. You can tell they take pride in doing BBQ the right way. Portions were generous, sides were on point, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. If you're looking for legit BBQ that would absolutely hold its own back in KC, this is the spot. We'll definitely be back.

    Deborah M.

    Being that I was just at Franklin's in Austin this summer, I can honestly say I know a thing or two about good bbq! The brisket was super tender and I can't wait to come back and compare the beef rib. I also really wanted to try the burnt ends but alas, they were already sold out. Great smoke on everything g and I loved the beans and potato salad! Very cool ambiance and friendly service- they even gave me the rest of the pork belly for no charge since it was it for the day! I'll be back for sure!

    Natalia S.

    My new BBQ obsession: the fiery fusion of Texas-style smokiness and Northern Mexico's asado traditions from Top Chef alum Manny Barella and longtime AJ's pitmaster PatrickKlaiber. They've revived and reimagined the former AJ's Pit BBQ space in the cozy space hidden on a residential street. (Don't miss the patio with the mural paying homage to all the famous barbecue classics). Already a neighborhood favorite, they're selling out nearly every day ever since launch -- so get here early! Here's what's stealing the show: - 14-hour smoked prime brisket -- melt-in-your-mouth perfection (also available as an entire rib) - Wagyu pastrami -- rich, smoky, and indulgent - Pork ribs al pastor -- smoky with a tangy kick (my favorite) - Smoked turkey -- the delicious sleeper hit you didn't see coming - Esquites cornbread -- the fan-favorite bite everyone's talking about - Salsa-macha slaw -- spicy, nutty, and fresh (I'm now always adding macha salsa to my slaw) - Chicken tacos -- zesty citrus-marinated smoked chicken on a pueblo green chile tortilla, topped with salsa fresca & avocado crema (another surprise favorite of mine)   Wash it down with: - A killer margarita or bourbon peach smash cocktail - Plus a lineup of local draft beers that pairs perfectly with the smoke

    Private dining room.

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    Ask the Community - Riot BBQ

    Liquor license? If so, any special Margaritas?

    Yes they serve. They even walk up the line to serve you when you are waiting. Don't know of anything special.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Pit Fiend Barbecue

    Pit Fiend Barbecue

    4.6
    (114 reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $$

    Have I rated this place before? Well, even if I have, it's time that I renewed my rating for Pit…read moreFiend. 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.

    I really loved the ribs and the pulled lamb at Pit Fiend! I will definitely be getting more of…read morethose 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!

    Photos
    Overview of the dining area
    Overview of the dining area
    Pork Belly (Half Pound/$18)- 5/5 stars. A MUST ORDER!
    Pork Belly (Half Pound/$18)- 5/5 stars. A MUST ORDER!
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    Saucy’s Southern Barbecue & Cuisine

    Saucy’s Southern Barbecue & Cuisine

    4.2
    (157 reviews)
    1.8 mi
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    Got to try this place out first on the TooGoodTooGo app and couldn't resist on coming back the next…read moreday to order something else off the menu! The server was quick to take my order and friendly. Definitely glad I got it to go because it was a bit loud due to a large group being there. Food took a little bit of time to make but definitely well worth the wait. The beans were very sweet and yummy. Mac and cheese slaps your taste buds with so much flavor. The ribs on the 2 meat platter I only got 3 of them and a huge link but for the price I thought it was worth it. Can't wait to come back and try the wings and the different types of sauces they got. There is parking garage but parking on the street wasn't a problem in the evening.

    Being born and raised southern, I have pretty high expectations when it comes to BBQ. However this…read moreplace was so yum! I got the 1 meat plate with bbq ribs, green beans and Mac & cheese. It included a Hawaiian roll as well. I also got a banana pudding for a sweet treat. The Bbq sauce was top tier on the ribs- absolutely delicious. The rib meat was tough... but overall had great flavor. The Mac & cheese was dry, but green beans were pretty good! Banana pudding was a custard base and was thick and creamy and so worth it. Will absolutely be back to try more of their sauces and for more of that banana pudding Love that they endorse local businesses, right when you walk in there is a table full of cards for cleaning, dispensary deals, stickers, barbers, etc etc. The young ladies working were very friendly!

    Photos
    I forgot to take photo of my food, but this mural of the barbecue master's history is pretty cool.
    I forgot to take photo of my food, but this mural of the barbecue master's history is pretty cool.
    Ribs, teriyaki Parmesan wings, teriyaki Parmesan corn, and green beans.
    Ribs, teriyaki Parmesan wings, teriyaki Parmesan corn, and green beans.
    Ordering counter

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    Ordering counter
    Smok Barbecue

    Smok Barbecue

    4.1
    (346 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $$

    Wow! When in the Denver Arts District, I highly recommend. Located in The Source building…read more Homemade is the keyword! Homemade pickles, Cornbread, Mac n Cheese & more. The Brisket Sandwich, the Chicken Sandwich, Burnt Ends Sandwich and Portabelo Mushroom Sandwich were all delicious. You can see the smoke ring. The toasted brioche bun, the cole slaw, the great local beers...it was all great! The interior is awesome, as it shares the space with other businesses in a refurbished old iron factory. Definitely cool! Drew was super friendly with his service. I smoke my own meats, so I know quality when I taste it. They even have breakfast burritos with burnt ends. I highly recommend this place!

    I have been here a few times now and have enjoyed every time! You order at the counter and find a…read moreseat, then they bring you out your food. Plenty of seating options and they have a few TVs to watch the game. It is connected to the Source hotel but I like that, great vibes. I took out a star because the mac and cheese was lack luster, I was so excited to eat it but ended up only taking a few bites. The real winner were the fries and the brisket sandwich. Those were to die for!!! Corn bread was okay, and I feel like it would be next level with a few more bun options. I would kill for that brisket on a hard baguette. As I was leaving I ran into some friends and they got a meat plate with so many different kinds, I definitely need to try that next time! Overall 4/5 Stars!

    Photos
    Smok Barbecue
    Pulled Pork Sandwich
    Pulled Pork Sandwich
    Smok Barbecue

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    Riot BBQ - bbq - Updated August 2026

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