When people think of barbecue, their minds usually wander to places like Texas, Kansas City, or the Carolinas. But Colorado has quietly built a smoking-hot barbecue scene that rivals any southern state. From Denver’s urban smokehouses to mountain-town pits, these twelve Colorado BBQ joints are serving up tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and creative twists that prove great smoke can happen anywhere.
Post Oak Barbecue (Denver)
Authenticity matters when you’re talking Central Texas barbecue, and Post Oak Barbecue takes it seriously. They actually ship genuine post-oak wood all the way from Austin to fuel their pits, creating that unmistakable flavor profile. Their certified Angus beef brisket develops a dark, peppery bark that snaps when you bite into it.
Locals consistently rank this spot among the best BBQ in the entire state. Ribs come with the same simple salt-and-pepper rub that lets the meat and smoke do the talking. The no-frills approach works because quality ingredients and proper technique don’t need fancy sauces to hide behind.
Order the Texas brisket or beef ribs if you want the full experience. Each slice reveals a pink smoke ring and melts on your tongue with rich, beefy goodness.
G-Que BBQ (Denver Metro)
Championship pedigree shows up in every bite at G-Que BBQ. Run by a competition barbecue team that knows how judges score perfect smoke, this multi-location operation brings contest-level quality to everyday diners. Brisket arrives with exactly the right amount of bark—not too thick, not too thin—and ribs balance sweet and savory notes like a well-tuned guitar…