Some of the best barbecue in Colorado comes from small spots where the owners are also the ones slicing your brisket. From an old mining town off I-70 to a trailer on the highway outside Pueblo, these smokehouses are run by families who put their name on every plate.
Many keep short hours and close a few days a week, so planning ahead pays off. Grab a cooler, check the schedule, and get ready to meet six places that make the miles feel short.
1. Scooter’s Smokehouse & Grill, Georgetown, CO
Hickory and pecan do the heavy lifting at this little mountain smokehouse. That wood combo goes into brisket, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and ribs.
Georgetown is a historic mining town with fewer than 1,500 residents, sitting right along the I-70 corridor in Clear Creek County. That makes Scooter’s an easy stop for anyone heading to or from the high country.
The family-owned spot keeps things friendly and casual, with a mother and her sons running the show. Sliced brisket by the pound is a big draw, but the menu also covers smoked catfish, fried pickles, homemade pork rinds, and collard greens.
Burgers are there for anyone who wanders in without a barbecue craving.
Most plates land in the $10 to $20 range. Kids get their own menu, high chairs are available, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating.
Plan around the schedule. Scooter’s is open 11 AM to 6 PM Thursday through Monday and closed Tuesday and Wednesday, with weekend afternoons drawing the biggest crowds.
2. B-Man’s BBQ, Sedalia, CO
Sedalia barely shows up on most maps, yet weekend evenings here can get busy. That traffic is mostly heading to B-Man’s.
The small, family-run restaurant sits in the Douglas County foothills, a quiet unincorporated community that pairs nicely with a scenic drive. Ribs are the headliner, known for coming off the bone with almost no effort.
The menu goes well beyond ribs, though. Brisket, smoked sausage, and pulled pork share space with sides like burnt ends baked beans and potato salad.
Save room for dessert, since the homemade sweets have a strong following of their own. I would plan this one as a Friday or Saturday dinner outing.
Hours are tight: Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM. Parking is free and usually plentiful, and there’s outdoor seating where dogs can join you.
3. Colorado Q, Grand Junction, CO
Brisket and cupcakes on the same order might sound unusual. At Colorado Q, it is the whole idea.
The family-owned shop on Grand Junction’s Main Street serves slow-smoked barbecue alongside gourmet cupcakes. Brisket with a deep smoke flavor leads the way, backed by a well-liked barbecue sauce.
Pepper sausage, mac and cheese, and nachos round out the savory side. Prices stay friendly, usually $10 to $20 a person, and there’s a kids’ menu too.
Early risers have an advantage here. Doors open at 8 AM Tuesday through Saturday, with breakfast and coffee on offer, and Sunday hours run 10 AM to 5 PM.
The team also handles a lot of catering, so Western Slope families planning events often know the name already. Closed Mondays.
4. The Chuckwagon, Colorado Springs, CO
Texas barbecue fans in Colorado Springs have learned to watch the clock. The Chuckwagon keeps afternoon hours, and the brisket is the reason people show up early.
The family-owned operation serves Texas-style smoked meats with a focus on tender, well-seasoned brisket and ribs. Homemade jalapeño cheddar sausage is another favorite worth adding to the tray.
Part of the fun is the setting. The pit has served out front of Sourdough Boulangerie on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so grabbing bread for later is a tempting bonus.
Hours run noon to 5 PM on Thursday and noon to 4 PM Friday through Sunday. Free parking is easy, and dessert is on the menu if you have room left.
5. Troy’s Texas Style Barbecue, Pueblo, CO
Road trippers on US Highway 50 east of Pueblo might roll right past a small trailer. That would be a mistake on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
Troy’s is a family-run Texas-style barbecue trailer with a loyal crowd that has followed it from the start. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are the core lineup, all known for their tenderness.
Two extras give it a southern Colorado twist. The homemade jalapeño cheddar links are a standout, and the green chile mac and cheese nods to Pueblo’s love of chile.
Plates usually run $10 to $20. Service is a short window, 11:30 AM to 3 PM, so arriving early is smart.
6. Smokin’ Outlaw Kitchen, Englewood, CO
Real wood, cooked to temperature instead of a timer. That is the rule at this Englewood cafe, and it shapes everything on the menu.
The family-owned spot skips electric and propane smokers entirely. The result shows up in ribs with a clear smoke ring and brisket with plenty of flavor.
Bacon mac and cheese is the side that gets the most attention. Pulled pork and generous portions keep the plates hearty, with most meals priced between $10 and $20.
The room has a western-influenced look, and the owner often brings food to tables personally. Dogs are welcome inside and out, which is rare for a barbecue joint.
Hours run 10:30 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday. A private dining room and delivery make it handy for south metro groups too.
From mountain towns to highway trailers, these six family smokehouses prove good barbecue is worth planning a day around. Check the hours, bring friends, and come hungry.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.