Great barbecue in Colorado tends to hide in the places you would least expect, far from the big city and often at the end of a winding mountain road. The nine spots on this list sit in small towns and quiet corners of the state, where pitmasters slow-smoke brisket, ribs, and pulled pork at altitudes that would confuse most Southern cooks.
Some come with mountain views and creekside patios, others with old Colorado charm and pies you will want to save room for. Each one has earned a loyal following from people who drive out of their way just to eat there.
If you love smoked meat and a good road trip, this is the kind of list you save and share. Grab some napkins and let us hit the road.
1. Slow Groovin BBQ, Marble, CO
Getting to Marble takes some commitment, and that is part of the fun. Sitting about 50 miles from Glenwood Springs, this backwoods barbecue destination has been quietly turning out some of the state’s best smoked meat for over a decade.
The drive rewards you with a scenic patio, mountain views, and a breeze that makes the whole thing feel like a proper adventure. The brisket earns high praise, which is no small feat considering the altitude these meats are smoked at.
Menu regulars include the pulled pork sandwich, brisket and ribs, smoked chicken wings, and the Quarry Burger. Sides like the Marble Mac and Cheese, coleslaw, and poutine round things out, and there is a dessert option for the finish.
Portions run large, and the setting is casual and pet-friendly, with dogs welcome inside and out. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, with plenty of free parking once you arrive.
2. Smokin Yard’s BBQ, Idaho Springs, CO
Fresh off a hike or a day in the mountains, Idaho Springs makes a natural refueling stop, and this spot along Colorado Boulevard has become the go-to for barbecue in town. Southern classics show up here in generous portions.
The brisket and burnt ends stand out as favorites, and the covered patio gives you a spot to relax after a big day outdoors. Fans of the chopped brisket sandwich, pulled pork, and baskets of onion rings keep coming back.
Sides lean simple and satisfying, with smoked baked beans and house BBQ sauce doing steady work. Prices land in the friendly range, roughly 10 to 20 dollars per person.
Reservations are not accepted, and Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons tend to be the busiest. Hours run Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM.
3. Smokehouse BBQ, Winter Park, CO
Mountain-town barbecue can be a gamble, but this Winter Park classic tends to surprise people in the best way. Meats here are smoked according to traditional recipes, and the place carries an old Colorado style interior that fits right into the setting.
Regulars point to the burnt ends brisket with potato wedges and coleslaw as a highlight, alongside pulled pork, chicken wings, and the meat basket with two sides. Corn on the cob keeps the vegan crowd happy.
The vibe is down-home and comfortable, family-friendly, and easy to enjoy whether you are solo or with a group. Desserts get a nod here too, so pace yourself.
Reservations are not accepted, and Saturday evening runs busiest. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, with free parking on hand.
4. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ – ESTES PARK, Estes Park, CO
Estes Park has no shortage of restaurants, so earning a spot as a local favorite here says something. On Moraine Avenue, this casual barbecue joint pairs familiar smoked options with a solid lineup of local beers and house BBQ sauces.
The brisket comes with a visible smoke ring, and the pulled pork stays moist, both served in generous portions. Starters like the Bubba-Que Wings, deep fried pickles, and Mile High Cheese Fries make good openers.
You will also find the Pit Boss BBQ Salad, chicken fried steak, and spiced apples for something a little different. Prices sit in the reasonable 10 to 20 dollar range for the area.
The restaurant is family-friendly and welcoming, with a drive-through, free Wi-Fi, and changing tables among the amenities. Open daily 11 AM to 8 PM, busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, and reservations are not taken.
5. Serious Texas BBQ North Durango, CO., Durango, CO
Texas transplants who miss home tend to end up here, and that is a real endorsement in the barbecue world. On Main Avenue in Durango, this counter-service joint draws fans with smoked ribs, pulled pork, and tacos built around signature sauces and salsas.
The Texas Taco is a standout, and the pulled pork nachos are a favorite to share. Sides like cheesy potatoes and pinto beans keep things classic, and sweet tea rounds out the order.
Service moves fast, the setting is casual, and prices stay wallet-friendly at roughly 10 to 20 dollars per person. College students and groups fill the place, especially on Saturday afternoons and evenings.
Open daily from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, with takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating available. No reservations needed here.
6. Switchback Smokehouse, Evergreen, CO
A row of smokers sitting outside a simple roadside building tells you everything about the intentions here. Along CO-74, this rustic smokehouse cures and smokes its meats on premise, then serves them with gourmet sides and cocktails.
The menu keeps it honest with a list of meats, a list of sides, and a few sandwich specialties. House-smoked bacon, pastrami, smoked salmon, and the brisket sandwich anchor the lineup, with fried pickles on the side.
Part of the charm is the setting, with seating along a mountain stream that makes the trip through the scenery worth it. Portions and prices land around 20 to 30 dollars per person.
One thing to plan for: parking can be tight, and the hours are limited. Closed Monday through Wednesday, then open Thursday through Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM, busiest on Saturday afternoons.
7. Zack’s BBQ, Hotchkiss, CO
Barbecue for breakfast is not something you find every day, and that is one of the quirks that sets this Hotchkiss spot apart. Down in the North Fork Valley, it serves barbecue, chicken fried steak, and pies in an easygoing setting that welcomes kids.
The brisket is smoked in an authentic Texas style and turns up on plates and in a well-loved brisket Philly. Save room for the coconut cream pie, which has plenty of admirers, and the smoked ham gets called out as a unique pick.
Mornings bring biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak, since the doors open early most days. The atmosphere leans historic, quiet, and genuinely hometown.
Unlike many joints on this list, reservations are accepted here. Hours run Monday and Tuesday 6:30 AM to 8 PM, closed Wednesday, Thursday 6:30 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 6:30 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday 7 AM to 3 PM.
8. Georgia Boys BBQ – Frederick, Frederick, CO
Sitting next to a quiet downtown park, this Frederick smokehouse brings a real Southern-style spread to the Front Range. The space is laid-back, with a sports bar, a fireplace, and two patios that make it easy to settle in.
Meats here carry a noticeably smokier flavor, and the sauce variety gives you plenty of ways to dress them up. The Pitmaster’s Tasting Plate is a smart order for the indecisive, while the smoked pulled pork sandwich and smoked chicken wings hold their own.
Sides and desserts do heavy lifting, from cornbread and pickle fries to the Banana Puddin’. Prices run about 20 to 30 dollars per person.
Good news for planners: reservations are accepted. Closed Monday, open Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM, with Friday and Saturday evenings the busiest stretches.
9. Aspen Hickory House, Aspen, CO
Reasonable prices in Aspen sound like a contradiction, yet this veteran barbecue joint on West Main Street pulls it off. It has long offered ribs and other slow-smoked meats alongside classic sides in a quaint mining-town setting.
The full rack of baby back ribs is the headliner, with meat that falls off the bone and portions that feel generous for the town. Burgers, onion rings, and the Pig Salad add range, and the Hickory House fries and sweet potato tots round out a plate.
What makes this place different is the breakfast game, with steak and eggs available thanks to early morning hours. Catering is also part of the operation and has handled everything from family meals to large events.
Reservations are accepted, and dogs are welcome inside and out. Open daily 8 AM to 2:30 PM and again 5 to 9 PM, though parking in Aspen can take patience.
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