Dined here on Saturday 12/7 for my brother-in-law's birthday with a large group (took a party bus up there from Denver). It was my first time in BH and we weren't familiar with JKQ beforehand. We had such a great experience! The restaurant appears to have been built recently but was made to look like an authentic old-timey Western saloon. The service was great! Our waitress, Denise, was efficient, friendly and fun, as were the other staff (met and chatted with Larry and Jennie too, the chef and other server/bartender). By the end of our dinner, the birthday boy was taking pickle shots with the crew. They were all great and so accommodating of our large party. And let me tell you, the bbq was top notch too and everything was very fairly priced. You have to try the Pitmaster cocktail, which for $8 was a steal compared to drink prices in Denver. I had the sampler platter - for $19 you get 2 proteins, 2 sides and Texas toast. Everything was super tasty! Several people had sandwiches and they looked great too. They also surprised us with a small chocolate birthday cake and some free shot/pint glasses, which was really nice and unexpected. Overall, highly recommend checking out JKQ if you're in the Black Hawk area. read more

See all

Food was dry and lacked flavor. Music was odd. all we could hear is the cook screaming his personal music from the kitchen. Service was questionable. The lady taking care of us didn't really care to be there. Stomped her feet when she had to do something, made inappropriate comments next to us, and drinking on the job with the cook. PLEASE save yourself the trip. Owners/management please do better. read more

We just stopped in for a beer and tried some spicy cheese curds. The have a modest sized bar and a handful of beers on tap. Some of the food menu items looked really good and I would've tried them but we had already eaten. The bartender was friendly and took good care of us for the short time we were there read more

The food was amazing, you can see the smoker outside getting all the meats ready for the day (loved seeing that in the morning before our dinner that night). It was a busy day due to Lou Bunch Day so the waitresses were very transparent and let us know that food may take a while (it didn't take too long, but we were starving so it felt like a while). But we ordered some of their signature drinks and they were DELICIOUS, my sister had one with Fresh OJ and that one was AMAZING...would recommend this place as there's not too many restaurants outside the casinos. read more

JKQ BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

See all

In this area, there's not a lot to choose from in terms of eateries outside of a casino. This BBQ restaurant is one option that is a decent option for lunch. It has a limited menu, basic decor, and good service. Unfortunately, the day we were there, they were out of ribs and traditional bbq sauce. We had the brisket and chicken platter with beans and potato salad on the side. The best part of the meal was the potato salad. The beans were bland like they were just poured out of a can, the chicken was dry, and the brisket was fatty. The worst part of the meal was the overly sweet bbq sauce that was provided. It tasted like a combination of apple sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg and catchup with some liquid smoke mixed in. Terrible. We have not given up on the JKQ yet however, we hope to try the ribs and traditional barbecue sauce sometime. read more

Terrible food from the Mac and cheese to the undercooked "southern green beans " to the slimy "Motherload" sandwich. There's no way the food is smoked. They just run the smoker in the back to make you think it is taste like it came out of a can. Barstools are uncomfortable and the bitchy woman working at the bar is beyond miserable. Complained about food she just looked at me. read more

Unfortunately, there are very few restaurants in Black Hawk/Central City that aren't in a casino. Atmosphere was cute. Staff was a bit curt, attentive and never rude, just not friendly. We ordered cheese curds, Philly cheesesteaks and pulled pork. First off, the cheese curds were the best I've had in my life. Many are too salty and these were perfection. The Philly was really weird presentation but tasted ok. On a brioche bun, very little cheese. Green Chile was a nice touch. The pulled pork was amazing. So juicy and tender. I was disappointed in their bbq sauce options though. For a bbq place I expected a lot better. One was really sweet and the other just tasted like cayenne. They were ok mixed. Cole slaw had no flavor and too much creamy sauce. Overall it was ok but I think it was better when it was the old Crooks Place. read more

Hidden gem!! Possibly the best bbq in Colorado. Family owed small business. No gaming here, just great food and great service. It's a locals secret that will knock your socks off. Almost forgot, homemade deserts! read more

We decided to explore more of Colorado and went to Central City and its sister city Blackhawk. Central City is the quaint aftermath of the coal mining days. A cute little downtown dotted with antiques, alcohol and gambling machines. Blackhawk is casinos on steroids. While visiting Central City we stopped by an antique store and asked about good places to eat. The owner didn't have any recommendations for Central City but said the locals likes JKQ BBQ in the Crook's Palace in Blackhawk. JKQ has a large private lot which makes parking convenient. When we went for lunch on a weekday the restaurant was almost empty. Couples would come and go but there wasn't a packed lunchtime crowd. Because of all the mega casinos in town with places to eat in each, JKQ has to be a destination versus a place you impulsively walk to while shopping in the area. Although the town is trying to have more shops within walking distance of JKQ's. Out front of the place is a meat smoker which is a good sign when going to a barbecue place. I'm really not a rib eater but I've had St. Louis style ribs and liked those because the meat tends to be less fatty. I don't mind chewing the meat off the bones. I do like pulled pork and they had a sampler platter where I could get two choices of meat and two side dishes. I opted for the St. Louis ribs and pulled pork. For sides I picked cole slaw and French fries. The ribs were done well, but the meat to fat ratio wasn't impressive. I picked a little meat off the ribs and headed to the pulled pork. That was excellent. Tender and good. No fat. There were two squeeze bottles of barbecue sauces on the table. A hot one and a mild. I used some of the mild sauce. It was soupy versus thick, but it added some flavor to the pulled pork. With only a few patrons in the place I was surprised at the wait to get our lunch. I think the holdup was the kitchen because our server was very nice and attentive. One really nice aspect of this restaurant is they have freshly made desserts. They had a lemon cake I just had to try so I purposely didn't finish my lunch so I had room for it. It was very good. And the server was sweet enough to find some coffee so I could enjoy a cup or two with dessert. If you are in the Blackhawk area and are looking for good barbeque this place won't disappoint you. But I wouldn't make a special trip to Blackhawk just to go there. read more

Black hawk is a nearby favorite destination. However, over the years I have noticed that the dining options have gotten more sparse and expensive. By chance- while on a birthday trip walking to and from casinos, my husband and I noticed JKQ. This BBQ joint is inside a historic building called "Crook's Palace" which is also super fun. We decided to look up the menu and reviews. Everything seemed pretty solid, so we decided to dine here. We sat at the bar and were taken care of by Sarah. She was friendly and attentive and can make one mean cocktail. The drink specials are also a deal not to pass up, as they are reasonable, but also unique and delicious. If you love barbecue and Whiskey, the pit master is something to enjoy! On top of this cocktail leave a lasting impression, the other drinks we ordered had fresh squeezed juices and house made brines (including pickle infused spirits). Not only were the drink specials we ordered amazing, but also the food specials. We had the cowboy bites and shrimp po' boy off the specials menu and also ordered brisket fries. Everything was a generous portion, and the food was flavorful and balanced. The barbecue sauce option is limited, but the sauce options overall are not. The poblano mayo was definitely my favorite contrast to the appetizers. The Brisket that we had was Smokey and tender. Our meal was so good we came back for lunch the next day. If you're in the area and can't find a simple, reasonable, tasty meal option, please come check out JKQ. You will not be disappointed! read more

JKQ BBQ - Pit master cocktail, shrimp po' boy, cowboy bites, brisket fries, orange crush cocktail - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

Some of the worst bbq I've ever had. I tend to have bbq once a week at a minimum and I also smoke meats on occasion. As you can see in the pictures none of the meat has a smoke ring. Is it even smoked? Doesn't taste like it. Brisket is grey, flavorless and dry. Tastes more like a pot roast. Pulled pork is dry, flavorless and also no smoke flavor or ring. Coleslaw tasted like mayo and nothing else. Fries were good. Bbq sauce is also not my favorite but with decent meat it would be ok. Sauce on its own is very tomato based and almost tastes like marinara. I am honestly worried that I will be sick to my stomach in awhile. Maybe this meat was to be thrown out since I arrived at 11:30am. It seemed like this was yesterday's leftovers. When we arrived they said they had no ribs. Next people who sat down ordered ribs. Maybe the ribs would have been better? Not likely. My wife's motherload burger was dry and flavorless. I couldn't eat even half of this. Normally, I would complain but I just let it slide since I'd rather a small business not lose money on something like this. With all that said try Smokin Yards in Idaho springs instead. If you can't leave Blackhawk maybe try the ribs or the piggy wings? read more

JKQ BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

The food and staff was amazing. I had the pulled pork sandwich and fried curds it was so good. Best place I've been to eat in Colorado. I really enjoyed the food. The restaurant was clean and on the other side of the restaurant is a bar area you can eat at. They have t-shirts you can buy. We were to full to have desert but they did look amazing. I would definitely recommend this place it was amazing. read more

JKQ BBQ - Pulled pork sandwich with fries. - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

Support your local bbq joint! When in Blackhawk/Central City we like try a new spot not in a casino and I have to say, Crook's Palace (on the signage and what to search on maps) aka JKQ bbq, was amazing!! Old timey, original bar from 1880-Something, super clean and well restored. Love the wallpaper and barstools. Cocktails hit the spot - had a Tincup w lime, specialty on the menu and my mom enjoyed an orange crush. Summer sippers for sure, strong af but don't worry, we had a DD Our server was attentive of us, the music, and was hustling around with a big smile. We just had snacks, but will be back for a meal sometime. The burnt end nachos, corn ribs, and cheese curds were the perfect combo for our Sunday funday appetizer lineup. Stop in next time you're in the area, worth it! read more

JKQ BBQ - Apps - Burnt end nachos, corn ribs, cheese curds. - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

See all

Great loaded tots! And also the lamb sandwich. Great service too. Enjoyed the nice ambiance

We loved the ambiance and the history of the building. Service was great. Food was just ok. We had ribs--I loved the smoke and char but found the ribs to be pretty fatty. I think I am just used to baby back which these clearly weren't. Also had lamb--it tasted like pulled pork. And had chicken--it was pulled chicken (almost shredded) and had a nice smokiness but was otherwise pretty ordinary. read more

I am very glad my house is near from JKQ BBQ. Price is also acceptable and their food made me so happy! And all the meat did not contain much fat so that is a really good point too. I tried several menus and ribs are the best. And you should try the mixed sauce of normal one and the hot one! The food I bought last time replaced my meals three times! read more

JKQ BBQ - Ribs, chicken Caesar salad, brisket, and pulled pork. - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

I had the combo BBQ, nice smoke rings on the St. Louis ribs and brisket was tender; not tough or dry. Potato salad and beans were nice. Lamb sandwich tasted like lamb and tender. If in Black Hawk, skip the casinos and visit this local place. Their smoker is outside. read more

My girlfriend had planned our dining experience here, and told me that I should like the place. Wow, that was definitely the understatement of the year. Even though she was unable to attend at the time we had planned, I went ahead and stayed the course getting here shortly after they opened on a Saturday. I wound up seated in the bar area and pretty much had it to myself. I liked being out at the picturesque bar, and I received excellent service. This is an old historic building, and I like that it still looks like it is, albeit a very well-kept one. I started with an ice cold PBR on draft which soon lead to a second. I went with the sampler platter, selecting the ribs and the brisket. The brisket was super tender, very flavorful, and not at all dry. The ribs were, in my amateur opinion, competition level. Honestly, the meat pulled off the bone with just the right resistance and there was so much flavor going on. There were two sauces to choose from. The sweeter one was not exactly my cup of tea. It had some interesting flavors, including what I think I may have been some warming spices. However, the hot was exactly what I am looking for in a barbecue sauce, and I enjoyed it thoroughly and put it on pretty much everything. For my sides, I went with the macaroni and cheese, and the baked beans. The macaroni and cheese was a straightforward penne pasta with cheese sauce, and was just fine. The beans were a little odd. At first, I did not particularly care for them because they were on the sweeter side. Also there were four kinds of beans in there: black, white, kidney, and traditional baked beans. There were no discernible vegetables hiding in there, and the liquid was mostly clear. I liked it more after a few bites, and after I put a splash of the hot barbecue sauce in there I really enjoyed it. The Texas toast was exceptional. It was thoroughly toasted and buttered on one side, while the other side was left plain. This made for a nice contrast. The owner (an owner?), Joe stopped by. At first, I assumed he was the pitmaster, but it turns out that he does pretty much everything, aside from being the person who basically got this all up and running. I had a thoroughly good time discussing barbecue, food truck culture, difficult customers, and life in general. I enjoyed the place so much, that I came back again for lunch again the next day. And this is not something that I would usually do. This day, I went ahead and got the pork belly burnt and nachos. The little cubes of lacquered pork belly were just amazing. The chips and the cheese and everything else that went on the nachos were pretty good as well. I also went ahead and had an order of the piggy wings, and they were quite nice. I also sampled some of the pulled pork off my girlfriends plate, and it was quite good. The PBR keg had kicked on this fine Sunday, so I went ahead and tried some of the bottled beers, all of which were icy cold. read more

See all

An awesome restaurant! Kind people and great food! Jenny and Denise are the BEST! They made our 50th birthday bash a night to remember!! Thank you for everything JKQ! We will be back! read more

All I can say is wow!!! The food was amazing and all the staff were really friendly. Had an awesome time here and will come back if in the area. read more

Ordered the BBQ Sampler, with the ribs and Brisket, food wasn't my favorite, ribs were very fatty and not very flavorful. But beer was very cheap $4/5 dollars. Sitting outside would have been better than sitting inside. The dessert menu was very confusing and the server wasn't very helpful. I did appreciate the server for giving a big pitcher of cold water on this super hot day . So thank you ! read more

JKQ BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

The place has not only survived the pandemic, but evolved and grown despite it. They've moved to the old Crook's Palace building in Black Hawk and, as such, are functioning as one of the few non-casino businesses in town. It's a breath of fresh air. They've experienced growing pains, and were a little hard to track down over the past few years, with variable hours at their old location and sporadic event appearances. The most important thing is that they did indeed survive and the food is just as excellent as always. The new spot is beautiful with easy parking. They do close a little early, but just plan ahead and you'll be fine. Everything I've had has been delicious, but I'll give a shout out to the cheese curds because I'm a sucker for fried cheese. It's not the sort of place you go to for the salad (though there is one on the menu and I haven't tried it, so prove me wrong), but it's all very tasty and there's no lack of protein to choose from. Recommended. read more

See all

One of the only stand alone restaurants in Black hawk and well worth it! Delicious burgers, potato salad, and coleslaw! read more

See all

Been getting worse every time. Been there several times and am done going now. Cook was long haired kid with no hair net. Bartender was drunk. I had two bites of a burger and walked out. Two burgers $50 and neither of us ate. I will NOT return. Oh and the flies in the restaurant were biblical. GROSS!!! read more

This place was really good! With amazing prices. Barbecue was cooked just right with good flavoring and tenderness. The place has a very county vibe to it which was fun and the bar is set up like an old saloon bar. Service was really good as well. I will definitely have to come back. read more

JKQ BBQ - Sampler Platter with Brisket, Ribs, Beans and Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

How this restaurant has 4.5 stars, I simply do not understand. It's possible that people in the mountains of the north don't know what bbq is supposed to taste like. But that's the only excuse I can think of. Everything was barely mediocre. The pork nachos had small cubes of dry, chewy meat, possibly pork belly? They were out of ribs (at 6:30 on a Saturday, but possibly a fluke), so I went with the lamb sandwich because I was curious. Now, I don't have proof, but I've eaten lamb more than a time or two, and everyone in our party tasted the meat and agreed it was pork. The alcohol was barely detectable in the drinks we ordered. Sadly, I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. We were way out of the way on a pretty special date and were very disappointed. Try somewhere else. read more

I travel all over the country with work and eat BBQ about everywhere. I can't remember any place as good as JKQ. I had the ribs and brisket, my wife the chicken and pulled pork. In a word? Spectacular. I've never had ribs this good in a restaurant. Atmosphere is very cool, pictures from the area and they kept the feel of the original building. Our server Denise was excellent. We will definitely be back and bring friends! read more

The ambience is perfect for photos. Old timey with great decor on the wall. My service was prompt and sort of friendly but still adequate. The smell of bbq hits you as your parking. I ordered beef ribs for an appetizer. They were tender smoky and a little bland. Their on site bbq sauce really saves these dishes. I ordered a combo plate with brisket and pulled pork. My baked bean sides were warm and tasty. The Mac was cheesy and on Lubys standards. My potato salad was on point and very delicious. The pulled Pork was a bit to mushy as was the brisket on a texture standpoint. However, flavor was on point. Overall, this plate could have used more acidity besides the bbq sauce. Also, they should serve the bread plain and untoasted IMO. I would return. read more

JKQ BBQ - Combo plate brisket, pulled pork, Mac, beans and potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

This was okay bbq. Will get the job done. Building was nice and had live music the night we went .

This was the worst barbecue I've ever had and one of the worst meals I've ever had. The corn bites were liquid in the middle. The pork ribs were absolutely flavorless and tough. The lamb was so dry and flavorless it was like having sawdust in your mouth. I only ate 1/3 of my meal but I used a tablespoon of salt trying to save it. Gross. I'm embarrassed to say we paid for this. We were in a group and I didn't want to start any drama so I just let it go. Today the guest of honor told me he loved his birthday trip to Colorado except for this disgusting meal and I felt inspired to post this. read more

The barbecue here was excellent. The ribs were fall off the bone, they have 2 barbecue sauces one is sweet and the other is hot. They are both really good but if you mix them together it's phenomenal. The cheese curds were my favorite with a side of ranch. If you check in at this restaurant on Yelp it gives you 10% off, but a heads up the restaurant does not accept this promotion. read more

See all

Definitely a great place to try if you're in Blackhawk and want something better than casino fare. I really enjoyed the platter. My meat choices were the ribs and the pulled pork, with beans and potato salads as sides. Favorites of these were the ribs, tender and flavorful, and the potato salad, perfect texture and seasoning. Two bbq sauces are offered, one was too sweet for me , but the other, labeled hot, was perfect. The server/ hostess was super nice and helpful, and the space is high class. They have their own parking lot, only confusing point is that the external signage says Crooks, not JKQ. read more

JKQ BBQ - The sample platter - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

Solid BBQ joint. We were welcomed by a large wood smoker in the parking lot. That is when I knew it was going to be good. They slow cook their meats for lengthy periods and then you get to enjoy all of their hard, hot work. The brisket was pretty darn good, with a nice smoked flavor. The sandwich came with chopped pieces. The BBQ sauces left something to be desired. One hot, the other -- well I am not sure-vinegar? Pulled pork was done well. The sides were appropriate. The baked beans had 3 different varieties and were not overly sweet - a good thing. Slaw was creamy. Staff was friendly and welcoming. I'd read about their desserts from other Yelp reviews and sadly disappointed they did not have any. When I asked my waitress, she said "that is because I have not made it yet." The point is all the desserts are made in house daily. Nothing fancy inside, just tables and chairs. Food served on colorful paper. Overall, JKQ BBQ was a good choice for eating in Colorado City/Black Hawk. read more

See all

This place is a gem! The restaurant is a cool, old tavern. Lots of dark wood. Look for the historical info on the building, described on the wall next to the bar. The food is stellar. The ribs are perfect, nice char on the outside and tender inside. The pulled pork is delicious, just the right amount of rendered fat and not mushy. The pork wings are frenched (they cut the meat so it's like a pork lollipop). The spicy sauce is not overly spicy, it has a great flavor. The mac'n'cheese is pasta and cheese, simple. The potato salad is a white potato salad (mayonnaise based, no egg/mustard) with a nice subtle flavor. This place has their own parking lot for you to use while you are at the restaurant. But, you will need to move your car when you venture out to the casinos, etc. read more

One of the best food options in Blackhawk. Moved to the Crook's Palace building. Had the motherload sandwich which was good. A heap of fries if you go with that option. Meat was nicely smoked and iced tea refilled three times . read more

JKQ BBQ - Motherload Sandwich. Brisket, pulled pork, coleslaw and sliced banana peppers. Fries on the side. - Barbeque Near Me - Blackhawk, Colorado

One waitress wonderful. One waitress had a major anger management problem. Luckily we were with friend's and Could enjoy ourselves. Brisket and pulled pork great. Enjoyed both barbecue sauces. Hummingbird cake delicious. read more

Had a party of six and apart from another couple or two, we were the only ones in the restaurant at dinner time, which was probably a red flag. Restaurant was understaffed and we waited almost 45 minutes for food to come out. A few people enjoyed the wedge salad, but all that ordered BBQ were disappointed . I tried the pulled pork and brisket. Both lacked flavor and were served cold. It was one of the more disappointing meals we've had at a restaurant. Do yourself a favor and skip JKQ BBQ. read more

I so wanted to like this place. Smoker in the parking lot, cute little bar and BBQ joint, and it smelled amazing. Walked in, was seated reasonably quickly for lunch on a Wednesday (read: mostly empty). Was handed a menu, and then sat there for the better part of 10 minutes waiting for anyone to acknowledge my existence. Finally ordered - decided on the bbq combo platter with ribs, brisket, Mac n cheese, and potato salad... basically everything a good bbq joint should have mastered. Food comes, ribs have a gorgeous bark, brisket has a smoke ring, mac n cheese is delicious and the potato salad tastes good. Go to the meats, and that's the last bite I had. Brisket was shoe leather tough. Overcooked to oblivion. I don't mind well cooked brisket, as long as it had enough fat to keep it moist. This failed miserably. The ribs? Couldn't pry the meat off the bone - again cooked at too high a heat. Their bbq sauces left a lot to be desired as well. Left money for the tab and walked out. Absolutely disappointing experience given the hype. read more

Service good! Ambiance good with a band in the bar area. Meat was good; side dishes so so!

This place is soooo good! My family and I each ordered something different and everyone loved what they got. The staff was amazing and friendly. The food came out fast and the server was on top of everything. The building is a historic landmark and is very comfortable. On the weekends they have live music. I definitely will be going back. read more