Three of us were excited to check out the new Riot BBQ today. The place was clearly popular, as we stood in line for about 20 minutes just to place our order. Our experience was a bit of a roller-coaster, with some truly fantastic food and a few frustrating misses. Let's start with the highlights, because there were several. The burnt ends were absolutely the star of the show--perfectly rendered and delicious. The chicken tacos were another standout. We were also very impressed with the sides; both the mac & cheese and the pit beans were top-notch. For drinks, the hibiscus tea was refreshing and the lemonade tasted fresh and authentic. I personally enjoyed the coleslaw, though it got mixed reviews at our table. Unfortunately, not everything hit the mark. The quesadilla was sparse on both cheese and meat. Beyond the food, we ran into some service hiccups and had trouble receiving all the items we ordered, which was a bit frustrating after the long wait. We ended with the banana pudding, which was quite good. Despite the issues, the high points were high enough that we have to come back. We've got our eye on the chicken lomo for our next visit! read more

Excellent food with a friendly staff. The wait can be long so be prepared. I got three at 1pm on a Sunday and waited 30-45mins before ordering. I has the wagyu pastrami, beef ribs, macha slaw and brisket. The pastrami is one of the best I've ever had. Amazing with the honey mustard sauce. Definitely a stand out order. Beef rib was good and brisket was also good. But that pastrami is by far the best thing in the menu. read more

Riot BBQ - Wagyu pastrami, beef rib, brisket, macha slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Brief disclaimer... been wanting to try Riot BBQ for some time and while we were at the National Western Stock Show, found out that Riot was there, located on the other side of the tracks, getting there on the road that goes under the tracks. I'd been to the old Cattlemen's Association Building before, Riot is located next door, upstairs, across from the Legacy Building. First of all, the Brisket is delicious! Some of the best in Denver. The cornbread is different, in a very good way! Dense, packed with whole corn and tasty seasoning, wish they served a larger piece. The pit beans, spot on. Two unfortunate downsides though... the seasoned Cole slaw was oily... yes, for me, it was inedible. The potato salad was delicious... but... they need to cut back on the added mayo... overkill on the mayo. Granted, the lunch was at the Stock Show and not at the restaurant. But I did inquire if it was the same as in the restaurant and they said it was. All in all, we came for the brisket and can honestly say, it was delicious! read more

Riot BBQ - Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This place is worth an immediate visit as it is one of the more unique barbecue places in Colorado. These guys reopened and are back from the ashes, turning out to be one of the bright points in the BBQ scene. Latin flavors are infused with hits like Al Pastor Ribs and sauces that are made with Latin American ingredients. We got the turkey and the Al Pastor ribs and both were delectable. We can't wait to return and try some of the other meats! read more

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What a great bbq restaurant right here in Denver! I took my two sons to Riot BBQ for lunch, as I'd read good things about the new restaurant that had taken over AJ's Pit BBQ just off Evans and Bannock. We unfortunately arrived about an hour later than anticipated, and missed out on trying their burnt ends (as with most BBQ places I've tried, once they run out, there are out for the day). All their proteins are priced by the 1/2 pound and from my experience, the prices are reasonable for good barbecue. We had a pound of the brisket, a 1/2 pound of the smoked turkey breast, a 1/2 pound of the pork rubs Al pastor, and 2 sides (pit beans and Mac and cheese). Lots of drink choices (sodas, Mexican soft drinks, and beer and cocktails) are also available. Seating is open picnic style, with an outside patio to the rear. There was a large parking lot out front (west side) that had a lot of open spaces (not sure if tied to the light rail station parking or not, but I didn't have any issue parking for a hour to eat). To the food... the brisket was fantastic! Even without sauce, it had great flavor and juiciness. There are multiple sauces available, with my favorite being the Colorado Gold (more of a mustard sauce, if my taste buds were correct). The sweet/savory was tasty too. Next I tried the smoked turkey with some Alabama white sauce. Tasty, but a little dry. The pork ribs were outstanding! I was able to have 2, as my boys made a trade for extra brisket. Their loss in my book! No sauce needed, as the al pastor took this pork rib to the next level! The sides were decent. Pit beans had a little kick - Mac and cheese is hard to screw up! Staff was friendly and attentive. I'm glad to see this spot thriving again! I definitely will return to Riot BBQ in the near future. I hope you get the chance to swing by and try this spot soon. Get there early though, as this place is definitely popular (even on a Wednesday afternoon!). read more

This was a pleasant surprise for Colorado. We were struggling for a while trying to find places to eat at. The rating weren't matching the quality for the state honestly. But! We started talking to local and owners of restaurants and we found our grove which lead us to Riot!! Yall that brisket was amazing!! Global rating: 6.8/10 Colorado rating: 9/10 read more

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The nicest workers as always and great vibes all around. The Al pastor pork ribs are so fall-off-the-bone tender and good! The brisket quesadilla was solid. My favorite is the smoked chorizo- incredibly flavorful! Banana pudding is still divine but now a smaller portion. The esquites cornbread is a good side to share. While I can't bring myself to get a $9 taco just yet I'll probably cave soon. read more

Riot BBQ - Esquites cornbread, brisket quesadilla, Al pastor pork ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

We've eaten here twice in the past couple of weeks. The folks who work here are really nice and the food is outstanding. We've had the ribs, brisket, beans and slaw and they all were delicious. We love bbq and this is arguably the best we have had in town. Highly recommend! read more

How did I never review this place? This place is the true embodiment of high quality food being packed into a small space. The brisket was melt in your mouth, the ribs were fall off the bone soaked in flavor and the sides were the perfect compliment to the meat Not to mention the owner is from Austin and is incredibly accommodating and friendly We will be back! read more

Riot BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Recommended by my son. celebrated his birthday . Everything was exceptional. Favs was chicken loco bread pudding and brisket. Pickled carrots and pickles nice touch. Live music was a plus! read more

Excellent bbq. Nice quaint patio. Lots of indoor seating. Stopped by on Saturday for a late lunch. Grabbed a 1/2 lb of brisket, 1/2 of pulled pork, slaw and Mac and cheese. Really nice staff; they are excited to help out. Spoke with one of the co-owners. Nice guy and clearly loves what he does. Food was delicious. Topped it off with a banana pudding. Blew my mind! Well worth the visit. read more

Riot BBQ - Brisket, pulled pork, slaw and Mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Super friendly staff. Excellent food thoughtfully prepared. The perfect dive bbq restaurant. Great brisket, ribs, and sausage. Stellar Cole slaw. read more

Outstanding food! It was crazy-busy when I went with a few others after church a few months back. The line was out the door, but worth the wait. They had run out of burnt ends, but we feasted on brisket, pulled pork and the cornbread - that cornbread is the stuff of dreams and I would go back again just for that. Fun atmosphere, nice folks. A++ read more

As someone from Memphis TN, I know bbq and this is some of the best I've had EVER. 15/10. The service immaculate. Ambiance was awesome and the cocktails were perfect. Next time i come back to Denver I'm definitely coming back here read more

Riot BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Hands down the best BBQ spot I've hit in a long time. The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth, the turkey sausage brings the perfect snap and smoke, and that Mexican dirty rice? Unreal. Do yourself a favor and don't skip the esquites cornbread to close it out -- next level. Amazing hospitality, great vibes, and seriously crave-worthy food. This place is a must. read more

After all the online hype and buzz about Riot BBQ, I finally made my way over there to try it out. First off. The vibes are pretty great when you walk in. It feels like a Texas BBQ joint. Funky and eclectic. I ordered a half pound of brisket, a jalapeño cheddar sausage, a side of coleslaw, and canned soda. $45 with tip. Counter service is quick. Not sure that it's worth an 18% to 20% tip, felt like an expensive lunch. The brisket is excellent, but so is the brisket at almost every other BBQ place in Denver. The Chipolte BBQ is the best sauce I've had in Denver, although it falls way short of the house sauce at M&Ds (a long gone Denver institution). The housemate sausage is decent but not all that memorable. The Macha Coleslaw is still a mystery to me, interesting flavor, a little muddy mixed with crunchy texture. But here's where it fell apart for me, the place wasn't clean. The bathroom was filthy (surprising for an early Saturday) there was as dirt caked on top of the toilet bowl. The sink was uninviting. The drinks / pickle station was right next to the dirty dishes, very unappetizing. I want to give this place high marks but I can't because it needs a really deep cleaning. Ick. They could really do a lot better with their housekeeping. read more

This barbecue was outstanding and we would totally go back! The pork spareribs were unique and had just enough fat to render the meat juicy, succulent and delicious! The vibe was very casual and fun! read more

I saw this bbq place on a local news spot and added it to my "to do" list. Today was the day and I made the time to drive over and check it out. This place is kind of hard to find and off the beaten path. Without navigation I'm not sure I would have found it. It's really in a residential area and near dead ends and one way streets. I had no idea anything was even back there much less a great bbq joint. Parking is quite easy as there is a small parking lot right across the street. It's like twenty yard walk to the front door. Inside is very eclectic and reminds me a bbq places in the Deep South. The decorations and signage is all very interesting and fits the bbq motif nicely. They even have a room with games and stuff for the kids. You order at the main counter and then take your food to the table of your choice. They have great indoor seating as well as covered outdoor seating. We sat inside as it was 98 degrees outside and just too hot. We ordered ribs, sausage, bbq beans and banana pudding. It was cool they cut the meat right in front of you. It has a real world butcher counter type feel. The ribs were fantastic but the sausage was a tad dry. Not terrible but simply dryer than I would like. The bbq beans were fantastic as was the banana pudding. The real lemonade was top shelf but the hibiscus drink was atrocious. The staff were exceptionally pleasant and professional. The building was clean, including the restrooms. The restrooms are dated but clean and functional. All in all it was a great meal but super expensive. The tab for two people was about 80 dollars with tip and just felt high. The price is the only reason for the four star instead of a five star review.! read more

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BBQ So Good It Should Be Illegal. Riot BBQ in Denver is pure smoked perfection. The brisket melts faster than my willpower, the ribs fall off the bone like they're in a hurry, and the mac and cheese could solve world peace. Staff are legends -- friendly, funny, and armed with sauces that belong in a museum. If you don't leave covered in sauce and questioning your life choices, you did it wrong. read more

Incredible bbq at affordable prices. We will definitely be back. Lovely place to hang out for drinks and bites.

Great selection of delicious bbq with super friendly service. They had a good selection of different drinks at the bar. A great neighborhood vibe with communal tables and a nice outdoor area. read more

Just became new favorite bbq spot in CO. A bit off the beaten path but the flavor is unreal. I had the brisket, pulled pork, Texas sausage, and slaw. Will absolutely be coming back (soon)! read more

Riot BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Amazing takeout for an event! This is close by and we have been wanting to try it but you need to go early because they will most definitely sell out! We were so glad we got it delivered because every time we drive by there is a line out the door! We had the pork and chicken with the incredible potato salad and the just ok cole slaw. This may just be our new favorite spot. read more

Came for lunch on a Friday right at noon and wasn't super busy or a line. They had all the meats except burnt ends. We got brisket 2lbs I didn't love how thick they cut it -just seemed lazy. Also got a 1/2 rack ribs and .5 lb of sausage. The ribs were a little over cooked with very little meat and a different flavor. The sausage was super dry. I liked the brisket I just wish they cut it thinner slices. We also got the pit beans , Mac n cheese and esquire cornbread. The cornbread was great flavors. The pit beans are a mix of sweet and tangy. The Mac is cheesy with a nice smoke on them. They had a bunch of sauces- smoky, chipotle, yellow mustardy and mop sauce. I got the smoky and it was just OK. Not a Texas sauce like I love. My guests got the brisket tacos they liked it had cilantro cotija and some green sauce. Not sure if slices or like shredded brisket. May try this place again sometime. read more

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The smells were amazing..... Got there about 2:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon. The line was already 25 people deep. The host did a great job of getting water and drinks for us while we waited in line. I had the pork ribs, brisket, sausage and smoked turkey. The food didn't disappoint. I missed out on the burnt ends. I will have to get there when they open next time. The staff was very fun and entertaining to engage with. Very friendly people that did a great job. I will be back again. read more

I was passing through town and heard about Riot, and wish I'd known sooner. I had two meals in four days, and I would've probably gone for a third if I had been able to squeeze one in. Between the two visits, I had the brisket and the pork belly, both of which were smoked to perfection; both flavorful and tender. But the surprise standout was the esquites cornbread, which was absolutely amazing. Seriously, if I could give it a 6th star, I would. On my second visit, the special of the day was brisket chili, and I honestly don't have enough words to give it adequate praise. Suffice to say, it was incredible. They have three sauces on the tables, and although they're each outstanding in their own right, the meat truly doesn't need anything else. There's an impressive tap list featuring local breweries, as well as several cocktails available. The restaurant itself is unassuming from outside, but inside is eclectic and cozy without being cluttered. Several large tables are inside and more outdoor seating in a patio to the rear. The entire staff was enthusiastic and friendly, and they seemed to be genuinely enjoying their work and interactions with the customers and each other. Pricing may seem a little high, but the food absolutely lives up to it. I hope I get back to Denver soon, because this may honestly have been the best BBQ I've ever had. read more

We ride bikes on the trails down this way a lot, and stopped quickly on a ride one hot day for a water. My partner grabbed 1 single chicken taco while getting a water and when I tried a bite I knew we had to go back. (This says a lot because I love to smoke my own bbq KC style at home on my smoker and have not found many bbq spots that I enjoy in CO). Fast forward to last week: we made an intentional stop to eat here while out riding, they have a little bike rack tucked in the shade too. We went in with the intention to order 1 thing, and try more spots along the trail, but after seeing the menu I could not! I ordered 2 chicken tacos, 2 brisket quesadillas, side of beans and side of mac n cheese plus few canned sodas. You order then they bring the food out to you on trays similar to places we have been like Terry Blacks. We sat in a cute decorated room with board games and a big picnic table with multiple bottles of different style homemade bbq sauces. They had a sweet heat, a carolina mustard, and traditional. I am so glad to have gotten the chicken taco again. TBH, it was so good I studied it to try and recreate at home. It was a flavor profile of smoked chicken but with a mexican street taco flair. So so Creative! This green sauce the chicken taco comes with was the star, (its also served with the brisket dilla) and needs to be bottled and sold! Its that good! The brisket quesadilla was amazing too, and another item I will def order again and am wanting to recreate at home. It is like texas style bbq but with fresh creativity and a depth of flavor thats sometimes hard to find. Great job riot! You have converted this picky KC bbq lover, and we will def be back! read more

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Best BBQ we've had in Colorado (maybe ever!), incredibly friendly & helpful staff and great ambience with family friendly options that allowed for a successful dinner out with two small toddlers. Cant wait to come back! read more

My son and daughter took us there for my birthday. We tried to go on Father's Day - but the line was too long, now I know why. We are BBQ fanatics always looking for the best BBQ- we may have found it! The concept of Denver BBQ - is spot on. BBQ with a Mexican flair. The staff was over the top attentive and kind. It was fun to meet Manny in person - he very friendly and took time to talk to us. It was a perfect night. read more

Riot BBQ - A little of everything- all perfectly cooked. - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I popped into Riot on a whim today and so glad I did. We ordered a bit of it all. Prime Brisket - super tender Wagyu Pastrami - first time having something like this - very good Pulled Pork - less smoky with a hit of sweetness Chicken Loco Taco - super flavorful Esquites Cornbread - cornbread was good but the elote type topping was the best Mexican Dirty Rice Mac and Cheese Pit Beans Potato Salad - some of the best Banana Pudding - more vanilla than banana flavor - delicious either way. Yes, we have lots of leftovers and it is worth it. We did takeout but will be back to dine inside. The atmosphere is welcoming and feels like an authentic BBQ joint. Staff was beyond friendly and helpful. read more

Do NOT skip the Mac and cheese, its Smokey flavor is so good. We also really loved the chicken (on special Wednesdays). Cool spot! read more

Riot BBQ - Cornbread, Mac and cheese, chicken, brisket quesadilla - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Solid bbq spot. Texas sausage is good. Ribs were tasty. Amazing hibiscus and lemonade teas! read more

If you're looking for a no-frills old school pit barbecue joint... This is it! It's got a great vibe, friendly staff. The smoked meats are amazing. Our first stop in. We had the brisket, beef rib, sausage, pork ribs, slaw, potato salad, and cornbread. Everything was excellent. I always judge a restaurant this way... Will I go back? Will I tell other people about it? Absolutely YES on both, they do a great job all around. read more

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Delicious!! I've been twice now and will continue to go. The ribs are fall off the bone. Both the brisket taco and the chicken taco are flavorful and delicious. I couldn't stop eating the Mac & cheese. We also ordered the pulled pork and bun to make a sandwich. There was a brisket baked potato on the menu this weekend that I didn't order, but hopefully will get next time. read more

Riot BBQ - Pulled Pork, Ribs, Mac & Mac and Cheese, Brisket Taco - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Amazing brisket!!! Small little spot but cozy, great friendly service. Sides are decent!

A great refresh after the dumpster fire that AJ's turned into. Great food and good atmosphere. Would be great if they sold by the 1/4 pound so you could try more options. read more

Amazing! Great, smoked brisket and great smoked chicken. The guys taking orders were also amazing.

Sides make it a 4, meat is a 2.75 got some work to do. Love their direction tho. Pork belly standout. Go to post oak for brisket.

I didn't really care for this place when it was AJ's pit bbq but this new place is soooo much better. Love the variety and the different spin on bbq. The sitting areas are also much better and we love the little family friendly room. Or what we took as the family friendly room since it has games on the table. It's next to the bathrooms which isn't the greatest but it's also a relatively quiet room compared to the rest of the restaurant. Ordering is very easy and love the serve yourself drink station and sauce station as well. Love this new bbq place that took over the old one. I hope it sticks around! read more

Absolutely amazing bbq!! The service was quick, food was delicious, and ambiance was nice. Have been multiple times and every time I taste the food I'm reminded why I LOVE this place. read more