If you're anywhere near Riot BBQ, do yourself a favor and go--especially for the al pastor ribs. Absolute . Perfectly cooked, insanely tender, and packed with flavor. That al pastor seasoning is unreal--sweet, smoky, just the right kick. These ribs were straight-up bomb and easily some of the best I've had. Great vibes, great food, and a menu that clearly knows what it's doing. Riot BBQ just earned a permanent spot on my go-back list. read more

Riot BBQ - Just one of the laid back nooks at this place - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Food was off the chain; the beef rib was incredibly tasty. The sausage and macaroni and cheese were flavorful. The aqua fresca was perfectly sweetened. The barbecue at this place was delightfully delicious. read more

Riot BBQ - Beef ribs, Mac and Cheese, say, aqua fresca - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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The Brisket was finger lickin good & the staff was amazing I have had the ribs previously & they were mighty tasty read more

Riot BBQ - The brisket was finger lickin good - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

First time. The inside is rustic with bare picnic tables and metal chairs. Lots of memorabilia on the walls. The food menu is posted above the counter with meats by the half pound, sides and desserts. Large colorful chalkboard with beverages. No wine indicated but I did see a white & red in single serve 187ml bottles. I got the burnt ends with Macha slaw and dirty rice. I added the Incline White Peach cider served in a mason jar. The burnt ends were good but not crunchy. The macha slaw had a bit of heat. I tried each of the 3 BBQ sauces. The Colorado Gold & Chipotle were best. I got a banana pudding later. No sign of vanilla wafers but plenty of graham cracker topping. Not particularly sweet. The AC was cranked up even though it wasn't hot. Most people were wearing coats. There is large covered patio in the back and a comfy waiting area just the entrance. read more

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We've been wanting to try Riot BBQ for a long time. One night when we were craving BBQ, we remembered Riot. It's nice that it's easy to get to by road and for me, off the light rail station. It's not a fancy place, but the staff were all friendly and helpful. The menu has a good variety, but you have to come early. When we arrived after work, a few items were already sold out. Overall, I'd say the food was good, but not great, compared to other BBQ places. I was expecting more flavor for the meat, but it was okay. The sauces helped. read more

I was just in Texas a few weeks ago and ate at Hutchins. I stopped here today with the fam and the food was fire! Super moist brisket and pork with a true through and through smoke flavor. Here the bbq sauce compliments the meats and although I loved the Colorado gold sauce. This meat doesn't need anything! The sides we tried pit beans, man n cheese and the cornbread stood up by themselves. Nice selection of cold draft beers and cocktails. Service was joyful and sincere! Immediately greeted, service with a smile and someone was sure to confirm that everything was delicious and we would be back. Oh and the place is really charming too. We were thrilled with our experience and look forward to coming back and maybe saving room to try their desserts! read more

Picked up some smoked bbq for a picnic at the park. Absolutely delicious and reminded me of growing up in the south! All they need is some collards (but that's just what I love with my bbq ;) haha! We ordered a 1/2 lb of brisket, burnt ends, and Texas sausage. The burnt ends are a MUST -- perfect! Sides we got were the potato salad and macha slaw, and the staff gave us a complimentary esquite cornbread which was so nice because it was so tasty! Definitely don't skip out on the bread and potato salad. If you like it a bit spicy, 1000% grab those pickles and jalapeño veggies when you get your sauces! Restaurant is family friendly with many different spots to hang out - game room, chill area, dining inside, and dining outside. Big plus is they have a big parking lot out front so you don't have to stress about street parking. Can't wait to go back and try the other menu options! read more

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Picked up some BBQ on the way to the park for an afternoon lunch. Riot BBQ is a hidden gem for sure. Apple Maps was confused on how to get there but eventually found it and place was already getting busy at 11:30am. Service was quick with great to go containers for the food and sides. Burnt ends, potato salad, and the free pickles and jalapeños were definitely the hit, moist and flavorful. The potato salad has big chucks of potato which I like. Everything else was well cooked! Location looked like it would be a fun spot to eat at as well which we probably will the next time! read more

Delicious BBQ! We stayed downtown and took a $2.75 bus ride to a stop very close to riot. We went with a group of friends and ordered a ton to sample including brisket (10/10), ribs (8/10), pulled pork (10/10), and chicken. The sides were potato salad (10/10), esquites corn bread (10/10), Mac (10/10) rice, and baked beans. If back in Denver solo, I would order the fatty brisket, the corn bread, and potato salad. They were my favorite out of our giant group order. They have sweet tea and lemonade in the back, which makes a yummy Arnold Palmer when mixed. Don't sleep on the pickles and peppers in the back. I wouldn't go for the ribs or the rice because they were both dry. I liked the atmosphere and the communal tables, but the line to order goes right through the middle of the tables. You order up front and self-abuse tables. read more

Riot BBQ - All the sides! - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I had heard so many good things about this barbecue spot, and when I walked in, not only was the line all the way to the back of the restaurant, but people behind me were raving about how good the food was. Well... It was not. I got the pork belly, burnt ends, and mac & cheese. It's not that the food lacked flavor, the flavor is just did not appeal to me. It was missing that je ne sais quoi. I definitely don't have to come back here. read more

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Riot BBQ is hands down my favorite barbecue spot anywhere, not just in Colorado but anywhere I've eaten barbecue. I've taken so many people here over the last two years and every single person doesn't only love it but say it it's the best barbecue in Colorado! The brisket is consistently incredible. Perfect bark, tender slices, and packed with deep smoke flavor without ever being dry. The burnt ends are just as good, rich, caramelized, and melt in your mouth tender. Their Texas sausage is easily one of the best around, with that perfect snap and juicy, seasoned flavor in every bite. On top of that, their smoked pork belly is unreal. Everything tastes intentional and made with care, not rushed or mass produced. This is the place I recommend to friends first, and it's where I bring visitors when I want to show them what great barbecue should taste like. Consistently amazing food, great flavors, and worth every visit. If you love real barbecue, Riot BBQ is a must. read more

Riot BBQ - Brisket, Pork Belly, Chorizo Sausage, Texas Sausage, Slaw, Cornbread, Smores Creme, Clementine Margarita $67.85 (Rating: 10/10) - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Star 1: The decor is well-suited for a BBQ joint but is not the typical industrial, diamond plate, square iron bar that is so common for BBQ restaurants. Star 2: The staff were welcoming, friendly, and able to give us the rundown on GF options. Star 3: The condiments bar was well-stocked with multiple sauces, including an excellent Colorado Gold sauce and Chipotle sauce. Star 4: The brisket slices were thick with good bark that did not taste burned. The ribs required just enough tug to get the meat off the bone that the meat didn't just fall off onto the plate (or worse!). They even asked if we prefer our brisket with more or less fat. Star 5: The burnt ends were some of the best I have had. I think they used a chipotle sauce on them, which was unexpected but definitely welcome. I hesitate to write a great review because this is the type of place where once the food is gone, that's it for the day, and I want all of that burnt end goodness! There is no frozen burnt ends available when the supply for the day is sold. Bonus Star for freshness, quality, and integrity. read more

Riot BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Excellent BBQ. Wagyu pastrami is the best I've had outside the east coast. Brisket strong second. To me it's worth the drive, I've never regretted coming here after eating. I mix the hibiscus tea with the lemonade and sweet tea (all house made) and it pairs great with the food. 5 stars. read more

Love this better then Oregon needs this in Oregon bad great job riot we need this l love this read more

Riot BBQ - Good food - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The food is excellent!! Best BBQ I have ever had and I have eaten lots of Texas BBQ over the years. Staff was amazing! Larry noticed we were having a celebration and gave us a free dessert for our party We will definitely be back the beef brisket was so delicious and tender. Overall the experience was amazing! read more

A friend recommended this place, and she didn't steer me wrong. The ribs were fantastic as was the cornbread. I loved their bbq sauce. My husband liked the sausage, potato salad and beans. We would definitely go back! read more

A places that knows what it does and does it well. Seriously unfancy -- queue up to the counter to order and have put together your order (one party at a time), then go find a picnic table and chow down. Everyone was helpful and seemed happy to see us, and answered even the stupidest questions helpfully. The food was just what you might hope for. We had Texas Sausage (cheese and jalipeno), Smoked Chorizo sausage, Pork Belly, Brisket Quesadilla, etc., all of which were wonderful (the pork belly was a little dry, but still tasty). I also had some of the Esquites Corn Bread, which was remarkably light and a great complement to the meat. Specialty cocktails were good (not great), but generous, and there were plenty of other beers and soft drinks available. Where are tables inside in different rooms, as well as picnic benches under awnings in back. We found plenty of seating. We got there around 4pm on a Saturday evening, and the line was across the main room. By the time we left at 6-something, it had seriously dwindled. Note for next time. Parking in the neighborhood is a bit in front of the place, a fair amount of street parking, and possibly the Evans Light Rail P&R lot if you're in district. And, of course, it's just steps from the Evans Light Rail P&R. Great place, definitely on the list to go to again. read more

I really like this place. We went for lunch recently and enjoyed it immensely. The alluring aroma of smoke greeted us as soon as we got out of the car; a good sign. My husband and I shared 3 meats; the sausage, pastrami and pork ribs, with beans and slaw. Too much food, at a half pound per protein, but everything was great. The pork ribs were delectable, with a rub that was tasty but not overpowering. The pastrami and sausage were equally great, juicy and delicious. I love their pit beans, which aren't overly seasoned and feature large chunks of brisket. The salsa macha slaw was interesting and different. I like their nod to Mexico, a culinary choice that features in a lot of the food. They've managed to do a great job with the mash up of cuisines without impinging on the stars of great barbecue, which are smoke, meat and low heat. Counter service was friendly and helpful, and the place has a fun vibe. We skipped the alcoholic beverages, but they are inventive and sound yummy. Pickles and Mexican pickled veggies are self serve near the water station, so don't miss them. I'll most definitely be back. read more

Good service, wait staff getting drink order in while we are in line waiting to order the food. Showed up Saturday night at 6pm and waited for about an hour in line. The bbq was tasty but pricy. Plenty seating area, just don't come too hungry if we gotta wait awhile. Overall decent experience with the Latin fusion BBQ with cute decor. Will have to come back and try their burnt ends next time. By the time we are done and heading out, most of their stuff is sold out. Popular place!! read more

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What didn't go well?!! We arrived at 11:00 am sharp & weren't the first ones there. Great sign! The line starts early. They were already out of burnt end at opening Saturday because of selling out of brisket. So that was a bummer. But there were plenty of other equally delicious options. Pastrami - amazing 8 out of 10 Turkey - perfection 10 out of 10 Brisket - top tier 9 out of 10 Jalapeño sausage - 6 out of 10 Mac n cheese was very good flavor & sauce wise but the pasta was over cooked super easy fix. The corn bread was very good but I think offering a plain honey butter option or like a corn bread muffin would be nice for people who don't want all the toppings on their corn bread. I also tried the slaw which wasn't bad but it lacked depth of flavor I suggested adding in onion for sweetness, lime for acid & cilantro for a kick. Onto drinks great beer selection & the mixed drinks are honestly some of the best I've had anywhere. I loved their margaritas & im not a margarita person at all coupled with the good food & the perfect patio weather! Amazing friendly helpful staff. Really delicious BBQ meat that does not disappoint, good beer selection & great margaritas! Don't get me started on the Smokey bbq sauce & the golden bbq sauces read more

Riot BBQ - Drinks - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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

Riot BBQ reminds me of the Texas BBQ we would travel to get across the state line when I lived in New Mexico. With a focus on beef brisket, a simple dry rub of salt, pepper, and other seasonings, smoky flavor from wood used in a smoker, and sauce on the side, add in the creative flavors of NM and Mexican influence, and you have all that Riot BBQ has to offer. A welcoming restaurant in Rosedale, sandwiched between S. Broadway and Santa Fe. Get there early to get what's offered on the daily menu, as they can run out of certain items (burnt ends are in high demand on the weekends). Patrons wait in line to order meats by the half pound at the counter, as well as smaller single items and sides. I split a few items with my bestie so we could sample several items. We split brisket, pulled pork, mac & cheese, and the equites cornbread. I also tried the Spicy Cucumber Margarita. Brisket was delicious and lean, with just the right amount of fat for flavor. The sauce offerings were great. The Chipotle BBQ was one of my favs. The esquites cornbread was like having street corn in a cornbread form, and it was addictive. While others have discussed how pricey things are, there was more than enough food to take some home for another meal, and the quality alone made it worth it. read more

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What a find! We absolutely loved this BBQ and will be back. This is a casual restaurant with shared tables and handkerchief-style napkins. Everything was fantastic. The staff was very welcoming and helpful in assisting us with ordering the right amount of food. The food was delicious. We ordered sausage, pulled pork, cornbread, mac and cheese, potato salad, and banana cream and s'mores pot de cremes. The meats were delicious and the sauces really added to the experience - make sure to try them all! The sides also shone - mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the cornbread was not to be missed. It was unlike anything we've had. They also offer free pickles, which are an important part of the meal! Can't wait to go back! read more

We've tried a lot here, and everything is delicious. Even things we normally aren't impressed by (like pulled pork - nothing can compete with what I ate in Asheboro, NC, as a kid!) is really good here, and their chicken, oh boy - both the Pibil and the Loco are great. I'd be hard pressed to choose but would say start with the pibil because of the seasoning-encrusted, crisp skin. Ribs, coffee-rubbed pork belly, brisket, Wagyu pastrami - !!! Excellent sauces too. The special corn bread is outstanding, and so is their unique potato salad. We loved the banana pudding and the dulce de leche Carlota. This is a new fave. We look forward to many more meals from Riot BBQ! read more

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 food was incredible! Specific shout-out to the Colorado Gold sauce, it was a phenomenal blend of sweet and spicy. Brisket was incredible as well, and the cornbread was to die for! Definitely saving this place for future visits to Denver read more

Riot BBQ - 1/4 pound brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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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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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

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

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

We rode our bikes to get here & it was hot outside, so when we arrived we wanted to just order a beer, relax for a few, catch our breath, watch some of the basketball game that was on, look over the menu & order food a bit later. They would not let us start a tab, so each time you order a drink you have to close out. So 3 credit card trasactions in a single visit? A bit of a nuisance in my opinion. Why not let people start a tab? It was expensive for what you get but was good. Better than expensive & bad I guess. read more

I am so glad someone took over this location, that pit has magical properties, and now with awesome Mexican flavors

Food is amazing best bbq spot in whole Denver ever tried and fast service and very polite

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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Great food, large selection of meats & trimmings. Great selection of craft beers, would recommend to everyone. Service was excellent. Lots of good BBQ family style seating great atmosphere read more

Love the brisket. It is the best! Love when they take it out of the warmer, undress her, smack her around and and juices just flow out

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

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