Moving from the south, I was afraid that I wouldn't find good BBQ. 3 years after being in Denver, I finally found it. RIOT BBQ quickly took over as #1 in Colorado (without a doubt) and easy contender as #1 of everything I've had. The spot is sick, great drinks, great specials, GREAT MEATS 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

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

I got the half pound order of brisket.I'm glad there wasn't a lot.I mean , hardly any , because what was there was fatty. That order with mac and cheese and the tip totaled $32.00. I don't mind the price, at least the mac and cheese was good. Maybe just a bad day for them. 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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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

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

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

The beef brisket sandwich is delicious! The beef was cut up into moist and yummy chunks with a decent Smokey flavor. The slaw was fresh and crunchy. A great combination! The people were super friendly and kind. We enjoyed this lunch from their booth at the Buffalo Bill Days in Golden. They do catering! 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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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

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

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

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

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

Might be the best bbq I've ever had, food was exceptional, food also came out pretty quick, id mainly recommend the pulled pork and tri tip if they have it. 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

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

Fantastic brisket and pork belly, sauce was great as well, worth the 1 hour wait. Show up early!

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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Best bbq I have had in denver. Can't go wrong with anything on this menu. My favorites are the brisket and the esquites corn bread.

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

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

Best BBQ I've found in Denver so far. Really reminded me of Texas & southern style. Highly reccomended

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

Authentic Texas BBQ We tried the brisket, pork belly, ribs, and the beans. All were fantastic. read more

My buddy and I had a wonderful experience last night at Riot. The atmosphere was cool. The beer menu was well thought out. The menu was a BBQ lover's delight. We got there a little late, so the menu was limited as Riot sells until they run out, or have closing hours, whichever comes first (they nearly always run out). While this could be annoying, it is the best case scenario for you and me because it is an authentication that all the food is fresh and cooked to standard without efforts to overproduce or to take shortcuts. We were not able to try some of the things we were looking forward to like the al pastor ribs. Bottom line: Last night, I ate the best brisket I have ever had. It was perfectly moist with texture on point. It had an incredible bark. Not overpoweringly, the bark had a Northern Mexican flavor profile which worked amazingly well with the smoke, whose ratio to meat, was just right. The flavor profile somehow made its way throughout the entirety of the meat, making for an enjoyable bite every time. The two versions of chicken we tried were new, interesting, and delightful. The slaw and macaroni and cheese were top notch. The key lime pie was lovely. That brisket though... I can't wait to try the al pastor ribs the wagyu pastrami, pork belly, and various tacos! read more

YUM!! the brisket taco, pastrami & mac & cheese were my favorite. also have to try the hibiscus agua fresca juiceee. manny is the best! read more

Riot BBQ - brisket, Mac and Cheese, Macha Cole Slaw, Hibiscus, Pork Ribs Al Pastor, pastrami - Barbeque Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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

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

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

Mexican flavors hit the smoker! Unique barbecue like Pebil chicken and el pastor ribs. The cornbread had Mexican street corn in top! They serve drinks and beers. The staff is awesome and the space has lots to explore from the front room to the backyard. Come home to Riot! read more

We were so disappointed with what went down with the previous restaurant. Happy to see a BBQ restaurant back in operation at this location. I'm not a red meat fan so I had the smoked turkey which was flavorful and moist. Hubby had ribs which were equally good. The sides were amazing! It seems that the sides can be rather mediocre at BBQ restaurants. Not here! The potato salad was spectacular, as well as their beans. Someone put some time into their recipes. We also had the corn bread which was also a unique recipe. The drive from Castle Rock was well worth the trip. We will be back. read more

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.

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