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    Switchback Smokehouse

    4.4 (391 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Switchback Smokehouse Photos

    SWITCHBACK SMOKEHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Switchback Smokehouse

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    Reviews With Photos

    Alex L.

    Ribs and sides were excellent! the subtle smoky flavor is present but not obnoxious and that's a big plus. The sliced brisket came out looking like corned hash or sliced lunchmeat. I'm still hoping that was the correct thing we ordered(?). The sauces were flavorful but between the standard, root beer bbq and mule, they all tasted nearly the same. All the sauces were super viscous and running so we had to be careful when applying said sauces. We ordered Mac (shells) & cheese and coleslaw for sides and they were both delicious. Wouldn't change a thing. Service was great and hospitality is A+! Being next to a river is a huge plus too. The only downside is the road's proximity is just as close as the river so you will hear both the calming water and even cars zipping by. I plan to stop by again in the near future and try other things. BBQ, sauces and sides are all very subjective. This places lands at the top of my list but still has a couple shortcomings. Crossing fingers next time for sure!

    This is how switchback serves its customers
    Mike C.

    As you can see from these photos, this is how we received our food. literally just thrown into a box. I really don't understand the hype around this place, but i guess everyone is different. Not only were our sandwiches "deconstructed" upon arrival, but the server messed up the order from jump street. We stated no tomatoes due to allergy, we received tomatoes. We asked for ranch dressing, we received no ranch dressing. We also received no straws or napkins. We will not be back as it is blatantly obvious that the employees and or owners have let quality slide and the current standards are below subpar.

    Sliced smoke duck(from the Switchback) with asparagus, maitake mushrooms, sweet onions and hatch chiles (from my kitchen).
    JT W.

    Ordered the Devil's Elbow sandwich and Sliced Smoked Duck to go. Service was friendly and efficient. The Devil's Elbow was good. Lots of moist pork and fried pickles. Without sauce, I went with the Catamount Gold, it was pretty bland. It's a personal preference, but I like to taste some dry rub in my pulled pork. The Sliced Smoked Duck was INSANELY DELICIOUS! It is not just the best smoked duck I have ever had, which it definitely was, but possibly the best duck I have ever had. I am no newbie when it comes to duck. I usually order it if it's on the menu and make it myself, including on my Traeger. I made dinner around the smoked duck the next day, with asparagus, maitake mushrooms, sweet onions and hatch chiles. So good! Due note the limited hours, but if you are nearby when they are open, definitely give them a try. The creek setting is a very nice bonus.

    View from my seat on the patio. Sorry, too lazy to stand up! Lol!
    Diane T.

    Wowza! This place was good! Me and The Hubs (both retired) like to take scenic drives through Kittredge and Evergreen periodically but we usually do it mid-week and on days when this place isn't open (not intentionally, of course). Well, that's going to change! When we arrived a little after 1 PM we noted while we were walking up to the front of the restaurant that there was a very large outdoor patio with plenty of shaded seating available. A very personable restaurant staff member was outside the door taking orders as we walked up. After perusing the menu of what was available (note: some items were already sold out at 1:15-ish, like the smoked duck breast - sigh, maybe next time), we ordered the following to share: 1/4 pound each pulled pork and brisket, 1/2 rack of ribs, one slice of bacon, 8 oz each baked beans, cucumber salad, and the seasonal vegetable which was grilled asparagus, and two pieces of Texas toast. And yes, we were stuffed by the time we left. Everything was fabulous, but if I had to choose one standout, it would be the ribs. They were very nicely smoked and super tender. The meat came off the bone very easily but it wasn't like some ribs that have been cooked so long that they border on mushy. These were perfect! The baked beans were good, as well - not the overly sweet variety (just slightly sweet and made with two kinds of beans). Again, everything was fresh and delicious. After you order your food, they give you a number and then bring out your food. While waiting, find table and then go to the condiment station and get paper plates, utensils, napkins, water, pickles, peppers, and sliced onions for your meal. They have four flavors of sauce on the tables. We didn't use any on our food (nothing needs any sauce), but we did taste them and all were very good. The patio was super relaxing under the trees and right next to a creek. We went just recently so the patio was a relaxed post-summer atmosphere. Most important of all, I can't think of anything to complain about. They even had clean, well-stocked restrooms!

    Erik F.

    Visiting friends while in CO and after our hike i was told about this place! The menu offered a great variety of options, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken. I opted for the brisket and was blown away by the tenderness and flavor of the meat. The sides were also fantastic, with standout dishes like the mac and cheese and the collard greens. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also great, with a cozy and casual vibe that was perfect for a weekend meal with friends.

    Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken Breast, Waffle Fries, Fried Giardinera & two IPA's
    Pete R.

    Best Smokehouse! I called ahead to see how they were handling guests. They recommended ordering our food in advance and they would save us a table. When we arrived our food was packaged as a to go, but we got to sit at a small table next to the creek. This is my fourth time visiting Switchback, first time as a Colorado resident and it was better then ever! FAST-C review Food: AMAZING! We preordered Pulled Pork, Brisket, Chicken Breast, Waffle Fries and Fried Giardinera, with one of each of their great BBQ sauces. Root Beer is our favorite. Of course we had to add a couple of IPA's. All the meats had a great smoke. Waffle Fries & Fried Giardinera were crisp and flavorful! Atmosphere: There is only outdoor seating available, first serve basis. It is February so it was cold, but love sitting by their creek and enjoying a great beer and smoked meats. Service: I didn't get our hosts name, but she took our order over the phone and sat us when we got there. She was really nice! One of the chefs also poked his head out the back door to check on us and make sure everything was great. While we were leaving another person also poked his head out to thank us for stopping by. You couldn't ask for a friendlier place! Tips: During Covid, call ahead with your order and time you will be by and everything will be ready fir you when you get there, to either sit down outside or to take with you. Covid: everyone was wearing masks, chefs were wearing gloves, no indoor seating, so if your going to eat there and outside plan ahead for your own warmth.

    Nicole R.

    Wonderful ice cream shop; tried the salty caramel which was lovely. However it tasted more like vanilla bean ice cream, couldn't taste the caramel. Will try another flavor next time. Recommend giving this delightful shop a try!

    Duck sandwich
    Tara W.

    The best bbq I've had in soooo long! Tender. Smoky. Loved eating by the river. We had pulled pork, macaroni and cheese (velveeta-ish but yummy), grilled asparagus and the duck sandwich.

    a table full of food
    Emily M.

    My friend came here with her boyfriend a few years ago and fell in love with this place. I finally moved to Colorado in December and they came up to visit so obviously they took me to come try Switchback! I'm from Texas and I love barbecue but I truly never eat barbecue unless someone else offers it. I take pride in being a macaroni connoisseur so that was my main mission when we decided to come here We all ordered different things so we could kind of have a buffett of options and it was absolutely outstanding!!! The duck breast was so good and tender. Ribs and Brisket were amazing as well. The macaroni....SO GOOD!!! But my overall favorite side was the Giardinera! Incredible flavor I loved it all! We also all got beer and sat by the river and there's truly nothing better than that...especially being from Texas because that's pretty much all we do. So it was a nice home feeling being there...just a little different with snow!

    Duck breast (1/2 lb), pulled pork (1/2 lb), bun, baked beans
    Kayla P.

    This is my favorite restaurant. Truly such a blessing to have them in our small town. I've been coming here for many years, since they opened. Can't get enough of the duck. You can't go wrong with literally any of the meat from here. The Devil's Elbow is a go-to. The cowboy baked beans are so good. The Switchback Standard bbq sauce is addictive. I love to eat outside here in the summer. The service is always attentive and everyone is so kind. Be mindful if you go too late in the day they may be sold out of some items (high demand for delicious food!!). Well done all around, SS!

    Brisket Sandwich

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Awesomeness but limited supply. Ribs here are life-changing. Order early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    4 years ago

    This place has some of the best barbecue I've ever had in my life. I'm from Alabama originally. Enough said..

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Yummy!!!! Great food and service and the best part it's right down the street!!! I just wish they had more days they were open!!!

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    4 years ago

    Waiting for the return of the fried pickles! Always love all the meats and the people are great

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Really good hole in the wall with lots of outdoor seating. You've got to have the duck breast.

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    Page 2 of 10

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    Avocado toast add eggs/bacon

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    After an event at the Evergreen Library - mom and I found ourselves hungry…read moreand stumbled upon a cute little roadside café. Blackbird is cutesy and inviting with brightly painted exterior (featuring butterflies and sunflowers), cozy and wooded interior, with one hell of a Creekside view. The layout inside is a little awkward - and entrance is right near the kitchen. However, we maneuvered to a table in the corner near the window - with a nice, sunny view and was greeted by a friendly face who gave us a rundown of the specials and allowed us ample time to peruse the menu. We decided to sip on Arnold palmers and split The Rachel - essentially a Turkey Ruben with a side of fries and sweet potato fries - because two types of fries is always the right choice! Within about 10 minutes, our food arrived, which was just what the doctor ordered. Splitting the meal was perfect, as the sandwich was huge. Mom's fries were delicious while my sweet potato fries were a little burnt, but still yummy. Service was friendly, welcoming and accommodating to our lunch date. Pricing is on point and reasonable for a cute mountain town. I'd easily return!

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    Blackbird Cafe - Mountain Brunch & Lunch - Inside (bar area)

    Inside (bar area)

    Blackbird Cafe - Mountain Brunch & Lunch - Smothered Breakfast Burrito (feat. my hungry pup)

    Smothered Breakfast Burrito (feat. my hungry pup)

    Blackbird Cafe - Mountain Brunch & Lunch - Many animal visitors love the Blackbird too.

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    Many animal visitors love the Blackbird too.

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    1.9 mi
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    My wife and I were looking for a great place to eat in Evergreen, and Murphy's ranked the highest…read more It's a very laid-back atmosphere, with some of the best burgers I have tried. If you like a juicy burger with incredible taste, this is the place to go. Their truffle fries were just as good. I will have to go back and try the Salmon and their signature cocktails. The only negative, and this is not the restaurant's fault, is that the parking is horrible. Luckily, we went on a weekday in the winter, so we were able to park about a block away. There are a few paid parking spots, but it will cost about $10 for 2 hours if you use the QR code on your phone. If you can get to the restaurant, it's well worth it. The staff is incredible; they will make your dining experience fun.

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    Photos
    Murphy's Mountain Grill - From patio to interior

    From patio to interior

    Murphy's Mountain Grill - Salmon

    Salmon

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    Chocolate Milkshake

    Switchback Smokehouse - smokehouse - Updated May 2026

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