I live in Las Vegas, NV but needed to plan and set up a get together following a funeral in Hotchkiss, CO. I really had no idea how many people would be attending, due to it being an open invitation given at the funeral, or an exact time, due to not knowing exact length of service. I contacted Zack's BBQ and spoke to the new owner, Scott. From my first conversation, Scott took the planning into his hands presenting me several options for consideration. The planning by Scott was exceptional. He put together an incremental plan so as when a certain volume of guest would arrive they would provide another block of meals. This provided the ability to provide outstanding meals while keeping the cost at the most economically beneficial level to both myself and the business. The service of the food was at the same level as in any fine restaurant even though we were out in the pavilion. The food was brought out incrementally so it was always fresh and at the correct temperature. With the weather forecast working in our favor, we opted to have the get together in his pavilion area. The setting was absolutely perfect for the get together. There were some tables in the shade on the pavilion and some out in the sun. The pavilion is situated right at the edge of a large nicely mowed grass area which butts up against the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The setting was absolutely beautiful! The food was served buffet style and was excellent. We had ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, cowboy beans, potato salad and drinks. It was absolutely AMAZING! All the guests loved the food and made so many comments to both the owner and I about it. If you are planning to have food catered anywhere within Zack's service area, or looking for somewhere to have a get together, I couldn't give any business a higher recommendation. This business made my planning during a difficult time very easy and everything about the event was perfect. We felt the service, food quality and pricing were truly beyond our expectations! 5 read more

This is the quintessential BBQ place! From its wood-and-white interior to its tables that advertise local businesses, Zack's ambiance welcomes everyone immediately. The staff are equally kind and happy to get to know you. And the food! It's difficult to choose what to order, because each dish is better than the last. I adore the pulled pork and brisket the most (with mac and cheese as my go-to side). The potato salad is also delicious, and is not of the vinegar variety. But, as a dessert lover, I can't get over the pies. We usually eat one there, then pack a few into a cooler for the drive home. They are made on-site and are some of the best pies I have ever eaten. I'll be back again soon! read more

See all

Bbq is great, but the ham is absolutely incredibly awesome. The best ham and pies anywhere.

We had the Fried Chicken and the 7 oz. Chicken Fried Steak. The food was great. The service was outstanding. I would definitely recommend Zack's BBQ. read more

What a great place for lunch! Bustling with locals, servers greeting customers by name and giving hugs. Tried the smoked beef brisket sandwich on a large hamburger bun. Lots of slices! Delicious BBQ sauce! Potato salad was the perfect side. The brisket was so good that I got another sandwich to take with me. read more

Zack's BBQ - menu cover - Barbeque Near Me - Hotchkiss, Colorado

New Owners and great food, atmosphere and service. Back to the original Zacks great food. Actually better than ever.

That BBQ is on point, y'all! This here's one heck of a spot to grab a bite. Everythin' they cook up is downright delicious--I clean my plate every single time. I usually go for the brisket plate with some baked beans and that creamy mac and cheese. And let me tell ya, from the meat to the roll--or biscuit if you're lucky--it's all mighty fine. Don't even get me started on them pies... read more

Scott and his team did a great job helping us put on a graduation party for 150. They supplied brisket and smoked chicken and made some awesome pico de gallo. Thanks Zacks BBQ and you really ought to add brisket tacos to your menu. They were a huge hit. read more

Oh my God, chicken fried steak! Beware! Worse case of food poisoning! Suppose they left the gravy in the serving container a little too long. Eater beware! Service was very good though. read more

the best brisket in Colorado, and really amazing service it was quick and yummy I would recommend to everyone.

A legendary spot on the western slope. I enjoy walking in and seeing everyone stop eating and look at me and then go back to their business. This is a serious locals joint. Everything is good but the pies are exceptional. Don't miss out on this place. 4.1. read more

Zack's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Hotchkiss, Colorado

It's great here. Food is amazing, especially the brisket and fries, the service was excellent. The Ambiance is great too.

Take out bbq beef sandwich and beans was wonderful, but a bit pricy! It did include a dill and baked potato chips. The beef was really tasty with great bbq sauce, and the beans homemade! read more

The food was very good service was good very enjoyable dinner . Thanks Zack for a great dinning experiment.

Food was good, however, who has ever heard of Texas BBQ with out a beer? Next time i think I'd do take out.

Dry Brisket, Dry Ribs. It's like they cooked it at lunch and kept it heated till dinner.

Great food and good selection. Great service too A little too clique ish to be friendly but we can handle it. read more

Terrible dry brisket, terrible. Brisket should be juicy. Yours is dry. Brisket should be be enjoyable, yours is not. Brisket should be delicious. Yours is dry . read more

When you dream of BBQ-this the place-at least in the North Fork Valley of Colorado. Having visited earlier in the day for breakfast - also delicious, noticed a brick structure in the middle of the building that was warm and then discovered it was the smoker. The aroma of smoke outside was fantastic! Have learned they use applewood. Made a must stop for last dinner of this visit. Ordered the pork ribs and from the moment I saw the plate - there was no talking and the serious eating began. Partner got ham (we Southerners do not take that seriously but it was very good.) Now about those ribs - how do you describe perfection? They were moist, flavorful, meaty and the applewood made them head and shoulders above usual BBQ ribs. Paired with a vinegar slaw and potato salad, the meal was great. A large snowflake roll accompanied the meal in case you needed to make a sandwich of the boneless meats. Then we get to the pies. We went with one of the best pecan pies I have ever tasted. The staff was attentive, helpful and afterwards (I probably attracted attention as I purred over the ribs) the owner Dave stopped by to check on us. Zack's is worth a trip to Hotchkiss even if you are not in the area. It joins Woodpecker's in Florida and the Germantown Commissary near Memphis as my three favorite BBQ spots in the US. Cannot wait for my next visit! read more

Zack's BBQ - the outside of the restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Hotchkiss, Colorado

Zack's is a landmark for Hotchkiss and not only because it has been there for 45+ years, but because the BBQ is authentic Texas style and it's excellent! I've tried most everything and it's all good. The sides are yummy, too and compliment the smoked meats perfectly read more

Food and service is fantastic. Beautiful place to eat outside with your dog. We will add this to our favorites.

Very pleased with the barbecue meats, very moist and delicious. Butter rolls are SO good. Cheesecake was great! However I do believe the sides could taste a little better. Overall a good place to eat! read more

Prime rib was 10/10 amazing wish they served alcohol but other than that I would definitely recommend a stop

Delicious ribs, great service. Local color. Amazing pies! Glad I found this restaurant on my travels!

Food was great, prices are awesome and the pies are amazing. Kids menu is a big serving for the little ones, which is great. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the views of the mountains. If you get chance, stop by and enjoy some great food. read more

Zack's BBQ - two sandwiches on a plate with potato chips - Barbeque Near Me - Hotchkiss, Colorado

See all

And a number of occasions I have tried different things from one side of the menu to the next and I have not found a single thing that's tasty:/ which is sad because this is the closest restaurant to my house:/ I feel like if they focused on seasoning that might help. Sorry‍ read more

Love the new owners, friendly and I like the changes they have made to the food, especially the rolls, pies and potato salad. Great service and good value. Friendly small town atmosphere. read more

A wonderful gem! We were driving through the area and were hungry. I found this place on yelp and thought we would give it a try. Honestly, our expectations were low but we were pleasantly surprised! The service was great (shout out to Rhonda!) and the food was fantastic!! We all ordered different meals and it was all good. Brisket, ribs, chicken, burger, French dip... all delicious. We're already trying to figure out how we can come back again sometime. read more

Friendly service and excellent food. The chef salad is my personal favorite. The drive thru pickup is a nice option too.

What a disappointment. We waited 10 minutes to get a glass of water and that was only because I went to the front to ask for it, that and a menu. Our prime rib was tough and overcooked. All I could taste was the hickory smoke. My baked potato was undercooked. We tried two pies, blueberry and cherry ... well, the crust brittle and it was all about the filling ... I think we counted 3 blueberries and 7 cherries ... Definitely not the Zack's we all knew and loved. FYI ~ Can't even get a beer anymore! read more

We're from Kansas City, the home of great bbq, and we found Zack's to be delicious! The applewood smoked brisket had a nice sweet smokey flavor...the thick slices were tender and crazy moist. The home made vinegar slaw was a perfect topping for the sandwiches. My husband and I both ordered the small sandwich which had plenty of meat but honestly we should have opted for the medium size bun. Looking forward to trying the ribs next time we visit Colorado. Thank you Zack! read more

I visited during the sheep dog competition, so the place was packed and we had to wait for about twenty minutes. The huge brick oven/smoker is right up front where you check in. You can't miss it; it radiates a LOT of heat. They also slice the beef right there and it looks and smells wonderful, which really gets your appetite going. They use 100% apple wood here and I greatly prefer the milder flavor it imparts to the meat compared to hickory. The tables have plastic tablecloths and a roll of paper towels, which is great for when things get messy. This is beef country, so that's what on the menu, not pork. I had what is probably the most popular menu item, the chopped beef sandwich special, which consists of TWO sandwiches and a choice of a side (see photo). The meat was tender and full of excellent, mildly smoked flavor and the sauce was not overbearing, which allowed the flavor of the delicately smoked beef to come through. I ordered fries as my side and they were perfectly cooked, crisp and not greasy at all. The prices here are extremely reasonable. The special I ordered was $5.25 but a single sandwich is only $3.75!!! The "Combination" is a huge - easily enough for two - platter of beef and chicken and comes in under $9. Upon leaving I noticed their stack of seasoned apple wood on the front porch and went back inside to ask if I could buy a couple pieces for my smoker. The owner came out a minute later and told me he thought it was great that I asked because most people simple grab it without asking or paying. He hand picked a a few choice pieces, gave me some quick smoking advice and refused to take my money. That's worth another star but I'm already at five. read more

See all

Best BBQ on the Western Slope! The owners are great and the wait staff phenomenal. The smell greets you at the door, as the brick smokers heat up the place! If you make it on Sunday, don't miss out on the prime rib...to die for. Daily specials are all homemade! Monday and Tuesday breakfast is homemade chicken fried steak with homemade gravy - my fav! A definite must-NOT miss! read more

Zack's BBQ - front of Zack's x - Barbeque Near Me - Hotchkiss, Colorado

We have been going to Zacks for 30 + years. The first time we ate there my friend said as we left..'The taste of San-in-tone. He was from Texas. Great plates, wonderful folks. But Zack died. Family took over, not much changed, somme changes, buy still Zacks. Family sold. New owners. We had a burger and a small brisket plate. Burger was big, but cooked to death. Dry and tastless. On the other hand the Orings were great. The brisket plate was small, somewhat dry. Two cokes, close to 40.00. With tip 47.50. Zacks is no more. Name only. It is just a place to eat in a small town. read more

THIS PLACE IS SO YUMMY!! I can't believe we found this gem in Hotchkiss, good thing too because there would be an hour plus wait if it was in Denver. Been a few times and me and mine are NEVER disappointed. Can't wait to go back! Mouth is watering just thinking about it. read more

My grandparents take us here every time we visit and every time it's the best meal we've had all week! The atmosphere is very friendly and the decor is rustic with some local history in the mix!The staff are excellent and it's very clean and the layout is good for a variety of folks. We look forward to visiting every trip! My mom was friends with Cheryl(the owner) from high school apparently! It's always good when a town has a good local spot! Highly recommend! read more

Zack's BBQ - Zacks entry way with my grandparents :) - Barbeque Near Me - Hotchkiss, Colorado

I hate posting bad reviews especially for places like this one where staff is super good. Sadly though the food is very bad. I am not sure how somebody can mess up a burger but this establishment managed to serve the worst burger I had. I really hope this was an isolated incident. read more

Great local place. Very nice people and decent service even with overwhelming crowd. Just had a cheeseburger and it was very good. Owner is a very personable guy. read more

Thank u for seating us outside sorry we attracted more people this place is great EXCELLENT BBQ!

I think Zack's has new ownership... as the food is different... The people who eat here are still a colorful lot, so go and order somethings that can't be messed up, like the ham or ribs. It's too bad the new owners are willing to risk it. read more