Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Denver area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat , underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with : the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling鈥攖raditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Denver based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Denver were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. Dae Gee Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (565 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 827 Colorado Blvd. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#29. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (151 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8285 West Bowles Ave. Littleton, Colorado
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
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#28. Brothers BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (197 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 568 North Washington St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
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#27. Burnt End BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (468 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5332 Dtc Blvd. Ste 100 Greenwood Village, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue
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#26. Cupbop - Korean BBQ in a Cup
- Rating: 3.6/5 (110 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7450 West 52nd Ave. Unit C Arvada, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Korean
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#25. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (258 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3696 South Natches Court Englewood, Colorado
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
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#24. KoBA Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (102 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1225 South Federal Blvd. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#23. Dae Gee Korean Bbq
- Rating: 3.7/5 (267 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1910 South Havana St. Unit 1 Aurora, Colorado
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#22. Rolling Smoke BBQ
- Rating: 3.9/5 (250 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2501 Dallas St. Aurora, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue
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#21. Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1140 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2080 South Havana St. Aurora, Colorado
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Hot Pot
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#20. Yazoo BBQ Company
- Rating: 4.0/5 (522 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2150 North Broadway Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars
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#19. New Canton BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (130 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2751 South Parker Road Ste B Aurora, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese
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#18. Today Hawaiian BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (220 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9191 Washington St. Unit H Thornton, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian, Bubble Tea
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#17. Smokin Fins
- Rating: 4.1/5 (723 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2575 West Main St. Littleton, Colorado
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Seafood, Barbecue
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#16. Smok Barbecue
- Rating: 4.2/5 (296 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3330 North Brighton Blvd. Unit 202 Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars
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#15. Chubby Cattle Hotpot & Sushi - Denver
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1440 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 2 Broadway Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Hot Pot, Sushi Bars, Barbecue
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#14. Hong Kong Barbecue
- Rating: 4.2/5 (268 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1048 South Federal Blvd. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese
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#13. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (450 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1998 18th St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
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#12. AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.3/5 (352 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2180 South Delaware St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue
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#11. Q's Quisine
- Rating: 4.3/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5428 South Parker Road Aurora, Colorado
- Categories: Soul Food, Barbecue, Food Trucks
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#10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (176 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 100 Steele St. Ste 100 Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Japanese, Asian Fusion
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#9. Roaming Buffalo BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (398 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2387 South Downing St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Salad
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#8. Post Oak Barbecue
- Rating: 4.4/5 (601 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4000 Tennyson St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Smokehouse, American, Barbecue
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#7. Smokin' Dave's BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (389 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1551 Cortez St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Cocktail Bars
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#6. Smokin' Yards BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (429 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 West 1st Ave. Ste 100 Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches
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#5. G-Que BBQ - Lakewood
- Rating: 4.4/5 (117 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7085 West Alaska Drive Lakewood, Colorado
- Categories: Southern, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Barbecue
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#4. Ragin' Hog BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (303 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4361 Lowell Blvd. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
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#3. Brad's Pit BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (187 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5950 South Platte Canyon Road Ste D18 Littleton, Colorado
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
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#2. Huakee BBQ Bento
- Rating: 4.6/5 (105 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5072 West 92nd Ave. Westminster, Colorado
- Categories: Cantonese, Barbecue
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#1. A Bit Twisted Brewpub & BBQ
- Rating: 4.7/5 (123 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3095 South Peoria St. Unit 8 Aurora, Colorado
- Categories: Brewpubs, Barbecue, Sports Bars
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
