AJ&#x27;s Pit Bar-B-Q

Denver's Essential Barbecue Restaurants

"A Michelin-recommended restaurant as of last year, Jared and Amanda Leonard’s south Denver hideaway pit-smokes over post oak in Texan fashion to yield less-common dishes such as Wagyu pastrami, spicy beef sausage, and tri-tip, accompanied by equally irresistible sides like custard-filled cornbread and truffled mac and cheese. A solid beer selection and sometime specials (think short-rib empanadas and boudin balls) seal the deal." - Rebecca Treon, Eater Staff, Nisa Sedaghat, Ruth Tobias

Denver’s 2023 Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand Restaurants, Mapped

"AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q is a family-owned and operated barbecue joint serving up Texas style pit smoked barbecue. Diners can find both traditional smoked meats and inventive takes on barbecue classics like custard-stuffed cornbread in a homey, wood-paneled room cast in the kaleidoscopic glow of holiday string lights. If you’re interested in learning more about smoking pits, AJ’s also offers classes with their pitmasters." - Annie Harrigan, Eater Staff

2023 Colorado MICHELIN Bib Gourmands

"Owners Amanda and Jared Leonard and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have a hit with AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q. From the white-washed facade and neon sign to the picnic tables and white metal chairs inside, this place smacks of a classic mom-and-pop BBQ spot. The menu is equally traditional, offering a feast of properly smoked meat. Cornbread leans inventive, and trust us when we say that you want the custard-stuffed version. Other items you'll want to try include plump and juicy sausage links stuffed with jalapeño cheddar. Beef belly ends are smoked for at least 14 hours before being cut into cubes, tossed in a citrus-chipotle sauce, and thrown back in the smoker to deliver these caramelized beauties. If you're so inclined, AJ's offers workshops with the pitmaster." - MICHELIN Guide

"Owners Amanda and Jared Leonard and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have a hit with AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q. From the white-washed facade and neon sign to the picnic tables and white metal chairs inside, this place smacks of a classic mom-and-pop BBQ spot. The menu is equally traditional, offering a feast of properly smoked meat. Cornbread leans inventive, and trust us when we say that you want the custard-stuffed version. Other items you'll want to try include plump and juicy sausage links stuffed with fresh jalapeños and cheddar cheese. Beef belly ends are smoked for at least 14 hours before being cut into cubes, tossed in a citrus-chipotle sauce, and thrown back in the smoker to deliver these caramelized beauties. If you're so inclined, AJ's offers workshops with the pitmaster." - Michelin Inspector

AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q

The Budlong Hot Chicken opens at Zeppelin Station - Eater Denver

"In January, the couple opened AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q in the Overland neighborhood." - Susan Stapleton

Liv R

Google

Simple and delicious. Unassuming from the outside by sight, but not by smell. No frills, just perfectly tender meats and rich sides. We went with the pastrami and sausage, both of which could be enjoyed without adding their mouthwatering sauces - yes, that juicy. Mac and cheese is solid, and the cornbread is unlike any other I’ve had before. There are no size options, and one meat plus one side per person was sufficient for us. Plenty of seating inside & outside, and plenty of parking across the way. Good variety of drinks and overall pleasant staff.

Wilson Dub

Google

Not such great service, could be friendlier. The brisket was delicious, sausage was dry. They made it right and gave me additional brisket. Pastrami was good, needs more smoke. Turkey was sliced way too thin, sandwich thin. Cut it thick like the pastrami. Out of Mac n cheese and don’t offer any type of greens. Wont be back.

R I

Google

My wife took me to Denver for my birthday in March to try a few Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants and being from Texas we needed compare some Colorado BBQ. AJ’s was phenomenal. The Pastrami was one of the best i’ve ever had and the custard filled corn bread IS the best corn bread i’ve ever had. They also had a great beer selection. Very unassuming exterior but pretty neat set up inside. A very well warranted award for them. @210booze

Mark Johnson

Google

Great place to grab some Texas BBQ. I live in Texas and AJs is better than many places actually in Texas. The brisket was fantastic. Solid seasonings and awesome bark. All of the meats are gluten free. A couple of the sides (cole slaw and potato salad) were gluten free as well. We parked in park and ride lot across from the restaurant. Definitely recommend AJs.

Spencer Taylor

Google

Incredibly tender brisket… cooked perfectly. Truffle Mac n Cheese was unique and very rich with amazing flavor. A little pricier than some other barbecue establishments, but the portion sizes make up for that. Plenty of indoor outdoor seating with eclectic decor to top off the rad & tasty experience!

Armando Carmona

Google

1st time here. Gf brought me for Fathers Day! Thank you love (Tina)! Wow walking in your senses are slapped with a great smokey smell. Walking in the rustic ambience enhances your senses as you proceed towards the back of the line. We ordered the Smoked Pastrami, Brisket, Pork and Texas sausage. The Pit Beans are excellent, tender with great smoked flavor. Little chunks of ham complementing the taste. The salami is soo tender, flavor is excellent. No sauce needed. I can say that all the meats I tried are moist, flavorful and tender. All four BBQ sauces enhance the meat in a different way. Citrus Chipotle has that hintt of spice while the Smoked Jalapeño is a keeper! If you enjoy sweet sauces the Smoked Sweet sauce is to die for. I kept coming back to the Smoked Jalapeño through out the meal. Lastly custard filled cornbread!? Is this a thing? Surreal indeed. They have been here for 6 years and I'm thinking to myself how have I not known about this place. If you are a BBQ lover you owe it to yourself to stop in and enjoy gaining a pound or two. You will not be disappointed.

Chris Abell

Google

My BBQ knowledge is limited, but I can't say I was blown away by the brisket and ribs. Brisket was smoky and tender and I'd rate that 8/10. Ribs were tasty but honestly fairly dry at 6pm not sure if earlier in the day would be better. They just seemed like they sat in hot holding for too long. Sides were excellent and unfortunately they were sold out of the custard corn bread, so I plan to return earlier in the day to ensure fresher meats and in stock sides.

Adam Birchfield

Google

Classic no frills BBQ. Big smoker in the back with indoor and outdoor seating. Top notch Beef BBQ. The beef ribs and brisket were some of the best I have ever had. The pork ribs were good but kind of dry. The pastrami was quite good, but I don't think the "wagyu" label really mattered. I have never liked truffle flavor before but I found myself devouring the truffle mac and cheese. We had some coleslaw but I do wish there were a few more vegetable/fiber options. I didn't look too closely but they appeared to have a good beer selection. I will definitely be back for more of the beef.

John L.

Yelp

This place is a Denver 5 stars, but would be a Texas 3.5 stars. The flavors on all the food items were great. Texture, not quite there. Service was very friendly and efficient. And inside was very charming and clean, but a little tight. Price-wise, it is on the higher end. When approaching the restaurant, one can smell the beautiful bbq smoke from blocks away. The location lacks curb appeal and is not in a nice area, but streetside parking is plentiful within a block. We wanted to try almost everything, so we ordered brisket, pastrami, burnt ends, chicken, turkey, sausage, pulled pork, pork ribs, custard cornbread, truffle mac and cheese, bbq beans, and banana pudding. Complimentary are 4 kinds of bbq sauce (smokey sweet, smokey jalapeño, Carolina gold, and Chipotle citrus), diced onions, sliced raw jalapeños, and sliced bread and butter pickles. The brisket was dry, but not crazy dry. It had really good flavor though. I'd rate it 3/5. Pastrami was excellent in terms of flavor and texture, 5/5. The burnt ends were really good, and probably the best I ever had. I don't really like burnt ends, but these were good and a 4/5 for me. Chicken was very mid, 2/5. Turkey was amazing and a favorite for everyone at the table, 5/5. We might stop by every now and then to order a pound of turkey to-go. Sausage was pretty good and heavily flavored with fragrant spices, 4.5/5. Pulled pork was tasty with a great smoked flavor, but somewhat dry, 4/5. Pork ribs had great smokey and slightly tangy flavor with a wonderful salty and peppery rub. Unfortunately the ribs did not fall off the bone at all, quite dry, and a little tough. 3.5/5. Everyone loved the custard cornbread (5/5). The truffle mac and cheese was very well-executed (4.5/5). Bbq beans were average, but the hunks of brisket in there was nice (3.5/5). And banana pudding was nice, not too sweet, and with real bananas. It tasted fresh and natural, but creamy and luscious. Quite simple, and there's beauty in simplicity, but maybe too simple? I'd give it a 4.5/5. The sauces were nicely balanced, thick, and nothing too crazy. Onions are just onions. The jalapeños had zero heat, but were nice and crunchy. Bread and butter pickles were very nice, but only if you like that sweeter style of pickle. Overall a top bbq joint in Denver that I will be eagerly coming back to for pastrami, turkey, sausage, and custard cornbread.

Markus F.

Yelp

The dining area is total ghetto. They have the dishwasher & dish pit right there. Tf Brisket & pork was just average. No better than dickys or moe's Beans not good Mac n cheese not good Green chili I was even embarrassed to eat it can't imagine what the workers must feel like to sell it. Not worth the price of admission. The only star on the menu was the banana pudding. That was actually very good.

Drew H.

Yelp

I was really excited to go to this place, but it honestly did not live up to the hype, or the accolades it's received. We had a large party and were seated in the front room that seemed like it doubled as a storage room. No one could get out of the bathroom due to the door sticking, and there weren't even enough chairs for everyone to sit down so someone sat in a rocking chair. The food itself was good BBQ, but not anything to write home about. I had ribs and sausage, both Ok. The Jalapeño Sauce I had was flavorful with heat. The cornbread was very good, and not dry. Mac and cheese was also OK. The meal itself was OK, it just wasn't what I was expecting for the star they received and the reviews I have read. Waitstaff was nice and attentive.

Jessie Elizabeth J.

Yelp

This is my fiancé and I's favorite bbq spot in Denver and beyond! The beef rib and brisket are my favorite. Their truffle Mac n cheese, banana pudding, and corn bread are insanely good. The atmosphere is great too, because I don't plan on going back to Texas anytime soon so you get a little rustic saloon feel here with the decor. They do a lot of creative specials like Thai green chili sausage, kolaches, empanadas, and events like the Jack Daniel's dinner.

Audrey O.

Yelp

I see why Michelin named this place one of the Bib Gourmand restaurants in Denver. I stumbled across this place to kill some time and also eat my feelings (who hasn't). To get to the point-- this is the best brisket I have ever had. I am not even a huge bbq girl but I can appreciate an incredible piece of meat that is WELL taken care of. I mean just look at the photos. GRAVITY was doing the work pulling the brisket apart-- not my fork. The ambiance gave a cozy family friendly no frills vibe, and you could see the work that was being done on the meat itself which was pretty cool. Only thing I will say is if you have the last serving of burnt ends, they will sound more like their title. Very tough, tasted like an end. But the brisket-- DAMN. Some facts and tips from the people who work there: 1) Burnt ends usually sell out by 1-ish but are the most popular 2) smoke brisket usually has an inventory all day, but sometimes may sell out by 6 on busy days 3) they smoke their brisket for 14 hours and do a dry rub 4) their wifi is fairly solid so you can work there if slow :) If you need to eat a feeling or two while sending an email-- come here. And get the brisket. Reminds you that there are things more important in life-- such as incredible bbq ;)

Dennis M.

Yelp

I was excited to try this place since it received decent reviews and I know Denver is not known for its bbq. The restaurant does not have combo meals. Everything is a la carte. So I ordered just the pork ribs and pulled pork. The ribs are decent. I would give them a 3 out of 5. You only get three bones for like $17 dollars! So they are pricey. The pull pork is extremely dry! Even with sauce. I would encourage the owner to do combo plates so customers can try different meats instead of ordering a la carte.

Ritu R.

Yelp

Holy delicious barbecue! My husband actually actually used the word amazing when describing his brisket! The pulled chicken and the pork ribs also made our tastebuds dance, and it doesn't end there. The sides are flavorful and robust and innovative. The mac & cheese is perfectly seasoned with a hint of truffle, but not overwhelming. The cornbread with custard is everything that you would hope it would be and no it's not sweet. It is creamy and delicious. The slice is a perfect slot to pair with the perfectly smoked meats! My husband got the smoky sweet barbecue sauce in a bottle to take home as he tasted them while we were waiting to order. The place is very simple with a walk up counter and picnic tables to eat at. Friendly and quick service pair perfectly with this Michelin bib gourmand barbecue gem! So excited to make this into our go to place for barbecue.

Clinton B.

Yelp

I usually give 5 stars on things I really love but I can honestly say it wasn't that great to me! The seating area is horrible there's no way to sit! Everything is really jammed packed and you have no elbow room at all it feels like you're in school eating at a cafeteria. The food wasn't that bad but not the best! Meat was pretty dry not juicy at all. Flavor was good but like I said very dry. The best thing was the root beer and custard filled cornbread!

Janet D.

Yelp

Experience the essence of authentic BBQ at @ajspitbbq, a Michelin recommended gem that lets the meat do the talking. Indulge in their smoked brisket, Wagyu pastrami, Pulled pork, and smoked turkey sausage - a true meat lover's paradise! Don't miss out on their tantalizing sides like Banana Pudding and Pit Beans. Meet Patrick, the talented pit master with a charming Michelin man tattoo. #AJSpitBBQ #MichelinRecommended #BBQJoint #PitMaster #AuthenticBBQ #MeatLoversParadise #DeliciousSides #BBQExperience

Arelys Q.

Yelp

I recently dined at AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q and had a delightful experience. We decided to try the brisket, pork ribs, mac & cheese, and their unique custard filled cornbread. Each meat dish was exceptionally flavorful and tender, truly mouth-watering. They offered a variety of sauces, but honestly, the meats were so well-prepared they stood out on their own. The mac & cheese was creamy and delicious, a perfect side dish. The custard filled cornbread was a new experience for us, and it did not disappoint - it was a delightful blend of sweet and savory. The staff at AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q were welcoming and friendly, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. The restaurant itself was well-maintained and clean, making for a comfortable dining experience. One thing to note is that parking is quite limited. We visited on a Wednesday afternoon and were lucky to find a spot right in front of the restaurant. Overall, AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy some top-notch barbecue in a friendly and clean environment.

Vivi L.

Yelp

Always love good bbq and heard AJs is Bib Gourmand so we had to stop by! Was honestly surprised there wasn't a line on a Saturday during lunch, but apparently AJs is still a hidden gem to locals because our Lyft drivers didn't know AJs existed! We ordered 1/2lb Texas sausage, 1/2 burnt ends, 1/2 brisket, custard cornbread, pit beans, and Mac n cheese. Sides: - Pit Beans: BEST BEANS IVE EVER HAD. We normally pass on bbq beans but we read these were a hit, so we wanted to try something new. We're so glad we did!! They were piping hot and so flavorful - Truffle Mac n Cheese: Also very good. Very cheesey and creamy, and the truffle flavor wasn't so overpowering that it makes you feel sick (which I find happens sometimes) - Custard Cornbread: This was fine. The custard didn't really *do anything* extra for us. We would've liked a sweeter cornbread batter itself in lieu of the custard Bbq: - Burnt Ends: SOOO GOOD. Was immediately blown away by how much flavor they had! Didn't have to dip them into any bbq sauce - Beef Brisket: We opted for the fattier cut so it was incredibly juicy. I think the flavor wasn't as intense as the burnt ends as I needed to dip her into the various bbq sauces - Texas Sausage: Yummy but I think we would've preferred it more if it was hot. We ended up boxing this to go so we can warm it up later. Sauces: I personally liked Carolina Gold and Citrus Chipotle the best but my bf liked Sweet n Smokey the most Note: Not sure if this is normal, but our bbq came out room temp which quickly turned cold. However, our sides came out piping hot and were perfect. If our bbq was warm, I'm sure we would've liked the sausage more as the cheese would've been melted, but instead we had bits of hard cheese. This temperature thing is the only thing keeping it from being a 5 star! If we come back, would def ask if we're allowed to get the meat warmed up somehow.

Yvonne W.

Yelp

This is hands down the best BBQ I've had in the front range! The tri-tip is so tender and fabulous and the sides are so delish too - truffle Mac and cheese and the most delicious potato salad I've ever tasted. Seriously, don't miss this spot if you like BBQ!

Natalia S.

Yelp

I'm embarrassed to say it took me until AJ's got awarded Bib Gourmand by Michelin (essentially awesome spots on a budget) to come here. My friends and husband have been raving about it for years. It was everything I wanted and more! Really cute spot, both inside and outside. Really friendly staff, clearly working hard to get you the best meats. And oh man, the meats! Best brisket in Colorado, hands down. Ask for the fattiest cut. Unsurprisingly, the pastrami is equally delicious -- as are the burnt ends and beef ribs -- since they're all coming from that delicious smoked beef. We also loved the cheesy sausage, pulled pork, and tri-tip -- but nothing beats the brisket and pastrami here. Must-tries! I've been back for it several times now.

Gina H.

Yelp

Holy cow!!! This is the best bbq joint in Denver! I'm so sad it has taken us this long to find it. Literally every single thing we ordered, and we ordered a lot (plus an online take out order from the table for dessert because the line was rightfully long), was OUT OF THIS WORLD. We were absolutely blown away with every single bite. My lord, y'all are doing it right, and we will be back again and again (and again and again). We've already told seven different couples since last night.

Annie C.

Yelp

I tend to not like bbq, but this meat was actually pretty good. We liked the brisket the best and then rib and pulled chicken. We felt that the pulled chicken was really dry, so that was most difficult to stomach and finish. We reallyyyyy liked the sides, including the mac and cheese, cole slaw, and banana pudding. It really helped offset the bbq and the meat. It was a nice space that felt really communal and had southern vibes. Everything was served so quickly--basically as soon as we ordered.

Alexia B.

Yelp

my husband and i wanted to try a new bbq place so we tried Ajs service was okie i didn't really feel welcomed the line was in the middle of the tables where people were eating so i felt like everyone was in everyone's way! lol it was hard to find seating but the food was good i enjoyed the pulled chicken and the root beer ! had a great time over all

Nick B.

Yelp

Hands down best BBQ around Denver. Excellent staff that always helps when out of a selection for the day. If you don't get the custard cornbread you're missing out on life it self. I try to get get a full beef rib once a month I say try because they sell out first thing when they open, that's how good they are. I heard you can call and reserve one for later but I think it's better to gamble a little. That way I can fall back on the smoked pastrami.

Peg P.

Yelp

I don't know if AJ's is the best barbecue in Denver, but when they had essentially the same restaurant set up in Chicago, they were the best one in Chicago without question. We went a LOT to their various Chicago iterations and were devastated when they moved home to Denver. But having eaten there in Denver, I'm super happy that they still have that magic. And by magic, I mean custard filled cornbread. Good God. Custard filled cornbread may not sound right, but trust me, it is the right-est thing in the world. I've had ribs everywhere and make some spectacular smoked ribs myself. But these are the best. Brisket is excellent. Pulled pork is fantastic. Everything is just awesome here. Pit beans are also not to be missed. Not too sweet, not too smoky, but just enough of both. I don't know if they still make brisket burgers, but they should. Likewise, the addictive smoked potato chips. Service was kind of whatever on our last visit. Not stellar, but not bad. Certainly not enough to deduct stars from the best barbecue ever. It's perfectly comfortable to eat there, but you may want to take your food home so no one can see you put your face directly into that pile of barbecue. Which you will inevitably do. Do not miss AJ's. And when you go, tell them to re-open a place in Chicago. We have lots of great barbecue here, but nothing else can fill the custard-filled-cornbread-shaped hole they left here.

Mateo E.

Yelp

After four trips to AJ's since summer, I'm overdue for a review. Simply put, this place ranks in the top two of my list of Denver BBQ joints. Why's that? First,Texas style is my favorite, and they nail it. Second, while AJ's can sell out of popular items, it's never been crowded or loud for us. Last, they curate a solid beer list that features legitimate local and regional craft brewers like Cerebral and Melvin. Nothing we've tried has been subpar--the range has been exceptional to average. EXCEPTIONAL Burnt ends--Until I tried these at AJ's, I was a brisket man and didn't give them much thought. AJ's made me a convert with chunks of melty beef encased in smoky black deliciousness. I was blown away and can only hope all burnt ends are this good Texas Sausage--Smoky, tender, and cheesy, AJ's sausage is unique and a must when I visit. I've never tasted any like it. Highly addictive. Pit Beans--These come loaded with so many chunks of meat that a side could be a meal on its own. If I'm not careful, they're gone immediately. VERY GOOD Brisket--AJ's tender, smoky brisket brings the bark and flavor. Both moist and lean cuts appear on your plate and border on melting in your mouth. They have little competition around the Front Range, IMO. Turkey--While it's less consistent than the other items, AJ's turkey generally hits every note I expect. It's tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. SOLID Green Chile stew offers a mild, smoky flavor with big chunks of pork. Pastrami--While this is a marquee item for AJ's and sells out quickly, it did not turn my crank as expected. Yes, it's tasty and not found anywhere else I know of in town. I recommend trying it for yourself, especially if thin-sliced meats are your thing. Sauces--Most places offer weak sauce choices that encourage having the meat dry. Not AJ's. Both "smoky sweet" and jalapeño sauces nicely complement the meats. Carolina Gold and Chipotle Citrus are not my thing, but both taste better than what I've tried elsewhere. Custard-filled cornbread for dessert brings the meal to a sweet and satisfying end. AVERAGE Tri Tip--This was just ok. I've ordered every other meat I've tried again. I look forward to trying some beef ribs at our next visit, but won't fret if they're sold out. Great choices abound at AJ's. Five Denver BBQ stars.

Michael H.

Yelp

If you are coming here to be wowed by the atmosphere, turn around and go home. "Rustic" is the best word I can think of to describe it. There is an antique cabinet from a hardware store in the front room that I found interesting, but I think the last paint job in this place was done in about 1902. Let's say you're coming for the food. Great choice! We ate our way through almost the entire menu. The burnt ends were great, pit beans wonderful, pulled pork sandwich huge, the corn bread a must try. Liked it so much we took home some pulled chicken and some ribs for another meal. The counter service is informal but they get the job done. This is some of the best or maybe THE best BBQ I have found in Denver.

Pamela M.

Yelp

Very cool spot to get some BBQ! Some friends were in town visiting and they found this spot. I guess some influencers came here and gave it some notoriety. Well, I agree! The staff was friendly. It's communal dining with big tables. You get your typical tray of meats and sides and we had some beers to go along with our BBQ. Several different sauces are available to try. They had a pretty good banana pudding or something, for dessert, too. The custard-filled cornbread is the way to go. Kind of a dessert feeling itself.

Kylie S.

Yelp

Happened to be driving by and wanted to grab lunch. Had seen it listed on a food guide for Denver and thought why not! Walking in, it has a fun rustic Texas bbq aesthetic. We ended up getting some brisket and pulled pork. They were all pretty good 4/5. We got Mac and cheese and it was alright 3/5. Wish the side options were better. It's a fun experience and will definitely keep in mind when in the area. Plenty of seating and got our food quickly!

Rhonda H.

Yelp

OMG! if you haven't been to this restaurant, you should go RIGHT NOW!!! it is so good and I am VERY picky when it comes to bbq!!!!! the people are AWESOME, the service is AWESOME, the sauces are AWESOME!!! We will definitely be back! It was also the FIRST time at a BBQ place that someone asked me if I wanted my brisket lean, fatty, or a mix!!!! AWESOME!!!!! Go there!!!

con r.

Yelp

AJs has an awesome reputation for doing barBque RIGHT!! This place is always poppin with a nice nightly crowd and loads of comments on how fantastic the meal was. They also have great drinks to wash it down with... The staff knows the regular folks by name, and with it's simple, no fuss atmosphere - WE KNOW YOU'LL BE BACK!! Call ahead for catering options... want your own BarBQue game TAKE A CLASS from one of the CEOs details and dates are all online... check it out!! We are crushing hard for their turkey, brisket, kettle-style beans, and custard cornbread, but listen, that Hannah gal -- who welcomes everyone in-- she is absolutely the most rockstar thing about the whole place!! Cheers! -Blessings and joy to you!! Connie :)

Jon L.

Yelp

Excellent Texas style BBQ. The pulled pork was outstanding--tender and juicy and not fatty. The burnt ends are not to be missed. And a really sweet touch was that the server heard my wife and I talking about it being her birthday and they gave us a banana pudding (also great, with nice pieces of fresh banana) and wrote "happy birthday" on the lid. So sweet!

Rachel H.

Yelp

The brisket is DRY! corn bread pudding has no seasoning The sausage was amazing. The place is cute with a Texas feel. The food is not to be desired. Overpriced, over cooked.

Tyler M.

Yelp

Had to check this place out as it was recommended by Michelin Bibs awards. Unfortunately it failed miserably. The brisket was like sawdust no flavor or moisture anywhere sight, pulled pork required a lot of sauce that all tasted the same and for being house made they tasted store bought, Mac n cheese tasted of frozen Stouffers, cornbread needed salt. Wanted to love this place as I love Pinkertons BBQ in Houston.

Dobbey G.

Yelp

Wow this place is overrated. Went here based on the great reviews I read. The tri tip I got was so fatty I didn't even eat it - see pics. The rest of the meats were just ok at best. Sigh.

Erick M.

Yelp

I have never had a brisket that I disliked. How ever ajs managed to ruin that for me. It was so overcooked and dry. Pulled pork, ribs, and tri trip was disgusting. I couldn't even find a sauce I enjoyed. Shame shame

Brian E.

Yelp

Impeccable flavors. AJ's won an award from the Michelin tire company, so they are extra popular these days! Their ribs and brisket are so good. Show up early if you hope to score burnt ends before they sell out! Love their Carolina bbq sauce, too!

Francine D.

Yelp

Here from California. This place is so good!! Staff is friendly and helpful and every item on the menu is fantastic. Highly recommend.

Lauren P.

Yelp

This place is AMAZING! Best barbecue in town! Whenever I visit my daughter this is a must visit stop. Thrr we brisket is the best in the city. Make sure you try the corned beef before they run out for the day! Also the banana pudding is wow!

Sophie S.

Yelp

Casual bbq place with an indoor outdoor seating situation. AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q has the COOLEST interior I could have spent an hour in there simply looking around! We got the brisket, sausage, truffle mac, pit beans, and corn bread - along with a sweet tea and draft beer. Meat was perfect and flavorful, great in my book! The sides were a bit pricey, but once I saw the portions, I knew it was worth it. Truffle mac was creamy and flavorful but not overpowering, which is tough with truffle. Okay my beef with this place (pun intended) was the pit beans. They had chunks of sausage and other stuff that wasn't my cup of tea - which if it's yours that's cool too. The staff was so kind throughout ordering I felt comfortable asking to swap my side, which they were happy to do. That to me is a place that wants to feed people food they love, which is always going to be 5 stars from me. The corn bread was to die for, you have to get it. In fact, get two and take one home as a dessert with ice cream and honey. Forgot to mention that the sweet tea was perfect. AJ's is great, you have to go for yourself!

Eli C.

Yelp

Super interesting to learn about this place. Service was friendly but seemed understaffed and stressed. Lots of sit down areas but the bunches in the front hidden area seem like they were going to tip over. Also pretty cold in there. Not my type of place but would still recommend going there. Meat was great, especially the pastrami. The banana pudding is a must have for dessert.

Richard J.

Yelp

A little pricey for the food considering half the meat was dry (brisket and tri tip). Pork and sausage had pretty good flavor but a little dry too! Sides were pretty solid from the truffle Mac and potato salad. Bbq sauce on the side is good as well

Arturo H.

Yelp

Wow! Simply the Best BBQ in denver. Was blown away by the links, pastrami, ribs, pulled pork and brisket was ridiculous! Staff was friendly and quick definitely feels and smells like a bbq place should.

Harry G.

Yelp

Brisket was as dry as a Popeyes biscuit, the bread does not help neither. Bbq sauce makes it somewhat palatable but then you have to chew for a few minutes to get through the tough beef. The burnt ends didn't taste horrible, but they were disgusting to eat. They were extremely rubbery and not tender at all. On top of that if you enjoy good customer service, look else where. I was trying to get a refund after the 1st bite of each and was rudely denied. What kind of customer service is that? At least warn me the food sucks before I waste my hard earned money on it!

Suman C.

Yelp

2.5 stars They run out of beef Ribs: main reason I go. Disappointed. BBQ sauces, brisket, pork are decent, above average, but not special. Served not hot, but mix of slightly above room temp with warm. 5 minutes later EDIT: Pit boss asked me as I checked out, waiting to buy a couple of real glass bottle cokes to go. Encouraged honest feedback which I gave as above. I said I understood that it's harder with COVID to maintain a restaurant, and wasn't trying to be harsh, but honest. He was honor bound to address it and comped me two ice cold coke bottles to go. Changing my review to 3.5 stars and saying: GIVE THEM A CHANCE.

Scott D.

Yelp

Great bbq! Service is fast and fun. Liked the non fancy interior. Just what you need for a bbq pit!

Andrea M.

Yelp

I've always had a great experience at AJs. I dig the decor and bare bones of a straight up bbq place, smellin that wood burning bbq, and don't forget they also have a full bar! I've always appreciated their straight forward food, chill atmosphere, and awesome staff! If you're looking to try some bbq- I'd say check this place out!

Dave C.

Yelp

I wanted to love AJ's, but it wasn't my favorite BBQ spot. It's definitely solid, but it didn't blow me away. It's no Pecan Lodge, and I personally prefer Post Oak and Roaming Buffalo in Denver over AJ's. The best thing I had here was the pastrami, but the smoke flavor was super overpowering on brisket and beans to me. If you're REALLY into smoke flavor, this will definitely be your jam. If you prefer some moderate smoke, then this might be a lot. The vibes are cool inside, and it's fun to be one of the first people there because you can see you're getting the first cut of the day from the meats. So while I'm not an AJ's super fan, it is still one of the better BBQ places in Denver, but it's not close to the best you've ever had.

Scott M.

Yelp

So I tried the Beef Rib, a middle. Wow, very, very good. Yes it is expensive, yes it is worth it. Get one to share or go caveman on it. I want one right now...

Tasha J.

Yelp

So excited to find AJ's, the outside of the building makes this fantastic BBQ a sleeper special. It's unassuming but when you come in the smells and positive vibes take over. The sell meat by the 1/2 pound and on this trip we did burnt ends and the brisket. Both were fantastic. The burnt ends were a glorious mix of bark and moist meat in the middle. We did some brisket with a bit of fat and the flavor was amazing. Many a sauce to choose from, my favorite was the Carolina Gold, it was tangy and awesome. Lots of side dishes like slaw, beans, cornbread and green chili... The prices are a bit high but you'll immediately forget that once you start eating. Baller of a place, go here, make your mouth happy!

Tammy S.

Yelp

What a gem! I was hanging out with my son the day after his surgery and he wanted BBQ, so I looked up the closest place to his house and it had good reviews so I ordered and went to pick it up. They were super friendly when I arrived and everything was ready and super hot. I was also excited to try the different sauces that they have and our favorite was the jalapeno BBQ - a nice kick of spice and you can still taste the vinegar and the sweet. It's very well balanced. I ordered the smoked Pastrami which I had never had before - I think it's my new favorite BBQ meat! Really amazing - not too smoky that you can't taste the pastrami - and perfectly done! I got a side of the truffle mac and cheese and I could have just eaten this as a meal (except I would have missed out on the amazing pastrami)! My son got pulled pork and a side of Baked Beans and there were large chucks of BBQ and sausage in them - which was a nice surprise! Delicious. I'm sure this won't be the last visit for us and whenever we are in that part of Denver wanting BBQ, we know where to go! Thank you

Danny L.

Yelp

I love this place so much. I think this is the best bbq place I've ever been to like ever food wise. The service super super nice helpful, I went on st patties day so of coarse they're busy. The sitting is really cool to they got a couple tables in a different room then long tables in the main room gives it the bbq vibe. But ya this place isn't McDonalds It's actually quality food so when they're out, they don't have more in some freezer they can pull out quick there just out.

Betsy G.

Yelp

My sister recommended AJ's BBQ when I said I was ordering for my office holiday luncheon- wow ! AJ did not disappoint. Absolutely everyone said it was amazing . The smoked brisket was soooo tender - The custard cornbread, peach cobbler, truffle mac and cheese fantastic . The potato salad was incredible- so many compliments ! Pork ribs and smoked sausage delicious. Even the security guard came back up to the office and said where did you get that - it's my new place ! Thanks AJ's for making my luncheon a success !

Joey L.

Yelp

alright... first off i wanna say the service was amazing. everyone was accommodating and so friendly. loved them. the food was so mediocre. the bbq sauce SUCKS. it's all sweet. if you're gonna have 4 different sauces on the table, u should prolly make sure they don't all taste the same. that ruined my dinner cause how can i enjoy my pulled pork with nasty bbq sauce. had to pack it up to take it home and eat it lol. for the price portions should be a little better, but that's bbq. vibe was very cute, but definitely not gonna go back. parents gave it a 3/5 but they're being nice.

Ian F.

Yelp

Amazin bbq! Got brisket, turkey and tri-tip and all were winners! Sauce was great too! Not too sweet, but lots of flavor. Custard corn bread was on point as well. Definitely would go back and try a few other things on the menu.

Amy R.

Yelp

One of the best BBQ spots in Denver! It may not look like much from the outside, but it'll blow your mind! They take great care in how they cook the variety of meats they offer (smoked chicken, beef ribs, brisket, burnt ends, pastrami, pulled pork, and maybe some others I'm missing). The sauces are also phenomenal and there's a wide variety. Super easy to get to via lightrail, and there's also street parking if you drive. Highly recommend!!

Donna M.

Yelp

I would love to share with you again about the Best Place in Colorado to get Bar B Que ! I love it so much that I share it with all my family and friends! I have so many favorites ribs, beef and pork, pulled pork, ribs, and burnt ends , get em all you can't go wrong! And the delicious sides too potato salad and Mac and cheese and the banana pudding is out of this world!! The Mgr Patrick and his awesome team are amazing! So go check it out it's finger licking good!!

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"Owners Amanda and Jared Leonard and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have a hit with AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q. From the white-washed facade and neon sign to the picnic tables and white metal chairs inside, this place smacks of a classic mom-and-pop BBQ spot. The menu is equally traditional, offering a feast of properly smoked meat. Cornbread leans inventive, and trust us when we say that you want the custard-stuffed version. Other items you'll want to try include plump and juicy sausage links stuffed with fresh jalapeños and cheddar cheese. Beef belly ends are smoked for at least 14 hours before being cut into cubes, tossed in a citrus-chipotle sauce, and thrown back in the smoker to deliver these caramelized beauties. If you're so inclined, AJ's offers workshops with the pitmaster." - Michelin Inspector

AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q

The Budlong Hot Chicken opens at Zeppelin Station - Eater Denver

"In January, the couple opened AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q in the Overland neighborhood." - Susan Stapleton