Riot BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Overland ·

Riot BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Overland ·

Texas-style BBQ with Mexican flavors; brisket, tacos

Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null
Riot BBQ by null

Information

2180 S Delaware St, Denver, CO 80223 Get directions

$20–30

Order delivery
See Menu

Information

Static Map

2180 S Delaware St, Denver, CO 80223 Get directions

+1 303 872 6862
riotbbqcompany.com
@riot.bbq

$20–30 · Menu

Features

alcohol
beer
cocktails
wine
parking free street

Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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Riot Ribs Appears to Have Permanently Closed | Eater Portland

"I read that after weeks of serving the protest area, Riot Ribs announced via Twitter that it would be “dissolving immediately,” alleging a person volunteering in the park was trying to “profit off [their] movement” and was “pretending he is involved” — the tweet did not explicitly say this person caused the dissolution. The group said all donated money would be returned to the community and that they would continue to feed people “just not now,” warning that things were “not safe” and that Riot Ribs workers had been targeted and assaulted, though it did not specify by whom. On July 29 they tweeted screenshots showing donations they had been making, with funds going to a variety of local organizations and volunteers, including Meals For Heels." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/27/21341063/riot-ribs-closing-twitter
Riot BBQ
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Chef Edward Lee and a Local Barbecue Restaurant Are Serving Three Hundred Free Meals to Protestors this Weekend | Eater Portland

"A mutual aid kitchen that has been supporting protesters for weeks, Riot Ribs is serving as the local distribution partner for the Smokehouse Tavern/Edward Lee meal packs, helping get smoked-chicken meals (with barbecue sauce, macaroni salad, and bottled water) to protesters on Friday and Saturday and coordinating distribution so surplus food can be delivered to houseless camps." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/24/21337802/smokehouse-tavern-protests-food-edward-lee
Riot BBQ
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390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Riot Ribs Served Free Food to Portlanders Until Police Locked Them Out | Eater Portland

"In the middle of a makeshift kitchen I watched Legend flip ribs on a table scattered with metal containers while plastic shelves held water, hand sanitizer, and rubbing alcohol; the kitchen was ringed by a small barrier of coolers and Kendrick Lamar played as volunteers sorted donated water, cut watermelon, and tossed hunks of pork in barbecue sauce. For 12 days—'Fuck 12 Day'—the crew served free ribs, chorizo tacos, Beyond sausages, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, whole chickens, eggs and biscuits and gravy, and other improvised dishes (Lil Dil even saved marrow from bones for burgers), feeding a conservative 400 to 500 people a day including houseless residents and protesters; many of the cooks used nicknames, several had professional experience, and they built menus from donations until they had to turn some away. Early one morning police arrested multiple members and Parks and Recreation confiscated their food and coolers, but donations via Cash App let them rebuild a makeshift kitchen and start passing out food again—'We’re not leaving,' Legend said." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/16/21327332/riot-ribs-portland-mutual-aid-kitchen-free-food-for-protesters-locked-out-by-police
Riot BBQ
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A 2025 arrival led by Top Chef alum Manny Barella and former AJ’s pitmaster Patrick Klaiber, blending Texas technique with Mexican flavors. Featured in 5280 Magazine and noted by local food press for frequent sell-outs.

https://www.5280.com/best-new-restaurants-bars/
Best BBQ in Denver (2025)
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Riot BBQ

Timothy L. S.

Google
This isn’t just a BBQ joint—it’s a true BBQ flavor haven. The service was warm and kind, and the place itself is massive, with plenty of space inside and outside. The brisket was packed with flavor, the turkey was perfectly juicy, and the macaroni tasted just like mom used to make. Their homemade sauces were excellent—the mustard-based one, surprisingly, became my favorite. The layout adds to the experience, letting you smell and see the meats as they’re prepared. Definitely a bucket-list spot, and I’m so glad we went and enjoyed it. 🤦🏿‍♂️ Forgot to snag picture of the awesome cheese steak brisket.

Jeff W.

Google
This was such a special event to attend the collaboration between Chef Manny and Chef Michelle. The food was AMAZING. How they combined their skills to create such a special dinner will be with me forever. Both chefs are so pleasant and talented. I have been to Riot 8 times since they opened in the early summer. Definitely enjoy how Chef Manny has put his Mexican influences into the business and am looking forward to many more visits.

Khaled M.

Google
I'm happy that this restaurant took over AJ's. What I liked the most is the variety of dishes on the menu. There are a lot of unique items that I think works very well for a BBQ restaurant. Lets start with what I liked the most, the Brisket Cheesesteak and the mexican key lime pie (or Dulce De Leche Carlota). The cheesesteak is packed with flavors and has a decent amount of brisket, add their GOLD sauce to it and enjoy. Leave the banana pudding and get the Mexican key lime pie, its so good. Other great dishes would be the Brisket tacos and the cornbread which was probably my favorite side in a BBQ restaurant. Their fatty brisket is also good but its tough when you taste the briskets in Austin Texas, almost nothing comes close to them. The beef ribs, chicken taco, brisket quesadilla were OK but I probably would not order them again. I dont recall getting a beef short rib from a Texas BBQ spot that was not fall-off-the-bone type. This one needed a fork and knife but the flavors were OK. Overall if you enjoy BBQ food here in Denver, give this a try.

J H.

Google
I don't know if this genre of barbeque has a name, but if it doesn't, I nominate "Texican." The esquites cornbread was a street corn esque twist on cornbread. The slaw had macha salsa thrown in. The Mac and cheese... Was the same as before, just really good Mac and cheese. The al pastor ribs didn't have as much pineapple on the final flavor as I expected, a bit of a disappointment. Then I added the arbol BBQ sauce and all was forgiven. If they don't sell that in bottles, they should. The chicken pibil was fantastic. I'm not entirely certain what was on the skin, but whatever it was, it was delicious. It came with an Alabama white sauce, basically a vinegary mayo with some spices. I have never understood the popularity of that sauce. Skip it and enjoy the chicken pibil plain. All in all, a great experience. My only regret was not noticing the specials board until someone walked by me with a beef rib bigger than my forearm. Unfortunately, by then, the line stretched through the restaurant. I'll be back soon to try more of the menu. So glad the employees of AJs were able to get this place back up, and even better than before.

Anthony P.

Google
Riot BBQ absolutely delivered. The food was so good I forgot to take a picture—and if that doesn’t say everything, I don’t know what does. From the first bite, it was clear these folks know what they’re doing. Smoky, juicy, perfectly seasoned… whatever you’re ordering, it’s coming out of that kitchen with purpose. The vibe? Laid-back and cool with just the right amount of edge—like your favorite dive bar grew up and learned how to smoke brisket. Service was quick, friendly, and on point. No fuss, no frills—just damn good BBQ and people who love feeding you. Will 100% be back. Probably still won’t take a photo. Too busy eating.

DeVontre' W.

Google
Hands down the best BBQ Iv had in a while!! The brisket and the pulled pork were the highlights for us but the Mac and cheese was creamy and the beans had so much flavor!! If I lived In Denver I’d be there at least three times a week every week!

Todd T.

Google
This is probably one of my all-time favorite barbecue experiences that I’ve had in my 30+ years living in Colorado. The line was out the back door for Father’s Day. I decided to come back later Unfortunately, I did not get to try everything because they were sold out of some items when I came back later in the day. But I’m so glad I did. I tried the special for Father’s Day, a smoked ribeye that was grilled to perfection. The brisket was amazing - I highly recommend asking for the fatty part or the point. The chicken taco was a pleasant surprise. I really did not get to try the pork because I was too full. I will come back to try the ribs and some other items that were sold soon. Chef Manny is legit! Thank you!!!

Phillip S.

Google
Perfection. We had the brisket and pork belly. Both cooked slowly and to perfection. So much flavor and juicy goodness. Also had the brisket and chicken tacos which were sooooo good. Sauces: amazing. Personally for me smoky sweet and the Carolina gold were perfect. Normally I don’t do the mustard based but this was entirely out of this world. Thanks Riot for letting us be a part of the family and bringing some amazing BBQ back in the neighborhood!
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Ashli F.

Yelp
Riot was on point! I enjoyed our visit here! I walked in just to checkout the layout and ended up staying! When I headed back outside to get my family the cashier made eye contact and asked where I was going! That was very warming to know they wanted us to stay. Best choice for food in our visit to Denver! We ordered brisket chili, brisket quesadillas Mac-n-Cheese, and beans! Everything was delicious and had the right flavors! That Mac was absolutely a hit too... that Smokey flavor was a nice compliment. We had the chance to enjoy their live band and sit in their dining room to eat. It was a peaceful yet satisfying time.
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Cindy S.

Yelp
Omg, decided we wanted bbq on a whim. It and was a great choice. The brisket was tender and pulled pork delicious. The service was great you order 1st before seating. Super fast and easy. Great ambience very chill small place we beat the lunch rush a bit of music playing and 1 Tv. Great deals throughout the week and good choice of beers and cocktails Will definitely come again
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Rik T.

Yelp
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.
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Erick D.

Yelp
I was visiting Denver and had been impressed with AJ's BBQ on a previous trip. I later found out that the owner of AJ's ran into some serious issues with taxes and unpaid wages, but this story has a silver lining. The former pitmaster teamed up with a talented Mexican chef with an incredible résumé, and together they created Riot BBQ. The food is outstanding, a thoughtful and flavorful fusion of BBQ and Mexican cuisine. A perfect example of this blend is the pastor pork ribs, which were phenomenal. Everything we tried was excellent, though we were a little bummed to miss out on the daily special (burnt ends) even though we arrived early for dinner service. A friend described the Mexican Key Lime Pie as a mix between tres leches and Key Lime pie, a spot-on observation. The place itself is a no-frills, cozy BBQ joint with communal tables and a great patio. Service is counter-style, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend if you want something familiar yet refreshingly original in the BBQ scene.
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Anthony P.

Yelp
So good I forgot to take a pic--which is basically the highest compliment. Hit up Riot BBQ in Denver and let me just say: this place does not mess around. From the moment I walked in, the smell alone had me ready to commit to a full meat coma (zero regrets). The food? Unreal. Juicy, smoky, flavorful--basically everything you want from BBQ without needing a napkin for your soul. I meant to take a photo for the 'gram, but my taste buds overruled my brain and, well... RIP to that opportunity. The vibe? Chill but lively. The service? Quick, friendly, and efficient--no BBQ egos here, just people who know how to feed you right and keep it moving. If you're in Denver and not eating here yet, I don't know what you're doing with your life. Get the brisket. Trust me.
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Christopher G.

Yelp
okay i heard about it on TikTok, let's be realistic:. ALL food influencers are paid with free money and free food to review. Such a scam Yet the backstory was good enough for me to double check the Yelp reviews and make a trip here myself Fear not YELPERS no one pays me, and the blind paid tiktok squirrel found an acorn. Protip - by yourself? Order 1/4 instead of 1/2lb The food: 1 - brisket, amazing and real smoke. If you don't like that go elsewhere. Best brisket I've had since Austin 2 - chicken loco. It's fine. It's in the shadow of the brisket. A decent chicken with spices . . . 3 - beans. Pit beans. This is what I'm talking about. Smoke, good, chunks of meat. Almost vegan if you don't count pigs as a meat 4 - pickle bar + awesome craft beers and cocktails ....hells ya There are few places in Denver where I live the BbQ. This place actually delivers on the smoke and flavor and texture .
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Doen L.

Yelp
I was caught off guard (in a great way) by this hole-in-the-wall bbq spot! Maybe because I'm not a huge bbq fan, but I didn't know this was here and haven't heard about it before. There is an outdoor covered patio spot as well as an indoor space to sit, and the space was a lot larger than I thought it was going to be, from the outside. We came here on Friday after a long week, and it was just the kind of pick-me-up we needed. I tried their Clementine Margarita, which was a nice, unique twist on a margarita. I thought the mac and cheese was FANTASTIC and enjoyed all the sauces they had bottled for you to self-serve. We got a 1/4 lb of brisket and 1/4 lb of pulled pork. I liked the brisket more than the pulled pork. Sadly, they were out of the ribs at that point, so we'll have to come back for it! I also enjoyed the smores dessert. The folks were friendly the moment we walked in, and they brought our dessert out to us. I had a great experience here and will be coming back!
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Mateo E.

Yelp
I sadly accepted AJ's demise, though I understand it had to happen. Thank you, Riot, for keeping the bar high, raising it, even. The place feels brighter and happier now. This first trip to Riot was of the takeout variety. It was ready several minutes early. I ordered quarter-pound portions of four different meats--three old faves and something new.: Juicy turkey, ringed in black peppery goodness, held serve--at love. Brisket seemed better than before--bark and flavor, in particular. Jalapeño cheddar sausage remains stellar. It's one of my fave BBQ items around,. Al pastor ribs were new and rounded us out. While the pastor flavor was somewhat muted, these were tender, meaty, and tasty. Pit beans taste great, though the chunks of meat are way smaller. Nobody in town got beans like these. My only complaint? They don't ask you how many complimentary slices of bread you want with your meal. This is how you know you're eating Texas BBQ somewhere outside the Lone Star State. Riot is option #1 for my overall Denver BBQ needs--can't wait to come back.
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Vincent C.

Yelp
My co-workers and I came to Riot BBQ for lunch. Upon entering, the place was fairly packed, and there was a line to order. Despite this, service was reasonably fast. The brisket was cooked to perfection and fell apart in my mouth. The ribs easily fell off the bone and was perfectly marinated. The potato salad was too creamy for my tastes, but it was well seasoned. Riot BBQ is definitely a spot I would visit again for BBQ.
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Sam W.

Yelp
How did I never review this place? This place is the true embodiment of high quality food being packed into a small space. The brisket was melt in your mouth, the ribs were fall off the bone soaked in flavor and the sides were the perfect compliment to the meat Not to mention the owner is from Austin and is incredibly accommodating and friendly We will be back!
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Taylor T.

Yelp
Picked up some smoked bbq for a picnic at the park. Absolutely delicious and reminded me of growing up in the south! All they need is some collards (but that's just what I love with my bbq ;) haha! We ordered a 1/2 lb of brisket, burnt ends, and Texas sausage. The burnt ends are a MUST -- perfect! Sides we got were the potato salad and macha slaw, and the staff gave us a complimentary esquite cornbread which was so nice because it was so tasty! Definitely don't skip out on the bread and potato salad. If you like it a bit spicy, 1000% grab those pickles and jalapeño veggies when you get your sauces! Restaurant is family friendly with many different spots to hang out - game room, chill area, dining inside, and dining outside. Big plus is they have a big parking lot out front so you don't have to stress about street parking. Can't wait to go back and try the other menu options!
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Clay T.

Yelp
Picked up some BBQ on the way to the park for an afternoon lunch. Riot BBQ is a hidden gem for sure. Apple Maps was confused on how to get there but eventually found it and place was already getting busy at 11:30am. Service was quick with great to go containers for the food and sides. Burnt ends, potato salad, and the free pickles and jalapeños were definitely the hit, moist and flavorful. The potato salad has big chucks of potato which I like. Everything else was well cooked! Location looked like it would be a fun spot to eat at as well which we probably will the next time!
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Dave H.

Yelp
A places that knows what it does and does it well. Seriously unfancy -- queue up to the counter to order and have put together your order (one party at a time), then go find a picnic table and chow down. Everyone was helpful and seemed happy to see us, and answered even the stupidest questions helpfully. The food was just what you might hope for. We had Texas Sausage (cheese and jalipeno), Smoked Chorizo sausage, Pork Belly, Brisket Quesadilla, etc., all of which were wonderful (the pork belly was a little dry, but still tasty). I also had some of the Esquites Corn Bread, which was remarkably light and a great complement to the meat. Specialty cocktails were good (not great), but generous, and there were plenty of other beers and soft drinks available. Where are tables inside in different rooms, as well as picnic benches under awnings in back. We found plenty of seating. We got there around 4pm on a Saturday evening, and the line was across the main room. By the time we left at 6-something, it had seriously dwindled. Note for next time. Parking in the neighborhood is a bit in front of the place, a fair amount of street parking, and possibly the Evans Light Rail P&R lot if you're in district. And, of course, it's just steps from the Evans Light Rail P&R. Great place, definitely on the list to go to again.
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Lydia F.

Yelp
Delicious BBQ! We stayed downtown and took a $2.75 bus ride to a stop very close to riot. We went with a group of friends and ordered a ton to sample including brisket (10/10), ribs (8/10), pulled pork (10/10), and chicken. The sides were potato salad (10/10), esquites corn bread (10/10), Mac (10/10) rice, and baked beans. If back in Denver solo, I would order the fatty brisket, the corn bread, and potato salad. They were my favorite out of our giant group order. They have sweet tea and lemonade in the back, which makes a yummy Arnold Palmer when mixed. Don't sleep on the pickles and peppers in the back. I wouldn't go for the ribs or the rice because they were both dry. I liked the atmosphere and the communal tables, but the line to order goes right through the middle of the tables. You order up front and self-abuse tables.
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Sara C.

Yelp
Good service, wait staff getting drink order in while we are in line waiting to order the food. Showed up Saturday night at 6pm and waited for about an hour in line. The bbq was tasty but pricy. Plenty seating area, just don't come too hungry if we gotta wait awhile. Overall decent experience with the Latin fusion BBQ with cute decor. Will have to come back and try their burnt ends next time. By the time we are done and heading out, most of their stuff is sold out. Popular place!!
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Michael H.

Yelp
Three of us were excited to check out the new Riot BBQ today. The place was clearly popular, as we stood in line for about 20 minutes just to place our order. Our experience was a bit of a roller-coaster, with some truly fantastic food and a few frustrating misses. Let's start with the highlights, because there were several. The burnt ends were absolutely the star of the show--perfectly rendered and delicious. The chicken tacos were another standout. We were also very impressed with the sides; both the mac & cheese and the pit beans were top-notch. For drinks, the hibiscus tea was refreshing and the lemonade tasted fresh and authentic. I personally enjoyed the coleslaw, though it got mixed reviews at our table. Unfortunately, not everything hit the mark. The quesadilla was sparse on both cheese and meat. Beyond the food, we ran into some service hiccups and had trouble receiving all the items we ordered, which was a bit frustrating after the long wait. We ended with the banana pudding, which was quite good. Despite the issues, the high points were high enough that we have to come back. We've got our eye on the chicken lomo for our next visit!
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Kynton C.

Yelp
Star 1: The decor is well-suited for a BBQ joint but is not the typical industrial, diamond plate, square iron bar that is so common for BBQ restaurants. Star 2: The staff were welcoming, friendly, and able to give us the rundown on GF options. Star 3: The condiments bar was well-stocked with multiple sauces, including an excellent Colorado Gold sauce and Chipotle sauce. Star 4: The brisket slices were thick with good bark that did not taste burned. The ribs required just enough tug to get the meat off the bone that the meat didn't just fall off onto the plate (or worse!). They even asked if we prefer our brisket with more or less fat. Star 5: The burnt ends were some of the best I have had. I think they used a chipotle sauce on them, which was unexpected but definitely welcome. I hesitate to write a great review because this is the type of place where once the food is gone, that's it for the day, and I want all of that burnt end goodness! There is no frozen burnt ends available when the supply for the day is sold. Bonus Star for freshness, quality, and integrity.
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Chris C.

Yelp
Excellent food with a friendly staff. The wait can be long so be prepared. I got three at 1pm on a Sunday and waited 30-45mins before ordering. I has the wagyu pastrami, beef ribs, macha slaw and brisket. The pastrami is one of the best I've ever had. Amazing with the honey mustard sauce. Definitely a stand out order. Beef rib was good and brisket was also good. But that pastrami is by far the best thing in the menu.
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Judy E.

Yelp
What didn't go well?!! We arrived at 11:00 am sharp & weren't the first ones there. Great sign! The line starts early. They were already out of burnt end at opening Saturday because of selling out of brisket. So that was a bummer. But there were plenty of other equally delicious options. Pastrami - amazing 8 out of 10 Turkey - perfection 10 out of 10 Brisket - top tier 9 out of 10 Jalapeño sausage - 6 out of 10 Mac n cheese was very good flavor & sauce wise but the pasta was over cooked super easy fix. The corn bread was very good but I think offering a plain honey butter option or like a corn bread muffin would be nice for people who don't want all the toppings on their corn bread. I also tried the slaw which wasn't bad but it lacked depth of flavor I suggested adding in onion for sweetness, lime for acid & cilantro for a kick. Onto drinks great beer selection & the mixed drinks are honestly some of the best I've had anywhere. I loved their margaritas & im not a margarita person at all coupled with the good food & the perfect patio weather! Amazing friendly helpful staff. Really delicious BBQ meat that does not disappoint, good beer selection & great margaritas! Don't get me started on the Smokey bbq sauce & the golden bbq sauces
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Derrick A.

Yelp
This was a pleasant surprise for Colorado. We were struggling for a while trying to find places to eat at. The rating weren't matching the quality for the state honestly. But! We started talking to local and owners of restaurants and we found our grove which lead us to Riot!! Yall that brisket was amazing!! Global rating: 6.8/10 Colorado rating: 9/10
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Jarred F.

Yelp
This place is worth an immediate visit as it is one of the more unique barbecue places in Colorado. These guys reopened and are back from the ashes, turning out to be one of the bright points in the BBQ scene. Latin flavors are infused with hits like Al Pastor Ribs and sauces that are made with Latin American ingredients. We got the turkey and the Al Pastor ribs and both were delectable. We can't wait to return and try some of the other meats!
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Vince M.

Yelp
What a great bbq restaurant right here in Denver! I took my two sons to Riot BBQ for lunch, as I'd read good things about the new restaurant that had taken over AJ's Pit BBQ just off Evans and Bannock. We unfortunately arrived about an hour later than anticipated, and missed out on trying their burnt ends (as with most BBQ places I've tried, once they run out, there are out for the day). All their proteins are priced by the 1/2 pound and from my experience, the prices are reasonable for good barbecue. We had a pound of the brisket, a 1/2 pound of the smoked turkey breast, a 1/2 pound of the pork rubs Al pastor, and 2 sides (pit beans and Mac and cheese). Lots of drink choices (sodas, Mexican soft drinks, and beer and cocktails) are also available. Seating is open picnic style, with an outside patio to the rear. There was a large parking lot out front (west side) that had a lot of open spaces (not sure if tied to the light rail station parking or not, but I didn't have any issue parking for a hour to eat). To the food... the brisket was fantastic! Even without sauce, it had great flavor and juiciness. There are multiple sauces available, with my favorite being the Colorado Gold (more of a mustard sauce, if my taste buds were correct). The sweet/savory was tasty too. Next I tried the smoked turkey with some Alabama white sauce. Tasty, but a little dry. The pork ribs were outstanding! I was able to have 2, as my boys made a trade for extra brisket. Their loss in my book! No sauce needed, as the al pastor took this pork rib to the next level! The sides were decent. Pit beans had a little kick - Mac and cheese is hard to screw up! Staff was friendly and attentive. I'm glad to see this spot thriving again! I definitely will return to Riot BBQ in the near future. I hope you get the chance to swing by and try this spot soon. Get there early though, as this place is definitely popular (even on a Wednesday afternoon!).

Thomas L.

Yelp
First visit, great vibe, friendly service, and tasty bbq! We'll definitely come back and will spread the word.
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Jessie Elizabeth J.

Yelp
The nicest workers as always and great vibes all around. The Al pastor pork ribs are so fall-off-the-bone tender and good! The brisket quesadilla was solid. My favorite is the smoked chorizo- incredibly flavorful! Banana pudding is still divine but now a smaller portion. The esquites cornbread is a good side to share. While I can't bring myself to get a $9 taco just yet I'll probably cave soon.
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Jamie R.

Yelp
BBQ So Good It Should Be Illegal. Riot BBQ in Denver is pure smoked perfection. The brisket melts faster than my willpower, the ribs fall off the bone like they're in a hurry, and the mac and cheese could solve world peace. Staff are legends -- friendly, funny, and armed with sauces that belong in a museum. If you don't leave covered in sauce and questioning your life choices, you did it wrong.
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Tait G.

Yelp
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.
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Leigh M.

Yelp
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!
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Abe M.

Yelp
Excellent bbq. Nice quaint patio. Lots of indoor seating. Stopped by on Saturday for a late lunch. Grabbed a 1/2 lb of brisket, 1/2 of pulled pork, slaw and Mac and cheese. Really nice staff; they are excited to help out. Spoke with one of the co-owners. Nice guy and clearly loves what he does. Food was delicious. Topped it off with a banana pudding. Blew my mind! Well worth the visit.
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Jacob A.

Yelp
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)!
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Cody P.

Yelp
Great selection of delicious bbq with super friendly service. They had a good selection of different drinks at the bar. A great neighborhood vibe with communal tables and a nice outdoor area.
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Miatsu K.

Yelp
I saw this bbq place on a local news spot and added it to my "to do" list. Today was the day and I made the time to drive over and check it out. This place is kind of hard to find and off the beaten path. Without navigation I'm not sure I would have found it. It's really in a residential area and near dead ends and one way streets. I had no idea anything was even back there much less a great bbq joint. Parking is quite easy as there is a small parking lot right across the street. It's like twenty yard walk to the front door. Inside is very eclectic and reminds me a bbq places in the Deep South. The decorations and signage is all very interesting and fits the bbq motif nicely. They even have a room with games and stuff for the kids. You order at the main counter and then take your food to the table of your choice. They have great indoor seating as well as covered outdoor seating. We sat inside as it was 98 degrees outside and just too hot. We ordered ribs, sausage, bbq beans and banana pudding. It was cool they cut the meat right in front of you. It has a real world butcher counter type feel. The ribs were fantastic but the sausage was a tad dry. Not terrible but simply dryer than I would like. The bbq beans were fantastic as was the banana pudding. The real lemonade was top shelf but the hibiscus drink was atrocious. The staff were exceptionally pleasant and professional. The building was clean, including the restrooms. The restrooms are dated but clean and functional. All in all it was a great meal but super expensive. The tab for two people was about 80 dollars with tip and just felt high. The price is the only reason for the four star instead of a five star review.!
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Scott M.

Yelp
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.
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Amanda H.

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

Yelp
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.
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Jay J.

Yelp
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.
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Frantsy R.

Yelp
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.
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Sara W.

Yelp
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.

David F.

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

Andrew J.

Yelp
This place f****ing slaps Best bbq in Colorado Staff members are super nice and cool 10 stars. Every item is top tier from the esquite cornbread to the brisket, turkey, pulled pork, ribs, chicken loco, tacos, Mac n cheese, sauces, drinks, side, pickles, sausage, water, plates, utensil, to-go containers, cool/fun rooms, to the tucked away location, to the patio, the brisket (again)
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Anna H.

Yelp
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!

Josue H.

Yelp
Being from Texas, this genuinely was the most disappointing bbq I ever had. We paid $100 for 2 slices of flavorless brisket, a couple slices of rubber tasting Wagyu pastram, and cold Mac and cheese. Probably the worst bbq I ever had
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Laura C.

Yelp
Do NOT skip the Mac and cheese, its Smokey flavor is so good. We also really loved the chicken (on special Wednesdays). Cool spot!
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Anthony L.

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

Elayna N.

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

Joseph F.

Yelp
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.
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Adam M.

Yelp
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!
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DL P.

Yelp
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.

Jim C.

Yelp
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!

Kathleen C.

Yelp
Went today to visit Riot BBQ. Food was good but pastrami was too dry for our liking, maybe over cooked. Burnt tips and brisket were cooked perfectly. The service was good and workers were helpful on our order. Owner was helpful on BBQ sauce recommendations. I like the back patio plenty of seating.