The Best Barbecue Near Work & Class, by the Record

1. Westword 2026 · Best Restaurant for Craft Beer · Best of Denver
2. Westword 2023 · Best Chicken Wings · Best of Denver
3. Westword 2024 · Best Comeback · Best of Denver

The rotating sausage of the week pulls from global flavor traditions, which is either a bold move or a perfectly normal Tuesday at this RiNo barbecue spot. Brisket and pulled pork anchor the menu, but jackfruit and mushrooms hold their own alongside smoked confit duck, so vegetarians aren't left staring at sides. The D&D-themed name prepares you for the crowd, in the best possible, genuinely unsurprising way.

1. Westword 2023 · Best Barbecue Restaurant · Best of Denver

The dry-rubbed brisket here comes out with a coffee-dark bark and a pink smoke ring earned over post oak and hickory, the way Texas pitmasters do it. Wayne's is a casual BBQ shack in Superior that regulars mourned loudly when a 2021 wildfire took out most of the kitchen. It came back in 2023, candied pork belly and St. Louis ribs and all. Bring your own patience and a decent appetite; the sauces are housemade, but the brisket doesn't need them.

1. Westword 2023 · Best Comeback · Best of Denver