The Best Barbecue in Denver
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The best barbecue in Denver, according to the experts: Michelin Guide, 5280, and Westword have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Smōk comes out on top.
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King of Wings and Uncle Henry hold the next two places. Westword shows up on more of this list than any other guide, with 5280 next.
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Rank 1. Smōk
Barbecue
The smoke here is the point, not the backdrop. This fast-casual BBQ counter inside the Source Hotel takes an Austin-leaning approach to brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage, where the smoke reads as seasoning rather than spectacle. The Nashville hot chicken sandwich has its loyalists too. Sides like slaw and mac and cheese are present and accounted for, though nobody's lining up for them. The Michelin Guide has it on their list, if that helps calibrate expectations.
The awards
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Rank 2. King of Wings
Barbecue
The awards
- Westword 2026 · Best Restaurant for Craft Beer · Best of Denver
- Westword 2023 · Best Chicken Wings · Best of Denver
- Westword 2024 · Best Comeback · Best of Denver
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Rank 3. Uncle Henry
Hong Kong-style Cantonese Barbecue
The awards
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Rank 4. Pit Fiend Barbecue
Barbecue
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.
The awards