Aurora is Denver’s biggest neighbor, a diverse and lively city where suburban comfort meets multicultural energy.
Barbecue here reflects that mix: you’ll taste smoky Southern standards, bold Colorado flare, and culinary mashups influenced by Aurora’s vibrant immigrant communities.
Whether you’re searching for Texas-caliber brisket, Korean-inflected BBQ, or a laid-back backyard vibe, Aurora’s best pits bring plenty of variety and soul.
1. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (local favorite franchise location)
The local Dickey’s is a go-to for smokehouse staples done right.
The brisket is the MVP—juicy, with just the right bark—and their spicy kielbasa sausage is a sleeper hit.
Sides run classic (creamy mac and cheese, Texas Toast) and sauces from sweet to fiery.
Despite its franchised name, this spot is family-run, and regulars swear by the homey hospitality and kid-friendly menu.
2. Rolling Smoke BBQ
Head just over the border from Denver and you’ll find some of the region’s most legit barbecue at Rolling Smoke.
The pitmaster’s Kansas City roots show on the menu—think competition-level ribs, thick-cut burnt ends, and portions generous enough to share (or not!).
Sides like sweet beans and coleslaw keep it classic, while their loaded BBQ fries are an Aurora original.
Check their food truck schedule, too, as they’re beloved at area breweries.
3. Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ
Big Daddy’s brings a true Texas attitude to Aurora—slow-smoked meats, fair prices, and a crowd that spans blue-collar locals to connoisseurs.
Brisket is king here (ask for extra bark if you’re a true devotee), and they serve up sliced turkey, pulled pork, and ribs dripping with their signature tangy sauce.
A side of cornbread muffins and collard greens seals the deal.
4. GQue BBQ
With a modern, chef-driven vibe, GQue quickly rose as a new-school Colorado BBQ powerhouse.
Although the original is in Westminster, their Aurora outpost smokes all the hits: buttery brisket, pork ribs, spicy jalapeño cheddar sausage, and creative daily specials.
Their pit beans and tangy slaw are crowd-pleasers, and the sleek, bright space draws a lively lunch and happy hour crowd.
5. Yong Gung Korean BBQ
Aurora’s diverse dining scene means you don’t have to stick to just Southern traditions.
For something different, try Yong Gung for Korean “bbq your way”—thinly sliced beef, pork belly, and marinated chicken, cooked at the table and served with a dizzying array of banchan (sides).
While the smoke is different, the barbecue soul is the same: communal, flavorful, and unforgettable.
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