Known for its mountains, craft beer, and health-conscious eats, Boulder may not scream “barbecue capital”—but don’t be fooled!
Its hungry student population, new-wave chefs, and demand for local, sustainable ingredients have sparked a handful of truly excellent BBQ joints.
Here, you’ll find everything from Texas brisket to locally raised Colorado lamb, plus inventive sides and superb vegetarian options for balance.
1. KT’s BBQ
A Boulder mainstay with Louisiana roots, KT’s is famed for its slow-roasted pulled pork and spicy Texas-style sausages.
Go for the “Memphis Platter” for a bit of everything—meats, tangy beans, buttery corn muffins, and coleslaw with a punch.
The sauces range from vinegary and hot to sweet and sticky, and the laid-back, picnic-table vibe keeps diners coming back.
2. Wayne’s Smoke Shack
Technically just outside Boulder, Wayne’s is worth every extra mile. Brisket is the star—smoked for hours until melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a just-right peppery bark.
The links and smoked turkey are also standouts, and house-made pickles add tang to every plate.
Fans love the “Market Style”—order by weight and sample everything you can.
3. West End Tavern
A Boulder icon, the West End Tavern is best known for its plush rooftop, wide craft beer selection, and sneaky-good barbecue.
House-smoked ribs, brisket sandwiches, and a bourbon barrel-aged sauce give these plates gravity.
Both BBQ and non-BBQ options shine, but the pulled pork nachos and smoky deviled eggs are can’t miss.
4. Georgia Boys BBQ
Another outside-the-city location (in Longmont, but much-loved by Boulderites), Georgia Boys is all about deep Southern flavor brought north.
Their chopped pork is pillow-soft, the mac and cheese is baked until bubbling, and the collard greens taste straight out of the Carolinas.
Try their Sunday “brunch-que” for biscuits and hot links.
5. Moe’s Original BBQ
Bringing an Alabama twist to Boulder, Moe’s serves up smoked chicken, ribs with white BBQ sauce, and jalapeño corn bread.
Think casual counter service, paper-towel rolls, and a consistently excellent rotating selection of Southern-inspired sides like banana pudding and vinegar-bright slaw.
Simple, fun, and always reliable.
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