5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Thornton, Colorado to Try

Thornton is a fast-growing Denver suburb with Rocky Mountain views and a passionate local food scene.

While not as famous for barbecue as its beer or green chile, the city’s pitmasters pull from Kansas City, Texas, and even Southwestern influences.

Expect smoky brisket, creative smoked chicken, and plenty of craft beer on tap—plus those Colorado twists, like bison sausage or green chile sides.

1. GQue Championship BBQ

Denver famous and beloved across the metro, GQue is all about championship-level technique—succulent brisket, rich burnt ends, and St. Louis ribs lacquered with house-made sweet heat sauce.

Try their bold mac and cheese with a mound of brisket, or Frito pie piled high with pit beans.

2. Georgia Boys BBQ (Longmont, delivery/catering to Thornton)

Founded by two Georgia natives who missed real Southern BBQ, this spot brings pork shoulder, smoked wings, and peach cobbler to the Rockies.

They’re known for their Georgia Gold sauce and friendly, family-run vibe.

3. Bird’s Smokehouse BBQ

A Thornton favorite for classic, no-frills barbecue—smoked turkey, pulled pork sandwiches, and spicy sausage with house pickles.

Locals swear by the brisket grilled cheese and their rotating lineup of scratch-made sides.

4. Lulu’s BBQ (Louisville, quick trip east)

Set in a funky old roadhouse, Lulu’s delivers hardwood-smoked meats with a creative touch.

Try the burnt ends, the brisket chili, or the smoked bacon-wrapped jalapeños.

5. Jabo’s Bar-Be-Q

Jabo’s, over in Greenwood Village but popular on the north side, is synonymous with Utah-style “sticky fingers”—boneless ribs drenched in homemade barbecue sauces that range from fiery to fruity.

Their sweet potato fries and homemade blue cheese dressing are cult favorites.