Get Out of Town for Far-Out BBQ!

For years, the suburbs have been treated as the little siblings to Denver’s Big Brother when it comes to good barbecue. The less urban atmosphere can inspire snide remarks and assumptions that many non-Denverites resent. Geographic location is no indication of taste and in no way tells customers whether a restaurant is worthy. When it comes to BBQ, some of the best and diverse places are outside of central Denver. And no… Jabo’s Bar-Be-Q is not the only eatery outside of Denver (or Boulder) worthy of recognition. So pack up the vehicle and settle in for a bit of a drive. Below are five different BBQ outlets in five different regions of the metro area. Some are new, some are decades old. All have their own unique take on the tasty ‘Q’. This Fourth of July, give the grill a rest and try these local favorites.

Smokey’s BBQ – 1961 West 64th Avenue – Denver, CO – 303-429-9542 Located on 64th, just off of Federal Blvd, you will find a place that makes you feel like home. Maybe it is the mother-daughter team of Ida Hein and Sharlene Higgins who greet you at the door or the friendly diners who have been coming there for years. With over 40 years of history, Smokey’s is a Denver institution for those in the know. Started by Ron Hein and his wife, Ida, in June 1969, its particular standouts are the Babyback Ribs and meats by the pound. But the biggest surprise is the homemade jerkies and meat sticks: Mild or Hot Pepper. Beef or Buffalo. These flavorful nuggets are incredibly addictive. Regulars don’t settle for the mass-produced kind. Smokey’s jerkies and sticks are the real deal. The award-winning barbecue is joined by delicious desserts, created by sister Sharon Hein, which need to be ordered ahead of time. 10am – 5pm. (Construction until November makes access along Pecos impossible, but simply take I-70 the Federal exit, head north, and turn right at 64th. From there, just follow the smell of BBQ!) * They will be closed on July 4th, but you can call ahead and arrange to pick up your feast on Friday, July 1st as they will be closed the following couple of weeks.

The Rib BBQ – 1958 South Garrison Street – Lakewood CO – 303-763-5012 A Pulled Pork sandwich can be more than meat between buns. At The Rib BBQ, the simple meat is transformed into a moist piece of heaven. Served with sauce on the side (in order to show the true taste of the meat), it is simply a testament to letting BBQ speak for itself. Tucked away on Garrison and just south of Jewell, the shop epitomizes the concept of a BBQ shack. No fancy lighting. No perky servers. No TVs. Just a few tables and good food. Started 30 years ago, new owner Julee Mullen has kept the barbecue on track for the last two years. Working briskly and efficiently and, seemingly alone, Julee manages to serve busy customers who leave with a smile while licking their lips. Those on a low-carb diet will even find a combo plate for them. Vegetarians will enjoy their wonderful sides and desserts. Heading southwest for the Fourth of July…pick up some ‘cue on the way.

Mavericks Oak Pit Grill – 1301 Washington Ave – Golden, CO – 303-271-1227 Colorado get ready to experience a new style of BBQ: Santa Maria features all-natural Top Sirloin grilled over Oak wood (not what commonly comes to mind with barbecue). The specialty Tri-Tip Steak Plate is served medium and encapsulates what owner, Manny, wants to showcase to Coloradoans. The meat is not marinated or pre-seasoned. It grilled simply and to perfection. Letting the meat speak for itself is what Santa Maria-style is all about. Not covering over the skill of the Pitmaster with a zingy sauce is a bold move, but it shows the confidence and skill with which Maverick’s grills all its meats. Learning BBQ under the tutelage of Tom Collier (Oak Pit Grill, Mavericks) in Simi Valley, CA, Manny has crafted his own unique recipes and offers other items unique to a barbecue restaurant like Crab Legs. In the fall he will unveil his own Fudge Cake. Not feeling like grilling on the 4^th? Mavericks’ is open and happy to fill up some bellies!

Lil John’s BBQ – 9245 Washington St, Thornton, CO - 303-457-4227  BBQ fans know that it changes from region to region. Kansas City is known for the red, tomato based sauces and the Carolinas for mustard. Texas is not only its own country, its BBQ history is based on beef not pork. But what about Colorado? Well, for those unfamiliar with Colorado-style barbecue head over to Lil John’s. By using more southwest flavors and incorporating spices like cumin, John (not to be confused with L’il Jon of “Yeah!”) crafted his own secret blend of spices along with a proprietary mixture of woods for smoking. And just so you know how serious Lil John’s is about BBQ: the potatoes in the potato salad and the chicken wings are both smoked beforehand. This imparts distinct smoky flavor that regulars rate as out of this world and different. Opened in February 2011, Lil John’s is building clientele and is open on July 4th. Get those catering orders in now.

Backdraft BBQ – Catering only – 303-457-1787 You can’t talk BBQ without mentioning competitions. That’s where the best of the best put it on the line. What makes Backdraft special? Well, how about the 2011 record for this competition team and caterer: Winter Q in Great Bend, KS  1st in Appetizers; Hava BBQ in Lake Havasu City, AZ  4th in Chicken; Honky Tonk BBQ in North Platte, NE  1st Sauce, 2nd Sauce, 7th Brisket, 8th Pork; Wild West BBQ in Lamar, CO  1st Chicken, 3rd Ribs, 10th overall; Frisco BBQ in Frisco, CO 1st place Pork. Ryan Grob’s an experienced competitor with 2009 and 2010 Championships under his belt. His St. Louis BBQ is sweet and spicy with a nice smokiness. ‘The Chipotle-Lime Pork, another award winner, and BBQ Beans with Smoked Pork are crowd pleasing favorites. Enough said. Get that order in!

Former Mayor Wellington Webb found out the hard way. The cities that surround Denver are not sleepy bedroom communities that exist only to serve Denver’s interests. When Aurora mayor Paul Tauer arranged for the move of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center to the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, he believed that as the third largest city in the state, Aurora was not beholden to the interests of the state’s capital. Paul Tauer won the fight. Now, the Fitzsimons Life Sciences District and Anschutz Medical Campus is a one square mile campus that will eventually employ nearly 45,000 people in the city of Aurora. The suburbs are quickly outpacing Denver in many areas and restaurants are among that list.