Restaurants in Cole
Riot BBQ
Rates above the average for restaurants near Cole — one of 16 we've tracked here.
Things to Know
Riot BBQ is a hidden gem Denver barbecue restaurant near Evans and Broadway known for exceptionally tender meats and Mexican-inspired flavors, delivering competition-level quality that rivals top BBQ destinations across the country.
Reviewers consistently describe Riot BBQ as exceptional, with melt-in-your-mouth brisket and pulled pork elevated by unique Mexican-inspired seasonings and sides like esquites cornbread that set it apart from traditional BBQ joints.
- ✓Brisket is exceptionally tender and flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth quality
- ✓Mexican-inspired flavors and sides like esquites cornbread are standouts
- ✓Pulled pork is described as insanely juicy and tender enough to eat with just a fork
- ✓Excellent hospitality and friendly staff
- ✓Comfortable space with multiple dining areas including patio seating
- ⚠Can get busy on weekends (expect lines around 2:30 pm on Sundays)
- ⚠No combo options or quarter-pound servings, which can feel expensive when trying to sample multiple meats
- ⚠Mexican dirty rice received mixed reviews, with some finding it underwhelming and hard to distinguish ingredients
Based on Google reviews · AI summarized
Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What Visitors Say
Jennie Ator
2 months ago
First time here. I wanted some tender, flavorful BBQ. I was pleasantly surprised. What a hidden gem. I had a hard time deciding on what to get because everyone’s plate looked so delicious. So I got the pork ribs pastor, Texas sausage, brisket, and pork belly with a side of pit beans & black cherry cola. Everything was so tender that all I needed was a fork. My timing was good because there was a minimal line to order however when I left people were lining up; this was on a Sunday at 2:30 pm. So you may have to be a little patient. Cool little rooms to hang out and eat in or just eat in the main area. Friendly staff. Check it out! I’ll be back. I wanted to try one of their deserts next time.
Brian Walsh
3 weeks ago
Here’s a Google-optimized version that helps the review surface in search by naturally repeating the business name and key terms like Denver BBQ, brisket, sides, etc., while keeping your authentic voice. RIOT BBQ is a true Denver hidden gem near Evans and Broadway. If you’re looking for legit barbecue in Denver, this place delivers. When you walk out, you’ll smell like you’ve been the one cookin’ it. The brisket is outstanding, the pulled pork is fantastic, and every side we tried was great. RIOT BBQ definitely earns its reputation as one of the best BBQ spots in Denver. Highly recommend checking it out if you love authentic barbecue.
Big Mic
a month ago
Very delicious bbq. Great ambiance. Plenty of seating especially if it's warm and you can sit on the patio. Sucks theres no combo options or ability to order quarter pounds of food to try a variety without getting ya wallet beat up. All the meats had really great flavor and while none of the sauces blew me away, the meats didn't much. Only side that was lackluster was the Mexican dirty rice. Not much flavor and hard to find any of the referenced brisket or pork in there so just seemed like rice. But other than that great.
Patrick Buggy
a month ago
I've had great BBQ in St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Texas, and Riot BBQ ranks in the very top tier of all of those. I think I shook my head in disbelief more times during this meal than any meal in recent memory. It was just that good. I loved the unique Mexican inspired flavors. For me it elevated the experience of the barbecue from a classic style to something more complex. We had the esquites cornbread, slaw, and quarter pounds of brisket, tri-tip (a Thursday special), chicken (I forgot the name, but it was stellar with the Alabama white sauce), and pulled pork. Pulled pork was insanely juicy, brisket was great, chicken really surprised me, and man, that esquites cornbread is SO good. Highly recommend all of it. I'll be coming back again soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riot BBQ worth it in Cole?
Reviewers consistently describe Riot BBQ as exceptional, with melt-in-your-mouth brisket and pulled pork elevated by unique Mexican-inspired seasonings and sides like esquites cornbread that set it apart from traditional BBQ joints. Known for: Denver's best-kept barbecue secret.
What do visitors love about Riot BBQ?
Brisket is exceptionally tender and flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth quality Mexican-inspired flavors and sides like esquites cornbread are standouts Pulled pork is described as insanely juicy and tender enough to eat with just a fork Excellent hospitality and friendly staff Comfortable space with multiple dining areas including patio seating
Is there anything to know before visiting Riot BBQ?
Can get busy on weekends (expect lines around 2:30 pm on Sundays) No combo options or quarter-pound servings, which can feel expensive when trying to sample multiple meats Mexican dirty rice received mixed reviews, with some finding it underwhelming and hard to distinguish ingredients
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