Restaurants in Five Points
The Small Batch Smokehouse
Things to Know
The Small Batch Smokehouse is a Jamaican-style barbecue restaurant in Denver known for its jerk-seasoned smoked meats and fusion approach to traditional BBQ, located in a neighborhood spot with welcoming vibes.
The jerk chicken and Caribbean-inspired smokehouse dishes are exceptional, with perfectly balanced bold seasoning and crispy skin, though traditional BBQ cuts can be inconsistently cooked.
- ✓The jerk chicken has deep smokiness with perfectly balanced seasoning and crispy skin that stands out as the signature dish.
- ✓Sides like southern collard greens, coleslaw, and homemade lemonade are standout quality, with reviewers praising them as exceptional.
- ✓The owner/chef is friendly and present, creating an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
- ✓Creative fusion items like catfish po'boy and mac & cheese with brisket offer unique takes on classic dishes.
- ⚠Traditional BBQ ribs and rib tips can be overcooked and dry, suggesting inconsistent smoking technique on certain cuts.
- ⚠The food skews spicy, so those sensitive to heat should ask for adjustments or specify milder options when ordering.
- ⚠Pricing is on the higher side for the area, and portion sizes on certain items may not justify the cost.
Based on Google reviews · AI summarized
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
What Visitors Say
Daniel Alborta
6 months ago
Disclaimer: did not order any jerk dishes, only barbecue. This place has potential. The staff was polite and provided good service. We ordered mostly BBQ: brisket, ribs, rib tips, fried okra. We also got the lemonade and it was so good we got more to go. The meat had good flavor, the brisket was juicy and tender, thought it does seem the fat had not fully rendered. The BBQ sauce was very good. However, the ribs had a texture like they had been blasted in a 400 degree oven for 20 mins. Dry and tough. I had to rip the meat off the bone or nibble on it. The rib tips were bone dry to the point of being crunchy, and the okra was just ok. I truly believe if this place keeps its seasoning strategy but starts smoking their BBQ cuts properly at low temp for a long time, it has the potential to be a great barbecue spot. They've got the seasoning down, now they need to up the patience and prep.
Kat Lov
7 months ago
We stopped in for a late lunch, and let me just say, what a treat! The atmosphere was upbeat and welcoming, and we even got to meet the owner/chef, who was incredibly friendly. Now, the food. WOW. We ordered the Jerk Wings and the Smoked Jerk Chicken dinner plate with southern collard greens and Louisiana rice and beans. From the very first bite, you could taste that deep smokiness woven right into the chicken. The seasoning was perfectly balanced, bold enough to stand out, but not overwhelming. The heat didn’t smack you in the face, it crept in slowly, in the best way possible. And the skin on the chicken? Perfection. The southern collard greens. Hands down, 100/10. I honestly could’ve ordered an extra side of them and been perfectly happy. (Was also my first time having collard greens) All in all, the food & vibes made it an awesome experience. We’ll definitely be back when we're in town!
Allison Ault
2 months ago
This is some of the best BBQ I have ever had and I am well-travelled. If you only know one kind of BBQ and you leave a poor review then you have no idea what you are talking about. This place gives BBQ a Jamaican twist and it is stunning. The jerk is absolutely incredible and don't get me started in the catfish. The brisket, the ribs, the sandwiches...all amazing! Even the key lime pie is excellent. I live in the neighborhood and dine here 1-2x per month. It's a hidden gem and we are blessed to have this special food in Denver.
joshua graham
6 months ago
Great atmosphere and staff! The Mac&Cheese with Brisket is my go to meal! Great pizza and the Jerk Chicken is the best in town!!! Great experience! Thank you always
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Small Batch Smokehouse worth it in Five Points?
The jerk chicken and Caribbean-inspired smokehouse dishes are exceptional, with perfectly balanced bold seasoning and crispy skin, though traditional BBQ cuts can be inconsistently cooked. Known for: jamaican jerk meets smoky barbecue.
What do visitors love about The Small Batch Smokehouse?
The jerk chicken has deep smokiness with perfectly balanced seasoning and crispy skin that stands out as the signature dish. Sides like southern collard greens, coleslaw, and homemade lemonade are standout quality, with reviewers praising them as exceptional. The owner/chef is friendly and present, creating an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Creative fusion items like catfish po'boy and mac & cheese with brisket offer unique takes on classic dishes.
Is there anything to know before visiting The Small Batch Smokehouse?
Traditional BBQ ribs and rib tips can be overcooked and dry, suggesting inconsistent smoking technique on certain cuts. The food skews spicy, so those sensitive to heat should ask for adjustments or specify milder options when ordering. Pricing is on the higher side for the area, and portion sizes on certain items may not justify the cost.