Aurora’s Best Barbecue Spots

Aurora’s barbecue scene mixes local smokehouses, neighborhood favorites, and Korean barbecue spots. Whether you’re craving slow-smoked meats, burnt ends, or homemade mac and cheese, here’s your guide to finding the best barbecue in Aurora, Colorado.

A Bit Twisted Brewpub & BBQ | Directions

This Aurora favorite combines craft beer with Texas-style barbecue, making it one of the city’s best spots for smoked meats and a cold drink. Their brisket is a highlight, but the menu also features loaded sandwiches, ribs, and their popular “Texas Twinkies” stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon. The brewpub atmosphere gives it a lively feel that works equally well for game day, casual dinners, or weekend hangouts with friends. It's also a stop on our Cheers Aurora tour, so grab a badge while enjoying some barbecue.

Big Belly Brothers BBQ | Directions

Known for brisket, burnt ends, smoked wings, and mac and cheese, Big Belly Brothers BBQ has built a strong local following. Their brisket is tender with a deep smoky bark, while favorites like burnt ends, smoked wings, and creamy mac and cheese keep regulars coming back. It's the kind of neighborhood BBQ joint where portions are generous, and the banana pudding is worth saving room for. Want to see why locals swear by it? Watch the video below for a closer look.

Rolling Smoke BBQ | Directions

Located inside Stanley Marketplace, Rolling Smoke BBQ brings a Las Vegas-style barbecue approach to Aurora with slow-smoked meats, hearty platters, and rich house-made sides. Their burnt ends are especially popular, delivering a smoky, caramelized flavor that keeps barbecue fans coming back, while the brisket and ribs offer classic comfort-food appeal. The lively Stanley Marketplace setting makes it a great stop whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch, meeting friends for dinner, or exploring one of Aurora’s most popular food destinations.

Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot | Directions

Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is a full Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurant. It’s one of the more established Korean BBQ spots in the metro area and is well known for table-grill BBQ (which can include bulgogi, short ribs, pork belly, and more), as well as a separate hot pot dining section. The experience is interactive, you grill meats at the table and get a large spread of banchan (Korean side dishes), making it one of the most complete Korean BBQ experiences in Aurora. Discover more Korean BBQ spots here.

Smoke-N-Byrdz BBQ | Directions

Based in Aurora, this food truck travels throughout the Denver metro area serving up their famous turkey legs, voted among the best in Colorado. Available whole or chopped off the bone, the massive legs weigh up to 2½ pounds and come in flavors like Sweet Barbecue, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Jamaican Jerk, Buffalo, and more. The truck frequently sells out, so be sure to check their schedule and arrive early.

Shu's In & Out Smokehouse and Fried Fish | Directions

The restaurant combines smoked barbecue with fried seafood, offering brisket, ribs, hot links, smoked turkey legs, and classic sides. You’ll find classic smoked meats like brisket, ribs, hot links, and smoked turkey legs, all served with traditional sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. The brisket and ribs tend to get the most attention, especially for their smoky flavor and hearty portions.

Famous Dave’s | Directions

Famous Dave’s remains one of Aurora’s most recognizable barbecue destinations thanks to its generous portions and broad menu of smoked favorites. Their St. Louis-style ribs are especially popular, paired with house-made sauces ranging from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy. The laid-back restaurant atmosphere makes it a dependable stop for family dinners, large groups, or casual weekend meals.