Smok Barbecue - RiNo, Denver

I’ve been a regular at Smok Barbecue - RiNo in Denver for months without issue. Today, I placed an online order for a brisket burrito to go. While waiting, I rinsed out my Nalgene bottle and filled it with Powerade—something I’ve casually done in the past when dining in, with staff often giving me a cup. As I was leaving, a man I believe to be the owner or manager, Bill Espiricueta, abruptly confronted me, asking if I had paid for the drink. I said no, apologized immediately, and dumped it out. Despite this, he berated me in a condescending and aggressive tone, even going so far as to call me a “thief.” As a Black man, his hostility felt not only excessive but racially charged. I continued apologizing, but the situation escalated so uncomfortably that I left my food and walked out. He told me if I didn’t take it, it would be thrown away by that point, I didn’t care. The experience left me humiliated and deeply unsettled. I won’t be returning. The food may be decent, but no meal is worth being treated with such disrespect and suspicion.

The food was great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Breakfast burritos are one of the best in Denver! Please offer breakfast burritos on Sunday and until Noon!!!

Very good breakfast burritos!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time at Smok BBQ in RiNo, and it did not disappoint! Definitely recommend to anyone - locals and tourists alike. I wish they had one of these in Northglenn or Brighton…

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Hands down the best meaty BBQ joint in Denver area. Eat in for the juiciest meat experience!! Looking forward to catching the Happy Hour sometime soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket Tacos, Belly

I wish I could give this place zero stars. I’ve never experienced such blatant disregard for a customer’s well-being. After placing my order, I realized I couldn’t eat the food due to my allergies. When I politely asked if I could exchange it for something I could eat, the owner was shockingly rude and dismissive. Instead of showing even the slightest bit of understanding or basic human decency, they refused to help and made me feel like an inconvenience.

Customer service here is worse than any restaurant I’ve been to in the country. The attitude alone is enough to make me never return. If you have any dietary restrictions or expect even the most basic level of respect as a paying customer, do yourself a favor and avoid this place like the plague.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Amazing BBQ. Definitely will be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was outstanding. Nashville hot chicken sandwich is the way to go, maybe with elote cream corn or the potato salad. Awesome BBQ.

Food: 5

Absolutely love this place. The food is amazing and the staff has great service and make sure you have everything you need! Would highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’d like to think that it matters that I’m from Texas and that good bbq is literally the only thing about that state that I miss and now I don’t have to miss it anymore.

But that’s not the point. Really really enjoyed every bite of our food and the staff was so nice to us. Give it a try if you like meat!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

GREAT happy hour. Really one of the best deals I've seen in a while which is why my bf and I went. BBQ was pretty good - enjoyed the ribs, burnt ends, and fries were really great. Drinks were awesome ($5 on hh!!!) and staff was so awesome. Mac was decent and bbq sauce was okay.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

One of my favorite BBQ places and I'm not from KC...this a Texas man talking to you...if you can smell good smoke in the air...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was ON point. —Plastic eating utensils thumbs down— Every other aspect of the experience was perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smoked Chicken, Fried Okra

Smok in Denver is hands down the best barbecue spot I’ve ever been to. Every bite was incredible, from the tender pulled pork to the perfectly smoked brisket and the insanely flavorful burnt ends. The quality of the meat was top-notch, and everything was cooked to perfection.

The sides were just as impressive—we had the beans, creamed corn, and mac and cheese, and there wasn’t a single thing I would change. Each dish was packed with flavor and complemented the barbecue perfectly.

For the quality of food, the price was more than fair, making it an even better experience. If you’re in Denver and love barbecue, Smok is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5