Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
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Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park offers award-winning, slow-smoked meats with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views. A local favorite for 2...

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Highlights

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Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

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Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK

Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park offers award-winning, slow-smoked meats with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views. A local favorite for 25 years.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This restaurant is the place to go while in Estes Park. The food is high quality, good tasting, and very reasonably priced."

TIP

Visit in Fall for Scenery

Enjoy vibrant fall colors, though winter offers easier dining space with equally delicious flavors.

Spicy Wing Lovers Rejoice

Try the Thai sauce on their great-tasting wings for a flavorful kick at lunch or dinner.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Barbecue

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(970) 577-7427

Address

820 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning BBQ

Award-Winning BBQ

Savor tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket slow-smoked to perfection, a local institution for 25 years.

Best Places To Eat In Estes Park: Complete List – AmasvosEpicurean Journey to Estes Park | Best Food in Estes Park
Scenic Mountain Views

Scenic Mountain Views

Enjoy your meal with a breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, especially vibrant in the fall.

Google Review
Flavorful Wings

Flavorful Wings

Try the highly recommended chicken wings, especially with the spicy Thai sauce option.

From Whiskey to Wings: Where to Eat & Drink After an Adventure in Estes ParkGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visit in Fall for Scenery

Enjoy vibrant fall colors, though winter offers easier dining space with equally delicious flavors.

Spicy Wing Lovers Rejoice

Try the Thai sauce on their great-tasting wings for a flavorful kick at lunch or dinner.

Generous Portions

Platters are ample and can easily feed multiple people, with family platters ideal for groups.

Consider Odd Hours

Arriving at off-peak times can help you avoid crowds, as the restaurant is very popular.

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit in Fall for Scenery

Enjoy vibrant fall colors, though winter offers easier dining space with equally delicious flavors.

Spicy Wing Lovers Rejoice

Try the Thai sauce on their great-tasting wings for a flavorful kick at lunch or dinner.

Generous Portions

Platters are ample and can easily feed multiple people, with family platters ideal for groups.

Consider Odd Hours

Arriving at off-peak times can help you avoid crowds, as the restaurant is very popular.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Smokin' Dave's BBQ is a beloved spot in Estes Park, praised for its incredibly tender and flavorful smoked meats, generous portions, and a relaxed atmosphere with mountain views. Many diners rave about the ribs, pulled pork, and wings, alongside friendly and attentive service. However, a few reviews mention a decline in quality and smaller portions compared to previous visits, with one instance of difficulty understanding the order taker.

"This restaurant is the place to go while in Estes Park. The food is high quality, good tasting, and very reasonably priced. For the quality of food that you're getting, the prices are much lower than you'd expect. The BBQ sauces are also very good. I recommend the spicy and tangy ones. The ambiance is great with cool decor and good music playing. The staff is nice and is accommodating. This restaurant is overall really amazing and a great place to go for a good time and even better food!"

Aarush Dhand

"Even though it was busy, we were able to be seated by the bar immediately. We got two different sandwiches and they were LOADED! Definitely got both taste and value. The sides were amazing! We will definitely be back if we’re in the area and tell others about this place!"

Anh Do

"I had a five star experience! We took 20 people into this restaurant unannounced and they seated us very nearly immediately and served us some spectacular barbecued foods on monstrous family style platters! The atmosphere was similar to a bar, but it was very relaxed and they were definitely kid friendly there which is good because we had a rowdy bunch of kids. The service was quick and attentive. But let’s talk about the sauce. The sauce was extremely good! Overall, five star experience!"

Jason Christenson

What People Like

Tender, slow-smoked meats
Generous portions
Attentive and friendly service

What People Dislike

Portions have gotten smaller
Meat can be dry
Service inconsistencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Smokin' Dave's is famous for its tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, all slow-smoked to perfection. Their chicken wings with various sauces are also a popular choice.

15 Estes Park Restaurants You Need to TryGoogle Review

Yes, Smokin' Dave's offers family platters that are generous and great for groups, making it easy to sample a variety of their delicious meats.

15 Estes Park Restaurants You Need to TryGoogle Review+1

Yes, the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with a deck that offers breathtaking mountain views, especially scenic during the fall.

Google Review

While primarily a BBQ restaurant, they offer sides like Caesar salad, French fries, baked beans, and green beans that may cater to some dietary needs.

Smokin' Dave's offers a Military/Veteran/First Responder Discount for eligible individuals.

The restaurant is very popular, especially during fall weekends. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for a less crowded experience.

Google Review

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A local chain in this part of Colorado, Smokin’ Dave’s is a fan favorite across all of its destinations, but the one in Estes Park really steals the show. With a mouthwatering selection of appetizers, ribs galore, and steaks and sandwiches to satisfy any appetite, you’ll be very happy to see the impressive selection of brews to wash all of this down. They’ve also got popular family platters that are perfect and reasonably priced for you and your little ones — all in all, the portions are generous and the price is right for you to walk away from this place suitably stuffed.

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When the fall colors are flourishing, Saturday crowds flock to Smokin’ Dave’s, and the place stays crowded through the evening. While dining space is easier to come by in the winter, the sumptuous flavors of the slow-cooked meats remain the same. A local institution known for its great wings with three sauce options (if you like spice, go for the Thai), Smokin’ Dave’s is an excellent lunch or dinner option for adventurers craving protein.

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Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew is so popular that they actually have a couple of locations in the area. They are also so popular that they are the only restaurant that appeared on multiple lists of great places to eat in Estes Park. And I imagine you can probably guess what they serve from the name, but yes, for those who are wondering they are going to serve out of this world barbeque with plenty of cold beer to help wash it down.

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In this place, BBQ sandwiches, platters, and ribs are served in a country setting with a full bar and a laid-back environment. In the West, bask in Southern Pit-Model Barbecue. Go to your favourite barbecue restaurant or make use of catering companies in Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Denver, or Centennial, CO. In the event you’re trying to find award-winning barbecue, Smokin’ Daves BBQ & Brew is the place to go.

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Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ is just a short walk down the road from our Estes Park cabins. A “slow smoked ‘til it falls apart” pulled pork sandwich, combination platters of chicken & ribs, salad, fish, and hearty desserts are all on the menu—and that’s leaving out their “favorites” section!. A kids menu and 6-item Family Meals make this restaurant a great choice for larger groups.

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This restaurant, located at 820 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, is a must-visit and number 3 of the Top 5 Restaurants near Estes Park. You’ll enjoy the casual setting here as it perfectly complements the mouth-watering, slow-cooked barbecue. You’ll be treated to succulent ribs, tender pulled pork, and an array of craft beers that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

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Smokin’ Dave is a Los Angeles native with the soul of a southern pit master. For 25 years and counting, Dave has been the proud owner and chef of various restaurants, and he currently owns and operates three of the best BBQ restaurants in Northern Colorado. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Taphouse has two locations, one in Estes Park, CO, and Read more...

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For something considerably more low-key but equally as delightful to the palate, try Smokin’ Daves BBQ & Brew. This eatery has several locations in Colorado and is known for their excellent entrees smothered in their special BBQ sauce. From platters of beef brisket to ribs, come hungry when you plan a meal at Smokin’ Daves!.

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Smokin’ Dave’s is a personal top pick for dog-friendly restaurants in Estes Park!. Your pup can chill with you on the patio or even inside next to your booth (depending on the day). Plus, their Southern-style barbecue is simply incredible with juicy pulled pork, brisket, and ribs slathered in a signature homemade sauce.

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Smokin’ Dave hails from Los Angeles, but you wouldn’t know it from his Southern-like barbecue. He opened Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew in 2007 and continues to expand his barbecue empire around Colorado. There are so many delicious offerings, and Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ is considered one of the best restaurants in Estes Park.

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Since we couldn’t enter the park till 1 pm we arrived early did the steep hike to Gem Lake then picked up from BBQ from Smokin Dave’s. After heading into the park we pulled off to a picnic site and enjoyed lunch there before going to the parking lot to take the shuttle to the trailhead.

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Nothing goes together better than hot, tasty barbecue and a nice cold brew. At Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew in Estes Park, you get the best of both!. Smokin’ Dave’s was named one of the Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America by the National Barbecue News.

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Smokin' Dave's BBQ features mouthwatering barbecue, crafted with the care and attention of an artist. Pair your meal with one of their 15 beers on tap, and enjoy a casual atmosphere where flavor and passion come together. Gluten-free options are available, too.

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The award-winning Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew has some of the best barbeque food in the country. The restaurant has over 25 years of experience producing succulent dishes. The owner and chef discovered the joy of cooking in his grandparents’ kitchen.

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One night, we picked up a Family Meal from Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Brew. With brisket, St. Louis pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and cornbread, it was quite a feast for 5 of us (with tons of leftovers)!. We also tried breakfast at You Need Pie.

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