The 5 Best BBQ Joints

Great barbecue takes patience, with hours of slow cooking transforming brisket, ribs and pulled pork into tender, flavorful favorites. Different regional traditions bring their own approaches to smoke, seasoning and sauce, while classic sides complete the experience. Across the Yampa Valley, barbecue can be enjoyed at neighborhood restaurants, riverside gathering spots and catered celebrations. The Best of the Boat 2026 fires up a look at local businesses keeping these smoky traditions alive.

Yampa River Ice House

Texas-style barbecue and waterfront dining come together at Yampa River Ice House on Yampa Street in downtown Steamboat Springs. The multi-level smokehouse prepares brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, St. Louis-style ribs and jalapeño cheddar sausages using local hardwoods and traditional smoking techniques. Classic accompaniments such as macaroni and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw round out the menu, while craft beers and cocktails complement the meal. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy open-air decks overlooking the Yampa River.

Dueling D's BBQ and Grill

Slow-smoked meats and small-town hospitality define Dueling D's BBQ and Grill on Main Street in Oak Creek. The family-owned restaurant serves hickory-smoked brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and chicken, prepared using low-and-slow cooking methods that develop rich barbecue flavor. House-made sauces and traditional sides, including potato salad, baked beans and cornbread, complete the offerings. In addition to casual dining and takeout, Dueling D's provides catering for community gatherings and private events throughout South Routt County.

Moe's Original BBQ

Alabama-style barbecue brings a Southern influence to Moe's Original BBQ in Steamboat Springs' Kamar Plaza area. The restaurant smokes meats daily over hardwood, offering pulled pork, turkey, ribs, wings and even mahi-mahi accompanied by its signature sweet and tangy sauces. Scratch-made Southern sides, including baked beans, potato salad, sweet potato casserole and banana pudding, add variety to the menu. With a casual dining room, draft beer and catering services, Moe's serves customers looking for everything from a quick lunch to food for a larger gathering.

Q Live Crew BBQ

Competition-style smoking techniques are the specialty of Q Live Crew BBQ, a Steamboat Springs barbecue and catering operation serving events throughout Routt County. The crew prepares slow-smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken, emphasizing traditional dry rubs, carefully developed smoke flavors and house-made sauces. Home-style sides complement the meats, creating menus suited to private celebrations, community festivals and outdoor mountain gatherings. Through pop-up appearances and mobile catering, Q Live Crew brings its barbecue directly to customers.

Rick’s Catering

Barbecue prepared on mobile smokers is the centerpiece of Rick's Catering, a longtime Steamboat Springs catering business also known as Rick's BBQ. Its menu features pit-roasted brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken and sausages, accompanied by scratch-made cornbread, coleslaw, ranch beans and cobblers. Serving weddings, corporate retreats, private parties and other celebrations, Rick's offers full-service buffet setups and convenient drop-off catering, bringing traditional barbecue meals to venues throughout the Yampa Valley.

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