The 5 Best Ribs

Great barbecue ribs are worth getting your hands messy for, especially when they're slow-smoked, seasoned with flavorful rubs and finished with a favorite sauce. Across Routt County, barbecue joints, steakhouses and specialty pitmasters bring their own approaches to this hearty favorite. The Best of the Boat 2026 puts the spotlight on establishments serving ribs that showcase the flavors and traditions of American barbecue.

Yampa River Ice House

Slow-smoked St. Louis-style pork ribs are a centerpiece of the barbecue menu at Yampa River Ice House on Yampa Street in Steamboat Springs. The smokehouse also prepares brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken, accompanied by house-made barbecue sauces and traditional sides. Guests can enjoy their meals on the main patio or rooftop deck overlooking the Yampa River and Emerald Mountain. Draft beers, craft cocktails and slushies from the full-service bar round out the open-air dining experience.

Dueling D's BBQ and Grill

Traditional smokehouse cooking takes center stage at Dueling D's BBQ and Grill on Main Street in Oak Creek. Slow-smoked ribs share the menu with beef brisket, pulled pork, turkey and smoked sausage, served with homestyle sides such as macaroni and cheese, baked beans and cornbread. Rib platters, combination meals and barbecue sandwiches give diners several ways to enjoy the kitchen's specialties, whether eating in or taking a meal to go.

Moe's Original BBQ

Alabama-style barbecue brings Southern flavor to Steamboat Springs at Moe's Original BBQ in Kamar Plaza. The restaurant prepares slow-smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey and mahi-mahi, complemented by signature sweet and white barbecue sauces and traditional Southern sides. Diners can choose rib platters and sandwich combinations or order family-sized packs for sharing. Casual seating, bar service and convenient pickup options make it an accessible choice for a barbecue meal.

Ore House at the Pine Grove

Western steakhouse traditions provide the setting for barbecue ribs at Ore House at the Pine Grove. The restaurant serves slow-cooked baby back pork ribs glazed with its signature house barbecue sauce, accompanied by classic dinner sides and access to an extensive salad bar. Housed in a converted barn dating to 1889, the Steamboat Springs establishment features historic ranching memorabilia, comfortable dining rooms and a full-service bar for a relaxed sit-down dinner.

Q Live Crew BBQ

Competition-style barbecue and traditional wood-smoking techniques define the offerings at Q Live Crew BBQ, a Steamboat Springs-based catering and pop-up operation. Its specialty ribs are prepared using low-and-slow smoking methods and custom seasoning rubs, alongside brisket, pulled pork and signature side dishes. Serving community events, private gatherings and pop-up locations throughout Routt County, Q Live Crew brings its barbecue directly to a variety of occasions.

Created or enhanced with ChatGPT.