Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Taphouse is easily the best spot for barbecue in Estes Park. This is where the locals eat–in the off-season, of course, ’cause it’s too friggin’ busy in the summer. But truth be told, we’ve been known to eat here even in the height of the summer, because it’s just that good.
The barbecue is smoked on site, and on your table there are several sauces to choose from, all of which are good. Our favorite dishes are the beef brisket and the pulled pork. DO NOT MISS their sweet potato fries. Smokin’ Dave’s has perfected the sweet potato fry! The baked beans and the cole slaw are also quite tasty.
One of the things we really love about Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Taphouse is that the food is consistently good year round. The majority of restaurants in Estes Park have better food in the off season, because it’s so much quieter, and thereby easy to stay on top of things. In the summer, on the other hand, it can get so busy that quality starts to decline.
Smokin’ Dave’s, though, somehow manages to keep the quality fairly consistent year round. The one time we did experience a problem–the brisket was a bit drier than normal–the chef brought us a new dish and personally made sure it was to our liking.
Because it’s so good, wait times can be long, but our experience has always been that the hosting staff always overestimates the amount of time it will take to get seated, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you get seated faster. But even if it does take an hour, it’s worth the wait. There is both indoor and patio seating; we suggest taking whatever is first available (unless the weather is iffy, then stay inside).
Locals will often order takeout in the summer rather than brave the crowds. If you order food to go, make sure to get some BBQ sauce to go from the little table adjacent to the hostess’ station.
Eat in or take out, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Taphouse is not to be missed.
Contact Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Taphouse
820 Moraine Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 577-7427(RIBS)
We always stop at Smokin’ Dave’s when we go to Estes. The food is great. Love the pulled pork sandwich and the sweet potato fries.
The place is always packed–with tourists and locals both. (And if the locals eat there, you know it’s good!)