Switchback Smokehouse

It’s time I finally write a review for this place.
First, the food, when available ROCKS! However they run out off stuff constantly, even the day after they have been closed for two days.
I crave this place.
But I shall never return, because I’ve been served twice by an intoxicated employee (pretty sure one of the owners).
And worst of all, witnessed the owner let a very drunk, obviously regular drive home.
Haven’t been back since, and its such a shame cause their food, most of the time is excellent, if they aren’t out.

This is probably the best BBQ food I’ve had in Colorado. I’ll start with the bad…
Seating: The seating kind of stinks in the winter. There is plenty of seating outside and they have an enclosed patio area, but it’s still kind of chilly to be out there even when the heater is on. The inside seating is very limited and they have more 2 seater tables than bigger parties so keep that in mind if you plan on going with a group. The most you could probably fit at even the biggest table is 4, maybe 5 comfortably. The summertime is probably awesome at this place!
Price: A little high considering you have to pay extra for sides.
Well, that’s pretty much it for the bad. Now on to the good…
The food is freaken awesome! While I“m not a BBQ connoisseur, the St Louis ribs IMO were fantastic! A little fatty in some areas, but overall they were the most tasteful fall off the bone ribs I’ve had in my 10 years living out here, and I didn’t even put sauce on them!
My bf and I ordered the full slab of St Louis ribs ($ 12 half/​$ 22 full). We also each ordered a side of mac & cheese ($ 4. each) and also each had a beer. The mac & cheese was pretty good, although at first site it looks like boxed Kraft, but they use some other cheeses that make this a tasty side, albeit not worth a $ 4 price tag. The total bill, with an 18% tip, came to $ 40. Not horrible, but I’d expect to pay between $ 30-​$ 35, not a huge difference though.
We’ll definitely be coming back to this place on occasion!

Their food is everything.
It was just my BF and me but we ordered enough for a family of four. We ate everything. Everything.
We ordered:
Full slab of St. Louis ribs
¼ lb pulled pork
1 beer brat
1 other sausage (can’t remember)
Waffle cut fries
Brussel sprouts
For two people it was a lot of food and we kept thinking we were going to have food to take home. We didn’t. Seriously everything was really really good. The only thing that was meh was one of the sausages (the one’s name I can’t remember) and even then it wasn’t bad at all. It’s just that everything else was out of this world good. My BF even wanted to order more to take with us just because it was that good. Guess he didn’t want the food coma to ever end.
The guys working were super nice too.
Go give this place your money and get some killer good food in return! It’s a pretty fantastic trade off!

THIS IS THE BEST DAMN BBQ I HAVE HAD IN COLORADO IN 18 YEARS, PERIOD.
So legit.
I grew up in the BBQ Belt in Texas frequenting places like Salt Lick, Coopers, Black’s etc– and this is the closest thing to that that I have had outside of Texas. Hell, it may even be better than a few of the «destination» joints.
The staff is incredibly nice and will walk you through everything on the menu with crazy knowledge.
All their sauces are good and the sides are great as well.
I stop in for lunch 2 times a week and it’s always fantastic.
On my never-​ending quest for legit BBQ this place is far and away the leader.
Max out the credit card and get everything on the menu, you won’t regret it.

Another visit today and the same great friendly service and great food. They opened up the patio so we could bring our dog in since the open area is snow covered. Such a great place and a cool little town and creek side setting. Kids love it too.
Worth a trip!

Best BBQ anywhere around Denver. Came in for lunch on a Sunday and Gordon did a great job of taking us through the menu so we tried a lot! Ribs, smoked chicken wings, district 5 sandwich (smoked duck), pulled chicken, Mac & cheese and cowboy baked beans. Every item was awesome. None of the sides or sauces were too heavy so we were able to enjoy it all without feeling like we needed a nap mid meal. We live in Denver and plan to make the trip back every time we want bbq!

The food is delicious! I cannot wait to go there again.

The best food in this part of town. I’ve tried quite a few places in evergreen and kittredge and none of them can compare to switchback. The building itself is a little dated and it can sometimes take a little longer to get your food but when it shows up, it is always amazing.

one of my favorites! we eat here often and are never disappointed. I literally could not find anything to complain about. p. s. order a side of mac & cheese!

Cool place with a friendly and enthusiastic staff. Good local beer selection and excellent bbq. The ribs are legit, the bark could have been better, but it was really cold and this probably was a factor. The brussel sprouts are some of the best around, give them a go. I look forward to more visits post hike!

Never had a bad meal here–
Great place to take in the sun and have excellent BBQ, without a doubt the best in the foothills. Perfect place to grab a table near the creek and relax with a genuine down home style meal.
Walk in and get your order placed (show up earlier, rather than later as everything is cooked fresh and when its gone, its gone) grab a pint right next to where you order, or head straight outside to the patio.

I am so in love with this place. Everything is amazing! I especially love the duck sandwich, the ribs, and pork sandwiches. The sides are all delicious as well. I really like the mac and cheese, the fries, and the potato salad. I’d say this is the best BBQ in the Denver area.

In town for a wedding, checked Unilocal for nearby lunch options, dragged three other friends, ordered family-​style, ate a bunch of food. Everyone was happy.
Smoked duck breast was awesome if a bit spendy but we only spent $ 48 total for lunch for four people so who cares?
Other winners: pulled pork, goat cheese stuffed dates, waffle fries (OK, you can get fries anywhere but these were cooked to the correct level of crispness/​non-​greasiness), fried pickles (wedges, not coins); also tried their brisket (very lean hence a bit dry), and mac & cheese, which was fine, but I would suggest getting more meats over more mac.

What a delicious find for lunch after a beautiful hike in Evergreen. I had the smoked duck breast sandwich… which was divine! Hubby had the Bay of Pigs (a mighty fine Cuban) with waffle fries. I had a bite of his and loved it as well. My side salad was fresh and tasty… and some of the best sweet tea I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to return to try another delectable… though it will be tough to not re-​order the duck breast!
Super friendly service and sitting on the patio was very relaxing.

WOW WOW WOW!!! This place is amazing! Set in the mountains off of HWY 74 in Kittredge, not only is the scenery beautiful but you’ll find some damn great BBQ! Not really a shack, more like a convert house with a big front yard, picnic tables, foosball, and other games to play. There’s a bar where you can order local craft brews and watch a game.
The place can get busy and there’s good chance they’ll sellout but totally worth the trip. Pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket, ribs. Salads, BBQ meat by the pound, sandwiches, and great sides!
I had to try a little of everything so went with: ½ slab of St. Louis ribs, ¼ lb brisket, with a side of Mac (shells) & cheese. Washed it down with a local Long Tree Brewing Peach Ale!
The service is first class! Everyone is friendly and make you feel at home. If it’s your first time, don’t fret they’ll take the time and explain everything to you!
Amazing people, food, and ambience!
#Kittredge, #Denver, #Colorado @SwitchbackSmokehouseCo

Every time I come here, the food is great (I get the salmon), the staff is friendly, and the line is out the door. I love how healthy it is, even though it is technically a barbecue joint (the salmon is nestled on a bed of spring greens). I also love the coleslaw, of all things! I hate mayonnaise, and the coleslaw either hides the taste of mayo very well or it is dairy-​based instead. The location next to the creek is also splendid and well-​lighted!
Also, pretty much all of their wood is donated, so if you happen to chop down a fruit tree, keep these guys in mind!

This place is killer. Serious smoke flavor and tons of options. Smoked Duck breast?! Heck yes. Ribs are awesome and the outer layer is crispy so you can tell these guys really know how to finish them. It’s not often that you find bbq that doesn’t require sauce, but it’s also very good!
We will be back!

This place is a welcome gem. I came here with some friends after taking our pups on an way hike nearby. The drinks are served in mason jars, and the meats were second to none. I got the District 5, which is a duck sandwich. I was so full.
My husband got a full rack of ribs, Mac and cheese and coleslaw. The ribs were perfectly smokey, juicy, and falling of the bone.
Our table split some fried pickles. Those were great, but a bit in the greasy side so they could of sat on a paper towel for a few more seconds.
The only thing that wasn’t to my liking was the coleslaw. I prefer the creamy style.
It has a great location, right next the river. I’m sure the next time I travel in that direction I’ll be dining again.

This is the best barbecue I’ve ever had, actually. Not just the best Denver-​area BBQ. Not the best Colorado BBQ. The. Best. BBQ.
Unfortunately the word is out about this place, so you can pretty much forget going during a weekend afternoon unless you’re willing to spend a few hours waiting in line, then waiting for food. I highly recommend showing up at opening, grabbing some brisket, pulled pork, or natural chicken, pairing with their spicy Mule or mustard-​based sauce, and driving to a nearby park or forest to enjoy it. Or, come on a weekday and experience Switchback the way it was meant to be experienced!

Wow. I consider myself a BBQ expert. The Devils elbow sandwich was so delicious and more food that I could eat. I got both fried pickles and fried onions on top with a side of mac & cheese. I cannot wait to go back and try every single item on the menu.
The location right on the water is amazing and on a beautiful day you cannot beat this place.

Everything from the sweet tea to the fries, Mac and cheese and amazingggg pulled pork sandwich was the best of the best in its class !!!
Seriously that sweet tea after a day of rafting was so refreshing and that sandwich with fried pickles and fries onions with pork and coleslaw … Just #WOW
I’m driving back to Evergreen asap just to eat there again !
— mrs. Beezy

First my boyfriend and I attempted to go to Cactus Jack’s up the road last Sunday after a long hike in Elk Meadow. We drove around angrily trying to find a parking space and never succeeded. This end of town is a nightmare for parking on weekends. Discouraged, we drove up the street to see what else we could find and stumbled upon Switchback Smokehouse, it was meant to be!
We started off with some beers, Graham Crack Porters which were served in decorative mason jars. We then walked up to the counter to order food. They have an interesting system, they can serve you just straight meat, then if you want sides you add em, they are all about $ 4. Or you can get a sandwich which comes with fries, or they have a few salad choices.
I opted for the small duck & goat cheese salad, it did not disappoint! My guy wanted brisket but unfortunately by the time we got there they were all out. He got a pulled pork sandwich instead. The BBQ sauces they have are out of this world. He got the one which is spicy.
I am so glad we ended up coming here, service was fast, view on the patio was amazing, prices were pretty good for a mountain town. We’ll totally stop by next time we are in Evergreen. Hopefully they won’t be out of brisket then. Highly recommend!

This place is great ALWAYS. Service and food are first class. Thank you Darryl and Mark!