The 5 Best Barbecue Joints Around Grand County

Low-and-slow cooking gives barbecue its distinctive flavor, but the experience can range from a counter-service meal to a catered outdoor celebration. Across Grand County, smoked meats appear alongside classic sides, resort menus and seasonal restaurant dishes. The barbecue offerings recognized in the Best of Grand reflect that range within the broader local dining community. In Winter Park, Granby, Grand Lake, Tabernash and Fraser, these businesses provide different ways to enjoy a hearty meal.

Smokehouse BBQ

Pulled pork, beef brisket, St. Louis-style ribs and smoked chicken anchor the menu at Smokehouse BBQ in downtown Winter Park. House-made baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw accompany meats prepared using low-and-slow smoking techniques. Independent local operators pair counter-style service with a laid-back, family-friendly setting for residents, resort visitors and groups gathering after skiing.

Bluebird Bistro

Smoked barbecue specialties share the menu with burgers, salads and local craft beers at Bluebird Bistro at the base of Granby Ranch. The resort’s hospitality team emphasizes Colorado ingredients and smoked meats within its slope-side dining offerings. Outdoor patio views add to the setting for skiers, mountain bikers, golfers and families stopping for a meal.

Sagebrush BBQ & Grill

Smoked ribs, brisket and pulled pork bring classic barbecue to Sagebrush BBQ & Grill in downtown Grand Lake. Burgers and regional draft beers round out the offerings in a historic saloon-style interior with rustic decor and peanut-shell-covered floors. Management coordinates service for residents and busy visitor crowds, maintaining a casual, family-friendly gathering place after lake outings and national park visits.

Tabernash Tavern

Barbecue and house-smoked meats feature among the rotating seasonal offerings at Tabernash Tavern. They form part of a broader internationally inspired menu, paired with a curated global wine list. Local restaurateurs oversee preparation and service, applying refined techniques and gourmet flavor combinations in an upscale dining setting.

Wild Horse Catering

Mountain-style barbecue, smoked meats and outdoor grill buffets are among the custom menu options at Fraser-based Wild Horse Catering. The full-service company serves weddings, corporate retreats and private gatherings throughout Grand County. Professional chefs and event coordinators manage personalized menus, local sourcing and on-site service, bringing barbecue to venues and private homes across the region.

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