+1 720-316-1361
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Black Hawk, CO, JKQ BBQ offers an authentic barbecue experience that truly celebrates smoky, slow-cooked perfection. This local gem is the kind of place where the aroma of rich hickory smoke and savory spices envelops you from the moment you walk through the door, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace on a crisp Colorado evening.
The menu at JKQ BBQ is a carnivore’s delight, boasting a range of mouthwatering dishes that showcase expert smoking techniques and bold flavors. Their BBQ Sampler Platter is a standout, artfully combining tender brisket, succulent ribs, and juicy pulled pork or chicken that effortlessly fall apart with every bite. For those craving something a little adventurous, the Pig Wings and Smoked Pork Belly Nachos offer a creative twist on classic barbecue favorites, while the Smoked Salmon BLT brings a fresh, smoky seafood flair to the lineup.
Sandwich lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice. The Smoked Beef Brisket and Smoked Pulled Pork sandwiches deliver savory, smoke-infused bites layered with tender meat, while bold options like the Smoked Lamb and the stacked Motherload satisfy those seeking deeper, complex flavors. Paired with classic sides such as creamy mac & cheese, Southern green beans, and tangy cole slaw, each plate delivers a well-rounded, finger-licking feast.
Beyond the food, JKQ BBQ captures the spirit of relaxed, friendly dining with a bustling bar area featuring a modest but well-chosen selection of beers on tap, including Bud Light, Coors Banquet, and Modelo. Guests have praised the welcoming staff and lively setting, sometimes enhanced by live music, which adds a vibrant backdrop to mealtime. The ambiance, enriched by rustic decor and the hum of football games on TV, makes it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy great barbecue with friends or family.
Reviews from patrons paint a picture of consistent quality and warm hospitality. Nellie Robbs raves about the “excellent” food and the attentive bartender, enjoying classics like brisket, lamb sampler platters, and pig wings. The Fish n Chips Guy, a discerning southerner turned convert, highlights the incredible service by Jennifer and the unforgettable fall-off-the-bone beef ribs, praising the restaurant as a top-notch BBQ destination in Colorado. Even casual visitors like Murph appreciate the friendly vibe and tempting appetizers like spicy cheese curds alongside cold brews.
JKQ BBQ also knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth, featuring tempting treats like lemon bars and coconut cake, alongside a tempting dessert table that’s perfect for rounding out a smoky, savory meal.
Whether you’re a BBQ connoisseur or a casual diner looking for a hearty, comforting meal, JKQ BBQ delivers an authentic experience marked by rich smoky flavors, generous portions, and genuine hospitality. If you find yourself in Black Hawk craving classic barbecue with a fresh, Colorado twist, this is a must-visit spot that leaves you eagerly planning your next trip back.
Everything was excellent. Bartender was amazing. Football games were rolling. Got those corn nuggets and the sampler(brisket and lamb) green beans n Mac n cheese. Hubby got pig wings and the sampler(brisket n ribs with potatoe salad n beans. I would have got dessert but I saw the candy store across the street. Next time.
Heard about this place from a family member that was driving through. Made the trip out. The decor was great. Loved the look of the place. Staff were friendly and helpful. Too bad they were out of beef ribs. Will need to call ahead next time. Meat was good. Started with a great salad. Tasted much better than I was prepared for. The BBQ sauce is a must since the meat didn’t appear that flavourful without it. Great sauce though. We ended up mixing the hot and sweet sauces together and that seemed like a good mix. Tried some dessert while we were three. Was real good. Check out the pictures and videos. Would recommend this place and we are hoping to come back again sometime and get the beef ribs. Hope all goes well for you.
We just stopped in for a beer and tried some spicy cheese curds. The have a modest sized bar and a handful of beers on tap. Some of the food menu items looked really good and I would've tried them but we had already eaten. The bartender was friendly and took good care of us for the short time we were there
After catching the older kiddo and his MTB team compete, my beautiful Bride and teen swung by JKQ for a bite to eat. Upon walking in, we were greeted by the warm, smoky aroma of barbecue, usually that's a good sign. There was a guy in the corner of the bar playing live music. We did not have to wait for a table. As appatizers, we ordered loaded tots and cowboy bites. The tots were okay, not as loaded as we had hoped. The cowboy bites were better, creamy with a bit of corn and jalapenos. Definitely would order those over the tots. The meal we got a sampler platter with brisket and lamb with mac and cheese and cole slaw. The meat was good. Both had a slight smoke flavor, sort of underwhelming, not bold in flavor, maybe could have used a bit of added rub. The best part is it did not taste canned, in house for sure. And, both BBQ sauces were homemade. The mild one was on the vinegary side and the hot was not too hot, It had more like a chili powder kick and definitely more flavor than the mild. The Mac and cheese was good, cheesy enough in the middle with a little crisp on top. All three of us agreed the coleslaw was harder to pin down. It wasn't quite creamy like a typical mayo based. Almost had a yogurt slaw feel, but then again, not really. None of us were fans. The best part of this meal was hands down the dessert. We got a strawberry tres leches cake. It was super moist, perfectly sweet, and just flat-out delicious. We’d come back for that dessert alone. The historic building gives the place a lot of charm, and the staff was friendly, attentive, and quick with refills. Would we return? Probably, especially if dessert is on the agenda. JKQ has a cool vibe and some standout items, even if the main BBQ didn’t blow us away.
Friends, I am from the south and am forever in search of good BBQ here in Colorado. If you are in Blackhawk, you should check this place out! Let me start with the service, Jennifer provided the best service, from opening the door for me and providing excellent service throughout my dining experience, way to go Jennifer! I had the beef green chili soup, fall off the bone beef rib (this thing was so big it was like eating a dinosaur rib! 1.5 lbs!) and the peanut butter frosted chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was so good and I can’t wait to come back and try one of their other great menu selections! The atmosphere is that of an old time western saloon straight out of an old mining town. A lot of history in this building! Come check it out for yourself, you will not be disappointed!