With summer heating up, it’s the perfect time to fire up your appetite for barbecue.

While recent Best of the Springs magazines have featured familiar barbecue favorites, a 2024 newcomer has claimed the top spot this year.

Whether you’re planning a backyard celebration or just prefer to leave the grilling to the pros, here are the 7 best barbecue restaurants chosen by Gazette readers for the 2025 Best of the Springs magazine.

Note: Click on the restaurant’s name to visit their website and view their menu.

7. Firehouse on the Run

Located in Black Forest, Firehouse on the Run has been smoking meats in-house for over 10 years. This barbecue spot serves all the comforting staples, plus broasted chicken — a cooking method that combines pressure frying and deep frying for a deliciously crispy finish. Firehouse on the Run is open every day and offers catering.

6. Porkbutt BBQ

What began as a barbecue food truck has since grown into a beloved restaurant. Porkbutt BBQ, opened in June 2024 by a couple from Connecticut, proudly offers a completely gluten-free menu — including rubs and sauces. Their offerings combine barbecue classics with sandwiches and burgers.

5. Mission BBQ

With locations in over 20 states, Mission BBQ has seen remarkable growth since its start in 2011. Its only Colorado location sits in north Colorado Springs, just off Interquest Parkway. The menu features pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket and even salmon — an unexpected twist on traditional barbecue.

4. Bird Dog BBQ

Head to one of three Bird Dog BBQ locations in the Colorado Springs area for oak-smoked Oklahoma-style barbecue. Their menu serves up brisket, turkey, hot links, Polish sausage, pulled pork and chicken, along with rotating lunch specials offered daily. Bird Dog BBQ also offers catering for all kinds of events including weddings.

3. Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q

Find Texas-style barbecue at Rudy’s, located just off U.S. Highway 24 — its only location in Colorado. In addition to smoky barbecue classics, Rudy’s serves breakfast tacos (during select hours), jumbo smoked potatoes and desserts like buttermilk pie and banana pudding.

2. Front Range Barbeque

Locally owned by two brothers from Alabama, Front Range Barbeque has been serving Colorado Springs since 2000. Their menu offers a wide range of options, from Cajun catfish sandwiches to tender smoked pork ribs. For dessert, don’t miss the Southern pecan pie or Granny’s apple crunch — just two of the homemade treats on the menu.

1. The Chuckwagon

Starting as a food truck in spring 2023, The Chuckwagon has been operating as a restaurant since May 2024. Their Texas-style barbecue has quickly gained popularity in Colorado Springs, so much so that it was named the No. 1 barbecue restaurant for 2025. On the menu, you’ll find wagyu brisket, pastrami, pork and beef ribs and all the barbecue classics.