Switchback Smokehouse

Travis Lawell

I can’t stop thinking about this place, and the incredible smoked duck. I’ll be honest chat GPT recommended switchback as part of a days itinerary exploring Red Rocks and the surrounding area. I’m a huge BBQ fan so we quickly added it to our day. Switchback Smokehouse is everything you want in a perfect BBQ place, the unassuming roadside location with a verity of smokers sitting outside a simple menu with a list of meats, a list of sides and a few sandwich specialties. My wife and I went for the sampler approach ordering 4 meats and 3 sides to share. Every meat had an amazing Smokey flavor with great balance tenderness. The Meats: I have to call out the star of the show was the smoked duck breast, moist and juicy, filled with flavor just melted in your mouth. A close second for me was the bacon, oh how I wish I would have ordered a dozen slices to enjoy for the next week (who am I kidding they would be gone before dinner). The smoked salmon was great as well and very moist unlike most smoked salmons I have had. The brisket was different that I was expecting, sliced super thin it almost reminded me more of roast beef, as with everything else still fantastic just different from what I was expecting. Sides: The baked beans had great flavor and were the right level of sweet for me. I find a lot of places beans are far over sweetened or overcooked. These beans were neither of those. The Mac and cheese was also good, and not overdone trying to be the hero as I have found at some other bbq joints. Coleslaw was nice as well Sauces: First off all of the meats could stand on their own and they didn’t require sauces. However all four sauce options were very well done. I’m a sucker for a mustard sauce and would rank the mustard sauce right up there with the best I’ve ever had. The root beer sauce was a pleasant surprise, with its sweet but not overpowering notes. Conclusion: Hop in the car, grab your neighbor, spouse, friend or enemy and go, it’s so worth it!

Brianna Reichling

Excellent smoked duck and BLT! The sauces were all delicious as well, and we enjoyed the cowboy beans too. We will definitely be back!

James Holtslag

As a former butcher and chef, I was really excited to try the smoked duck breast, and it exceeded my expectations. It was perfectly cooked—juicy, tender, everything I hoped for. Great job!

Rudolf Marusic

Switchback Smokehouse in Kittredge is a BBQ gem that delivers on every front! The food is nothing short of awesome—juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, whether you’re diving into their tender brisket or savoring their fall-off-the-bone ribs. The menu hits all the right spots for BBQ lovers, with perfectly crafted sides that complement the main event. Ordering is a breeze, with a straightforward process that gets you from counter to table without any hassle. The staff elevates the experience even further—super friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your visit great. Their warmth makes you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time. The Creekside outdoor seating is a highlight, offering a relaxed vibe with the soothing sounds of the nearby creek. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the laid-back mountain atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Switchback Smokehouse is a must-visit for top-notch BBQ and a welcoming experience. Highly recommend!

Jorge Chavez

What an amazing place. The barbecue was delicious the John Candy was outstanding 🤤🤤 my entire family enjoyed our visit thank you so much for the wonderful dinning experience. Also your root beer sauce was mine and my son's favorite 😋😋