The air smells a bit like oak and sweet grain, and the music drifts out from a bar where regulars lean in for strong whiskey and a laugh. Porch seats catch afternoon sun while distillers move quietly in the wings.
What to Expect:
🥃 Tastings of house-made bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin—seasonal pours on rotation
🍸 Classic and creative cocktails mixed with their own spirits
🎶 Live music on most weekends, sometimes spilling into the lot
🌻 Plenty of space to spread out, with deck and patio seating on warmer days
🖼️ Woodstock and Bethel memorabilia dotting the walls, tying the old with the new
Important Information:
✔ Full table and bar service; walk-ins welcome
✔ Wheelchair accessible throughout: entrance, seating, and restrooms are all easy to reach
✔ Gender-neutral restroom available
✔ Tastings and flights offered, plus cocktails, NA options, and wine
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
Local Insights
🌅 Golden Hour: The porch glows and the music picks up just before sunset—show up early on Fridays for a front row.
🔔 Tasting Tours: Ask for a quick walk-through of the distillery—owners often oblige if things are quiet.
🎶 Music Nights: Saturdays fill fast when there's live music posted; seats outside go quick, so bring a jacket in the fall.
🍹 Custom Cocktails: Bartenders will riff on their classics if you mention your favorite spirit—try the buckwheat in a new way.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Reviews praise the smoothness and flavor of house spirits—especially bourbon and rye. Guests find the staff welcoming, with many noting the peaceful patio, fun music, and the owner's local stories. Prices are a bit higher and some guests have noticed smaller pours over time, but most leave feeling the experience is worth it. A few negative reviews note occasional issues with bottling or value, but these are rare. Overall, it's a relaxed, spirited spot with plenty of local color and live energy.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
