Push through the doors and the Catskills slip away, replaced by carved woodwork, steins, and the stomp of polkas. Lively chatter ebbs as bands tune up by the bar, and the scent of stewed cabbage drifts above long wooden tables.
What to Expect:
🍺 Crisp German lagers, Weissbier, and a long tap list of classic and local brews
🥨 Old-school menu: bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerbraten, spaetzel, red cabbage
🎶 Live music—oompah bands, polka, and special themed events
🍰 Black forest cake and old-fashioned desserts fill out the meal
🌄 Scenic mountain views and a back patio for sunny weekends
Important Information:
✔ Table and bar service; large groups can reserve or try their luck
✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms
✔ Family-friendly, high chairs available, and groups always welcome
✔ Vegan/vegetarian options alongside traditional plates; rotating beers and NA available
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
🎷 Live Polka: Saturdays fill quick for oompah bands—book tables early for music nights.
🍻 Stein Pick: The weissbier and Kölsch pour best after 4 PM, especially post-hikers rolling in off the Escarpment.
🌄 Patio Brews: Sun hits the back patio late on Sunday afternoons—bring a light jacket for mountain breezes.
🕔 Early Birds: Saturday lunch is quieter than dinner; dinner fills up fast after 5 PM, especially in fall.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Most folks come for the nostalgic atmosphere, lively music, and big pours of German beer. Food sticks to tradition—hearty, comforting, generous—but opinions split on flavor and consistency, especially on busy nights. Service is friendly but can be slow and disorganized when crowds roll in. For some, events and live music are the highlight; the mountain setting and barroom hospitality get steady praise. Criticisms about wait times and the occasional cold plate come up more than once, but regulars return for the experience and camaraderie.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
Best TimeS TO visit
Saturday lunch for low noise, after 4 PM Friday for lively music, Sunday afternoons for patio sun. Avoid Saturday night if seeking a quick meal.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance with paved threshold, low tables throughout, accessible restrooms, and outdoor spaces on level gravel.
