Inside Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, the taproom buzzes with steady voices and the smell of fresh dough. Pints clink along the long bar while pies and plates slide out of the kitchen at a brisk clip.
What to Expect:
🍺 Six house-brewed beers on tap, plus flights for the curious
🍕 Detroit-style and classic pizzas, garlic knots, and hearty Italian plates
👨👩👧 Friendly, efficient service and a small-town rhythm
🌦️ Outdoor seating and patio tables in season
🍰 Desserts like tiramisu and cannoli for a sweet finish
Important Information:
✔ Reservations accepted online or by phone; walk-ins common, but groups 6+ advised to call ahead
✔ Wheelchair accessible entry, dining, and restrooms
✔ Table service throughout; takeout available daily
✔ Full bar with NA beverages and hard liquor alongside beer
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
🍗 Wing Night: Thursday brings extra wings and regulars for the best deal of the week.
🍺 Beer To-Go: Four-packs of house brews sell out fast, so ask when you’re seated.
☀️ Patio Perch: Outdoor tables go quickly after 5:00 PM in warm weather—grab one early for sunset light.
🕓 Early Dinner: Arrive before 5:30 PM Friday or Saturday for little to no wait, especially in fall leaf season.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Guests rave about the pizza—especially Detroit-style—Italian plates, and rotating house beers. Staff earns high marks for friendliness even when things get busy, though service can slow on packed weekend nights. Value gets called out often, and most report fast seating and a laid-back, welcoming scene. The taproom hums with locals and hikers, with most noise levels described as lively but never overwhelming. A couple reviews mention occasional hiccups around hours or slow food on the busiest evenings, but the mood remains positive and folks return again and again.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance with flat threshold, accessible restrooms, and varied-height tables. Patio surface mostly even and easy to navigate.
