Salt Box Bar packs a lot of spirit into its house-turned-hangout right in the Stockade. Music filters through dim light, and there’s always banter between friends at the bar and clusters upstairs.
What to Expect:
🍸 Cocktails poured strong and fast, with a proper martini always on call
🪩 Karaoke Sundays upstairs, with plenty of laughs and a supportive crowd
🪑 Mix of downstairs nooks, an active bar, and casual upstairs lounge with space to spread out
🌲 Patio seating for an outdoor sip when the weather allows
🍜 Snacky menu (think tinned fish, crackers, ramen) for when you need a bite
Important Information:
✔ No reservations; just walk in and claim your spot
✔ Service is bar-only and moves quick, even when it’s packed
✔ Bar area entry is step-free; restrooms are on the main floor but tight quarters may challenge wheelchair users
✔ Open late every night, with DJs or games upstairs on select nights
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
🎤 Karaoke Command: Sunday nights upstairs, karaoke goes from 9 PM to midnight and fills fast—arrive early for the best shot at the mic.
🍸 Bartender’s Choice: Ask for a martini—regulars swear by them and often order it their own way.
🌿 Patio Pulse: The outdoor patio is ideal for a smoke or a quiet chat, especially before the night heats up indoors.
🥄 Simple Bites: Food is limited to snacks like tinned fish and ramen—don’t show up starving.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Most guests come for a true Kingston bar—friendly chatter, strong drinks, and a crowd that shifts from after-work to late-night. Bartenders earn high marks for pouring quick and holding a conversation, while affordable cocktails keep regulars returning. Atmosphere is praised for being both down-to-earth and lively, especially upstairs during karaoke or DJ sets. Reviewers occasionally note slow or uneven service when the bar is packed, but most highlight the charm, solid pours, and late-night energy.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
Accessibility
Step-free entry at the bar, with standard-height bar seating and some low tables. Restrooms are on the main floor, but tight for wheelchairs.
