The air carries lake water and wood smoke, with laughter rolling off the deck all weekend long. Bar glasses clink behind the brewhouse window, and the patio hums as the evening drifts in over White Lake.
What to Expect:
🍺 Rotating craft drafts, NYS cider, and a classic cocktail list
🍔 Pub plates and comfort favorites—burgers, fish tacos, pierogi, calamari
☀️ Outdoor deck seating right up against the water
🎶 Occasional live music and local events
🥕 Vegetarian, kid, and gluten-free options sprinkled throughout
Important Information:
✔ Table and bar service, with takeout available Thursdays–Sundays
✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and patio seating
✔ Reservations strongly encouraged for dinner and summer peak hours
✔ Family friendly before evening hours, full bar and NA options for all guests
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
🌅 Deck Priority: Grab a table on the lake-facing deck for the best sunset light—locals know to show up before 5:00 PM in summer.
🗓️ Concert Crunch: Bethel Woods event nights get packed; expect longer waits and louder rooms—come early for happy hour or after the show clears.
🍔 Weekday Wins: Thursdays tend to be mellow, with a better shot at attentive service and a quiet meal on the water.
🍻 Draft Watch: New beer releases and special NYS taps usually drop late in the week—ask the bartender what’s pouring fresh.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Guests praise the lively deck, lake views, and a tap list that hits local and crowd-pleaser notes. The burger and fish tacos get high marks, while the pierogi and pub plates are recurring favorites. Service draws mixed feedback—many find staff prompt and quick with drinks, but guests sometimes note slow or inattentive tables, especially on busy concert weekends. The vibe is casual and the food is generally satisfying, though some report long waits or off nights during high-season surges. Value and the setting bring regulars back, even when timing can be unpredictable.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
