Franks Bar-B-Que — Restaurant in Denver

I've driven past this place dozens of times on my way from Denver to Lakewood and I've always been curious about it. This time I was driving home at 3:30 p.m. and I pulled over to check it out--just in time as they close at 4 p.m.

I had no idea that this was one of the oldest food businesses in Denver. The grandfather of the current owners started the business in Bay City, Texas back in the late 1960s, moving to Denver in 1980. The walls of the dining room are full of memorabilia that provides an interesting history of the city.

Frank's main business is catering and they can handle extremely large events. They include set-up, take-down, food tables, and servers. They can also provide tents, tables, and chairs. Food options include whole, smoked pigs, smoked turkeys, brisket, sausage, pork ribs, chicken, and pulled pork plus sides and desserts.

Although the business is mostly catering, there is a small dining room at their headquarters and you can stop in for a plate or a sandwich or items by the pound to eat-in or take out. The hours vary and are limited, but they're generally open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I tried a three meat plate with brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs with sides of cole slaw and pinto beans. The brisket was awful. It was sliced paper thin which was a first for my lifetime of barbecue experiences. It was also totally lean, tough, and flavorless. The pulled pork was tender and pretty good. The ribs were OK, flavorful, but hardly fall-off-the-bone tender. The beans were cooked nicely, but I would have preferred a little more barbecue flavor. The cole slaw was great, very creamy and fresh. I don't expect the cole slaw to be my favorite item on a barbecue dinner, though.

I don't think these guys do a lot of volume over the counter. They are probably a better choice...

My wife and I hired Frank's BBQ to cater our wedding on 12/5 and I cannot say enough good things about them. I contacted several BBQ catering services while trying to find the right one and was impressed with their quick communication, professionalism, and willingness to work with us. They returned a quote quickly, gave us a taste test and continued to be very accommodating throughout the process. I spoke with no fewer than 3 people from their establishment at various times and they were all equally helpful.

The food was all top notch and delicious. I can't tell you how many people commented about how tasty it all was and the leftovers they provided us with fed our family gathering a few days later as well. Everything was well cooked, well flavored, and was a hit.

Frank III personally came to our wedding, arriving early and exceeding my expectations. Their prices were great, they catered to the 1 vegetarian and 2 gluten free people at our wedding, and they were all around fantastic to deal with. As we come down from our wedding high and have a bit more clarity on which vendors were the best to deal with and which were less than ideal I cannot recommend...

We had Frank's cater our daughter's shower, and we were very impressed. Had been to Frank's when it first opened years ago; it was great then, and it still is. All our guests were just raving about how good everything was. The chicken is so tender and cooked just right. The sausage was awesome. The seasoning gives you a bit of a kick but does not burn. The pulled pork is juicy, tender and crisped just right. The sauce is wonderful, but you really do not need it (try some anyway). The beans are the type we had in Texas, and they are the best; try these with some onion and jalapenos(take care the jalapenos do bite). Potato salad and coleslaw were awesome-creamy, just the right seasoning. Some people do not like it too salty, and these were not. Have also had their ribs and brisket again, both were outstanding. Frank is the nicest guy you ever want to meet, and his attention to the meal is just unique and telling you how to set up was beyond what most places give you. We will be eating bbq from here more often. Thanks to...