Switchback Smokehouse — Restaurant in Four Corners States

This place is really hit or miss. The first time we came in, it was only 1 PM on a Saturday and a chunk of their menu was already sold out. We adjusted our order and the food that was delivered was ok, definitely not the best BBQ we have had in CO.

The ordering system makes no sense. Their list of what’s available is right next to the register, and you can’t see it from where you stand in line. I tried to peek my head in to I could figure out what I was going to order and was told to “step away and get back in line”. Wouldn’t it make sense to have the menus posted where everyone can see while waiting in line so you can figure out your order? Instead you have to pick your order on the fly when you are next up to order. The line takes a really long time, while I was there today at least three people got fed up with the overly long wait and left. It’s almost as if it’s intentional so you buy drinks from the bar (that a bartender offers you while you’re in line). Strange set up for sure.

Next - the guy taking my order was really rude to the people in front of me, as well as me. It was as if he expected you to know the menus front and back even tho you can’t see the menu from the line and it’s regularly being updated due to items being sold out. He seemd really annoyed to answer any questions. Also, with a long line out front, he paused in between guests to step to the bar to flip between college football teams on tv to check the scores, and then came back to continue taking orders. When he mumbled the completed order back to the party ahead of me, the lady ordering asked him to repeat it and he rudely sighed and in a mocking tone read back the order. Honestly, the bbq is ok at best, not worth standing there for that amount of time (at least a half hour just to place an order), and having a front of the house employee talk to you rudely.

Lastly, they make you tip prior to receiving your meal. All the wait staff does is drop your food off at the table....you even get your own water. Very unorthodox...

I can’t stop thinking about this place, and the incredible smoked duck. I’ll be honest chat GPT recommended switchback as part of a days itinerary exploring Red Rocks and the surrounding area. I’m a huge BBQ fan so we quickly added it to our day. Switchback Smokehouse is everything you want in a perfect BBQ place, the unassuming roadside location with a verity of smokers sitting outside a simple menu with a list of meats, a list of sides and a few sandwich specialties. My wife and I went for the sampler approach ordering 4 meats and 3 sides to share. Every meat had an amazing Smokey flavor with great balance tenderness.

The Meats: I have to call out the star of the show was the smoked duck breast, moist and juicy, filled with flavor just melted in your mouth. A close second for me was the bacon, oh how I wish I would have ordered a dozen slices to enjoy for the next week (who am I kidding they would be gone before dinner). The smoked salmon was great as well and very moist unlike most smoked salmons I have had. The brisket was different that I was expecting, sliced super thin it almost reminded me more of roast beef, as with everything else still fantastic just different from what I was expecting.

Sides: The baked beans had great flavor and were the right level of sweet for me. I find a lot of places beans are far over sweetened or overcooked. These beans were neither of those. The Mac and cheese was also good, and not overdone trying to be the hero as I have found at some other bbq joints. Coleslaw was nice as well

Sauces: First off all of the meats could stand on their own and they didn’t require sauces. However all four sauce options were very well done. I’m a sucker for a mustard sauce and would rank the mustard sauce right up there with the best I’ve ever had. The root beer sauce was a pleasant surprise, with its sweet but not overpowering notes.

Conclusion: Hop in the car, grab your neighbor, spouse, friend or enemy and go, it’s...

Saw some less than friendly reviews about this place so I'll just share my one little experience. Always hear great things about the food so popped in right at closing time and asked to look at a menu. Initially walked in the wrong door so I see why people say that can be a little confusing but the outdoor area is great and right on the creek. Can't wait to come back and sit outside with a beverage. Anyway, the guys were super friendly and totally cool when I apologized for not realizing It was closing time. Even told me I could sit and drink a cocktail or water if I wanted. Took time to give me a run down of the menu and offered to pack me with their favs (of what was left). Food came out quick and I was on my way. I'm from Texas so I'd like to think I know Bar B Que and I'll just say - wow! The chicken leg is amazing. Like a super juicy tender little smokey turkey leg. Def my new fav! Also ordered some bacon and pulled pork. I'm not a huge pork fan but they both were killer. Really looking forward to coming back and trying the ribs when they aren't sold out! Also, back to the bad reviews.. I think most of us know the quality food options in the evergreen area though getting better, are still severely lacking. Most restaurants go through ups and downs and I think this place a great little gem we should all support and be excited...