Russell's Smokehouse

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Russell's Smokehouse
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Russell's Smokehouse

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Address:
1422 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202

Neighborhood:
Downtown/LoDo

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Cuisine:
Barbecue

Price: $30 and under

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More Details ›

Russell's Smokehouse Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.russellssmokehouse.com
Email: info@russellssmokehouse.com
Phone: (720) 524-8050
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday-Saturday: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm, Sunday 5:00pm-10:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Barbecue, American
Executive Chef: Frank Bonanno
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Takeout, Wine
Private Party Facilities: Please contact our event coordinator, Emily Schwartz, for more information.
Private Party Contact: Emily Schwartz (303) 525-1702

Getting there

Cross Street: Between 14th & 15th on Larimer
Parking: Street Parking

A word from Russell's Smokehouse

Russell’s Smokehouse is a nod to an early time, to the spirit of the West and the cowboy tradition of cooking over a slow, low flame. Our specialty is not in the sauce (which is why we don't call it barbecue), but in the rich smoke and the method of cooking.

Russell's Smokehouse

4.0

98 $30 and under restaurant

Featured Reviews

More Reviews ›

Reviews from OpenTable Diners Learn More

129 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Food

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.6 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

129 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Food

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.6 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

Filter Reviews By:

Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies(46)
good for groups(28)
neighborhood gem(28)

hot spot(20)
special occasion(13)
great for lunch(12)

Current OpenTable.com Diner Reviews (129)

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was some of the best

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/06/2012

2010

Dined on 04/06/2012

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This was some of the best b-b-que we have had. I like the fact that the preparation is focused on the meat rather than the sauce. And you get to select and apply the sauce at the table. We started with the Smoked Trout appetizer and were very satisfied. Even the fish-hater at the table like it. The beef brisket was probably the best brisket I have ever had."

Dined on 04/06/2012

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Every time we go to Russell's

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/07/2012

2010

Dined on 04/07/2012

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Every time we go to Russell's we try to use a lot of self-discipline. Not in terms of portion control or diet, but to force ourselves to try new items. We have so many favorites, but Mr. Bonnano and company have so many fun things to try. This time the new items were the kielbasa, the house-made tonic, and the pineapple ricotta pie, and they were all fantastic-- making our choices next time all the harder. The kielbasa was juicy and smoky, and the pie was, well dreamy. Rich, but light enough to make us wish for a second piece. The tonic was really excellent, but since we didn't use it as a mixer, thought it was too sweet (like a soda)-- until our meal came and it was the perfect compliment to the food. Enjoy!"

Dined on 04/07/2012

2010

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Terrific dinner. It's hard

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/07/2012

2008

Dined on 04/07/2012

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Terrific dinner.
It's hard to find good, dry rub ribs, and Russell's delivered!"

Dined on 04/07/2012

2008

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and service. Very

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/06/2012

2007

Dined on 04/06/2012

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great food and service. Very friendly atmoshere and food it excellent. Will probably make it a regular."

Dined on 04/06/2012

2007

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

While the food was pretty

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/06/2012

2010

Dined on 04/06/2012

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"While the food was pretty good, the ambiance was somewhat awkward. It was 8:00 on a Friday night and the restaurant was empty. There was more waitstaff than customers therefore the waiters all stood around in a group hawking their tables."

Dined on 04/06/2012

2010

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Delicious food, great service!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/31/2012

2006

Dined on 03/31/2012

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I had a really enjoyable meal here! The slow cooked ribs were really tasty, and all the sides were delicious! I had heard it was supposed to be like a speakeasy, so I wish they had played up that part of it a bit more. It really didn't seem to have that kind of theme. But the food and service were good enough that I would highly recommend it!"

Dined on 03/31/2012

2006

Special Features: good for groups

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The "low and slow" philosophy

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/31/2012

2006

Dined on 03/31/2012

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The "low and slow" philosophy for cooking their meats is fantastic. The sauces available compliment the meats well, though some have no need of the sauces. The sides (coleslaw and beans) are nothing special, but, that's not what you go to a place like this for anyway. And not a place to wear your "dry clean only" kind of clothes -- this is the kind of food you actually dig into and it can get a bit messy - but it's sooo worth it."

Dined on 03/31/2012

2006

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Barbeque!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/30/2012

2011

Dined on 03/30/2012

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Generous servings of delicious food. Great service, too."

Dined on 03/30/2012

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Good service. Nice atmosphere.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/30/2012

2008

Dined on 03/30/2012

2008

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Good service. Nice atmosphere. Tab adds up quickly . Small portions."

Dined on 03/30/2012

2008

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Russel's Smokehouse is one

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/28/2012

2011

Dined on 03/28/2012

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Russel's Smokehouse is one of the best BBQ restaurants I've been to in Denver. The setting is very strange for a BBQ smokehouse, as the restaurant has very much of an upscale feel to it at first glance. It's also tucked away in a basement, and almost seems as if you're in the wrong place. The service and the food, however, were fantastic!! The server recommendations of drink and food were awesome choices. The beef brisket sandwich was very much as tender and flavorful as described, and paired with the Ommegang Selected Ale and the steak fries it was the perfect lunch! I definitely wasn't expecting to hear a medley of 80's music either, but it didn't detract from the experience at all. The music selection varies though, depending on the day."