11 Colorado Soul Food Joints Locals Can’t Stop Raving About
Colorado might be known for mountains and microbrews, yet its soul food scene is quietly stealing the spotlight.
Crispy fried chicken, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and buttery cornbread capture the essence of comfort on a plate, served with authentic Southern hospitality.
Ready your appetite as we explore the hidden gems dishing up the best soul food in the Centennial State.
1. Jabo’s Bar-Be-Q
Smoke signals rise from this beloved Greenwood Village spot, where pit master Jabo Lawson creates Texas-style barbecue with Colorado flair.
Every bite of brisket tells the story of Jabo’s 30+ years of barbecue mastery. Locals line up for the famous sauce bar featuring 5 homemade varieties ranging from sweet to knock-your-boots-off spicy.
2. Sheila’s Southern Kitchen
Walking through the door feels like entering your grandmother’s home in the Deep South.
Sheila’s magical touch transforms humble ingredients into extraordinary comfort food. Regulars swear by the catfish, which arrives perfectly crisp outside and tender inside, accompanied by collard greens simmered with smoked turkey instead of traditional ham hocks.
3. Blazing Chicken Shack II
Lines form early at this no-frills Green Valley Ranch treasure, where patience rewards you with chicken that redefines crispy.
Owner Shane Gooseman’s secret recipe combines 17 spices that dance on your tongue with each bite. Alongside the legendary chicken, don’t miss the candied yams that strike perfect balance between savory and sweet with a hint of cinnamon.
4. Queen of Soul Food
Ruby Williams earned her royal title after 40 years of feeding Denver’s Five Points neighborhood with recipes passed down through five generations.
First-timers marvel at the mac and cheese that emerges bubbling from the oven with a perfect crust of caramelized cheese. Weekend specials include oxtails so tender they practically melt off the bone without knife assistance.
5. Aloy’s Southern Kitchen
Hidden in Aurora’s suburban landscape sits this gem where Chef Aloy Johnson fuses traditional soul food with Caribbean influences.
Spicy jerk seasoning elevates classic fried chicken to new heights of flavor complexity. Save room for the legendary sweet potato pie, made daily from Chef Aloy’s grandmother’s recipe that dates back to 1923.
6. Welton Street Café
Soul food royalty reigns at this historic Five Points institution where three generations of the Dickerson family have fed Denver’s soul.
Patty melts sizzle on the grill alongside Caribbean-influenced pates (savory pastries). Wanna know the secret menu item? Smothered pork chops available only on Wednesday nights that sell out faster than concert tickets.
7. Rosenberg’s After Dark Soul Food Pop-Ups
Monthly magic happens when this renowned bagel shop transforms into soul food heaven after sunset.
Chef Joshua Pollack partners with guest chefs from around the South to create one-night-only feasts. February’s collaboration with New Orleans chef Leah Chase’s granddaughter featured gumbo so authentic you’d swear you were sitting on Bourbon Street.
8. Taste of Louisiana
Cajun spices perfume the air at Aurora’s hidden bayou kitchen, where Chef Marcus Boutte brings his Lafayette heritage to every plate.
Jumbalaya arrives steaming with perfectly cooked rice that never clumps. Regulars know the real move is ordering the off-menu crawfish étouffée when available, which Chef Boutte makes with shellfish flown in weekly from Louisiana.
9. CoraFaye’s Café
Grandma vibes radiate throughout this Aurora institution where owner Priscilla Smith recreates her grandmother CoraFaye’s Mississippi Delta recipes.
Smothered chicken arrives swimming in gravy that takes two days to develop its depth of flavor. Featured on multiple Food Network shows, the hoecakes steal the spotlight: cornmeal pancakes fried in cast iron until crispy-edged yet tender-centered.
10. Boney’s BBQ
Lunchtime downtown workers follow their noses to this smoky paradise where pitmaster Lamont Lynch creates Colorado’s most authentic Southern barbecue.
Slow-smoked ribs reveal the perfect pink smoke ring beneath bark so flavorful some regulars skip the sauce entirely. Sides aren’t afterthoughts, particularly the potato salad, which converts even sworn potato salad skeptics with its secret ingredient.
11. The Blazing Cajun
Spice lovers make pilgrimages to this Colorado Springs spot where Chef Raymond Jones creates heat levels that challenge even veteran hot heads.
Signature gator bites introduce newcomers to the delicacy with perfect crispy coating and tender interior. Red beans and rice simmer for 12 hours with andouille sausage, creating Monday’s most popular special that frequently sells out by 2pm.
