About
When you combine Alabama and Cajun family recipes with time-honored cooking techniques, you get Front Range Barbeque.
The story starts in 2000, when Brian and Brent Fortinberry brought their Southern family recipes to Colorado Springs to fill the need for “low and slow” BBQ.
The original location sits at 2330 W. Colorado Ave. in Old Colorado City, inside a former home built back in 1898. From the beginning, the kitchen leaned on scratch cooking, using a dry-rub process and hardwood to slow-smoke their meats. The result is juicy fall-off-the-bone tender BBQ that doesn’t even need a drop of sauce.
Word spread of this authentic Southern-style joint, and Guy Fieri got wind of it and featured Front Range Barbecue on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. The Sloppy Pig sandwich stole the show, and fans have chased that sandwich ever since.
Adding to the tasty Southern-inspired cuisine is the live music. Depending on when you visit, you’ll hear bluegrass, blues, folk, and rock. As any BBQ fan will attest, nothing goes with barbecue like a cold brew, so they added 10 rotating craft beer taps and stock over 40 bottles from around the world. And it goes without saying that you’ll find Southern sweet tea, too!
Its central location makes it easy to add a BBQ meal to your sightseeing schedule. Whether you visit after a day at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or hiking at Garden of the Gods, you’re never far from a soul-satisfying meal.
When you crave unique flavors, slow-smoked meats, and unique vibe, set your sights on Front Range Barbecue.
Vibe
At the time of this writing, the Old Colorado City restaurant was undergoing renovations. Its current location is at 2220 Academy Place, and while we’re not sure it will serve as its second location when the remodeling is finished, we’llnonetheless focus on this address.
Located in a small strip mall, the restaurant took over the space formerly leased by Porkbutt BBQ. Since the facility was designed for slow-cooking meat, the transition was fast and seamless.
The quaint interior features terra cotta colored walls with dark wood wainscot. Contemporary tables dot the tiled floor, while the exposed brick walls add warmth and class to the room.
While live music is off the docket, the setting is lively and spacious, making it a smart stop on your Colorado Springs vacation.
Front Range Barbeque: Menu & Drinks
One standout is the smoked St. Louis-style pork ribs with a signature dry rub seasoning. Unlike baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs have larger, flatter bones with more meat between them, which develop a flavorful bark when slow-smoked. Add your choice of sauce and some sides, and you’ll have a lip-smacking meal.
The beef brisket rarely disappoints, with its dry-rubbed, hickory-smoked flavor. Cooked “low and slow” and hand-sliced to order, it lands on the plate tender with a proper bark. Best of all, the meat holds up without sauce, which is the real test of any barbecue joint.
The burnt ends are cut from the famed smoked brisket and tossed in its sweet n' spicy BBQ sauce. These tasty bites go fast, and when they’re gone, they’re gone!
Then there is the famous Sloppy Pig that landed on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and attracts BBQ lovers like honey to bees. This handheld features smoked pulled pork, grilled kielbasa sausage, and pecan-smoked bacon. Add the sweet n' spicy BBQ sauce, smoked cheddar, spicy slaw, pickles, onion straws, and one side, and it’s easy to see why it’s a winner!
You’ll also find chicken wings, chicken quarters, sausages, and pulled pork, along with hearty Southern-inspired sides.
While the new location doesn’t have the taps like the OG spot, you’ll find enough beer, soft drinks, and tea options to pair with your meal.
When craving authentic Southern smoked BBQ, look no further than Front Range Barbecue for a delicious Colorado Springs dining experience.
Local Tips
- Check the online “Daily Specials” for smokin’ deals!
- Order take-out for a picnic or to enjoy in your Casago rental.
- Sign up for their rewards program to earn points toward your next meal.
- Let them cater your next event or special occasion.
