Dueling D's - Outstanding BBQ in Oak Creek, Colorado

In the picturesque town of Oak Creek, Colorado, where rustic charm meets Rocky Mountain tranquility, a culinary surprise awaits travelers and locals alike: Dueling D’s BBQ. This unassuming gem, nestled along Main Street, is redefining small-town barbecue with a bold attitude, smoky finesse, and a flavor profile that punches well above its weight class. For a town known more for its mining roots and serene mountain backdrop, Dueling D’s has ignited a culinary buzz with its finger-licking offerings and fiercely loyal following.

The name “Dueling D’s” originates from the two pitmasters at the heart of the operation—Dylan and Dave—who built their brand on a friendly rivalry and mutual obsession with all things smoked. Their differing styles, one leaning towards bold Texas heat, the other favoring the sweetness of Kansas City glazes, have created a menu that dances along regional BBQ traditions while carving its own distinct path. It’s this spirited fusion of flavors that gives Dueling D’s its unforgettable edge.

The menu is a love letter to slow-cooked meats and Southern-inspired sides, with each dish treated like a performance. Their brisket, smoked low and slow for up to 14 hours, arrives with a blackened bark that shatters at the touch and melts on the tongue. It’s seasoned with Dylan’s signature dry rub—a mix of espresso, smoked paprika, and cracked pepper—that balances bitterness and spice in a surprisingly harmonious blend. Ask for it sliced or chopped; either way, it’s a knockout.

Equally impressive is Dave’s take on pork ribs, lacquered with a glossy molasses glaze and kissed by cherrywood smoke. The meat clings just enough to the bone—tender, juicy, and expertly rendered. Paired with a side of their famed green chile mac ‘n’ cheese, it’s a plate that defines comfort food at its finest. For the more adventurous palate, Dueling D’s also offers a rotating “Pitmaster’s Special,” ranging from smoked duck legs to bourbon-glazed burnt ends, each one deserving of a spotlight.

Vegetarians aren’t forgotten here, either. Their smoked jackfruit sandwich, layered with tangy slaw and house pickles on a toasted brioche bun, is a hearty and flavorful alternative that holds its own next to the carnivore classics. It’s this attention to inclusive dining that widens their appeal, making it a gathering place for all types of food lovers. The atmosphere at Dueling D’s is warm, welcoming, and refreshingly down-to-earth. The interior combines reclaimed wood, metal accents, and vintage photos of Oak Creek’s past—a nod to tradition with a modern twist. On summer weekends, the aroma of hickory smoke drifts through the air as live music fills the patio, creating a communal space where strangers become neighbors over pulled pork and pitchers of local craft beer.

Equally praiseworthy is the hospitality. The staff, many of whom grew up in the area, deliver service with sincerity and pride. Both Dylan and Dave frequently make the rounds, chatting with guests, sharing stories, and sometimes taking friendly jabs at each other’s techniques—an extension of the restaurant’s namesake charm. It’s clear that passion fuels every inch of this operation, from pit to plate. Oak Creek may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of destination BBQ, but Dueling D’s is changing that narrative. In a state dominated by ski towns and trendy bistros, this humble establishment is proving that world-class barbecue can thrive in the most unexpected of places. Whether you’re passing through or making the pilgrimage on purpose, it’s worth every mile.

In a world where chains dilute the soul of barbecue, Dueling D’s stands proudly independent, smoke rising from the pit like a beacon for hungry travelers. It’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a flavor-driven celebration of rivalry, craftsmanship, and Colorado community. Don’t be surprised if your first bite leads to a lifelong addiction.

116 Main St, Oak Creek, CO 80467

(970) 638-3770

https://www.duelingdsbbqandgrill.com/