LaBonte's Smokehouse - The Finest BBQ in Keystone, Colorado
(Note - This establishment is open during seasonal times, not year-round)
If you’re spending a day skiing the slopes of Keystone, Colorado, there’s nothing quite like taking a break for some smoky, savory barbecue, a cold beer, and a little sunshine. LaBonte’s Smokehouse offers precisely that combination, bringing the comforting flavors of Southern-style barbecue to the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Located at the bottom of the Ruby and Santiago lifts, this popular mountainside eatery has become a favorite lunch stop for skiers looking to refuel without heading all the way back to the resort base. With hearty portions, a laid-back atmosphere, and a location that’s hard to beat, LaBonte’s is a dining experience that’s as much about enjoying the mountain lifestyle as it is about the food.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the smoked meat, and the brisket sandwich has earned plenty of praise from hungry visitors. Tender, flavorful, and satisfying, it offers a welcome alternative to the typical burgers and sandwiches found at many ski resort restaurants. For those looking for something a little more substantial, the brisket mac and cheese is a standout recommendation. Combining smoky brisket with creamy macaroni and cheese, this hearty dish delivers the kind of comfort food that tastes especially good after a few hours on the slopes. Pulled pork is another popular choice, particularly when piled onto mac and cheese for a filling, flavor-packed lunch.
For diners who arrive with a serious appetite, LaBonte’s barbecue platters are worth considering. Reviews describe the portions as generous enough to share between two people or even three, depending on everyone's appetite. The selection of barbecue sauces adds another layer of enjoyment, allowing guests to experiment with different flavors and find their favorite combination. Vinegar-based sauce has attracted particular enthusiasm, especially among fans who appreciate a tangy contrast to rich, smoky meats. Whether you prefer a classic brisket sandwich, a pulled pork creation, or a platter loaded with barbecue favorites, there are plenty of options to satisfy a midday craving.
Some of the most memorable menu items go beyond traditional barbecue sandwiches. The barbecue-smothered tater tots have developed a following of their own, offering a crispy, indulgent snack that hits the spot on a cold mountain day. The chili is another popular choice, with one longtime visitor praising its value compared with other food options at the resort. The chili and brisket bowl has even inspired one customer to order it three days in a row. Mac and cheese topped with pulled pork also receives enthusiastic recommendations, making it an excellent option for anyone who enjoys rich, filling comfort food. With several different dishes earning loyal fans, LaBonte’s offers more variety than you might expect from a quick-service mountain barbecue restaurant.
Of course, the experience extends well beyond the food. LaBonte’s has a relaxed, lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of a perfect Colorado ski day. Outdoor music sets the tone, while picnic tables and lounge chairs invite guests to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the surrounding scenery. On those spectacular bluebird days when the sky is clear and the snow sparkles, the outdoor seating becomes a major attraction in its own right. Some visitors particularly enjoy the unusual opportunity to stretch out in beach-style chairs placed directly on the snow. With music playing, skiers passing by, and mountain views all around, it’s easy to understand why some guests consider LaBonte’s their favorite place to take a break on the slopes.
The outdoor setting also offers some excellent opportunities to enjoy a drink with lunch. LaBonte’s features a full bar, with beer and Bloody Marys among the favorites mentioned by visitors. There’s something undeniably satisfying about sipping a cold beer in the Colorado sunshine after working up an appetite on the mountain. Guests can conveniently order drinks from outside, making it easy to settle into the laid-back atmosphere without missing a moment of the action. While the available reviews don't single out particular cocktails or desserts, the combination of barbecue, refreshing beverages, music, and mountain scenery provides plenty of reasons to linger a little longer than planned.
Service and convenience are other reasons LaBonte’s continues to attract repeat visitors. Customers frequently describe the staff as friendly and accommodating, and even when the lunchtime line stretches out the door, reviewers report that it tends to move quickly. The restaurant has also undergone renovations that have improved its indoor seating, providing another option when the weather turns cold or the sunshine disappears. Indoor dining can become crowded during peak lunch hours, so those seeking a more relaxed experience may prefer the outdoor tables and loungers when conditions allow. As with many mountain eateries, the busiest hours can mean a wait for food or a challenge finding an available seat, but many guests feel the overall experience is well worth it.
It’s fair to acknowledge that LaBonte’s is not the cheapest place to eat in Keystone. Some visitors consider the prices steep, particularly for individual snacks and drinks, while others point out that operating a restaurant in a mountain location presents unique logistical challenges. Still, many customers believe the generous portions, convenient location, and enjoyable atmosphere justify the expense. A substantial barbecue platter can offer particularly good value when shared, and the restaurant provides an appealing alternative to leaving the slopes in search of lunch. For skiers spending the day exploring Keystone’s back side, that convenience alone can make LaBonte’s a welcome stop. Planning ahead, arriving before the peak lunch rush, and sharing a larger platter are sensible ways to make the most of the experience.
Ultimately, LaBonte’s Smokehouse is about more than brisket, pulled pork, and barbecue sauce. It’s about taking a break from the mountain, enjoying good company, listening to music, and savoring a satisfying meal in one of Colorado’s most beautiful settings. Its smoked meats, comforting sides, generous platters, friendly service, and lively outdoor seating have earned it a loyal following among Keystone visitors and longtime Summit County skiers alike. Although the prices may be higher than those at an ordinary neighborhood barbecue joint, the combination of convenience, mountain views, sunshine, and hearty food creates an experience that’s uniquely its own. If you're looking for a memorable lunch while skiing Keystone, LaBonte’s Smokehouse deserves a spot on your list. After all, great barbecue tastes even better when you're surrounded by the Colorado Rockies.
27-31 Keystone Gulch Rd, Keystone, CO 80435
Comments