Frequently Asked Questions
What type of BBQ do you serve?
We serve authentic Texas-style BBQ, smoked low and slow over genuine Post Oak firewood brought in from Central Texas. Our menu features traditional Texas favorites like brisket with the perfect smoke ring and bark, tender pulled pork, baby back ribs, and unique specialties like our pork belly bites. All our meats are prepared using traditional smoking techniques to ensure that authentic Texas BBQ flavor.
What makes your BBQ different from other BBQ restaurants?
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to authentic Texas-style BBQ in the heart of Colorado. We exclusively use Post Oak firewood brought in from Central Texas - a detail that makes a significant difference in flavor and authenticity. Our pit master has perfected the art of slow-smoking over many years, understanding that great BBQ can't be rushed. Each brisket spends hours in our smoker, carefully monitored to achieve that perfect balance of smoke, tenderness, and flavor. We also take pride in our unique offerings like handcrafted sausages made from our own brisket trimmings and signature pork belly bites that you won't find anywhere else.
What are your most popular menu items?
Our signature Texas-style brisket is by far our most requested item, featuring the perfect smoke ring and bark that customers drive hours to enjoy. The pork belly bites served with sweet chile sauce are another standout favorite that keep people coming back. Our baby back ribs, smoked to the perfect tenderness where the meat doesn't fall off the bone but pulls away cleanly, are extremely popular. The Crestones combo plate and Smokewagon are go-to choices for first-timers who want to sample multiple meats. On the sides front, our homemade cowboy beans and creamy corn elote consistently receive rave reviews.
Do you offer vegetarian options?
Yes, we understand the importance of having options for all our customers. While we're known for our smoked meats, we're continuously expanding our menu to be more inclusive. We offer several vegetarian-friendly sides including our creamy corn elote, smokey mac n' cheese, coleslaw, and potato salad. We're also developing vegetarian main dishes like our pulled jackfruit/oyster mushroom sandwich that delivers the BBQ experience without the meat. If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know when ordering and we'll accommodate you to the best of our ability.
What sides do you offer?
We offer a variety of homestyle sides to complement our smoked meats. Our side options include: Coleslaw - A house-made slaw with the perfect balance of creamy and tangy; Cowboy Beans - Slow-simmered beans with a hint of smoke and a touch of sweetness; Smokey Mac N' Cheese - Pasta shells smothered in our smokey aged cheddar sauce; Creamy Corn Elote - Our take on Mexican street corn with cheese and spices; and Pork Belly Green Chili - Jeff's famous green chili with tender bits of pork belly. All sides are available in single serving, pint, or quart sizes.
Do you have any keto-friendly or low-carb options?
Yes! We offer a specific Keto Combo that's perfect for low-carb diets. This protein-only option includes 1/4 lb pulled pork, 1/4 lb brisket, 1/4 lb sliced turkey, one hot link, and 3 pork belly bites with no sides or sauce. Most of our smoked meats are naturally low in carbs, and you can order them without sauce. Our pork belly bites are also an excellent keto-friendly choice.
What desserts do you offer?
We offer several delicious dessert options to complete your BBQ experience. Our most popular is our homemade Banana Pudding, a classic Southern dessert that perfectly complements our smoky meats. We also offer Bread Pudding for a rich, comforting finish to your meal. Both desserts are available in half pan (serving 10-15 people) or full pan (serving 20-25 people) sizes, making them perfect for catering orders or to take home and enjoy.
How do you prepare your meats?
We prepare our meats in the authentic Texas tradition, smoking them low and slow exclusively over Post Oak firewood that we bring in from Central Texas. Each type of meat is given the time it needs - brisket, for example, spends many hours in the smoker being carefully monitored to develop that perfect bark and smoke ring. We use simple but effective dry rubs to enhance the natural flavors of the meat, letting the smoke and quality of the protein shine through. We never rush the process because great BBQ requires patience and attention to detail.
What sauces do you offer?
We offer our signature BBQ sauce that complements our smoked meats without overpowering them. In the Texas tradition, we believe the quality of the meat and smoke should be the star, with sauce serving as an enhancement rather than a cover-up. Our sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with just a hint of heat. We serve it on the side with all our meat plates and sandwiches, allowing you to enjoy your BBQ exactly the way you like it.
Do you sell your BBQ sauce separately?
Yes, we do sell our signature BBQ sauce separately! Many customers have fallen in love with our perfectly balanced sauce that complements our smoked meats without overwhelming them. You can purchase our sauce in various sizes to enjoy at home. It's great not just on BBQ, but as a flavorful addition to burgers, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce. Just ask at the counter during your next visit, or inquire about adding sauce to your catering order.
What are pork belly bites?
Pork belly bites are one of our signature specialties and customer favorites! These are cubes of pork belly (the same cut that bacon comes from) that we smoke to perfection until they develop a beautiful outer bark while remaining incredibly tender and juicy inside. We serve them with our special sweet chile sauce that perfectly complements the rich, smoky flavor. Available in small (1/4 lb), large (1/2 lb), or mega (1 lb) portions, these melt-in-your-mouth morsels are what keep many customers coming back again and again.
What catering packages do you offer?
We offer several catering packages to accommodate groups of different sizes. Our packages include: The Blue Collar (serving 10-15 people) featuring pulled pork, one side, rolls, BBQ sauce, and dessert; Double Trouble (serving 24-30 people) with pulled pork, brisket, two sides, rolls, and dessert; The Boss's Treat (serving 40-45 people) including pulled pork, brisket, pork belly bites, sausages, two sides, and dessert; Lean Mean (serving 40-45 people) featuring chicken, pulled pork, two sides, and rolls; and The White Cadillac (serving 100+ people) with ribs, pulled pork, brisket, pork belly bites, sausages, chicken wings, two sides, and dessert. We can customize any package to meet your specific needs.
How much notice do you need for catering orders?
We require a minimum of 48 hours' notice for all catering orders. This ensures we have adequate time to prepare your food fresh and arrange for any necessary equipment or staffing. For larger events (50+ people) or during peak seasons, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. We require a 50% deposit to secure your date, and we don't hold dates without a deposit. To start the catering process, simply contact us by phone at (719) 618-8983 or fill out our catering quote request form on our website.
Do you offer delivery for catering orders?
Yes, we do offer delivery for catering orders, but availability depends on several factors. Delivery is based on our availability, the size of your party, and the total round trip distance from our location. There may be additional delivery fees based on distance and event size. For some remote locations or during extremely busy periods, delivery might not be guaranteed. When you contact us for catering, we'll discuss delivery options and any associated costs as part of your personalized quote.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements for catering?
Yes, we can accommodate various dietary requirements for catering events. While we're known for our smoked meats, we're happy to work with you to ensure all your guests have delicious options. We offer vegetarian sides including our creamy corn elote, smokey mac n' cheese, coleslaw, and potato salad. We're also developing vegetarian main dishes like our pulled jackfruit/oyster mushroom sandwich. For those following keto or low-carb diets, many of our meat options are naturally suitable. During your catering consultation, we'll discuss any specific dietary needs your guests may have and create custom solutions wherever possible.
What is your service area for catering?
Our catering service area includes Salida, Cañon City, Leadville, Buena Vista, and the surrounding mountain communities throughout central Colorado. For locations further away, additional travel fees may apply based on distance. Our ability to service certain areas may depend on the size of your event and our current schedule. During your catering consultation, we'll discuss your specific location and any logistics involved. We pride ourselves on bringing authentic Texas-style BBQ to events throughout the region, so don't hesitate to ask if your location is within our service area.
Do you provide staff for catering events?
Yes, we do provide professional staff for our full-service catering events. Our staff can handle everything from setup and serving to cleanup, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the event without worrying about the food service. Staffing is included in our full-service catering package, with the number of staff members determined by your event size and specific needs. During your catering consultation, we'll discuss your event requirements and recommend the appropriate staffing level to ensure smooth service and an excellent dining experience for your guests.
How do your catering packages work?
Our catering packages are designed to make ordering simple while providing options for different group sizes and preferences. Each package includes a selection of our smoked meats, sides, and usually dessert, with quantities scaled to feed the specified number of people. The process starts with a consultation where we discuss your event needs. Then we provide a detailed quote tailored to your event with transparent pricing. A 50% deposit secures your date, and the balance is due at delivery or service. We offer two distinct catering experiences: pickup catering for self-serve gatherings (includes disposable serving equipment and reheating instructions) and full-service catering (includes professional staff, serving equipment, and on-site preparation).
Is there a minimum order for catering?
Yes, there is a minimum order for catering. Our catering services start with The Blue Collar package, which serves 10-15 people. This minimum order requirement helps us ensure that we can provide the quality and service our catering customers expect while covering our operational costs. If you have a smaller group but are interested in our food, we recommend placing a regular takeout order from our menu instead. For larger groups, we offer a range of packages scaled to serve anywhere from 10 to 200+ guests, with customization options available.
Do you provide plates and utensils for catering orders?
Yes, we can provide plates, napkins, and utensils for your catering order for an additional charge. These disposable serving items are high quality and designed to handle our hearty BBQ offerings. The cost varies based on your guest count and specific needs. When placing your catering order, just let us know if you'd like to add these items, and we'll include them in your quote. For full-service catering events, we can also discuss options for upgraded serving items if desired for a more formal presentation.
Where are you located?
Our primary location is at Rainbow Plaza Food Truck Court, 645 E Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201. This is our home base where you can regularly find us serving our authentic Texas-style BBQ. We also have a mobile unit that travels to serve Cañon City, Leadville, and Buena Vista on a rotating schedule. For the most current information about our mobile unit's location, please check our social media pages or give us a call at (719) 371-7538.
What are your hours of operation?
Our Salida location at Rainbow Plaza is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. We are closed on Mondays. Please note that on busy days, popular items may sell out before closing time, so we recommend coming early for the best selection. Our mobile unit's hours vary based on location and event schedule. For the most up-to-date information about our mobile unit's schedule and hours, please check our social media pages or call us at (719) 371-7538.
Do you take reservations?
We don't take traditional reservations for dining as we operate primarily as a food truck with outdoor seating. Our service is typically first-come, first-served. However, we do recommend calling ahead for large groups so we can try to accommodate you better. For substantial orders, we suggest calling ahead or using our online ordering system to ensure your food is ready when you arrive. For events and catering, we do take bookings with a 50% deposit required to secure your date.
Do you offer online ordering?
Yes, we offer online ordering through our website and delivery platforms like DoorDash. Our online ordering system allows you to browse our full menu, customize your order, and select your preferred pickup time. This service helps you skip the line and ensures your food is ready when you arrive. You can access our online ordering through our website at www.lsbbqcatering.com or search for us on DoorDash. For catering orders, we recommend using our catering quote form on our website or calling our dedicated catering line at (719) 618-8983.
Can I order ahead for pickup?
Yes, absolutely! We encourage ordering ahead for pickup, especially during busy periods. You can place pickup orders by calling us directly at (719) 371-7538, through our online ordering system on our website, or through DoorDash. When placing your order, you can specify your preferred pickup time. Ordering ahead helps ensure that your favorite items are available for you and reduces your wait time when you arrive. For large orders, we particularly recommend ordering ahead so we can have everything ready for you.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Yes, we have outdoor seating available at our Salida location in Rainbow Plaza. We've created a comfortable outdoor dining area where you can enjoy your BBQ in the fresh mountain air. In spring 2025, we're expanding our outdoor space to include more seating and an entertainment area, making it even more enjoyable to dine with us. The outdoor seating area is first-come, first-served and is weather dependent. During colder months, seating may be limited, so plan accordingly or consider takeout options.
Do you sell out of certain items?
Yes, we often sell out of popular items, especially on busy days! Since we smoke our meats fresh daily in limited quantities to maintain quality, when they're gone, they're gone until the next batch is ready. Brisket, ribs, and pork belly bites tend to sell out first. To ensure you get your favorites, we recommend coming early, ordering ahead online, or calling to check availability. This \"sell until sold out\" approach helps us maintain our high standards - we'd rather sell out than compromise on freshness or quality.
How can I stay updated on your food truck locations?
The best way to stay updated on our food truck locations is by following us on social media, particularly Facebook. We regularly post our schedule, location updates, and any special events or menu items. You can also call us directly at (719) 371-7538 for the most current information about where our mobile unit will be serving. Our website also features information about our regular rotation between Salida, Cañon City, Leadville, and Buena Vista, though specific dates and times are most accurately posted on our social channels.
Do you cater for weddings?
Yes, we absolutely cater for weddings! Our authentic Texas-style BBQ has become a popular choice for couples looking for high-quality, memorable food at their reception. We offer both pickup catering for more casual affairs and full-service catering with staff for a more traditional wedding experience. Our various packages can accommodate wedding parties of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations of 200+ guests. We work closely with couples to customize menus that suit their vision and budget. Many couples appreciate the unique, relaxed atmosphere that quality BBQ brings to their special day. Contact our catering coordinator at (719) 618-8983 to discuss how we can make your wedding deliciously memorable.
Authentic Texas BBQ for your next gathering!
Authentic Post Oak smoked meats for any occasion