Barbecue just in time for the holidays

Russell’s Smokehouse
1422 Larimer Street
720-524-8050
http://russellssmoke house.com

Head on down the stairs of Russell’s Smokehouse, enter through the bar area and settle in for some smoking good barbecue. This fabulous restaurant reminds me of the barbecue I grew up with; I’ve been hankering for food like this in Denver.

The décor is simple and fun with some great art on the walls, but really, it’s the food that rocks. Peanuts dress all the tables for your munching pleasure as you sip on a few pre-dinner cocktails or glasses of wine.

Start with cornbread, warm from the oven, served in an iron skillet. It’s to die for.

Go for smoked potted trout, barbecue rabbit sliders, pigs in a blanket (pork belly in croissant dough), chicken wings, shrimp in barbecue sauce or crab cocktail.

The salad list includes iceberg wedge, greens with smoked tomato dressing, cucumber and beets, salmon and romaine and smoked tuna.
And here come the stars from the smoker: the combo, amazing baby back ribs, just as amazing beef ribs, bacon wrapped trout and salmon. But wait, there’s more. The smoked half chicken falls off the bone and is incredible – or enjoy sausage or brisket.

Choices are endless with fried chicken, blackened catfish and a great prime rib. A list of sandwiches made from the smoked items is another super option. Russell’s offers three great barbecue sauces to add to the fun: sweet, vinegar and spicy – or try some of each.
Sides of mashed potatoes, spiced corn, collard greens, fries and macaroni and cheese are yummy.

Remember beans and slaw come with the entrees that will be sure to fill you up.

Don’t leave without a slice of the pie of the day or an old fashioned banana split: apple caramel, chocolate peanut butter, pumpkin – oh my!

A terrific list of beer, wine, drinks and coffee complement the food. Russell’s Smokehouse is just what Larimer Square needs – and now offers the best barbecue in town. Wherever you live, if you love barbecue, this is the place to go and makes the perfect choice for the holiday season.

The most fun:
Having great barbecue in Denver.

Do not miss:
Beef and baby back ribs.

Price:  $$$

Hours:
Mon. – Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. – Sat.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun.: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

About the chef:
Frank Bonanno found his passion early, working in restaurants most of his life. After he graduated from the School of Finance at the University of Denver, Bonanno revisited that passion by earning a second degree at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, New York. “I had a great childhood,” Bonanno said.  “Most of who I am today comes from the food I was fortunate enough to be exposed to at a very young age.” Bonanno has had the opportunity to work at some of the finest eateries in Italy, California and New York.  The chef hopes to offer “clean flavors that enhance the freshest, finest ingredients.”