Russell’s Smokehouse is a nod to an early time, to the spirit of the West and the cowboy tradition of cooking over a slow, low flame. Our specialty is not in the sauce (which is why we don't call it barbecue), but in the rich smoke and the method of cooking.
"My wife and I went to Russell's for my birthday, because my name is Russell, and I love smoked food. It was so good that we went back again for our anniversary. We were very pleased with both the service and the food. Everything on the table was scratch made and amazing. Flavors, combinations, textures, smells, and appearance were all spot on. I have difficulty enjoying dining out after going to culinary school and knowing how to do restaurant service/food the right way. Russell's was amazingly accurate with everything, from the greeting as we walked in to the gratitude as we left. Both the manager and the Exec Chef came by our table to say hello and ensure that we were satisfied with everything, very rare these days."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A smokehouse should have smoked meats right? I had the smoked salmon , it was just grilled like I do at home. the brisket was dry and not smokey. not a lot of effort here for the price. The potato rolls are old. I took my family there for a birthday party. My mom turned 70 , I notified the restaurant and they could care less. thanks guys! She came from Florida to go here we should've went elsewhere I guess."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"food - beyond words amazing. i eat slow and generally end up taking at least half my food home and on that note i ordered the combo plate, when it showed up i expected to take most of it home. i was unable to leave more then the bones on the plate. well done. atmosphere - elegant and relaxed feel, with a very unique style for a steakhouse. which makes since as it is also a speak easy. i was very pleased. service - our server was a very nice and friendly gentleman. he was there for anything we needed and definitly waiting on us as the term states. my only drawback is that we could tell that we were one of the only tables our server had as he was up to our table every few minutes. a little is nice but every few minutes is too much."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Russell's is a find in LoDo. Who'd guess you could find restaurant-smoked food in the middle of all these restaurants? We enjoyed the happy hour specials as well as multiple entrees. The restaurant has utilized an unusual space below grade with an interesting layout in the space. The homemade pie and the smoked meats were great with interesting sides. We'll be back!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had the sampler, and everything was wonderful. I especially liked the chicken, but the brisket was equally tender and flavorful. Interesting cocktail menu, as well."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Enjoyed our experience and agree with all the recent 4 and 5 star reviews. You can't go wrong with good food and drinks and attentive service. I recommend trying a few items and sharing them, portions are good size but not too much. Cocktails are very well-made and also recommend trying at least one or two."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was our first visit and the food was very good. Our server (he was awesome) suggested the trout/pesto pot for an appetizer and it was great. The smoked meats were wonderful quality, although I especially loved the salad and vegetables. However, we don't feel that the ambiance matched the price of our meal. It was not very warm feeling (no fireplace or candles or...), the disco and various 70s music didn't match the mood of the space. I'm glad I didn't dress up more than I was, because servers were in denim and plaid shirts."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Not overwhelmed by anything. It was a pleasant enough environment despite being in a basement. Rather tight quarters, though. The food was interesting and tasty."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Intimate atmosphere that was still able to maintain an upbeat, cool vibe. Appropriate serving sizes at each course and the meat was outstanding. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had such a great time at Russell's Smokehouse. Good was incredible, cocktails were unique and spot-on. Impeccable service. Exactly what you'd expect from a Bonanno place."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went for 5280 for a friend's birthday with a small group. The 5280 menu was great! We also ordered the family meal....a ton of great food for $100 that fed 4 people, 3 of which were hungry guys! The meat is great. I love that they use a dry rub and smoke everything instead of drowning it in sauce and fake "smoke flavor". I cant wait to go back!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went as part Denver Restaurant Week, and enjoyed the food a lot. However, the food was incredibly slow to arrive (though the restaurant wasn't busy at all). On the plus side, they did give us free desserts as compensation for the slow service, so they were clearly aware of the problem."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We ate at Russell's with another couple before a play. The service was friendly and responsive and the food was great. A nice upscale twist on BBQ. The brisket was flavorful and melted in your mouth. Pork was equally tender. The Russell's Smash was a refreshing but substantial cocktail to make it all go togehter. Great experience, we all said we would come back. Oh, and the underground location made us all feel like we had found a speakeasy in the 20's and were really experiencing something out of the ordinary!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We chose Russell's Smokehouse for Restaurant week before the theatre. The food was very good- particularly the brisket which was amazing. However the deserts were only OK and the service was so-so because there was no commitment on the part of the server to be particularly helpful. He told us the wrong desert and then when several people did not like the actual desert- he clearly did not care at all and made no effort to offer an alternative. A great restaurant needs great food, ambience and service. Russell's food and ambience were terrific but having average to poor service dims the experience considerably. I let management know about the service issues but they made no effort to correct the situation."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Difficult to find; they need better signage on Larimer St. I did the 5280 menu (supposed to be $26.40/per) & it cost me $58! I had wedge salad and Chipotle dressing was excellent; best part of the meal. Entree was Cherry smoked pulled pork (good flavor but not acceptable qty), coleslaw & sweet potato hash (no flavor-very little CS, SPhash was not cooked well). Dessert was a very cold apple pie & I added ice cream - not good. Xtras incl a sm rack of ribs (good rub & smk flavor), buttermilk grits (ok but flavor was very strong), spicy corn (very good + good amount) and a citrus soda (weak! and expensive). Can't say I would return nor would I recommend based on what I saw. Not a good marketing effort on their part but it has potential."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Frank Bonnano scores yet another "A" on the restaurant report card. We've eaten at Mizuna several times, and at Luca d'Italia, and Marco Osteria, which are all excellent dining establishments. We were excited to try Russell's during 5280 Week. While we are not fans of "eating in the basement"(same goes for Marco Osteria) the food is worth the trip downstairs. This is not a barbecue joint--it's indeed a smokehouse and they do it right--especially the brisket! It could not have gotten more tender! The baby backs could use a bit more time to that "fall off the bone" point, but they were mighty tasty also! The pigs-in-the-blanket were a special surprise and the lettuce wedge complimented the meal well; the apple pie--not so much."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Absolutely thrilled with the place. The service was attentive, the food was brilliant and the ambiance was perfect for dinner. In love wit hthis place and will be back for sure!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I've been meaning to try this place for some time and I'm so glad I finally did so. From the unique handcrafted cocktails to the starters to the entrees it was excellent and the service was friendly and efficient. I'll be back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We did enjoy our evening. All the food was very tasty. The only issue we had is that we both had the brisket and found it a little overcooked and dry."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Well, what to say, have not had such hideous service at a bar. Two of us spent $100 on 2 drinks each and food and gave a 20% tip (I cannot give a bad tip even with bad service- we just will not be back). I guess we should have sat at a table. I'm glad a restaurant doesn't need the money. Food was fine, what you would expect."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Fantastic barbeque with outstanding staff. We showed interest in their smokers, and they immediately took us in back to show us how all of the food was prepared. Excellent food; great for lunch with the guys, or any casual meeting."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Here's the rub....;) I love sloppy, messy "wet style" BBQ and Russell's is a rub and smoke style place. We tried the baby back ribs and the pork was smokey and flavorful, but could stand a little more moisture IMHO. I did enjoy trying their assortment of BBQ sauces all there for the tasting at the table. My fav was the "vinegar" which was a mustard style sauce with rich flavor. Hubby preferred the sweet as well as the spicy sauce! All in all, I would say it's solid, if not earth-shattering BBQ. Service was friendly and the atmosphere laid back and comfortable.
On my next visit (there will be one) I look forward to trying their loaded chips (french fries) smothered in pulled pork and topped with tomatoes, peppers & gorgonzola. Th"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The space was more quiet than I expected but really "cool"....as in hip and secretive! :) The pork (pigs in a blanket) were so good I could have just eaten five pounds of that! The food was great, service was good...I would recommend it to others."
Dined on 12/29/2012
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The service wasn't bad but the dining area was very loud. I think people have lost the art of intimate conversation. This was our first time coming and our waitress explained the meat preparations by way of rub rather than BBQ sauce. We had the brisket which came with mashed potatoes & brown butter brussels sprouts as well as the combo meat plate which came with coleslaw and beans. The brussels sprouts were the only item that wasn't bland. The meat was tender but vapid and there was no evidence or rub or spices on any of the meat. I prefer BBQ that doesn't require BBQ sauce to cover up lackluster meat. This place has promise just needs a more liberal use of spices."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.