As all native Coloradans know, and newcomers have surely discovered, Colorado is sorely lacking in the barbeque department. Enter Roaming Buffalo Barbeque, a restaurant that opened its doors about a month ago on Downing and Iliff in the former Crown Burger space.

When one walks into the small shop, he/she will be greeted by Coy or Rachael Webb, the owners of the restaurant. The two completely remodeled the space entirely on their own, turning a burger joint into an eclectic, uniquely Coloradan barbecue eatery. As customers wait to order, the two will happily converse and take time to know each of their customers, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that often accompanies small mom and pop shops and is rapidly disappearing.

“We’ve both worked in large restaurants before, where the primary concern is turning out as much food as possible, and that’s not what we wanted for Roaming Buffalo,” said Rachael. “We don’t want to be ‘the biggest BBQ place’, we want to be a great mom and pop store.”

In this, they have certainly succeeded. The Webbs, along with a few family members, run the entire operation, which produces absolutely amazing barbeque. Texas native Coy does all of the cooking from scratch each day, smoking the meats at night and preparing them fresh each morning and it makes all the difference.

The restaurant serves a variety of meats, sides, sandwiches and desserts. My favorites were the beef brisket, chopped pork and cheddar sausage, which were all unbelievably delicious. The homemade sauce that comes with the meal was also amazing, especially the spicier option “Raging Buffalo.” There are a variety of sides offered, including cowboy beans, chips, roasted corn and cheese, cole slaw and my favorite, potato salad. Prices are very reasonable, ranging from $10 to $18 for a plate with a muffin and side included.

I found myself eating far past the point at which I was completely full and there was nothing left on the plate. Everything tasted homemade and amazing, and the care Coy puts into the food is evident.

“It’s about appreciating what you do, and taking the ingredients for what they are,” he said.

If you do, however, find yourself having room for dessert, there are also a variety of homemade options.

Brownies, Rice Krispie treats and bourbon caramel popcorn puffs are all on the menu.

Roaming Buffalo is having a DU special through the end of February, in which students can get a single meat plate, soda and side for ten dollars with a student ID. The restaurant also has a weekend special of $3 smoked meat sandwiches.

For more information, check out the Roaming Buffalo’s website at roamingbuffalobbq.com.