Fans of Riot BBQ in Overland Park might have to travel further to get the lauded brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and ribs, at least for January. Now, until the end of the month, chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber are closing the shop Monday through Thursday in order to bring a Texas-meets-Mexico taste to the National Western Stock Show.
“I have never seen this much meat at one time in the restaurant, it’s insane,” said Barella, who, along with Klaiber, is currently cranking out 160 pounds of pulled pork, 80 pounds of smoked turkey, 130 racks of ribs, and 40 briskets each day. “It’s good for exposure, getting the food in the Stock Show…and we wanted the challenge of ‘can you produce this much meat.’”
The answer is yes, Barella continued, and the overall vibe right now is “controlled chaos.” That’s why Riot BBQ decided to close Monday through Thursday, in preparation for the January 10 through 25 pop-up with Wide Open Saloon at Stockyard Saloon at the National Western Complex (NWC), second floor. But fans don’t have to worry, the team will be back in full swing soon, and you can still go to the original shop for barbecue Friday through Sunday.
The stint at the Stock Show brings the owner’s concept full circle given the name Riot BBQ tips a hat to the 1898 barbecue riot in Denver’s Union Pacific stockyard, where the NWC resides now. The event occurred when the city hosted a giant public barbecue. The event drew tens of thousands of people, and the city wasn’t prepared for the turn out. The meat ran out early, and chaos ensued.
Based on what the chef shared on the restaurant’s prep, we don’t think that will be a problem at this year’s Stock Show. Though, unlike the menu from that event, which included spiced bear meat, mutton with mint sauce, and possum with sweet potatoes, Riot BBQ will offer half-pound platters of brisket, smoked turkey, and pulled pork, or a half-rack of ribs. Each comes with cornbread, pickles, and choice of two sides, including baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and chips.
Watch as Klaiber and Barella prepare for the show this Thursday as the team takes over DiningOut Denver’s Instagram story feed. Like other takeovers, follow along for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Riot BBQ in Overland Park. You just have to follow DiningOut Denver and Riot BBQ, like the post, and tag your friends.
