Community Spotlight: Maverick’s; barbecue in Golden

If the city of Golden is “Where the West Lives,” it seems fitting there should be a barbecue place that all the citizens can boast about. This was not true until recently, when Maverick’s Oak Pit Grill opened its doors.

The new restaurant took over Blue Canyon’s previous location, on Washington and 13th. Maverick’s has fixed the location’s previous problem with poor ventilation. Now, the place is smoke free, with only the inviting smell of the grill.

When walking past Woody’s, the small nondescript door of the restaurant is easy to miss. But do not be deceived by its size, Maverick’s Oak Pit Grill may be the barbecue eatery Golden has been lacking. Customers walking in are seated by a host you could believe is right out of the wild west himself. The restaurant is decorated to match; after eating there once, you might decide to come back dressed up in Grizzly Rose attire. The service is friendly and the overall atmosphere is enjoyable and lively.

The highlights on their menu include pork ribs, beef ribs, and an eight-ounce tri-tip steak. The tri-tip steak is their most popular entree, and worth a taste if you have never had it. They also offer new york strip, for the less adventurous. Although they have not had time for the reputation of their ribs to spread around Golden, they will probably be better known soon.

Their sandwiches get you the western feel at a more college student price (ranging from $7-9 dollars). They come in bigger portions than you would expect and with one “fixin” (aka side). You cannot go wrong with the Santa Maria Sandwich, which is their tri-tip sirloin wrapped in a hoagie, or the pulled pork sandwich. Both give a good feel for the food served at Maverick’s and quickly satisfy.

Most items are served with an option of barbecue, Jamaican jerk, or teriyaki, but the waiter will provide a basket with them all anyway. Each sauce is worth a try, and if you enjoy the spice, Jamaican jerk might become your new favorite.

Maverick’s Oak Pit Grill is not yet as busy as its neighbor Woody’s, but shows promise for becoming more popular as word spreads. It is true, there is no better barbecue sold in historic downtown Golden. Overall, Maverick’s is an enjoyable and affordable night out, just a few blocks from campus.