Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
BBQ restaurant brings the smoke to Ouray
The rebranded Smokehouse at Ouray Riverside Resort features an assortment of smoked meats, as well as favorites from the former Ouray Cafe and Steakhouse, including the ribeye steak, above. Photo courtesy Amber Perkins
Feature
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com, on November 29, 2023
BBQ restaurant brings the smoke to Ouray

With the help of a Texas pit master, The Smokehouse debuts at Ouray Riverside Resort

When Jason and Amber Perkins purchased a commercial smoker nearly a year ago, it was part of a long-term strategy to change things up at the Ouray Cafe and Steakhouse.

For the eight years the couple has owned the cafe and the accompanying Ouray RV Park and Cabins, the restaurant has featured a dependable menu of steak, pasta and fish. But as they looked around, they realized there was a need for a place in Ouray County specializing in barbecue and smoked meats.

They took their time with the transition. They brought in a friend and pitmaster from Texas last spring to teach executive chef René Gonzales the secrets of smoking meats while giving him the leeway to put his personal touch on dishes. Gonzales put the smoker to work over the summer, tinkering and perfecting recipes for local residents and out-of-town guests, about 70% of whom hail from Texas, a state that knows a thing or two about good barbecue.

“We received nothing but high praise and compliments from those guests about how amazing the food was. That helped us know we were doing the right thing,” Amber said.

The end result is a rebranded restaurant called The Smokehouse at Ouray Riverside Resort, 1700 Main St., which officially opened Nov. 24.

Diners can still pick from entrees including ribeye steak and wild mushroom ravioli. But new to the menu is an assortment of barbecue, including brisket, ribs and smoked chicken.

It takes time to get it right. The brisket smokes low and slow — an average of 12 hours.

“It’s a very time-consuming process that requires someone who is willing to babysit the meats,” Amber said. “You can’t just put it in there and walk away. You actually have to babysit it.”

Barbecue items start at $20 a plate and include two sides. Starters run anywhere from $6 to $14. The fried Brussels sprouts — complete with candied pecans, caramelized onions and bacon — are especially popular.

The restaurant continues to feature an all-you-caneat breakfast buffet three mornings a week during the winter, and children 12 and under eat free for breakfast and dinner.

“We know how challenging it is for parents to eat out on a budget and afford it,” Amber said. “We do that because we have kids.”

Gonzales, the executive chef, came to the U.S. from El Salvador 18 years ago and began working for the Perkinses two years ago.

In addition to offering sit-down dining both inside a cozy restaurant and at a new outdoor heated and enclosed patio, The Smokehouse caters for weddings and other private events.

During the offseason the restaurant is open for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday, and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. More information is available at ouraysmokehouse.com.

Get into the groove
Main, News...
Get into the groove
July 2, 2025
Carrie Ann Mund, left, dances with Tawnya Schiebel during the Mariachi de San Jose band’s performance in Ridgway’s Hartwell Park on June 29. The band performed as part of the fifth annual Fete de la M...
this is a test
Main, News...
Leaders object to public lands sale
Conservationists, ranchers, elected officials decry bill, though battle over federal property may return
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
Recent federal proposals to sell or develop Ouray County’s public lands would harm the county’s economy, identity and culture of ranching and public recreation, according to county officials and other...
this is a test
Main, News...
Sex assault trial moved to Montrose
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
A judge has ordered the trial of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2023 to be moved from Ouray to Montrose. Seventh Judicial Chief District Judge Cory Jackson approved the tri...
this is a test
Celebrating the Fourth in Ouray? Load up on sunscreen, patience, courtesy
Feature
Celebrating the Fourth in Ouray? Load up on sunscreen, patience, courtesy
Private security to help with traffic, parking, so law enforcement can be more proactive
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
The sights and sounds of the Fourth of July in Ouray are ubiquitous. The powerful spray of fire hoses. The shrieks of kids racing through Fellin Park. Cheers and honking horns on Main Street. This yea...
this is a test
News
New weapons policy would ban public, allow employees to conceal carry
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
County leaders are debating a new policy that would ban the public from carrying any weapons within Ouray County buildings but allow county employees with valid permits to conceal carry weapons in mos...
this is a test
News
County to debate Yankee Boy Basin restrictions
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
Ouray County officials will hold a work session to consider a resident's request to partially restrict motorized access in Yankee Boy Basin, which cited safety and environmental concerns. Resident Jen...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Meet your neighbor: Robert Stoufer
Feature
Meet your neighbor: Robert Stoufer
By By Chloe Kiparsky Plaindealer intern 
July 2, 2025
Name: Robert Stoufer Age: 73 Lives in: Ouray When did you come to Ouray? I studied to be a geologist, but I never did geology for a living. I went to college in Mississippi, and did grad school in Kan...
this is a test
News
Fire bans imposed throughout region
By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
Several governments in the region adopted stage 1 fire restrictions this week, making it illegal to use personal fireworks, have any sort of open burning or lighting campfires outside permanent fire p...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Sign money could have been better spent
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor: We were out camping last weekend and received a call from a tenant in our Main Street commercial building. She was upset about the new sign that went up in front of our building. It block...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Cuts harm forecasts
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor: I write in support of Karen Risch's column last week about staffing at the National Weather Service office in Grand Junction. Federal budget cuts have inhibited efforts to restaff the off...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Congrats, Swiss Village
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor: Congratulations to the residents for your success at preserving Swiss Village Mobile Home Park! Your perseverance paid off. Thank you to Jay and Jackie, civic-minded people all along, who...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy