Location: Colorado Springs
Website: https://frbbq.com/
Front Range BBQ has been a staple in downtown Old Colorado City for years. I vaguely remember a second location on the east side of town, but now you’ll only find them downtown. The restaurant has a cool vibe, and live music every Wednesday adds to the charm.
Wings Overview
I should probably be rating the BBQ—but today, we’re here for their wings. Rumor has it they’re smoked, though if there was any smoke flavor, it wasn’t noticeable. Maybe I’ve just been spoiled by my Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Pro smoker on real wood (sorry, pellet guys). They sometimes offer duck wings, though I didn’t try them, and interestingly, wings aren’t even listed on the menu—a secret item?
Taste & Texture
I ordered XTRA XTRA crispy wings with a dry rub and hotiyaki sauce on the side. Unfortunately, they fell far from “XTRA crispy.” The dry rub was very mild (unless you count black pepper as “hot”) and lightly seasoned, so I’m glad I got the sauce on the side. The meat didn’t cleanly pull from the bone, which was noticeable.
Veggies were of good quality and, thankfully, looked untouched by a Mike Tyson-style beatdown (well, the younger Mike Tyson; the last fight was questionable). The hotiyaki sauce was unique and tasty, earning some bonus points for creativity.
Price
Wings are $10 per pound—about eight wings per pound. Not the priciest in town, but not the cheapest either.
X-Factor
They attempt smoked wings and offer a distinct sauce. The secret menu angle adds a little intrigue. Still, the wings themselves don’t quite hit the mark.
Final Thoughts
Many people seem to love these wings, so perhaps my visit was just unlucky. Worth trying if you’re in Old Colorado City, but manage your expectations if you’re chasing crispy, smoky perfection.
