What a year 2005 has been.  I have reviewed several restaurants this year, some good, some not so good.  I can’t remember all the reviews that I have done this year, but I know which one will be my last for 2005.

For my final review, I chose Dickey's Barbeque Pit. Dickey’s boasts a reputation of being voted the best barbecue in Dallas for 2004, but would their reputation stand up in Centennial?  I have eaten at their Centennial and Littleton locations, but not their Lakewood location.  I definitely prefer the Centennial location, as there is ample parking, and the restaurant is larger in size.

On my first visit, I stopped in for lunch, with a few co-workers.  This is a popular lunch venue, but parking was easy to find.  Located on Arapahoe Road just west of Havana, the restaurant is situated among other eateries.  Parking is available in their lot, as well as along the street.  The restaurant offers seated dining, as well as drive-through and catering.

When you first enter the restaurant, the ambience resembles the inside of a barn.  Tables are made out of metal, and there are no dainty table cloths, or candles burning.  No, this is meant to be a place to eat, to satisfy your hunger after a long day’s work. Once inside the restaurant, you are directed towards the serving line where your meal is prepared in front of you.

I chose the Westerner Plate, which consists of two choices of 8 oz. meats served on a kaiser roll for $9.29.  The Westerner Plate also includes two side dishes. Drinks are available for an additional charge.  I chose the chicken breast and beef brisket.  I also asked to have the barbecue sauce smother over the sandwich, no need to be timid.

The restaurant is excellent representation of the types of barbeques that I have experienced on farms.  There is no fancy wine list, no bow-tie wearing waiters, no maitre'd to seat you.  No, Dickey's Barbecue Pit is a down to earth restaurant.  When you enter Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the pleasant aroma of barbeque smoke lingers through your senses.  While some people may consider the atmosphere sparse and basic, I feel the restaurant captures the image of a barbeque perfectly.  When I envision a barbeque, I envision barbeque sauce dripping from the beef, freshly toasted bread, and families gathered around for a good time.  This is definitely what Dickey’s envisioned as well.

I have since visited Dickey’s several times, enjoying lunch as well as dinner.  With the exception of my last visit, each time has been as perfect as the first.  The only issue I had recently was the slow service.  On my last visit, I arrived at 4:30 p.m. for an early dinner.  I think the staff was in the middle of a shift change, as there were only two people working.  This required the server to act as the cashier, running back and forth.  The food was still top quality, and I will definitely be returning.

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit menu features chicken breast, turkey breast, shredded pork, beef brisket, smoked ham, polish sausage, spicy sausage, and spare ribs.  Dickey’s also has several hot and cold sides available; my favorites are the macaroni and cheese, the au gratin potatoes, the coleslaw, and the banana pudding.  Beverages are available for an additional charge, and are self service.

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
10230 E. Arapahoe Road
Centennial, Co
303-792-2444
Adults $7.00 - $12.00 Children $0.99 - $3.00