3525 East Colfax Avenue

After nearly two decades of serving up unique hot dogs and building community along East Colfax Avenue, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs will be closing its doors on Saturday, October 19th.

Known as a neighborhood staple since it opened in 2006, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs was founded by Steve Ballas, a former first responder who found his passion for cooking while preparing meals for fellow firefighters.

Steve and his wife, Linda, co-own the restaurant and are stepping away due to ongoing health challenges, including Steve’s battle with prostate cancer and a recent health setback for Linda.

Beyond its hot dogs, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs was a gathering spot for locals, who now face the bittersweet farewell of a place that’s meant much more to them than just a meal.

Many loyal patrons have expressed sadness over the news, and Steve himself has shared that what he’ll miss most is the sense of community he built through daily interactions with his customers.

The torch will be passed to a new culinary venture: Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ, operated by husband-and-wife team Ben and Jodi Polson. The Polsons, well-known for their popular food truck, plan to continue some of Steve’s traditions.

They’ll offer favorites like Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, smashburgers, and even Steve’s Snappin’ Ale, paying homage to the restaurant's legacy while adding their own Southern-inspired twist with biscuits and BBQ dishes. Mama Jo’s will open approximately a month after Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs closes.

As one of the last remaining icons of a bygone Colfax era, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs has been a fixture for both hot dog lovers and Denver locals.

While the next chapter for this beloved corner of Colfax will look different, Mama Jo’s will work to keep the spirit alive, honoring what has long made this spot a unique slice of the community.