The Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Milwaukee is home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the Midwest. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern-style barbecue, or you prefer a more modern twist on the traditional cuisine, there’s a restaurant in Milwaukee that will satisfy your barbecue needs. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Milwaukee for your BBQ craving.
1. Smoke Shack – This restaurant, one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is famous for its slow-smoked meat, house-made sauces, and sides. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. They also have an excellent selection of local beers on tap.
2. Iron Grate BBQ Co. – This restaurant, among the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is known for its delicious smoked meat, especially the brisket, and its unique cooking process that uses a live fire. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
3. Speed Queen Bar-B-Q – This restaurant, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, has been serving barbecue in Milwaukee since 1956 and is a local institution. The food is simple, but delicious, and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is unpretentious and down-to-earth, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
4. Maxie’s Southern Comfort – While not strictly a barbecue restaurant, Maxie’s, amid the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, serves excellent smoked meat and Southern-style dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They also have an extensive selection of bourbon and craft cocktails.
5. Ashley’s Bar-B-Que – This restaurant, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is a family-owned business that has been serving barbecue in Milwaukee for over 50 years. The food is traditional and tasty, and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the staff is welcoming and attentive.
The Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Milwaukee
Smoke Shack
Address: 332 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Phone Number: (414) 431-1119
Smoke Shack is a BBQ, included as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is a restaurant that serves slow-smoked meat, homemade sauces, and sides. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with exposed brick walls, wood paneling, and comfortable seating. There is also outdoor seating available for guests to enjoy their meals al fresco.
The signature food on the menu is the smoked brisket, which is slow-cooked for up to 16 hours and served with a choice of homemade sauce. Other popular menu items include the pulled pork sandwich, baby back ribs, and the smoked chicken wings. Sides include mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
One unique feature of Smoke Shack is their selection of local beers on tap. They also offer a variety of homemade sauces, including spicy BBQ, mustard BBQ, and white BBQ.
The service at Smoke Shack is excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The food is served promptly and with care, ensuring that it arrives at the table hot and fresh.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Smoked Brisket – Slow-cooked for up to 16 hours, Smoke Shack’s brisket is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Served with a choice of homemade sauce, this signature dish is a must-try for BBQ lovers.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Piled high with tender pulled pork and served on a brioche bun, this sandwich is a classic BBQ favorite. It comes with a choice of homemade sauce and is served with a side of coleslaw.
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned. They are slow-smoked over hickory wood and served with a choice of homemade sauce and a side of coleslaw.
▣ Smoked Chicken Wings – These wings are smoked to perfection and served with a choice of homemade sauce. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a great appetizer or meal.
▣ Mac and Cheese – Smoke Shack’s mac and cheese is made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s the perfect comfort food and pairs well with any of their BBQ dishes.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich with a side of mac and cheese, and it was amazing! The brisket was tender and smoky, and the mac and cheese was creamy and delicious. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”
“The baby back ribs were the best I’ve ever had! They were fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned. The sides were also excellent, especially the baked beans. The service was great, and the beer selection was impressive.”
“The pulled pork sandwich was outstanding! It was piled high with tender meat and served with a delicious sauce. The coleslaw was also tasty, with a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.”
Smoke Shack is a must-visit restaurant in Milwaukee for BBQ lovers. Their slow-smoked meat, homemade sauces, and sides are delicious, and their friendly and attentive service ensures that every guest has a great experience. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere, unique beer selection, and signature smoked brisket make Smoke Shack a standout restaurant in the city. They rank amid the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee for good reasons.
Iron Grate BBQ Co.
Address: 11800 W Silver Spring Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53225
Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-8pm, closed on Mondays
Phone Number: (414) 988-1551
Grate BBQ Co., one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is a BBQ restaurant that offers slow-smoked meat, homemade sides, and sauces. The interior of the restaurant is spacious and rustic, with wooden paneling, exposed brick walls, and comfortable seating. There is also outdoor seating available for guests to enjoy their meals outside.
Their signature dish is the brisket, which is slow-cooked for up to 14 hours and served with a choice of homemade sauce. Other popular menu items include pulled pork, baby back ribs, and chicken wings. Sides include mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
One unique feature of Grate BBQ Co. is their “Pig Candy,” which is smoked bacon coated in a blend of spices and sugar. They also offer a “Burnt End Bowl,” which is a hearty dish made with burnt ends, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.
The service at Grate BBQ Co. is friendly and efficient, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations. The food is served promptly and with care, ensuring that it arrives at the table hot and fresh.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket – Slow-smoked for up to 14 hours, Grate BBQ Co.’s brisket is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Served with a choice of homemade sauce, this signature dish is a must-try for BBQ lovers.
▣ Pulled Pork – Slow-cooked and hand-pulled, Grate BBQ Co.’s pulled pork is smoky and flavorful. Served with a choice of homemade sauce, it’s a classic BBQ favorite.
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These ribs are slow-smoked and seasoned to perfection. Served with a choice of homemade sauce and a side of coleslaw, they are a great option for those who love ribs.
▣ Burnt End Bowl – This hearty dish features burnt ends, mac and cheese, and coleslaw all in one bowl. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that showcases some of Grate BBQ Co.’s best offerings.
▣ Pig Candy – This unique dish features smoked bacon coated in a blend of spices and sugar. It’s sweet, savory, and addictive, making it a great appetizer or side dish.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket and it was amazing! It was tender and smoky, and the homemade sauce was a perfect complement. The mac and cheese was also fantastic, with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. The service was great, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”
“The baby back ribs were some of the best I’ve had! They were juicy and flavorful, and the homemade sauce was delicious. The Pig Candy was also a standout, with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a great vibe.”
“The Burnt End Bowl was a hearty and satisfying meal! The burnt ends were tender and flavorful, and the mac and cheese and coleslaw were the perfect sides. The service was excellent, and the outdoor seating area was a great place to enjoy a meal.”
Grate BBQ Co. is a great option for BBQ lovers in Milwaukee. Their slow-smoked meat, homemade sides, and unique dishes like Pig Candy and the Burnt End Bowl make for a memorable dining experience. The friendly service and cozy atmosphere add to the overall appeal of the restaurant. They stand out among the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee.
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q
Address: 1130 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, closed on Sundays
Phone Number: (414) 265-2900
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q, among the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is a classic BBQ restaurant that has been serving up slow-cooked meats, homemade sides, and sauces for over 50 years. The interior of the restaurant is casual and unassuming, with a few booths and tables for guests to sit at.
Their signature dish is the rib tips, which are slow-smoked and seasoned to perfection. Other popular menu items include pulled pork, chicken, and hot links. Sides include coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.
One unique feature of Speed Queen Bar-B-Q is their homemade hot sauce, which adds a kick to any dish. They also offer catering services for events and parties.
The service at Speed Queen Bar-B-Q is friendly and no-nonsense, with a focus on getting the food out quickly and efficiently. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Rib Tips – These slow-smoked pork rib tips are the signature dish at Speed Queen Bar-B-Q. They are seasoned with a blend of spices and have a smoky flavor that is hard to resist.
▣ Pulled Pork – The pulled pork at Speed Queen Bar-B-Q is slow-cooked and hand-pulled, resulting in tender and juicy meat. It’s served with a choice of homemade sauce.
▣ Chicken – The chicken at Speed Queen Bar-B-Q is smoked to perfection, with a crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer poultry over pork.
▣ Hot Links – These spicy sausages are made in-house and are a popular menu item at Speed Queen Bar-B-Q. They have a smoky flavor and a spicy kick.
▣ Baked Beans – These homemade baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish. They are cooked with bacon and have a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with the smoky meats.
Customer Reviews:
“The rib tips were outstanding! They were tender and flavorful, with a great smoky taste. The hot sauce was a nice addition, giving the dish some heat. The coleslaw was also delicious, with a tangy dressing and crispy cabbage.”
“The pulled pork was some of the best I’ve had! It was smoky and juicy, and the homemade sauce was a great complement. The potato salad was also tasty, with a creamy dressing and chunks of potato.”
“The chicken was moist and delicious, with a crispy skin and great flavor. The hot links were also fantastic, with a spicy kick. The service was quick and efficient, making it a great spot for a quick lunch.”
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q is a no-frills BBQ spot that delivers on flavor and authenticity. The rib tips are a standout dish, but the pulled pork, chicken, and hot links are also excellent choices. The homemade hot sauce and catering services add to the overall appeal of the restaurant. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee.
Maxie’s Southern Comfort
Address: 6732 W Fairview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm
Phone Number: (414) 292-3969
Maxie’s Southern Comfort, another of the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is a restaurant ithat serves up classic Southern dishes with a twist. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with a mix of tables and booths. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, entrees, and sides, all made from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
One of their signature dishes is the shrimp and grits, which features jumbo Gulf shrimp, creamy grits, and Andouille sausage in a spicy tomato gravy. Other popular menu items include fried chicken, jambalaya, and BBQ ribs. They also offer a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Maxie’s Southern Comfort features a unique oyster bar, where guests can choose from a variety of raw, baked, and fried oysters. They also have an extensive bourbon and whiskey list, as well as a rotating selection of craft beers.
The service at Maxie’s Southern Comfort is friendly and attentive, with a focus on providing a comfortable and welcoming dining experience. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Shrimp and Grits – Jumbo Gulf shrimp, creamy grits, and Andouille sausage in a spicy tomato gravy.
▣ Fried Chicken – Crispy fried chicken served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, and hot sauce.
▣ Jambalaya – A classic Louisiana dish with rice, smoked chicken, and Andouille sausage in a spicy tomato sauce.
▣ BBQ Ribs – Slow-cooked St. Louis-style ribs with a dry rub and served with mac and cheese and coleslaw.
▣ Fried Green Tomatoes – Lightly breaded green tomatoes fried until golden brown and served with spicy remoulade sauce.
Customer Reviews:
“The shrimp and grits were out of this world! The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the tomato gravy had just the right amount of spice. The fried okra and collard greens were also amazing.”
“The fried chicken was some of the best I’ve ever had! It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a great flavor. The mac and cheese and cornbread were also delicious.”
“The oysters were fresh and tasty, and the fried green tomatoes were a great appetizer. The jambalaya was also excellent, with a nice mix of spicy and savory flavors.”
Maxie’s Southern Comfort is a great spot for anyone looking for Southern comfort food with a twist. The shrimp and grits are a standout dish, but the fried chicken, jambalaya, and BBQ ribs are also excellent choices. The oyster bar and extensive drink list add to the overall appeal of the restaurant. They have earned the rank of the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee.
Ashley’s Bar-B-Que
Address: 1501 W Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53206
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm
Phone Number: (414) 372-7666
Ashley’s Bar-B-Que, amid the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, is a small, no-frills restaurant that serves classic Southern-style barbecue. The interior is simple and straightforward, with a few tables and chairs and a counter where customers place their orders. The restaurant’s signature dish is their BBQ ribs, which are slow-cooked and served with a variety of sauces to choose from.
What makes Ashley’s Bar-B-Que unique is its long-standing history in Milwaukee. It has been a neighborhood staple since 1962 and is family-owned and operated. The restaurant has a loyal following of customers who come for the authentic barbecue and the welcoming atmosphere.
The service at Ashley’s Bar-B-Que is friendly and welcoming. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Customers place their orders at the counter and can expect their food to be ready in a timely manner.
Main Menu Items:
▣ BBQ Ribs – Slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs served with a choice of sauce. This is Ashley’s Bar-B-Que signature dish.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Tender pulled pork smothered in barbecue sauce, served on a bun with a side of coleslaw.
▣ Beef Brisket – Slow-smoked beef brisket served with a choice of sauce.
▣ Hot Links – Spicy smoked sausage links served with a choice of sauce.
▣ Mac and Cheese – Creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden brown breadcrumb topping. This is a popular side dish at Ashley’s Bar-B-Que.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the BBQ ribs and they were fantastic! The meat was tender and fell off the bone, and the sauce had just the right amount of tanginess. I also tried the mac and cheese, which was creamy and delicious.”
“Ashley’s is a Milwaukee institution and it’s easy to see why. The BBQ ribs are some of the best I’ve had and the sauce selection is impressive. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming.”
“I went to Ashley’s for the first time and I was blown away by the quality of the food. I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness. The mac and cheese was also excellent. I’ll definitely be back!”
In summary, Ashley’s Bar-B-Que is a classic Southern-style barbecue joint with a long-standing history in Milwaukee. Its signature dish is the BBQ ribs, which are slow-cooked and served with a variety of sauces to choose from. The service is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. Customers rave about the quality of the food and the authenticity of the barbecue. They can definitely be counted among the top barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee.
From the authentic smokehouses of Smoke Shack and Grate BBQ Co. to the classic staples of Speed Queen Bar-B-Q and Ashley’s Bar-B-Que, and the unique flavors of Maxie’s Southern Comfort, each restaurant offers its own unique take on barbecue. So, the next time you’re in the area, be sure to check out one of these top-rated barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee and experience the mouthwatering flavors for yourself. This is why they are the best restaurants in Milwaukee for your BBQ craving.
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