Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Madison area by diners

Written by:
February 18, 2025
Joshua Resnick // Shutterstock

Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Madison area by diners

Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.

American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.

Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.

Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.

If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Madison based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Madison were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!

#14. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

- Rating: 3.0/5 (128 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 South Park St. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American
- Read more on Yelp

#13. Red Rock Saloon

- Rating: 3.1/5 (85 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 222 West Gorham St. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Pubs, Music Venues, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Hong Kong Station

- Rating: 3.2/5 (62 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1441 Regent St. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Cantonese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.3/5 (200 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4841 Annamark Drive Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

#10. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.3/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 418 South Gammon Road Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#9. 5 Star Korean BBQ

- Rating: 3.4/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 605 East Washington Ave. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Fat Jacks Barbecue

- Rating: 3.5/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6207 Monona Drive Monona, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#7. City Barbeque

- Rating: 3.8/5 (73 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7015 Sligo Drive Bldg D Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ

- Rating: 3.9/5 (317 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2310 Packers Ave. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Liberty Station

- Rating: 4.0/5 (169 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2161 Rimrock Road Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Beef Butter BBQ

- Rating: 4.2/5 (233 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3001 North Sherman Ave. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

#3. Mission BBQ

- Rating: 4.2/5 (65 reviews)
- Address: 4702 East Towne Blvd. Madison, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#2. North and South Seafood & Smokehouse

- Rating: 4.3/5 (134 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 958 Liberty Drive Verona, Wisconsin
- Categories: Seafood, Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp

#1. PA'PA'S BBQ

- Rating: 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 900 East Broadway Monona, Wisconsin
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.

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