Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Milwaukee area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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!
#21. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 2.8/5 (202 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5220 South 76th St. Greendale, Wisconsin
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 2.8/5 (106 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5077 South 27th St. Greenfield, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Red Rock Saloon
- Rating: 2.9/5 (164 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1227 North Water St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Pubs, Barbecue, Music Venues
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Silver Spur Texas Smokehouse BBQ
- Rating: 3.1/5 (119 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13275 Watertown Plank Road Elm Grove, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Speed Queen Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.2/5 (149 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1130 West Walnut St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Saz's State House
- Rating: 3.5/5 (247 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5539 West State St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: American, Barbecue, Comfort Food
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Motor Bar & Restaurant
- Rating: 3.6/5 (240 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 West Canal St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Venues & Event Spaces
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Ashleys Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.6/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1501 West Center St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Smoke Shack
- Rating: 3.8/5 (994 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 332 North Milwaukee St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, American
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Carson's Ribs
- Rating: 3.9/5 (368 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 301 West Juneau Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: American, Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Doc's Commerce Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.0/5 (412 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 754 North Vel R Phillips Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Char'd
- Rating: 4.0/5 (271 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 222 East Erie St. Ste 100 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Tapas/Small Plates
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Maxie's
- Rating: 4.2/5 (905 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6732 West Fairview Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#8. The Saucy Swine
- Rating: 4.2/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2245 East Saint Francis Ave. Saint Francis, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Heaven's Table BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (80 reviews)
- Address: 5507 West North Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Pop's BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7601 West Good Hope Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Double B's BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (655 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7412 West Greenfield Ave. West Allis, Wisconsin
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#4. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
- Rating: 4.4/5 (99 reviews)
- Address: 4902 South 74th St. Greenfield, Wisconsin
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Lucky Bakery & BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (73 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 11078 West National Ave. West Allis, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Ono Kine Grindz
- Rating: 4.6/5 (623 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7215 West North Ave. Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Smoked At 225
- Rating: 4.8/5 (64 reviews)
- Address: W186N9539 Bancroft Drive Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue, Diners
- 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.
