Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Madison, according to Yelp
Barbecue, also known as BBQ for short, has captivated the taste buds of millions of people across the world; its smell, a quintessential part of backyard parties and long, lazy holiday weekends. This cooking method involves slow cooking and smoking meat over an open flame or heat source. Beyond the slab of baby back ribs and brisket that we're probably familiar with, barbecue has a long history dating back centuries and is rooted in various cultures.
The earliest origins of barbecue can be traced back to the Taino people, who were Indigenous to the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the technique became widespread in the American South, primarily using pork. Taino people didn't use the word barbecue. Instead, this method of cooking food over a raised wooden grate was referred to as barbacoa.
As time passed, techniques and flavors evolved as a result of colonization, globalization, and advancements in technology. Today, barbecue has become a beloved food all over the world. In the United States, there are four distinct styles: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas BBQ. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork; North Carolina for smoked pork infused in vinegar sauce; Kansas City for dry-rubbed meats, and Texas for grilled brisket.
No matter the style, however, barbecue can be enjoyed anywhere, but if you're specifically looking for the best places to enjoy the savory and mouthwatering delights, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Madison using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.
#12. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.0/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 S Park St Madison, WI 53715
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American (Traditional)
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Red Rock Saloon
- Rating: 3.0/5 (85 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 222 W Gorham St Madison, WI 53703
- Categories: Pubs, Music Venues, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (171 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4841 Annamark Dr Madison, WI 53704
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American (Traditional)
- Read more on Yelp
#9. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (129 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 418 S Gammon Rd Madison, WI 53719
- Categories: Steakhouses, American (Traditional), Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. 5 Star Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (153 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 605 E Washington Ave Madison, WI 53703
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#7. City Barbeque
- Rating: 3.5/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7015 Sligo Dr Bldg D Madison, WI 53717
- Categories: Barbecue, American (Traditional), Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Karahis & BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (15 reviews)
- Address: 705 S Gammon Rd Madison, WI 53719
- Categories: Indian, Pakistani, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (45 reviews)
- Address: 4702 E Towne Blvd Madison, WI 53704
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Liberty Station
- Rating: 4.0/5 (114 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2161 Rimrock Rd Madison, WI 53713
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (285 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2310 Packers Ave Madison, WI 53704
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Beef Butter BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (194 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3001 N Sherman Ave Madison, WI 53704
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Turn Key Madison
- Rating: 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
- Address: 1344 E Washington Ave Madison, WI 53703
- Categories: Bars, Barbecue, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp
