The Definitive Guide to BBQ in Greater Milwaukee

Milwaukee's BBQ scene blends soul food traditions dating to the 1950s, Texas-style brisket newcomers, and everything in between—making this metro area one of the Midwest's most underrated barbecue destinations. From legendary walk-up windows serving pork shoulder on white bread to upscale smokehouses pouring craft bourbon alongside 14-hour brisket, the region delivers authentic pit-smoked excellence across dozens of communities. This guide covers 40+ BBQ options spanning Milwaukee proper, the North Shore, Waukesha County, and south to Kenosha—organized for families seeking practical details about where to find their next great meal.

Milwaukee's legendary soul food pits

The city's most storied BBQ joints aren't chasing Texas trends—they're serving the same recipes that have fed Milwaukee families for generations.

Speed Queen Bar-B-Que (1130 W. Walnut Street) has anchored Milwaukee's BBQ identity since 1956. Founder Betty Gillespie earned her "Speed Queen" nickname for fast service and exceptional smoked meat, and the restaurant still operates the largest BBQ pit in Milwaukee. The signature move here is ordering pork shoulder—particularly the crispy "outside" cut—served with their trademarked tangy vinegar-based sauce on white bread. This is unapologetically dive-style BBQ: walk-up counter, drive-through window, and lines that prove locals know what's good. Open Monday-Saturday (closed Sunday) with late hours on weekends (until midnight Friday-Saturday). Family meal pans available for $44-50, making it excellent value for groups. Budget pricing at $10-30 per person.

Ashley's Bar-B-Que (1501 W. Center Street) brings similar pedigree since 1961, now operated by founder Thomas Ashley Jr.'s son Darnell. Their claim—"When better Bar-B-Q is made, I will make it"—holds up across a menu featuring rib tips ($11.09), the massive King's Combo with ribs, tips, and shoulder ($17.99), and Thursday gumbo specials. Ashley's won the 2017 Big Bad BBQ Brawl on the Cooking Channel, earning national recognition for Milwaukee-style 'cue. The Ashley Fries—topped with nacho cheese, BBQ sauce, and your choice of meat—are a must-try indulgence. Open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday), with delivery via major apps.

Pitch's Lounge & Restaurant (1801 N. Humboldt Ave) represents a different tradition: Wisconsin supper club BBQ since 1942. This is elegant dining with proper linens, Sinatra on the speakers, and their "nationally famous" baby back ribs served with cast-iron skillet hash browns that locals rave about. Half rack runs $23.95, full rack $26.95. The atmosphere skews adult-oriented but families are welcome. Dinner service only (5pm-9pm weekdays, until 10pm weekends), with a party room seating 30.

The West Allis highest-rated BBQ restaurant

Double B's BBQ (7412 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis) earned the distinction of being #47 on Yelp's Top 100 Barbecue Spots in America for 2024—the only Wisconsin restaurant to make the national list. Owners Mark and Judy Timber (Mark brings 50 years as a pitmaster) have built something special since 2015: Memphis-inspired ribs smoked over hickory and cherry wood, Texas-style brisket with salt-pepper rub, and their signature burnt ends sandwich Kansas City-style with crispy onions.

The atmosphere stands out—neon lighting, abundant plants throughout, and the smell of smoke hitting you at the door. Four house-made sauces sit at every table: Kansas City sweet, Texas bold, North Carolina mustard, and spicy chipotle. Start with the bacon balls (hickory-smoked meatballs wrapped in bacon) or Timber Logs (smoked mozzarella sticks), then move to the St. Louis spare ribs or that spectacular burnt ends sandwich. Plates run $16-30, making it moderately priced for the quality.

Kid-friendly with a dedicated children's menu. Open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday-Monday). Full catering services available.

Downtown and Third Ward options

Smoke Shack (332 N. Milwaukee Street, Historic Third Ward) brings upscale-casual BBQ dining with a bourbon-focused bar program. Part of Benson's Restaurant Group, this spot slow-smokes brisket for 14+ hours and offers sauces spanning Kansas City, Carolina, Alabama white, and Memphis styles—letting you taste-test regional BBQ traditions in one sitting. They even serve BBQ seitan for vegetarians. Weekend brunch features pulled pork benedict and fried chicken with poblano waffles. Moderate pricing ($15-35), family-friendly, with patio seating. Open daily 11am-9pm (until 10pm weekends).

Doc's Commerce Smokehouse (754 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave) occupies a historic downtown building and complements hickory-smoked meats with 60+ local craft beers on tap and 200+ bourbons. They partner with Usinger's for their sausage program, keeping it Wisconsin. Important note: when they sell out, they're done for the day—plan accordingly. Moderate pricing ($12-30), great for pre-event dining near entertainment venues.

Smokin' Jack's BBQ operates two locations: a sit-down spot in Brown Deer (6807 W. Brown Deer Road) and a stall at 3rd Street Market Hall (275 W. Wisconsin Avenue) downtown. Owner Jack Holt trained under pitmasters in Texas and brings that influence to his brisket—FOX6 Milwaukee praised it as "one of the best briskets in town." The house sauces cover the spectrum: Alabama White, Texas Hot (Carolina Reaper heat), Kansas City-style, and Competition Glaze. Veteran- and minority-owned, counter-service, takeout-focused. Open daily 11am-8pm.

Food trucks bring competition-quality BBQ to parking lots across the metro

Sweet Smoke BBQ has earned Yelp's top BBQ food truck rating in Milwaukee through Texas-style precision. Owner Adam operates a 500-gallon offset smoker using only hickory, producing brisket that draws comparisons to Austin's Franklin BBQ. Find them regularly at Enlightened Brewing Company (4177 S. Howell Ave, Bay View) on weekends, where you can pair BBQ with craft beer flights. The fatty brisket is the signature—sold by the half-pound or in plates with two sides for $17-22. Family packs (2 lbs meat, full slab ribs, 4 pint sides, 8 buns) serve groups well. Limited hours: Friday 11am-2pm, Saturday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 10:30am-2pm. Catering available with 7+ days notice.

Firewise Barbecue Company brings genuine competition credentials to the street. Owner Alex Obradovich is a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society judge and competitor, and his truck reflects that discipline. Find them at rotating locations including Elliot's Ace Hardware (West Allis), Menards, and Burghardt Sporting Goods throughout the week (11am-6pm or until sold out, closed Sunday-Monday). Must-try items include the Moinks—bacon-wrapped smoked meatballs glazed with sweet BBQ sauce—alongside excellent brisket and smoky baked beans. All products are gluten-free. Sampler platters run $30+. Check firewisebbq.com for weekly schedule.

Wilma's Smokehouse parks frequently at Woodman's in Menomonee Falls, serving "rustic roadside" BBQ from a Southern Pride smoker. Their Jerk Chicken Nachos won #1 Fan Favorite recognition, and the Ultimate Shells & Cheese topped with smoked meat delivers comfort food at food-truck prices ($7-10). Kids' cheeseburgers available. Seasonal operation April-November.

The Smokin' C's BBQ (based in Grafton) serves Ozaukee County communities on a rotating schedule: Mequon Community Pool and Missing Links Golf Course on Wednesdays in summer, downtown Grafton on Fridays, and The Fermentorium brewery in Cedarburg on select Saturdays. Rated 4.7 stars on Yelp with reviews calling it "the BEST BBQ food truck in southeastern Wisconsin." Closed for season until late April.

Suburban communities deliver hidden gems worth the drive

Waukesha County and Western Suburbs

LD's BBQ (2511 Main Street, East Troy) smokes exclusively over 100% seasoned oak wood, producing ribs with dry rub throughout and pull-apart tender brisket. Owner Leon Davis has earned 4.7 stars across 2,400+ Google reviews and bills the place as "Wisconsin's Home for Real BBQ." Worth the 45-minute drive from Milwaukee for the oak-smoke flavor profile you won't find elsewhere. Three signature sauces. Open Wednesday-Sunday, closed Monday-Tuesday. Moderate pricing.

Just Smokin' Barbecue (20316 W. Main Street, Lannon) has built an award-winning operation since 2016 with low-and-slow Southern techniques and a seasonal food trailer (April-October). Full catering services available.

Mission BBQ brings patriotic-themed, fast-casual BBQ to Brookfield (18340 W. Bluemound Road), West Allis (2927 S. 108th Street), and Kenosha (6930 75th Street). Nine sauce bottles at every table let you customize plates of brisket, pulled pork, or turkey. They play the National Anthem at noon daily. Excellent for families—casual atmosphere, efficient service, $8-12 sandwiches. Open Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11:30am-8pm.

Famous Dave's (Brookfield at 15455 W. Bluemound Road; Greenfield at 5077 S. 27th Street) offers St. Louis ribs, Texas brisket, and Georgia chopped pork with dedicated kids' menus and reliable family-restaurant execution.

Racine and Kenosha

Hillery's Kenosha Bar-BQ (7613 Sheridan Road, Kenosha) is a legacy pit since 1974 serving beef ribs that fall off the bone, rib tips with hot sauce, and brisket sandwiches. This is cash-only, takeout-only, Black-owned BBQ with prices that feel like a time warp: full slab for $20, half slab for $10, sandwiches for $7.50. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday.

Dragon Pit BBQ (322 6th Street, Downtown Racine) brings innovation to traditional smoking with gourmet sandwiches, homemade biscuits, and fried chicken alongside classic smoked meats. Family recipes with modern twists. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm.

Newer arrivals continue expanding Milwaukee's BBQ options

Flava House opened in early December 2025 at 5507 W. North Avenue, taking over the space from Heaven's Table BBQ (which closed in October 2025). Pitmaster Jason Alston—who won the first BBQ competition he ever entered—consults on the menu, which continues his signature smoked meats alongside soul food additions. The Beast sandwich layers pulled pork, bacon, a beef patty, and BBQ sauce. Meats sold by the pound or as dinner plates. Counter-service with limited seating. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm.

Jericho's BBQ launched in 2024 on the Lower East Side (Farwell Avenue area), the culmination of owner Jericho Shaw's 30+ year restaurant journey from corner stand to food truck to brick-and-mortar. The menu spans wings, ribs, pork shoulder, and an impressive nine varieties of mac and cheese.

Parker John's BBQ & Pizza is planned to open in Grafton by October 2025, bringing this Wisconsin chain (founded 2008 in Kiel, six current locations) to the North Shore.

North Shore communities offer surprising BBQ depth

Yummy Bones Barbecue (201 N. Franklin Street, Port Washington) has served "Wississippi" BBQ—blending Mississippi Southern roots with Wisconsin sensibilities—since 2014. Pitmaster Robert Meredith started with a Weber grill outside a gas station before opening his restaurant. The brisket reportedly "needs no sauce," the wings stay super moist, and Mama Louise's Famous Mac & Cheese is a must-order side. Open Sunday-Saturday (closed Tuesday), with wedding and event catering throughout southeastern Wisconsin. $$ pricing.

The Bay Restaurant (500 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay) isn't BBQ-focused but features a legitimate smoked-meat program including baby back ribs with Kansas City sauce, house-smoked brisket, and lemon pepper smoked wings. Their BBQ Plate combines quarter-rack ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings with cornbread for a solid sampling. Warm neighborhood atmosphere with live music Thursday-Friday. Rated #1 restaurant in Whitefish Bay on TripAdvisor.

Nino's Southern Sides (4475 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood) delivers soul food comfort including BBQ pigs feet ("tender as a mother's love"), smothered pork chops, and braised oxtails. Small space (12-seat capacity), primarily takeout. Open 7 days, 11am-7pm. Budget pricing.

Bawi Korean BBQ (6107 W. Mequon Road, Mequon) offers a different BBQ tradition: all-you-can-eat table grilling with bulgogi, marinated pork belly, and premium meats you cook yourself. Interactive, fun for groups, highly rated for the area.

BBQ styles represented across the Milwaukee metro

Style Where to Find It Texas-style Sweet Smoke BBQ, Smokin' Jack's BBQ, Flava House Memphis-inspired Double B's BBQ, LD's BBQ Kansas City Firewise BBQ, Smoke Shack, Double B's (burnt ends) Carolina Sweet Smoke (Carolina sandwich), Smoke Shack (sauce options) Milwaukee Soul Food Speed Queen, Ashley's Bar-B-Que, Nino's Southern Sides Wisconsin Supper Club Pitch's Lounge & Restaurant Competition-style Firewise BBQ, Sweet Smoke BBQ

Catering specialists for parties and events

The Saucy Swine (thesaucyswine.com) offers six homemade BBQ sauces and a "Swine Bar" concept for events, with packages ranging from appetizer receptions to tailgate catering.

Bubb's BBQ (bubbs.com) brings Texas traditions since 1996, smoking meats 12+ hours in oak wood pits. Services range from backyard graduations to corporate picnics.

Sweet Smoke BBQ offers whole-cut catering: whole brisket ($160, feeds 10-12), pork shoulder ($100, feeds 12-14), or full rack spare ribs ($34, feeds 2-3). Seven days notice required.

Most sit-down restaurants—including Double B's, Doc's Commerce Smokehouse, Smoke Shack, and LD's BBQ—provide full catering services.

Practical planning guide for BBQ adventures

Best for families with kids

• Double B's BBQ (West Allis): Dedicated kids' menu, casual atmosphere, plants everywhere

• Mission BBQ (Brookfield, West Allis, Kenosha): Fast-casual efficiency, kids eat free promotions

• Famous Dave's (Brookfield, Greenfield): Kids' program, reliable chain experience

• Smoke Shack (Third Ward): Varied menu including brunch, upscale-casual vibe

Best budget BBQ (under $15/person)

• Speed Queen Bar-B-Que: Pork shoulder on white bread, Milwaukee institution

• Ashley's Bar-B-Que: Rib tip dinners under $12

• Hillery's Kenosha Bar-BQ: Half slab for $10, cash only

• Wilma's Smokehouse: Food truck value at $7-10

Best splurge-worthy experience

• Pitch's Lounge & Restaurant: White-tablecloth supper club, $25-40 entrees

• Double B's BBQ: Yelp Top 100 nationally, $16-30 plates

• Smoke Shack: Bourbon program, patio dining, $15-35

Best for takeout and quick service

• Smokin' Jack's BBQ: Counter-service designed, two locations

• Ashley's Bar-B-Que: Family pans for $44-50

• Speed Queen Bar-B-Que: Drive-through available

• Hillery's Kenosha Bar-BQ: Takeout only

Conclusion

Milwaukee's BBQ scene succeeds because it never tried to be Austin or Kansas City—it developed its own identity rooted in soul food traditions, Wisconsin supper club culture, and Midwestern pragmatism about feeding people well. The historic triangle of Speed Queen, Ashley's, and Pitch's provides living history, while newcomers like Sweet Smoke BBQ and Double B's prove the scene keeps evolving. For families, the practical takeaway is this: every corner of the metro has quality smoked meat within reasonable driving distance, prices remain accessible compared to coastal cities, and the casual atmospheres at most spots make bringing kids stress-free. The food trucks add spontaneity and competition-level quality to parking lots across the region. Whether you're craving fatty brisket in Bay View, soul food ribs on the North Side, or oak-smoked perfection worth a drive to East Troy, Milwaukee delivers.