Tucked along the Fox River, Appleton might seem a world away from traditional barbecue capitals, but the city’s food scene is adventurous—and that extends right to the smoker.
Drawing influences from the Midwest, South, and beyond, Appleton’s pitmasters deliver juicy brisket, saucy ribs, and plenty of local flair.
Whether you’re after family-style platters or craft beers and ‘cue, the heart of Wisconsin is quietly making a name for itself as a barbecue destination.
Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza
A cornerstone of the area’s barbecue renaissance, Parker John’s draws crowds for their Texas-style smoked meats, meaty pork ribs, and tangy house barbecue sauce.
Their brisket is always juicy and perfectly barked, and the combo platters (served with hot rolls and creamy sides) are perfect for big appetites.
Craft beer selection and friendly, bustling service make this a go-to for lunch and dinner.
Houdini’s Escape Gastropub
While known for its burgers and craft brews, Houdini’s devotes serious attention to smokehouse classics, rolling out ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches that pack bold flavor.
Each dish gets a creative, elevated twist, but the barbecue keeps a foot in traditional comfort.
The mac and cheese and truffle fries are local celeb sides.
Good Company
This longstanding, multi-level eatery serves a huge menu, but their barbecue platters are a highlight. St. Louis-style ribs, BBQ chicken, and slow-cooked pork pair perfectly with their housemade sauces.
The Northwoods lodge ambiance gives every meal a cozy, supper club vibe, and families especially love the friendly, old-school charm.
R.I. Smoked BBQ
Hidden gem alert! Known mostly for catering and pop-ups, R.I. Smoked BBQ serves up some of the Fox Valley’s best smoked wings, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and weekend rib specials.
They use local hickory and cherry woods for subtle, layered smoke flavor, and the rotating menu always includes something creative—like brisket chili or smoked mac and cheese balls.
The StoneYard Bar & Grill
A lively sports bar that punches above its weight with a strong barbecue game.
Their smoked pork sandwich, saucy ribs, and BBQ platters are city favorites—great during game nights or casual parties.
Try the BBQ nachos for a fun, shareable twist, and don’t miss their house chips topped with brisket and cheddar.
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