Milwaukee’s food scene might be synonymous with cheese, sausages, and beer, but this lakeside city has turned its attention to barbecue with mouthwatering results.
Inspired by Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City traditions—blended with Wisconsin’s love for hearty eats—Milwaukee’s best barbecue joints serve up soulful meats, ambitious sides, and a welcoming, Midwestern spirit. Ready for some of the city’s boldest flavors?
These five spots have carved out a serious reputation in Cream City.
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q
An absolute icon, Speed Queen has been smoking meats for over 60 years.
Their pork shoulder, beef brisket, and turkey are fall-apart tender, and regulars swear by their signature tangy, sweet-spicy sauce.
It’s old-school: counter service, checkered tablecloths, and portions that invite leftovers.
Order the rib tips and don’t forget the baked beans—the Speed Queen recipe is legendary.
Saz’s State House
Famous in Milwaukee for its barbecue and festival eats, Saz’s brings Southern smoke to the Midwest with hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and tangy barbecue chicken.
Their baby back ribs are thick with bark and slathered in a bourbon-infused house sauce.
A full bar, patio seating in summer, and loaded combo platters make Saz’s both a local fixture and a worthy destination for visitors.
Iron Grate BBQ Co.
With a focus on Central Texas-style ‘cue (think peppery brisket and big, meaty beef ribs), Iron Grate cooks over oak fires for deeply flavorful results. Try the pork belly, “rib sammie,” and their housemade spicy sausages.
Their pickled sides and creative scratch-made sauces (the “Carolina Tang” is a local favorite) balance the smoky richness.
Spacious picnic tables and a fun, casual setting make it a perfect group hangout.
Heaven’s Table BBQ
One of Milwaukee’s newer standouts, Heaven’s Table has built up big buzz for its smoked brisket (moist, peppery, and thin-sliced), slow-cooked pork, and turkey.
Their BBQ nachos, mac and cheese, and collard greens have just as many fans as the meat itself.
Whether you’re in for a sampler platter or hearty lunch sandwich, this is barbecue with real passion behind it.
Double B’s BBQ
Tucked away in West Allis, Double B’s offers Southern barbecue favorites—from St. Louis ribs to chicken to sausage links—with all the classic fixings. The vibe is small-town retro, but the flavors are big.
Their sauces range from house original to tangy mustard, and their smoky, peppery brisket sandwiches and barbecue platters are some of the city’s most consistent crowd-pleasers.
Best of all, the warm, welcoming service always makes you feel like a regular.
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