Best BBQ in Madison, WI

Madison, WI, has some of the best BBQ spots I’ve ever tasted! I’ve explored the city’s barbecue scene, and I’m excited to share my favorites with you. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll find amazing flavors and friendly vibes at these places.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Madison, WI? Well, the best BBQ in Madison, WI, is a mix of awesome restaurants that serve up delicious smoked meats and tasty sauces. From Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ to unique Chinese BBQ, there’s something for everyone. This guide will help you find the top spots to enjoy mouthwatering barbecue in the city.

Get ready to dive into the smoky goodness! I’ll take you through each restaurant, sharing what makes them special and why you should check them out. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these tasty treats!

Top 10 BBQ in Madison, WI

1. Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ
2. Beef Butter BBQ
3. MISSION BBQ
4. City Barbeque
5. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
6. Chinese BBQ
7. BBQ Stand
8. North and South Seafood & Smokehouse
9. Fat Jacks Barbecue
10. PAPAs BBQ

1. Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ

Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ is one of my favorite places in Madison! When you walk in, the smell of yummy smoked meats just makes you smile. I remember the first time I went there; the staff was super friendly and made me feel like I was part of the family right away.

What makes Smoky Jon’s really special is their wood-burning pit. It gives the meat that amazing smoky flavor that you just can’t get anywhere else. Every bite is packed with deliciousness, and you can tell they really care about their food.

If you visit, you have to try the pulled pork sandwich! It’s so tender and juicy, and the sauce is just perfect. I also love their coleslaw; it’s creamy and goes so well with the sandwich. Trust me, you’ll love it!

2. Beef Butter BBQ

Beef Butter BBQ is one of my go-to places in Madison, and I can’t get enough of it! The first time I visited, I was blown away by the delicious smell of smoked meats as soon as I walked in. The atmosphere is super relaxed, and the staff is always so nice, making you feel like you belong there.

What makes Beef Butter BBQ really special is how they mix flavors. They take traditional BBQ and add fun twists that make every bite exciting! The meats are always super tender, and you can really taste the care they put into cooking.

If you stop by, you have to try the brisket! It’s so juicy and full of flavor, and it just melts in your mouth. Don’t forget to get their homemade mac and cheese on the side; it’s creamy and goes perfectly with the brisket. You’re gonna love it!

3. MISSION BBQ

MISSION BBQ is one of my favorite spots in Madison! When I walked in for the first time, I was amazed by all the cool stuff on the walls honoring soldiers and first responders. It really makes the place feel special and welcoming, and I loved the casual vibe.

What really stands out at MISSION BBQ is how much they care about their food and community. They serve up classic BBQ dishes that are super tasty, and you can feel the love in every bite. The flavors are bold, and everything is cooked just right.

If you go, you have to try the pulled pork! It’s so tender and full of flavor, and it just melts in your mouth. Don’t forget to grab some mac and cheese on the side; it’s creamy and delicious. You’re gonna have a great meal!

4. City Barbeque

City Barbeque is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ in Madison! The first time I walked in, I was hit with the amazing smell of smoked meats, and I just knew I was in for a treat. The place has a really cozy vibe, and it feels like a great spot to hang out and enjoy some good food.

What really makes City Barbeque special is how they stick to classic BBQ flavors. They smoke their meats just right, and everything is super fresh. You can really taste the love they put into their cooking!

If you go, you have to try the brisket! It’s so juicy and full of flavor, and it practically melts in your mouth. Make sure to get their baked beans on the side; they’re sweet and delicious. You’re gonna have a blast eating here!

5. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is one of my favorite places to eat in Madison! When I first walked in, I loved the cool American West theme everywhere. The smell of wood-smoked meats was so inviting, and I was super excited to try their food.

What really makes Famous Dave’s special is the huge variety of BBQ dishes they offer. They know how to smoke their meats just right, and every bite is full of flavor. You can really taste the love they put into their cooking!

If you visit, you have to try the rib tips! They’re so tender and smoky, and they just melt in your mouth. And don’t forget to get their famous cornbread on the side; it’s sweet and super yummy. You’re gonna have a blast eating here!

6. Chinese BBQ

Chinese BBQ is such a cool spot in Madison that I really enjoy! The first time I went there, I was super excited to try something different. The cozy vibe made me feel right at home, and the yummy smell of grilled meats made my mouth water right away.

What makes Chinese BBQ stand out is their awesome flavors and cooking style. They have a mix of traditional Chinese BBQ dishes that are super tasty and fun to eat. You can really taste the special spices and marinades they use, which makes everything so good!

If you stop by, you have to try the BBQ pork! It’s sweet, tender, and packed with flavor. I also love their crispy duck; it’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You’re gonna have a great time eating here!

7. BBQ Stand

BBQ Stand is such a cool place in Madison that I really love! The first time I went there, I was super excited to see the outdoor seating and all the happy people around. The yummy smell of BBQ in the air made my tummy rumble, and I couldn’t wait to try their food.

What makes BBQ Stand special is how they focus on simple, tasty BBQ that’s done just right. They serve classic dishes that are always fresh and full of flavor. You can really taste how much they care about their food!

If you visit, you have to try their smoked brisket! It’s so tender and juicy, and the flavor is just out of this world. And don’t forget to get some of their homemade BBQ sauce on the side; it adds the perfect touch. You’re gonna have a blast eating here!

8. North and South Seafood & Smokehouse

North and South Seafood & Smokehouse is one of my favorite places in Madison! The first time I went there, I really loved the relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The menu had so many yummy choices, and I was super excited to try both seafood and BBQ!

What makes North and South special is their awesome mix of seafood and smoked meats. They have daily specials that keep things fresh and fun, and you can really taste how good everything is. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves tasty food!

If you stop by, you have to try their smoked salmon! It’s so flavorful and cooked just right. I also really recommend their shrimp tacos; they’re fresh and super delicious. You’re gonna have a great time eating here!

9. Fat Jacks Barbecue

Fat Jacks Barbecue is one of my favorite places to eat! The first time I walked in, I loved the cozy, down-home feel of the restaurant. The yummy smell of pit-smoked BBQ made my mouth water, and I was super excited to try their food!

What really makes Fat Jacks special is their all-you-can-eat specials and a great beer selection. They really know how to smoke their meats, and everything is so tasty. You can tell they put a lot of love into their cooking, and it shows in every bite!

If you visit, you have to try their ribs! They’re super tender and packed with flavor, and their homemade BBQ sauce is just perfect. And don’t forget to check out their beer menu; it’s a great way to enjoy your meal. You’re gonna have a great time here!

10. PAPAs BBQ

PAPAs BBQ is such a fun place that I really love! The first time I went there, I was super excited to see the cozy seating and all the friendly faces. The yummy smell of BBQ in the air made my tummy rumble, and I couldn’t wait to try their food!

What makes PAPAs BBQ really special is their amazing flavors and great service. They really know how to cook their meats, and everything is super tasty. You can tell they care about making every meal special, and it shows in every bite!

If you visit, you have to try their pulled pork! It’s so tender and juicy, and the flavor is just out of this world. And don’t forget to grab some of their homemade coleslaw; it’s the perfect side. You’re gonna have a great time eating here!

Map of BBQ in Madison, WI

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant	Price	Seating	Takeout	Delivery	Wheelchair	Reservation
Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
Beef Butter BBQ	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
MISSION BBQ	Moderate	Yes	Yes	No	Accessible	No
City Barbeque	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Chinese BBQ	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	–
BBQ Stand	–	Yes	Yes	No	Accessible	–
North and South Seafood & Smokehouse	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Fat Jacks Barbecue	Moderate	Yes	Yes	–	Accessible	–
PAPAs BBQ	–	Yes	Yes	–	Accessible	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best BBQ restaurants in Madison, WI?
  There are so many great BBQ places in Madison! Some of my favorites are Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ, Beef Butter BBQ, and MISSION BBQ. Each spot has its own yummy flavors and a cozy feel that makes you want to come back for more.

• Is there BBQ that caters to different dietary needs?
  Yes, lots of BBQ places in Madison have options for different diets! You can find gluten-free and even some vegetarian choices. It’s always good to ask the staff if you have special needs.

• Do BBQ places in Madison offer takeout?
  Absolutely! Most BBQ restaurants, like Famous Dave’s and BBQ Stand, let you take your food to go. It’s perfect for enjoying your favorite BBQ at home or on a picnic!

• Are there any BBQ food trucks in Madison?
  Yes, there are some awesome BBQ food trucks around Madison! They serve up tasty smoked meats and sides, and you can often find them at local events and festivals. Keep an eye out for them!

• What is the typical price range for BBQ in Madison?
  The prices for BBQ in Madison are usually pretty reasonable. Most meals cost between $10 and $20, and you can find great deals, especially with all-you-can-eat specials at places like Fat Jacks Barbecue.

• Can I make reservations at BBQ restaurants in Madison?
  Yes, some BBQ spots, like PAPAs BBQ, let you make reservations. It’s a smart idea to call ahead, especially on busy nights or weekends.

• What are some popular BBQ dishes to try in Madison?
  You have to try the pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, and rib tips when you’re in Madison! And don’t forget to taste the homemade sauces and sides like coleslaw and baked beans—they’re so good!

• Is outdoor seating available at BBQ restaurants in Madison?
  Yes, many BBQ places have outdoor seating, especially when the weather is nice. It’s a great way to enjoy your meal while soaking up the sun and having fun!