Wisconsin definitely isn’t on most people’s lists of great BBQ destinations, but there are actually a great handful of places serving up slow-smoked, well-loved and delicious BBQ if you know where to look. One of the hallmarks of great BBQ is not taking itself too seriously. These places don’t have white tablecloths and aren’t fancy. They aren’t the most popular joint in town. They’re just small places in hidden spots cranking out amazing smoked meat and tasty sauces to the folks lucky enough to know about them. In no particular order, here are the 10 best hole in the wall BBQ restaurants in Wisconsin.
- Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ - Dodgeville
Facebook/BobsBitchinBbq
Yelp/Millie M With an industrial look and an interesting array of non-standard sauce choices, Bob’s would be at home in much bigger cities. Instead, it’s a cozy little local joint well worth the drive. Order your meat naked and then take advantage of the smorgasbord of sauces at your table. Located at 167 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI 53533. To learn more, visit the official website for Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ.
- J & J BBQ - Nelson
Facebook/JandJBBQ
Yelp/Jennifer S So popular they’ve expanded into neighboring space, this is another place that would do well in a bigger area, but is happy just feeding the fine folks of their small town. You’ll feel like family here, especially since half the folks will be regulars. Located at 208 N Main St, Nelson, WI 54756. To learn more, visit the official website for J & J BBQ.
- LD’s BBQ - East Troy
Facebook/LDsBBQ
Yelp/RW Any good southerner knows the best food comes from the most unexpected places and that’s often gas stations. LD’s is Wisconsin’s very own proof of that rule. Most folks aren’t heading to East Troy for dinner, but they should be. Well worth the short drive from Milwaukee, LD’s is packed full of flavor - you’ll start smelling the smoke when you get off the freeway. Located at 1880 Co Hwy ES, East Troy, WI 53120. To learn more, visit the official website for LD’s BBQ.
- Bad Bones Barbecue - Woodruff
business owner/Yelp
Yelp/Bad Bones BBQ The Northwoods is more known for supper clubs and fish fry than BBQ, but Bad Bones is a newer place that’s making a place for themselves. Not only will you get stellar food, but you can’t beat the location. Take your food outside on a picnic table lakeside and enjoy the Up North life. Located at 1421 US-51, Woodruff, WI 54568. To learn more, visit the official website for Bad Bones Barbecue.
- Big Guy’s BBQ Roadhouse - Hudson
Facebook/BigGuysBBQRoadhouse
Facebook/BigGuysBBQRoadhouse This place has a stellar sandwich selection and you won’t regret going on Taco Tuesday. Located at 1237 WI-35, Hudson, WI 54016. To learn more, visit the official website for Big Guy’s BBQ Roadhouse.
- T Bacon’s BBQ - Ashwaubenon
Yelp/Scott C
Yelp/Emily K Some unusual flavors, like the spicy root beer rib sandwich, make this place a must-stop for any bbq-lover. Adjoining a casino and a gas station, this is another of those nondescript places hiding in plain sight. Located at 3120 Packerland Dr, Ashwaubenon, WI 54115. To learn more, visit the official website for T Bacon’s BBQ.
- Double B’s - West Allis
Facebook/Double B’s
Yelp/Judy T Hidden among some shops and bars on West Allis’ main drag, this place is doing really interesting things with their smoker - if they have the smoked deviled eggs, definitely try those. But you’ll not go wrong with anything on the menu. Check out the interesting drinks, as well. Located at 7420 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214. To learn more, visit the official website for Double B’s.
- Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ - Madison
Yelp/Daniel L
Yelp/Smoky Jons This woodsy joint has some of the best, fall-off-the-bone ribs you’ll ever have. Located at 2310 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704. To learn more, visit the official website for Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ.
- Iron Grate - Milwaukee
Yelp/Tim H
Yelp/Tim H These guys moved into a bigger spot which should solve the biggest complaint about them - they run out of food quickly. But that speaks to how much everyone loves them. The mac and cheese is a favorite side and the smoked sausage is amazing. Located at 4125 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. To learn more, visit the official website for Iron Gate BBQ in Wisconsin.
- Speed Queen - Milwaukee
Yelp/Albert F
Yelp/Mary W A Milwaukee institution, Speed Queen has been there for more than 60 years serving up stellar take out BBQ in the largest pit in the city. Located at 1130 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205. To learn more, visit the official website for Speed Queen BBQ.
Have you been to any of the best hole in the wall BBQ restaurants in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another joint that should have made the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Facebook/BobsBitchinBbq
Yelp/Millie M
With an industrial look and an interesting array of non-standard sauce choices, Bob’s would be at home in much bigger cities. Instead, it’s a cozy little local joint well worth the drive. Order your meat naked and then take advantage of the smorgasbord of sauces at your table. Located at 167 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI 53533. To learn more, visit the official website for Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ.
Facebook/JandJBBQ
Yelp/Jennifer S
So popular they’ve expanded into neighboring space, this is another place that would do well in a bigger area, but is happy just feeding the fine folks of their small town. You’ll feel like family here, especially since half the folks will be regulars. Located at 208 N Main St, Nelson, WI 54756. To learn more, visit the official website for J & J BBQ.
Facebook/LDsBBQ
Yelp/RW
Any good southerner knows the best food comes from the most unexpected places and that’s often gas stations. LD’s is Wisconsin’s very own proof of that rule. Most folks aren’t heading to East Troy for dinner, but they should be. Well worth the short drive from Milwaukee, LD’s is packed full of flavor - you’ll start smelling the smoke when you get off the freeway. Located at 1880 Co Hwy ES, East Troy, WI 53120. To learn more, visit the official website for LD’s BBQ.
business owner/Yelp
Yelp/Bad Bones BBQ
The Northwoods is more known for supper clubs and fish fry than BBQ, but Bad Bones is a newer place that’s making a place for themselves. Not only will you get stellar food, but you can’t beat the location. Take your food outside on a picnic table lakeside and enjoy the Up North life. Located at 1421 US-51, Woodruff, WI 54568. To learn more, visit the official website for Bad Bones Barbecue.
Facebook/BigGuysBBQRoadhouse
This place has a stellar sandwich selection and you won’t regret going on Taco Tuesday. Located at 1237 WI-35, Hudson, WI 54016. To learn more, visit the official website for Big Guy’s BBQ Roadhouse.
Yelp/Scott C
Yelp/Emily K
Some unusual flavors, like the spicy root beer rib sandwich, make this place a must-stop for any bbq-lover. Adjoining a casino and a gas station, this is another of those nondescript places hiding in plain sight. Located at 3120 Packerland Dr, Ashwaubenon, WI 54115. To learn more, visit the official website for T Bacon’s BBQ.
Facebook/Double B’s
Yelp/Judy T
Hidden among some shops and bars on West Allis’ main drag, this place is doing really interesting things with their smoker - if they have the smoked deviled eggs, definitely try those. But you’ll not go wrong with anything on the menu. Check out the interesting drinks, as well. Located at 7420 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214. To learn more, visit the official website for Double B’s.
Yelp/Daniel L
Yelp/Smoky Jons
This woodsy joint has some of the best, fall-off-the-bone ribs you’ll ever have. Located at 2310 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704. To learn more, visit the official website for Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ.
Yelp/Tim H
These guys moved into a bigger spot which should solve the biggest complaint about them - they run out of food quickly. But that speaks to how much everyone loves them. The mac and cheese is a favorite side and the smoked sausage is amazing. Located at 4125 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. To learn more, visit the official website for Iron Gate BBQ in Wisconsin.
Yelp/Albert F
Yelp/Mary W
A Milwaukee institution, Speed Queen has been there for more than 60 years serving up stellar take out BBQ in the largest pit in the city. Located at 1130 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205. To learn more, visit the official website for Speed Queen BBQ.
Looking for more of the best BBQ restaurants in Wisconsin? Check out our previous article: The 13 Best BBQ Sandwiches In Wisconsin And Where To Find Them.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 208 N Main St, Nelson, WI 54756, USAAddress: 2052 Holmgren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304, USAAddress: 2511 Main St, East Troy, WI 53120, USAAddress: 1421 US-51, Woodruff, WI 54568, USAAddress: 1237 WI-35, Hudson, WI 54016, USAAddress: 3120 Packerland Dr, Ashwaubenon, WI 54115, USAAddress: 7420 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214, USAAddress: 2310 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USAAddress: 4125 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USAAddress: 1130 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
hole in the wall BBQ restaurants in Wisconsin October 01, 2019 Elisa Regulski Is Wisconsin known for BBQ? Wisconsin doesn’t typically come to mind when people think of barbecue, but this state is full of delicious smoked meats. You’ll find all kinds of mouthwatering meals at the local restaurants in Wisconsin. From pit-smoked pork ribs to grilled chicken, these places pack the flavor. Come hungry, because these joints don’t scrimp on portions. You may not see fancy tablecloths or snazzy decorations, but you’ll certainly find plenty of amazing flavors. Bring your whole family! Barbecue is meant to be shared with people you love. What style of BBQ can be found in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of BBQ. Though this state doesn’t have a style to call its own, Wisconsin pit masters really know how to smoke some meat. For St. Louis style ribs, dine at Double B’s BBQ. This hole in the wall restaurant in Wisconsin is considered one of the best in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Their ribs are hickory smoked for over four hours, and the meat falls off the bone. They also slow-smoke their chicken wings. Believe us, you’ve never had wings this good before. Dunk them into their incredible Kansas City BBQ sauce, and you’re in heaven. You’ll also find St.Louis-style ribs at LD’s Barbecue in East Troy. As soon as you step foot inside the restaurant, the smell of delicious BBQ smoke will greet you. That heavenly flavor seeps into everything they cook. For Texas-style brisket, chow down at Heaven’s Table in Milwaukee. This cut of meat is slow-cooked for hours, and the end result is pure bliss. You won’t even need to drizzle sauce of this – it’s that good on its own. What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin? Al’s Hamburger Shop is an amazing hole in the wall restaurant in Wisconsin. This Green Bay eatery has quickly become a staple in the area, so you won’t want to pass it by. The interior is classic and homey. You won’t see any extra frills here, but you will find lots of great company. The regulars at Al’s are always friendly. Stop by and treat yourself to a comforting hamburger. Sometimes, that’s just what the doctor ordered. You’ll find this hidden gem at 131 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301. For more comfort food, dine at Barre Country Diner and Pizzeria. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here. If it’s a scrumptious pizza, you’ve got it. If you’re eager for a hearty burger, you’re in luck. In addition to these diner staples, though, Barre Country whips up exquisite meals like mushroom bisque soup and burgundy pepper steak. There really is no limit to the amount of delicious fare this place has to offer. You’ll find Barre Country Diner and Pizzeria at W4007 County Rd O, Barre, WI 54669.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hole in the wall BBQ restaurants in Wisconsin
October 01, 2019
Elisa Regulski
Is Wisconsin known for BBQ? Wisconsin doesn’t typically come to mind when people think of barbecue, but this state is full of delicious smoked meats. You’ll find all kinds of mouthwatering meals at the local restaurants in Wisconsin. From pit-smoked pork ribs to grilled chicken, these places pack the flavor. Come hungry, because these joints don’t scrimp on portions. You may not see fancy tablecloths or snazzy decorations, but you’ll certainly find plenty of amazing flavors. Bring your whole family! Barbecue is meant to be shared with people you love. What style of BBQ can be found in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of BBQ. Though this state doesn’t have a style to call its own, Wisconsin pit masters really know how to smoke some meat. For St. Louis style ribs, dine at Double B’s BBQ. This hole in the wall restaurant in Wisconsin is considered one of the best in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Their ribs are hickory smoked for over four hours, and the meat falls off the bone. They also slow-smoke their chicken wings. Believe us, you’ve never had wings this good before. Dunk them into their incredible Kansas City BBQ sauce, and you’re in heaven. You’ll also find St.Louis-style ribs at LD’s Barbecue in East Troy. As soon as you step foot inside the restaurant, the smell of delicious BBQ smoke will greet you. That heavenly flavor seeps into everything they cook. For Texas-style brisket, chow down at Heaven’s Table in Milwaukee. This cut of meat is slow-cooked for hours, and the end result is pure bliss. You won’t even need to drizzle sauce of this – it’s that good on its own. What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin? Al’s Hamburger Shop is an amazing hole in the wall restaurant in Wisconsin. This Green Bay eatery has quickly become a staple in the area, so you won’t want to pass it by. The interior is classic and homey. You won’t see any extra frills here, but you will find lots of great company. The regulars at Al’s are always friendly. Stop by and treat yourself to a comforting hamburger. Sometimes, that’s just what the doctor ordered. You’ll find this hidden gem at 131 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301. For more comfort food, dine at Barre Country Diner and Pizzeria. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here. If it’s a scrumptious pizza, you’ve got it. If you’re eager for a hearty burger, you’re in luck. In addition to these diner staples, though, Barre Country whips up exquisite meals like mushroom bisque soup and burgundy pepper steak. There really is no limit to the amount of delicious fare this place has to offer. You’ll find Barre Country Diner and Pizzeria at W4007 County Rd O, Barre, WI 54669.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wisconsin doesn’t typically come to mind when people think of barbecue, but this state is full of delicious smoked meats. You’ll find all kinds of mouthwatering meals at the local restaurants in Wisconsin. From pit-smoked pork ribs to grilled chicken, these places pack the flavor. Come hungry, because these joints don’t scrimp on portions. You may not see fancy tablecloths or snazzy decorations, but you’ll certainly find plenty of amazing flavors. Bring your whole family! Barbecue is meant to be shared with people you love.
What style of BBQ can be found in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of BBQ. Though this state doesn’t have a style to call its own, Wisconsin pit masters really know how to smoke some meat. For St. Louis style ribs, dine at Double B’s BBQ. This hole in the wall restaurant in Wisconsin is considered one of the best in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Their ribs are hickory smoked for over four hours, and the meat falls off the bone. They also slow-smoke their chicken wings. Believe us, you’ve never had wings this good before. Dunk them into their incredible Kansas City BBQ sauce, and you’re in heaven. You’ll also find St.Louis-style ribs at LD’s Barbecue in East Troy. As soon as you step foot inside the restaurant, the smell of delicious BBQ smoke will greet you. That heavenly flavor seeps into everything they cook. For Texas-style brisket, chow down at Heaven’s Table in Milwaukee. This cut of meat is slow-cooked for hours, and the end result is pure bliss. You won’t even need to drizzle sauce of this – it’s that good on its own.
What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin?
Al’s Hamburger Shop is an amazing hole in the wall restaurant in Wisconsin. This Green Bay eatery has quickly become a staple in the area, so you won’t want to pass it by. The interior is classic and homey. You won’t see any extra frills here, but you will find lots of great company. The regulars at Al’s are always friendly. Stop by and treat yourself to a comforting hamburger. Sometimes, that’s just what the doctor ordered. You’ll find this hidden gem at 131 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301. For more comfort food, dine at Barre Country Diner and Pizzeria. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here. If it’s a scrumptious pizza, you’ve got it. If you’re eager for a hearty burger, you’re in luck. In addition to these diner staples, though, Barre Country whips up exquisite meals like mushroom bisque soup and burgundy pepper steak. There really is no limit to the amount of delicious fare this place has to offer. You’ll find Barre Country Diner and Pizzeria at W4007 County Rd O, Barre, WI 54669.
