Who knew Wisconsin was hiding a treasure trove of mouthwatering BBQ?
From lakeside gems to small-town surprises, these seven spots are serving up smoky delights that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!
1. Boondocks BBQ Restaurant & Market (Oconomowoc)
Located in the heart of Oconomowoc, Boondocks BBQ is like finding a diamond in the rough – if that diamond was slathered in tangy sauce and smoked to perfection.
This charming establishment, with its cozy cabin-like exterior and inviting patio, is the kind of place that makes you feel at home before you’ve even taken your first bite.
As you approach, the aroma of slow-cooked meats wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your stomach growl in anticipation.
The rustic wooden barrels and patriotic touches add to the down-home atmosphere, while the red umbrellas beckon you to sit and stay awhile.
Inside, the market aspect of Boondocks offers a smorgasbord of local goodies and BBQ essentials.
It’s like a treasure hunt for your taste buds – you might come for the ribs but leave with a jar of small-batch hot sauce and a newfound obsession with Wisconsin-made snacks.
But let’s talk about the star of the show – the BBQ.
The menu here is a carnivore’s dream, featuring everything from fall-off-the-bone ribs to succulent pulled pork.
And don’t even get me started on their brisket – it’s so tender, it practically melts in your mouth like meaty butter.
What sets Boondocks apart is their commitment to that perfect balance of smoke and flavor.
It’s not just about slapping some sauce on a piece of meat.
It’s about coaxing out those complex flavors through hours of patient smoking and a blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds stand up and salute.
2. Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ (Dodgeville)
If there’s one thing I love more than great BBQ, it’s a great BBQ joint with a sense of humor.
Enter Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ in Dodgeville, where the name alone tells you you’re in for a good time.
This place is like the cool uncle of BBQ restaurants – a little irreverent, a lot of fun, and always ready to serve up a plate of something delicious.
Housed in a classic brick building that screams “small-town charm,” Bob’s stands out with its bold signage and inviting storefront.
The moment you step inside, you’re hit with that intoxicating aroma of smoked meats that makes your mouth water faster than Pavlov’s dogs at dinnertime.
The menu at Bob’s is a love letter to all things smoky and savory.
From their tender pulled pork to their juicy brisket, each dish is a testament to the art of low-and-slow cooking.
But what really tickles my fancy is their creative approach to BBQ.
And let’s not forget about the sides.
Bob’s doesn’t play when it comes to accompaniments.
Their mac and cheese is so creamy and indulgent, it should come with a warning label.
What I love most about Bob’s is how they’ve managed to create a space that feels both classic and contemporary.
It’s the kind of place where you can bring your grandpa for a traditional rack of ribs, or your hipster cousin for some Instagram-worthy BBQ fusion creations.
It’s a unifier, a peacemaker in the world of smoked meats.
3. Double B’s BBQ & Burgers (West Allis)
Tucked away in West Allis, Double B’s BBQ & Burgers is the kind of place that makes you do a double-take.
From the outside, it might look like your average urban eatery, but step inside, and you’re transported to a BBQ lover’s paradise.
The first thing you notice about Double B’s is the enticing aroma that hits you like a friendly slap in the face.
It’s a smell that says, “Forget your diet, you’re about to embark on a flavor adventure.”
And let me tell you, it’s an adventure worth taking.
Double B’s menu is a beautiful marriage of classic BBQ and gourmet burgers.
Their brisket is so tender, you could cut it with a harsh word, and their burgers are the kind that make you want to write sonnets about beef.
But what really sets Double B’s apart is their commitment to quality.
They’re smoking their meats low and slow, infusing every bite with a depth of flavor that’ll make your taste buds stand up and do the Macarena.
And let’s talk about their sauce selection.
From sweet and tangy to “Holy moly, is my mouth on fire?” they’ve got a sauce for every palate.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book but for your mouth.
The atmosphere at Double B’s strikes that perfect balance between casual and cool.
The staff here treats you like you’re part of the family – a family that’s really, really into good BBQ.
4. Smokey Treats Bar and Grill (Hudson)
Located in the charming town of Hudson, Smokey Treats Bar and Grill is like finding a hidden passage to flavor town.
This place might not look like much from the outside. but don’t let that fool you.
It’s proof that you should never judge a book by its cover or a BBQ joint by its location.
As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with that unmistakable aroma of smoked meats that makes your stomach growl louder than a bear waking up from hibernation.
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The decor is simple, but who needs fancy trimmings when the food is the star of the show?
Smokey Treats lives up to its name with a menu that’s a veritable playground for smoke enthusiasts.
Their ribs are so tender, they practically fall off the bone if you look at them funny.
And don’t even get me started on their brisket – it’s got a smoke ring so perfect, it could make a pitmaster weep tears of joy.
But what really tickles my fancy about Smokey Treats is their creative approach to BBQ.
Sure, they’ve got all the classics, but they’re not afraid to think outside the smoker.
The folks at Smokey Treats have also mastered the art of the perfect side dish.
Their mac and cheese is so creamy and indulgent, it should come with a warning label.
And their coleslaw?
It’s got just the right amount of crunch and tang to cut through the richness of the meat.
What I love most about Smokey Treats is how unpretentious it is.
It’s not trying to be the fanciest joint in town or win any beauty contests.
It’s just focused on serving up a damn good BBQ in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where you can come as you are, roll up your sleeves, and get messy with some of the best BBQ this side of the Mississippi.
5. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (Kenosha)
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Kenosha is proof that sometimes, the franchise player can still hit a home run.
From the outside, Dickey’s looks like your typical fast-casual joint.
But step inside, and you’re greeted by the kind of smoky aroma that makes your mouth water.
It’s like a BBQ perfume, and I’d wear it if I could.
What sets this Dickey’s apart is their commitment to maintaining that homestyle BBQ feel, despite being part of a larger chain.
The staff here doesn’t just slap some meat on a plate and call it a day.
They treat each order like it’s going to be judged at a state fair BBQ competition.
Their brisket is a thing of beauty – tender, juicy, and with a smoke ring so perfect it could make a geometry teacher swoon.
And don’t even get me started on their ribs.
They’re the kind of ribs that make you forget about table manners and embrace your inner caveman.
But what really tickles my fancy about Dickey’s is their sauce bar.
It’s like a flavor playground for grown-ups.
Their mac and cheese is so creamy it should be illegal.
The staff knows the regulars by name, and they’re always ready with a recommendation or a friendly chat.
6. LD’s BBQ (East Troy)
Tucked away in East Troy, LD’s BBQ is the kind of place that makes you believe in love at first sight – or should I say, love at first bite.
This little red barn of a restaurant is like finding a unicorn in a field of horses – unexpected, magical, and absolutely unforgettable.
As you approach LD’s, the first thing you notice is the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air.
It’s like a siren song for your nose, luring you in with promises of smoky, meaty delights.
And let me tell you, it delivers on those promises and then some.
Inside, LD’s is a no-frills kind of place.
They’ve got picnic tables and a menu that’s straightforward and to the point.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you – what they lack in fancy decor, they more than make up for in flavor.
The star of the show at LD’s is, without a doubt, their brisket.
It’s the kind of brisket that makes you want to write poetry.
Tender, juicy, with a bark that’s got just the right amount of crunch – it’s a masterpiece on a plate.
And don’t even get me started on their pulled pork.
It’s so good, it might just make you renounce all other forms of protein.
But what really sets LD’s apart is their commitment to quality.
These folks aren’t just slapping some sauce on meat and calling it a day.
No, they’re smoking their meats low and slow, infusing every bite with a depth of flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
And let’s talk about their sides for a moment.
Their mac and cheese is so creamy and indulgent, it should come with a warning label.
And their cornbread?
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, moist but not mushy – it’s cornbread nirvana.
What you’ll love most about LD’s is how they’ve created a space that feels like home.
The staff treats you like family, the kind of family that really, really wants to make sure you’re well-fed.
It’s the kind of place where you can come as you are, roll up your sleeves, and get down to the serious business of enjoying some of the best BBQ in Wisconsin.
7. Mission BBQ (Kenosha)
Last but certainly not least on our BBQ journey through Wisconsin, we land at Mission BBQ in Kenosha.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – another chain restaurant?
But trust me, this place is anything but your average franchise fare.
From the moment you approach Mission BBQ, you can tell it’s not your run-of-the-mill eatery.
The building stands proud, with its brick exterior and corrugated metal accents giving it that perfect blend of modern and rustic.
And let’s not forget about that giant American flag waving in the breeze – it’s like a beacon calling all patriots and BBQ lovers alike.
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that’s part mess hall, part BBQ joint, and 100% American.
The walls are adorned with tributes to our nation’s heroes – firefighters, police officers, and military personnel.
It’s clear that this place takes its mission seriously, and that mission includes serving up some seriously good BBQ.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the food.
Mission BBQ’s menu is like a greatest hits album of regional BBQ styles.
Want some Texas-style brisket?
They’ve got it.
Craving some Carolina pulled pork?
Look no further.
It’s like taking a road trip across America’s BBQ belt but without the need for a designated driver.
Their brisket is a thing of beauty – smoky, tender, with a bark that’s got just the right amount of char.
And their ribs?
They’re the kind of ribs that make you forget about table manners and embrace your inner caveman.
But what really sets Mission BBQ apart is their attention to detail.
Each meat is smoked to perfection, with a flavor profile that’s distinct and delicious.
And let’s not forget about the sauces.
Mission BBQ offers a variety of regional sauces that’ll make your taste buds feel like they’ve won the flavor lottery.
So there you have it, folks – seven unassuming BBQ joints in Wisconsin that are sure to blow your mind and expand your waistline.
From lakeside gems to patriotic pit stops, these spots prove that the Badger State can hold its own in the world of smoked meats!