Looking to sample the best barbecue around town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top barbecue hot spots in Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.
1. Smoke Shack
Topping the list is Smoke Shack. Located at 332 N. Milwaukee St. in Historic Third Ward, the breakfast and brunch and traditional American spot, which offers barbecue and more, is the highest rated barbecue spot in Milwaukee, boasting four stars out of 698 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Jeff J., who reviewed it on Dec. 6, wrote, "If you love hidden gems, good food, an interesting atmosphere and fun, check out Smoke Shack. This is a tiny place with yummy barbecue and a choice of sauces."
2. Maxie's
Next up is Bluemound Heights's Maxie's, situated at 6732 W. Fairview Ave. With four stars out of 614 reviews on Yelp, the Southern spot, which offers barbecue and seafood, has proven to be a local favorite.
Justin H. said, "Generous portions and big flavor is how I would describe Maxie's. I ordered the baby back ribs and they come with baked beans, fries and a salad. The ribs where tender and flavorful, the beans cooked and seasoned to perfection and the fries were extra crispy."
3. Doc's Commerce Smokehouse
Kilbourn Town's Doc's Commerce Smokehouse, located at 754 N. Vel R Phillips Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Southern spot, which offers barbecue and more, four stars out of 218 reviews.
Gabriel V. wrote, "Absolutely fantastic barbecue. I had the brisket and turkey and it was awesome. I also had the beans and coleslaw—the coleslaw wasn't for me, but everything else was splendid!"
4. Carson's Ribs
Carson's Ribs, a steakhouse and traditional American spot that offers barbecue and more in Kilbourn Town, is another go-to, with four stars out of 180 Yelp reviews. Head over to 301 W. Juneau Ave. to see for yourself.
Dax P. said, "The ribs were really good. I'm a big fan of barbecue, and these could be some of the best ribs I have had in Milwaukee. They were not overly sauce, but a bit sticky."
5. Conway's Smokin' Bar & Grill
Lastly, over in Avenues West, check out Conway's Smokin' Bar & Grill, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 32 reviews on Yelp. You can find the dive bar, which offers barbecue and more, at 2127 W. Wells St.
Kim A. wrote, "We ordered the Big Johnson ribs with beans and cornbread. Every bite was absolutely delicious! The ribs were just the right tenderness and the seasoning and barbecue sauce were perfect."
