Milwaukee/ Food & Drinks
Published on April 09, 2019
Here are Milwaukee's top 5 Southern eateriesPhoto: Smoke Shack/Yelp

In search of a new favorite Southern restaurant?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Southern spots around Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.

1. Smoke Shack

Photo: Jody B./Yelp

Topping the list is Smoke Shack. Located at 332 N. Milwaukee St. in the Historic Third Ward, the traditional American spot, which offers barbecue and more, is the highest rated Southern restaurant in Milwaukee, boasting four stars out of 713 reviews on Yelp.

"This place is the bomb! Definitely has a quaint Southern welcoming feel about it," wrote Yelper Amy M. "The burnt ends are smoky and sticky nuggets of joy loaded with flavor." 

2. Maxie's

Photo: Steven T/Yelp

Next up is Bluemound Heights' Maxie's, situated at 6732 W. Fairview Ave. With four stars out of 640 reviews on Yelp, the Southern spot, which offers barbecue and seafood, has proven to be a local favorite.

"Maxie's is a delight," said Yelper Ophelia M. "I love the dark wood, chandelier ambiance, and, of course, their food is pretty awesome as well."

3. Amilinda

Photo: Oby O./Yelp

Juneau Town's Amilinda, located at 315 E. Wisconsin, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Portuguese, Spanish and Southern spot 4.5 stars out of 162 reviews.

"Amazing restaurant, great food and drinks with amazingly nice staff and service," wrote Oby O. "Friendly, intimate atmosphere. Also the menu changes often."

4. The Tandem

Photo: Bridget W./Yelp

The Tandem, a cocktail bar and Southern restaurant that offers comfort food and more in Triangle North, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 104 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1848 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. to see for yourself.

"What a great spot," said Yelper Bret S. "The fried chicken, the grits, the greens — all amazing. Get the whole fried chicken and share it with your friend."

5. Doc's Commerce Smokehouse

Photo: Chrissi W./Yelp

Over in Kilbourn Town, check out Doc's Commerce Smokehouse, which has earned four stars out of 232 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Southern spot, which offers barbecue and more, at 754 N. Vel R Phillips Ave.

"I'm a proud Texan and I was extremely hesitant to try this place out of principle," said Yelper Paul S. "However, as soon as I walked into the place and smelled the smoked meat I knew I was in for a treat. I had the burnt ends and they were really good and very similar to the good stuff you can get in central Texas. The beer and bourbon selection is really good as well."

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This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.