Top 11 BBQ restaurants in Madison
Experience a flavorful journey through BBQ restaurants in Madison, where smoky aromas fill the air and pitmasters show off their craft. BBQ restaurants in Madison serve classics like brisket and ribs, offering mouthwatering sauces and inviting atmospheres that highlight the city’s love for authentic southern-inspired comfort food.
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1. North and South Seafood & Smokehouse
Where hearty BBQ meets fresh seafood—perfect combos, killer sauces, and family-friendly comfort.
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The Nashville combo impresses with its brisket, exceptionally tender and paired with spare ribs dusted in a memorable Tennessee dry rub. Four distinct sauces invite experimentation, each adding a unique twist to the hearty, well-seasoned meats.
The assorted combo plates feature chicken, pulled pork, brisket, and even coconut shrimp, each cooked to satisfy and bursting with flavor. Portions are generous, leaving diners feeling the meal is a true value, especially given rising costs elsewhere. This spot makes a strong case for repeat visits.
The Nashville combo impresses with its brisket, exceptionally tender and paired with spare ribs dusted in a memorable Tennessee dry rub. Four distinct sauces invite experimentation, each adding a unique twist to the hearty, well-seasoned meats.
The assorted combo plates feature chicken, pulled pork, brisket, and even coconut shrimp, each cooked to satisfy and bursting with flavor. Portions are generous, leaving diners feeling the meal is a true value, especially given rising costs elsewhere. This spot makes a strong case for repeat visits.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ
Voted Wisconsin's Best BBQ—legendary ribs smoked over real wood with killer house-made sauce.
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A visit to this north Madison BBQ spot offers a memorable feast, with smoky aromas greeting guests right at the entrance. Ribs and brisket arrive in generous portions, each bite packed with deep, flavorful seasoning. The tangy, slightly sweet sauce stands out, perfectly complementing the meats without overpowering them.
Orders are handled quickly and with genuine friendliness, making takeout an easy option. The combination of perfectly smoked meats and a killer house sauce creates an experience worth savoring—expect leftovers, as servings are more than ample.
A visit to this north Madison BBQ spot offers a memorable feast, with smoky aromas greeting guests right at the entrance. Ribs and brisket arrive in generous portions, each bite packed with deep, flavorful seasoning. The tangy, slightly sweet sauce stands out, perfectly complementing the meats without overpowering them.
Orders are handled quickly and with genuine friendliness, making takeout an easy option. The combination of perfectly smoked meats and a killer house sauce creates an experience worth savoring—expect leftovers, as servings are more than ample.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
3. Conrad's Grill - Madison
Late-night spot known for melty, crave-worthy wraps stuffed with BBQ goodness and tater tots.
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The BBQ Steak wrap stands out as a highlight on the menu, delivering bold flavors and an impressive mix of textures. Its carefully balanced ingredients create a memorable experience for anyone seeking a hearty meal. The crisp bite of the wrap perfectly supports the rich, savory filling, making each mouthful enjoyable.
Inside, the combination of melted cheese, golden tater tots, tender Philly steak, and tangy banana peppers comes together seamlessly. This blend offers both comfort and excitement in every bite, appealing to fans of classic American flavor with a slight twist.
The BBQ Steak wrap stands out as a highlight on the menu, delivering bold flavors and an impressive mix of textures. Its carefully balanced ingredients create a memorable experience for anyone seeking a hearty meal. The crisp bite of the wrap perfectly supports the rich, savory filling, making each mouthful enjoyable.
Inside, the combination of melted cheese, golden tater tots, tender Philly steak, and tangy banana peppers comes together seamlessly. This blend offers both comfort and excitement in every bite, appealing to fans of classic American flavor with a slight twist.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
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4. MISSION BBQ
Military-themed BBQ spot with standout brisket and a fun sauce-tasting experience for all.
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The chopped brisket stands out with its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, making it a definite highlight on the menu. Mac and cheese complements the barbecue selections well, boasting a creamy consistency that balances the savory meats. Both earn high marks for taste and satisfaction, while the lean brisket continues to draw attention from regulars for its satisfying blend of juiciness and flavor.
Sampling the pulled pork, spare ribs, baby back ribs, and brisket reveals consistent attention to preparation. Each meat is cooked to perfection, retaining both moisture and depth of flavor. The brisket, in particular, leaves a memorable impression—its seasoning and tenderness easily earning it the top spot among the offerings.
The chopped brisket stands out with its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, making it a definite highlight on the menu. Mac and cheese complements the barbecue selections well, boasting a creamy consistency that balances the savory meats. Both earn high marks for taste and satisfaction, while the lean brisket continues to draw attention from regulars for its satisfying blend of juiciness and flavor.
Sampling the pulled pork, spare ribs, baby back ribs, and brisket reveals consistent attention to preparation. Each meat is cooked to perfection, retaining both moisture and depth of flavor. The brisket, in particular, leaves a memorable impression—its seasoning and tenderness easily earning it the top spot among the offerings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
- Dinner
- Social Gatherings
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5. Spare Time Madison
Party-ready BBQ hub featuring bowling, laser tag, and delicious comfort food favorites.
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The facility impresses with its stylish appearance, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors. Bowling offers an entertaining experience, although the pricing—$76 for two hours for two people—feels steep. The automatic game cutoff, which ended play mid-frame, was a letdown and diminished the overall enjoyment.
Hosting a child’s birthday party here delivers excellent results. The attentive staff keeps the event organized and engaging, ensuring all kids are entertained throughout. A personalized, signed bowling pin as a keepsake adds a thoughtful touch, making the celebration memorable.
The facility impresses with its stylish appearance, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors. Bowling offers an entertaining experience, although the pricing—$76 for two hours for two people—feels steep. The automatic game cutoff, which ended play mid-frame, was a letdown and diminished the overall enjoyment.
Hosting a child’s birthday party here delivers excellent results. The attentive staff keeps the event organized and engaging, ensuring all kids are entertained throughout. A personalized, signed bowling pin as a keepsake adds a thoughtful touch, making the celebration memorable.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Suburban
- Late Night
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6. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
Hand-rubbed, hickory-smoked barbecue classics served in a lively, fun, and family-friendly setting.
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Madison isn’t exactly known for its barbecue scene, but this spot stands out among the few. The Dave burger delivers with hefty, flavorful meat and a lively setting that feels welcoming. Diners will find the menu filled with crave-worthy options, but the burger remains a standout for anyone seeking a hearty meal.
Dave’s Feast for Two tempts with a generous mix of ribs, brisket, and BBQ chicken, all accompanied by classic sides. The ribs impress with a deeply smoked flavor, thanks to a hickory pit and meticulous hand-rubbing, then finished with a tangy, signature sauce. Quality barbecue on this level is rare outside Chicago.
Madison isn’t exactly known for its barbecue scene, but this spot stands out among the few. The Dave burger delivers with hefty, flavorful meat and a lively setting that feels welcoming. Diners will find the menu filled with crave-worthy options, but the burger remains a standout for anyone seeking a hearty meal.
Dave’s Feast for Two tempts with a generous mix of ribs, brisket, and BBQ chicken, all accompanied by classic sides. The ribs impress with a deeply smoked flavor, thanks to a hickory pit and meticulous hand-rubbing, then finished with a tangy, signature sauce. Quality barbecue on this level is rare outside Chicago.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Social Gatherings
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7. The Side Door Grill and Tap
More than a bar—creative BBQ-inspired bites with late-night hours and friendly vibes.
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The BBQ Chicken Flatbread delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, layered with smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and just the right amount of cheese. Generous toppings and a perfectly crisped base elevate it well above standard bar offerings, making it a memorable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their pub dining experience.
Among the highlights on the menu, the BBQ Chicken Flatbread stands out for its bold flavors that pair exceptionally well with a cold beer. Smoke and savory notes combine on a well-baked crust, creating a go-to option for those seeking more than typical bar fare without sacrificing comfort or taste.
The BBQ Chicken Flatbread delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, layered with smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and just the right amount of cheese. Generous toppings and a perfectly crisped base elevate it well above standard bar offerings, making it a memorable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their pub dining experience.
Among the highlights on the menu, the BBQ Chicken Flatbread stands out for its bold flavors that pair exceptionally well with a cold beer. Smoke and savory notes combine on a well-baked crust, creating a go-to option for those seeking more than typical bar fare without sacrificing comfort or taste.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
8. 5 Star Korean BBQ&Fried Chicken
Not all-you-can-eat, but quality-driven Korean BBQ and fried chicken in Madison hotspot.
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The BBQ selections impress with their bold flavors and tenderness, complemented by a standout variety of bonchon sides. Each dish arrives fresh, and attentive service enhances the experience, making the visit notably enjoyable from start to finish.
Korean cuisine shines in this restaurant, setting a new standard for the Chicago suburbs. Local alternatives fall short in comparison, which makes the lengthy drive worthwhile. The appeal of this spot lingers, tempting frequent returns despite the distance.
The BBQ selections impress with their bold flavors and tenderness, complemented by a standout variety of bonchon sides. Each dish arrives fresh, and attentive service enhances the experience, making the visit notably enjoyable from start to finish.
Korean cuisine shines in this restaurant, setting a new standard for the Chicago suburbs. Local alternatives fall short in comparison, which makes the lengthy drive worthwhile. The appeal of this spot lingers, tempting frequent returns despite the distance.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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9. Korill Hut Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Lively, modern BBQ & hot pot spot with an expansive, creative sauce bar and quick service.
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Korill stands out among Madison’s hot pot and KBBQ spots with its well-curated sauce bar and fresh ingredients. Each dish delivers bold flavors and high quality, while service remains attentive and efficient. The all-you-can-eat pricing brings impressive value, making this restaurant a reliable choice for group outings or casual dining.
Both the hot pot and KBBQ experiences leave a lasting impression, especially when ordered together. The rapid service—food arriving within moments—coupled with a generous array of sauces elevates the meal. Korill’s ability to offer a customizable, delicious feast at an affordable price sets it apart in the city’s dining scene.
Korill stands out among Madison’s hot pot and KBBQ spots with its well-curated sauce bar and fresh ingredients. Each dish delivers bold flavors and high quality, while service remains attentive and efficient. The all-you-can-eat pricing brings impressive value, making this restaurant a reliable choice for group outings or casual dining.
Both the hot pot and KBBQ experiences leave a lasting impression, especially when ordered together. The rapid service—food arriving within moments—coupled with a generous array of sauces elevates the meal. Korill’s ability to offer a customizable, delicious feast at an affordable price sets it apart in the city’s dining scene.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Suburban
- Dinner
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10. Sol's on the Square
Cozy spot for sizzling Korean BBQ, housemade banchan, and a memorable grill-at-table experience.
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Sol’s on the Square delivers a warm, inviting setting paired with a well-crafted Korean menu. Diners often highlight the pork neck stew with potatoes and the bulgogi beef, both praised for their depth of flavor and comforting qualities. The environment feels welcoming, inviting guests to linger over thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Spicy squid, beef bulgogi, and various Korean soups round out the experience, each dish maintaining a satisfying authenticity. The restaurant’s offerings consistently receive positive remarks for both taste and presentation, making it a popular stop for those craving hearty and flavorful Korean cuisine.
Sol’s on the Square delivers a warm, inviting setting paired with a well-crafted Korean menu. Diners often highlight the pork neck stew with potatoes and the bulgogi beef, both praised for their depth of flavor and comforting qualities. The environment feels welcoming, inviting guests to linger over thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Spicy squid, beef bulgogi, and various Korean soups round out the experience, each dish maintaining a satisfying authenticity. The restaurant’s offerings consistently receive positive remarks for both taste and presentation, making it a popular stop for those craving hearty and flavorful Korean cuisine.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
11. Red Rock Saloon
Monster burgers, legendary wings, and bold Texas-style BBQ in a lively bar setting.
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A lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection set the tone for an enjoyable visit. The staff exudes genuine friendliness, enhancing the overall experience. Barbecued meats stand out as a real highlight, with the smoked-then-fried chicken wings stealing the show—perfectly tender and full of flavor.
Appetizers and wings impress with both quality and taste, each dish clearly prepared with attention to detail. The service complements the meal, remaining attentive and efficient throughout. Great food, excellent drinks, and a welcoming team make this spot easy to recommend.
A lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection set the tone for an enjoyable visit. The staff exudes genuine friendliness, enhancing the overall experience. Barbecued meats stand out as a real highlight, with the smoked-then-fried chicken wings stealing the show—perfectly tender and full of flavor.
Appetizers and wings impress with both quality and taste, each dish clearly prepared with attention to detail. The service complements the meal, remaining attentive and efficient throughout. Great food, excellent drinks, and a welcoming team make this spot easy to recommend.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Late Night
- Social Gatherings
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