Best Barbecue Restaurants in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a long way from Memphis, but there’s no shortage of places for traditional barbecue taste. Whether you spell it barbecue, barbeque, Bar-B-Q, or BBQ, you’ll find slow-smoked meat here in the Beer City. If you are craving a rack of ribs or a pulled pork sandwich, try these excellent barbecue restaurants in Milwaukee, all of which are affordable and casual.

1. Q Real American Food
2258 South Kinnickinnic Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 481-1211
www.qbbq.net
The Bayview Q is accessible from MCTS Bus Routes 15, 11, and 53. For the West Allis Q, use Route 18.

With two locations in the Milwaukee area, the friendly Q Real American Food restaurants are counter-service establishments with simple barbecue menus. Contributing to the growth of the Kinnickinnic-Lincoln intersection in Bayview, the first Q was soon followed by a West Allis location on Greenfield Avenue. Featuring warm and woody interiors and smiling faces, Q is an excellent place for cheap, tasty barbecue in Milwaukee.

Q has half-racks for only $9 and full racks for $17. If you’re looking for boneless fare, try the $7 sandwiches. I especially recommend the pulled pork sandwich with a side of spicy “cheesehead cheesy corn.” You can douse your meat with four delectable sauces: Texas pit sauce (traditional BBQ), Carolina mustard sauce, Quazy hot sauce, and root beer BBQ sauce. Made with root beer from the Milwaukee-area Sprecher brewery, the last of the four is my personal favorite. Try combining it with the Texas pit sauce for a mouth-watering barbecue flavour blend. About the only disappointing food item at Q is the lame little piece of cornbread you’ll get with your meal.

Also, remember that Q is not a traditional sit-down restaurant. You’ll save money by avoiding gratuity, but it’s not the best place for a dinner date. If you end up eating frequently at the Q, though, be sure to join Q Club customer loyalty program.