If you’re craving smoky, slow-cooked perfection but don’t want to fire up the smoker yourself, we’ve got you covered. Madison’s barbecue scene is sizzling with options, from tender brisket that falls apart at the touch to ribs glazed in sticky-sweet sauce. These 13 spots are serving up the real deal—no fuss, just flavor. Ready to dig in?
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$ | (608) 286-9400 | WEBSITE
This barbecue joint has a lot of great stuff going on. Their combo platter is $35, serves one generously, and comes with favorites like rib tips, chicken, sides like sweet corn and baked beans, and cornbread for dessert. Check out the full menu here.
Melly Mel’s Deli and Catering
$$ | (608) 213-3020 | WEBSITE
This Madison deli and catering spot is offering a family-style barbecue feast for $45 per person. You choose from starters like charcuterie boards and veggie platters, mains like pulled pork BBQ bowls or fried chicken (plus sides), and desserts like peach cobbler or caramel cake.
Beef Butter BBQ
$ | (608) 640-5000 | WEBSITE
Beef Butter BBQ is offering a full barbecue experience with their signature plates, or as a family-style feast for groups ranging from two to six people. The family platter starts at $48, and includes a choice of two smoked meats, two classic sides like those incredible baked beans and meaty mashed potatoes, cornbread, and their house-made sauces. Oh, and there’s also that 85-inch live feed of the smoker in action.
Take-home packages of their farm-fresh meats are available daily, and on Fridays, don’t miss the highly recommended fish fry.
5 Star Korean BBQ
$ | (608) 630-9840 | WEBSITE
This Madison spot is serving up Korean barbecue classics for dine-in. The meal for two runs about $65 and features dolsot bibimbap, Bul Go Ki beef marinated in savory soybean sauce, Korean fried chicken wings including the sweet onion variety, and Bul Go Ki pork for those who like it spicy. Everything arrives piping hot, and the service is friendly with a welcoming, smiling staff. The ambiance includes hot stone bowls for that perfect crispy rice layer.
While parking is limited, street spots are available. It’s a bit of a splurge, but worth it for some of the best Korean food around.
Red Rock Saloon
$ | (608) 709-5200 | WEBSITE
This country music bar in downtown Madison is featuring two highlights. “The Shot Special”, which is their signature No. 66 shot, a lively dance floor, friendly bartenders, and good food. And if you prefer the music route, you can experience “The Friday Night” – live performances, approachable security, attentive service, and (most importantly) a fun atmosphere. Visit their location to enjoy.
Smoky Jon’s #1 BBQ
$ | (608) 249-7427 | WEBSITE
This barbecue joint is offering some solid takeout options that are perfect for feeding a crowd. You can get a family pack for $85 (it feeds four to six people) and comes with a full rack of ribs, brisket, chicken, beans, potato salad, chili, and rolls. Or you can just get a whole smoked chicken for $45, and make all the sides yourself. The cozy log cabin vibe makes you feel right at home, even if you’re just picking up. The staff are super friendly and make the whole process easy.
While the parking lot is small and off a side street, it’s usually sufficient for quick pickups. The portions are generous and the prices are fair for the quality you’re getting. Many customers recommend grabbing a bottle of their BBQ sauce to take home too—it’s a great addition to any meal. Even with the limited seating inside, the food is fantastic and definitely worth visiting again.
MISSION BBQ
$ | (608) 405-8084 | WEBSITE
If you’re a lean-and-mean type person, Mission BBQ might be for you. You can go with their $89.95 wedding package that feeds twenty to thirty people that has chopped brisket, mac and cheese, lean brisket, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Or do your own a la carte meal where you can order things like the popular lean brisket, the highly recommended mac and cheese, and whatever else catches your eye.
Whatever you decide, you’ll find the military-themed atmosphere with photos of service members, patches, and stickers welcoming, and staff like Adam ready to explain the options. The quick setup and tasty food make it a favorite for special occasions, where the staff provides excellent service at a very affordable price.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (608) 244-9486 | WEBSITE
No matter what you’re craving, Texas Roadhouse has probably got it covered. You can order a family-friendly meal ranging from $25-$45 (think country fried chicken with baked potato and house salad), or pick and choose since it’s also available a la carte. You can get your 12oz New York Steak cooked perfectly tender, or try the 8oz Ribeye if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus the warm homemade biscuits with honey butter are available all meal long in case you need something to start with.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (608) 836-1830 | WEBSITE
LongHorn’s $65 family meal serves four and has dishes like their signature steakhouse chili, grilled chicken tenders for the kids, loaded baked potatoes, fresh-baked rolls, and more. You can pick up the meals through their app any day of the week, and reheating instructions are included with each order.
Liberty Station – Madison
$$ | (608) 286-1019 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving barbecue and want a lively spot with outdoor seating, Liberty Station is a solid choice. They offer nicely done ribs and tasty pulled pork tacos, along with fully loaded fries, brisket grilled cheese, and rib eye cooked as requested, though occasionally a bit gristly. The dinner for two runs about $55, which includes ribs, pulled pork tacos, potatoes, and a salad, with portions large enough for leftovers.
The outdoor patio is enjoyable, though the main dining room can get noisy when busy or in hot weather with the patio doors open. The staff is attentive and friendly, providing excellent service, and reservations are easy to make online. Overall, it’s a recommendable spot, especially for those who enjoy the lively ambiance and clean environment, including the bathrooms.
McGee’s Chicken
$ | (608) 442-0220 | WEBSITE
McGee’s Chicken offers two standout deals: a $25 family pack that feeds four, and a $12 combo that’s perfect for two. Both include their famous honey spice wings and mild sauce fries, along with items like the chicken sandwich and lemon pepper catfish. Takeout is available daily.
City Barbeque
$ | (608) 302-3001 | WEBSITE
This barbecue joint is offering a $45 family meal for four. It includes a full rack of fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork with that great flavor even without sauce, crispy fries, creamy corn pudding, and traditional cornbread. Pick-up is available daily until 8 PM, and they’ll include reheating instructions. And if that still sounds like too much work, their spacious dining area is open for a relaxed meal with that friendly atmosphere and helpful staff like Jesse ready to offer samples.
Turn Key Supper Club
$$ | (608) 416-1109 | WEBSITE
If you definitely aren’t in the mood for typical supper club fare, Turn Key Supper Club has you covered. This barbecue spot is offering a unique twist on classic dishes, with standout options like the double smash burger with a fried egg at brunch and the superb pork chop with cherry compote at dinner. The meal includes delightful touches like the magical bacon, charred carrots, and a delicious burnt apple jam cake.
You can also enjoy the prime rib with a relish tray, pickled veggies, and smashed & grilled potatoes, or try popular picks like the fish fry and spaghetti night. The Cheese Puppies are a hit but very filling, and drinks like the $8 Old Fashioned are a notable choice, though others can be hit or miss. The service is always fantastic, with exemplary help from staff like Nicole, in a nice atmosphere set in a unique rehab building with plenty of parking.
Overall, Turn Key Supper Club provides an enjoyable dining experience with great service and a focus on those classic supper club dishes.
