Best Upscale BBQ in Milwaukee | Top 2 Upscale Spots

9 restaurants in Best Upscale BBQ in Milwaukee | Top 2 Upscale Spots

• Forage — American · rated 4/5: Forage serves as a bright, modern oasis where the vibrant colors of farm-fresh produce and wholesome grains are transformed into a kaleidoscope of global flavors. Guests explore a world of textures and tastes, from the refreshing snap of the Avocado Crunch to the savory depth of Japanese BBQ and the sun-drenched brightness of the Golden Greek bowl. It is a destination where nourishing ingredients meet culinary artistry, offering a revitalizing dining experience that feels as good as it tastes.
• Motor Bar & Restaurant — American · rated 4/5: Motor Bar & Restaurant revs up the dining experience with an industrial-chic vibe where the aroma of hickory-smoked wings and warm Milwaukee pretzels sets a bold, high-octane tone. The kitchen transforms classic comfort into an art form, serving up bubbling buffalo dips and golden, squeaky cheese curds alongside hearty chilis that provide a soulful, smoky warmth. Whether you are tucking into a loaded plate of BBQ chips or a vibrant beet and goat cheese salad, every bite captures a rugged yet refined spirit perfect for fueling your next urban adventure.
• Chinese Pagoda — Chinese · rated 3/5: Step into a nostalgic sanctuary where the savory aroma of honey-glazed barbecued ribs and charred pork fills the air, evoking the timeless charm of a classic neighborhood haunt. Golden-fried treasures like crisp crab rangoon and hand-rolled shrimp egg rolls offer a satisfying crunch, inviting guests to linger over platters of succulent Cantonese-style chicken and chilled, effervescent drinks.
• Aladdin - Taste of the East / PitaWorks — Middle Eastern: This vibrant culinary crossroads brings together the aromatic spices of the Levant and the smoky, soulful heart of American barbecue in a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere. Guests can indulge in the sizzle of tender chicken shawarma alongside fall-off-the-bone St. Louis ribs, or pair a fiery Nashville hot chicken sandwich with the creamy, golden comfort of ultimate mac and cheese. The journey concludes with a flourish of artisanal sweets, where delicate French macarons and decadent chocolate chunk cookies provide a refined finish to a menu defined by bold, global fusion.
• Margarita Paradise Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: This vibrant sanctuary blends the zest of a traditional cantina with the deep, soulful aromas of a master smokehouse, where the sizzle of taqueria-style tacos meets the tender richness of slow-cooked burnt ends and St. Louis ribs. Beneath a canopy of lively energy, guests savor the fiery crunch of Nashville hot chicken and creamy mac and cheese, all perfectly paired with salt-rimmed iconic margaritas that offer a refreshing, citrusy counterpoint to the bold, smoky flavors.
• Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue — Steakhouse: The air hangs heavy with the intoxicating aroma of hickory smoke and seared prime beef, drawing guests into an atmosphere where upscale steakhouse elegance meets the soulful warmth of a legendary barbecue tradition. Diners feast on award-winning ribs that pull effortlessly from the bone and buttery, hand-cut steaks, all served within a timeless space defined by polished wood and a commitment to hearty, unpretentious luxury.
• Smoke Shack — American: The air at Smoke Shack is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoldering hickory, drawing diners into a lively space where soulful Southern comfort meets bold, smoky innovation. Guests dive into indulgent plates of crispy fried green tomatoes and tender, caramelized burnt ends, or tackle towering, sauce-slathered sandwiches that celebrate the messy, glorious heart of traditional barbecue. From the creamy pull of pimento cheese to the inventive crunch of Kansas City eggrolls, every dish captures a sense of spirited backyard hospitality elevated by culinary craft.
• Pita Pit — Mediterranean: This vibrant, high-energy eatery transforms the art of the wrap into a sensory experience, where fresh ingredients sizzle on the grill before being tucked into warm, pillowy pitas. Bold global flavors take center stage, from the zesty, herb-forward kick of Schug-topped Greek specialties to the smoky, indulgent layers of bacon-infused BBQ and savory souvlaki. It is a destination for a customizable, handheld feast where crisp garden vegetables and succulent proteins meet in a perfect balance of wholesome and crave-worthy.
• Jet's Pizza — Italian: This high-energy pizzeria celebrates the art of the Detroit-style square, where thick, pillowy dough is baked into a signature golden-brown crust that offers a satisfying, buttery crunch. Bold layers of curled, crispy pepperoni and playful toppings like crunchy popcorn chicken are elevated by zesty drizzles of buffalo ranch and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a vibrant tapestry of textures and indulgent flavors. Every slice delivers a soul-satisfying experience that transforms a casual meal into a hearty celebration of classic comfort food.