the menu
That's me there, ordering brisket, about to have my life changed.
Getting after it....
a smoker on a trailer
Brisket sandwich
BBQ Chopped Pork Sandwich
Brisket with fries and coleslaw
Tender succulent rib tips. At least a pound.
"Half a bird"
ribs, food
outside
I flew into MSN from Chicago MDW to enjoy the best ribs north of St Louis. Gilbert (Papa) is the real deal. Perfect smoke w/a tangy sauce!
interior
outside
menu
Jeff C.
Aug 13, 2022
Really good bbq! The best in Madison for sure and a really friendly team running the show! I ordered the ribs and hot link (those from the south side of Chicago already know).The ribs were very tender and flavored very well. These were not the meatiest of ribs but all in all very solid and the bbq sauce they have complete their seasoning and meats very well! The hot links were very tasty and had a really good kick to them also! One hot link here is pretty large so keep that in mind if ordering. I am always skeptical of hot links because many places just use some sort of smoked sausage unless you are familiar with old school Chicago/southern bbq then you prob haven't had a sausage like this but it comes out very crispy and smoked nicely. It too pairs very nicely with the sauce.My only regret was not getting more sauce! The only con of this establishment is knowing when they are open and closed. If they updated that more consistently online then I think it would benefit them and their customers a bit more. All in all I'm glad I kept trying to figure out when they would be open (started to stop look as it was seeming they maybe closed the shop) I can confirm they were open as of this review and on their menu board they listed the days they would be closed coming up so that was nice!
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Bobb S.
Nov 30, 2020
They are now closed for the season but PA'PAs is legit. Nothing fancy-a trailer in a parking lot but they turn out some serious bbq. My favorite is the brisket sandwich. Better bring a fork as this gigantic sammy is not only large but also messy. Not only does the smoke shine through but the not too sweet, not too hot sauce compliments it perfectly. Comfort food at it's finest. It are establishments like these in Madison that keeps me on my toes to keep searching for those under the radar type of spots that seriously turn out some good eats.
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Maria E.
Jul 3, 2021
Fantastic!! Saw the great reviews and knew we had to stop. It's a little hidden, so glad we saw it- it's right by a baseball field/parking lot. Prices are fair, portions are huge, and flavor is perfect. I had the brisket sandwich and it was just what I needed after a 5 mile hike! Great hidden gem :)
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John F.
Aug 8, 2017
Oh man, what a welcome and unexpected surprise on our way just passing past Madison. What a frickin GEM. My friend asked, "What's on the brisket sandwich?" The reply: "Brisket, why, you need something else?" No, good sir, we needed not one thing else. The meat was smoked well, not overpowering, but flavorful. The sauce was so dang good. I love it with a little tang, and this was perfect. Portions of the brisket were a little tough -- not being a BBQ pro, not sure if that's regular, but that's the reason I didn't give this place a fifth star.And he let me try the banana pudding on the sly. Never had it before, may never have it again, but as far as appetizers go, I nearly ruined my appetite on the stuff. So good.This food truck, upon the grass at the edge of a gas station, is fine eating with good company. Thanks for making one of the fondest memories of our little road trip.
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Benn Z.
Aug 23, 2019
Great brisket sandwich. For the price you get a great portion, when she handed me the box I was shocked at how heavy it was! I was able to get two sandwiches out of it. Sauce was good...not to hot and not to spicy. Finding places like this is amazing and a must stop if driving down the belt line.
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Krystin F.
Oct 31, 2015
True, hardwood, smoked BBQ right off an inconspicuous Broadway gas station is where you will find the best brisket in the area. The meal included a sweet/vinegar sauce that perfectly complemented the slow-cooked, smoke-infused offerings. Seriously - this stuff is the real deal. You just can't get this anywhere! For the sides I would recommend getting the coleslaw and the baked beans which have a unique peppery finish. You may have to plan your visit here as the are only open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday around lunchtime...and this by no means is a strict schedule. If you see the smoke billowing - you should be stopping to place an order.
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Bonne J.
Sep 25, 2022
First of all when I cook food for people I taste it, making sure the quality of it is good, and I want them to enjoy my food even if they don't come back I want them to say, good things about my food. I went to Papa John's yesterday in Delavan Wisconsin at the mobile gas station my son had rib tips there I tasted them,they weren't great but they were good so, I went there expecting at least some good rib tips however, they were nasty they were greasy fatty they were big,chunks of meat, the bean was mush, the potato salad is just big chunks of potato the cornbread is I don't know what this s*** is.the food was nasty I was so disappointed the first bite into the meat was greasey and it was like it had been in the freezer it was awful the food was awful it was awful and it had no seasoning I don't know what that is but it ended up in the garbage. it was horrible, I wouldn't recommend anybody go there not for the food anyway.The ribs tips I purchased was not good at all, they were greasy,fatty and meat tasted old,I took one bite,to be quiet honest it made me sick. It tasted like old freezer burn meat. I was only able to send this one image
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Chris B.
Feb 17, 2022
Haven't seen their food cart in over 2 years, I assume they are closed. Their website also is no longer online.They were great while they existed though.
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Nicholas S.
Sep 16, 2022
PA'PA'S BBQ catered for one of my work events. They showed up early with everything individually packaged. The service was great and the food... The food was amazing! This was the best brisket I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Whatever they have going on in their kitchen is nothing short of magic!
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Chris T.
Aug 19, 2022
If you want good BBQ in Madison you sure don't have to look in any brick and mortar restaurant. Delicious, finger licking comfort food, and not breaking the bank is what this is all about. I will strongly recommend to anyone in the city looking to try something incredible, all the while supporting local!
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