Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ

I want to rate this higher because the other top Madison barbecue restaurants are so corporate/suburban, and Smoky Jon's is the original. But based on my experiences this autumn, I can only rate this as okay. Its okay to keep things the same and not change things perhaps because change feels like disrespect to Jon. But keeping quality high is always a must.Thus far half chickens and brisket dinners have been had. All the sides have been fine if not a bit small considering the overall price. We do not eat ribs so maybe its the ribs that bring the highest rating. Overall I would consider trying this once more as we like the smoke shack divey look, southern vibe, and personable staff. Just come with expectations in check.

I'm not gonna lie I've never had barbecue in Wisconsin. When I found this place I was kinda curious but kinda skeptical. Let me just say this has to be some of the best ribs I've ever had. The meat was so tender it fell right off the bone. The sauce was amazing as well. I will definitely come back every time I'm in Madison. The restaurant itself was very clean. The service was great. Upon entering the restaurant you see all the different awards they won. They deserve each and every award.

A friend brought over a family meal he got to go and I'm not exaggerating at all when I saw we had to saw through the meat with steak knives. Might be my worst experience with ribs ever.

Ordered 2 brisket dinners... NOT sandwiches. Got 2 very dry brisket sandwiches. I calledto complain and got, " Oh well, maybe next time our communication will be better."THERE WILL BE NO NEXT TIME!!!

Still some of the best ribs in MadisonSmokey John's has been around a long time. Nothing has changed on the inside with checkerboard plastic table cloths and rolls of paper towels. Well, they have added a few food items, but really, just get the ribsPolite service, nothing fancy, but they keep the tables clean and the food is prompt

Staying overnight in Madison, and since I love BBQ thought I'd give this spot a try. The interior was small, and the smells of smoked meats wafted through the air. I ordered a combo that included ribs, a brisket sandwich and a couple of sides. I settled in to my table and waited for the goods to arrive.Ribs were decent and had a bit of smoke ring and required some "chew" to get the meat off the bone (as they should!), brisket sandwich was finely chopped meat on a bun that I did not really enjoy at all. Main BBQ sauce was thick, smokey and had a serious kick to it. Baked beans were slightly sweet in a thick sauce. Mac-n-cheese was so salty it was hard to eat. Meal came with a standard dinner roll and butter.Some hits, some misses...overall an average experience for a BBQ joint.

I got the half slab and two sides. Their sauce is really good! Definitely will be craving the sauce. The location is right outside the airport and a fun cabin feel. Service was great. Will definitely be back. Only downside is they don't have beer.

Excellent service. Fantastic food. All at a reasonable price for bbq. The place is quaint so be ready for that. We will definitely be back!

Placed a $70 order for a family meal on 1/19 and had the worst experience. Whole rack of ribs were dry and inedible, chicken was dry and crusty, potato salad was 90% mayonnaise with no seasoning, beans were thick and literally broke my spoon when scooping and the only edible thing was the mashed potatoes which I give a 10/10 completely! What did not help was the fact that I called back twice with no answer so I feel really upset at the service and now they're closed until Wednesday so who knows the reaction I'll get when calling in.

Great BBQ. What a gem to find right outside the airport. Perfect place before getting on a flight. Thanks fellas for a great meal.