8 Splats -

Smoky Jon's
2310 Packers Avenue
Madison, WI 53704-3178
(608) 249-7427
(Warning - this is a SLOW website!)

Smokey Jon's is your typical rib joint - it shares a building with some sort of trucking/repair firm. From the outside it's the kind of place that makes my wife say "Do we have to?" Walk inside though and your fears will disappear. The walls are covered with BBQ awards - and not just little local competitions either! This guy is a serious competitor - and winner!

Jon has been in business for over 35 years and has built up quite a reputation. You can cut the guy a little slack for being a bit cocky (see the picture on the right.) I don't know about the universe, but these were definately the best ribs I had in Madison!
The only thing lacking on Jon's menu was a "sampler plate" so I was forced to order the 1/2 rack dinner and both a pulled pork and brisket sandwich. Yes - I was full, but yes I cleaned my plate (okay - I left the buns, but the meat was gone!) The pulled pork was probably the best i have ever eaten - my next trip back will center around the Pulled Pork dinner! The brisket was tender and moist, and the ribs were flavorful. If I had any complaint, it would be that the ribs were not as meaty as I would have liked - but a full rack would still have filled me up nicely. The sauce - well, lets just say that half those awards on the wall revolve around the sauce. This stuff is excellent! (I bought a bottle to bring home - and am already wondering how I'll get more.)
RIBS - 8 Splats
Nicely smoked and had a nice fire-ring. My only complaint is that they weren't as meaty as I would have liked.

BRISKET - 8 Splats
Tender and moist with that little glisten that says cooked to perfection!

PULLED PORK - 10 splats
I'm not usually a pulled pork kind of guy (I love my ribs!) but this was the best I've ever had. Great taste, perfectly cooked, good texture - GOOD STUFF!

BEANS - 5 Splats
Average (why is it so many places fall apart at the sides?) Served in a little cup - average.

Cheesy Potatoes - 7 Splats
These were great - I just wish you got more that a couple spoons full.

SAUCES - 9 Splats
Look around the walls - over half the awards are for sauces. His sauce is sweet, thick, has bits of onions and stuff floating in it, and ranks as one of the best I've tasted!

If you're in Madison find this place! (If you're in Milwaukee it might be worth the drive!)