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Chicago’s Essential Barbecue Restaurant Carson’s - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Chicago’s Essential Barbecue Restaurant Carson’s - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Chicago’s Essential Barbecue Restaurant Carson’s - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Chicago’s Essential Barbecue Restaurant Carson’s - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee

4.6
4.6
1425 Reviews
$30 and under
Barbecue
America's #1 BBQ since 1977, Carson's dedication to hearty portions, homemade recipes, and an unwavering commitment to the finest quality makes it no wonder why we earn that title year after year.

Carson's slow-smoked BBQ baby back ribs are the star attraction, but other must-try items include BBQ or Greek Chicken and Chops, USDA Certified Black Angus and Prime Steaks, Award-Winning Cole Slaw, exceptional salad dressings, scratch-made potato sides, shrimp, and salmon.

Indulge in our attentive & personal service in time-tested old-school ambiance; high-backed leather booths, white tablecloths, and roomy chairs & barstools. Above the glow of candlelight, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and hundreds of other notable Carson's fans join you in your meal. Located just steps from the Fiserv Forum, Carson's stands at the Milwaukee riverfront on the ground floor of The Moderne high-rise.

Come see why Carson's is a quintessential landmark restaurant for over 45 years.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (414) 223-3311
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Kim Baldwin
  • Catering
    Contact our Party Planner Nick directly at (323)540-4888 or email him at nick@ribs.com
  • Private party facilities
    Contact our Party Planner Nick directly at (323)540-4888 or email him at nick@ribs.com
  • Private party contact
    Nick@ribs.com: (414) 223-3311
  • Neighborhood
    Milwaukee
  • Cross street
    N Old World 3rd St
  • Parking details
    We offer $12 Valet. We also credit you with a $10 beverage credit. Validate with the manager, please.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,425 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Good for business meals

  • Milwaukee

    Good for business meals

1,425 Reviews
  1. Almostretired2014

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful evening! Food was great, service was over the top by all and will definitely return! Did not Disappoint!

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  2. Beejoy21

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food2service5ambience5
    The food for the most part was ok. I did experience burnt chicken and the ribs were little to chard for me. I have had Carson before in Chicago so I know it can be really good.

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  3. BarbaraW

    Milwaukee

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food2service4ambience3
    Service was very good. The Greek Chicken was dry which was a surprise. That is one of my favorites there.

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  4. Karen

    Milwaukee

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    So happy Carson's is open for lunch for an elegant meal and great service--particularly for business conversations. Great value; wonderful menu selections including sides. Only issue was overly fatty prime rib sandwich. Will consider other options in the future.

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  5. Jeannie

    Orange County

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was fantastic. We started with martinis and the bartended did not skimp. Then dove into their fresh loaf of bread. Holy heck. We both had filets and they were cooked perfectly. Their salt and pepper crusted baked potato was the best potato I ever had. Our server Kyrsti was super friendly and efficient. Ask for her if you can as she was a test treat to have as our server. Would highly recommend.

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  6. WilliamK

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Everything was very good except for mu steak. I had a filet that was ordered MED> and the center was raw to rare at best. The salads were way to big but good. Wings were excellent and ribs were very good also. I had np problem with TIP being added because service was excellent, But I don't feel a tip of 4 and one half % should be added for the bus boy and bartender.

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  7. LuckyLuc

    Milwaukee

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    This was not our best experience with the food. Adam our waiter was very good. They noted my allergies as always. We asked for one French Onion Soup without croutons. They both did. My wife isn't the type to send or say anything and feels embarrassed to do so. She ordered a medium steak and it was rare inside and also had a flavor taste outside of salt/pepper etc. She stopped eating it. I tried it and I wouldn't eat it either. My pork chop was ordered Mediterranean style which Adam caught right away and swapped out as it was delivered BBQ. This is all on the kitchen but as I said it was just an off night for the kitchen it seems.

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  8. BrianB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous but I don't think neither the waitress or me and my wife realize we did not receive the coleslaw with our meals but other than that it was fabulous and the waitress was magnificent

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food was very good. Service was extremely slow and we were left multiple times waiting for someone. Drinks and food took forever to get to the table. Waited another 20 mins just to ask for check. Only had table of 4 and they added 18% gratuity. Guess that would explain lack of service. Why try when you have too locked in.

    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded on September 9, 2023

    Hello Lee. Thank you for the feedback. We researched your check and see the following computer timestamps for your party of 4. Arrival time 13 min early for 6:15 resi. Seated promptly at 6:02. Check drink order opened and submitted 8 mins later 6:10. Sidecar, Old Fashioned, Casamigo Soda, Titos Soda, Splash Cran, Wedge, Lime, French Onion Soup, Famous Corn Bread, BBQ Pork Fries, BBQ Pork Au Gratin, BBQ Pork Fries, Filet Mignon 10oz Med Rare, Charcrust, Double Baked Potato. Then another round of drinks Casamigos Soda, Casamigos Soda, Cosmo, Old Fashioned. Check was paid at 7:41pm leaving total dining time with 8 cocktails from start to finish only 1 hr and 31 mins which actually quite fast comparatively speaking to what is normally scheduled as a 2 hr relaxed dining time for a party of 4.

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  10. CristianV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Carson’s always lives up to the expectation of a quality dining experience. It’s always a great dinner date.

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  11. AP21

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Made a reservation, still had to wait 10 minutes for a table. Ordered 2 lemon drops, the waitress apologized for the 20 minute wait. One of the drinks had 2 pieces of hair. The drink was made over which took 15 minutes. I’ve had better service at Carson’s.

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  12. BruP

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    2nd year in a row we celebrated my birthday there. Great service and terrific food reminiscent from my Chicago days when I regularly went to their various locations. So happy to find that when we moved to Milwaukee there is a Carson's here! Adam took very good care of us. Will be heading back in the near future for another great meal!

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great server, Erika. Excellent steaks and chops and overall service was great

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  14. ZiambriaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My waitress morgan was so polite and she made great conversation . She even put on my bibs for me I loved it . food was a 10/10 omgosh it was amazing

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  15. QianaW

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was absolutely great from the moment we walked in the door. But the food was beyond words. The portions huge. I had food to go.

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  16. cmf3

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious food and great service! If you’re in Milwaukee, check it out and definitely get the ribs!

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  17. CasandraW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The waiter was good. He had great recommendations for first time customers and his recommendations were actually good. The food was amazing!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Key West

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I've been there many times. This time there was a problem with some of the food. Overdone pork chop. Wrong grill on the chicken sandwich and cold not steamed broccoli. The manager came over and apologized. He comped one entree. And I fell it was done nicely!!'

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  19. AlyssaG

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The manager is always so nice! He gave us free champagne for our anniversary

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  20. SpencerP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Experience was great. Temps on steaks was a perfect MR. Benny is the man and makes us feel welcome

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  21. GaryS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Foods and service outstanding. Always consistantly good

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  22. DreH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We both enjoyed our date thanks again we will be back for sure

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  23. Kelly

    Indiana

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were both excellent! Definitely recommend!!

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  24. reddRussell

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    It took 25 mins for 4 drinks and a hour and a half for the food.. steak was tough baked potato was bland.. drinks were good… waiter was nice polite and knowledgeable about the menu. Atmosphere was nice.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    everything was perfect thanks so much never misses

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Annual tradition during Summerfest week! It was awesome! Chew off the bone ribs… and the best darn Cole slaw anywhere!

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  27. Aydan

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Morgan was a great server! Amazing food and great service!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My waitress was polite and timely. Food was delicious. Try the cornbread! Overall great Father’s Day dinner. We’ll be back

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Mediterranean Pork Chop and Mediterranean Shrimp was Awesome! It was a precious moment when the waiters like 6 year old daughter came in and gave him flowers for Farther’s Day…. It was a great moment to observe …. The young man was totally surprised….. Great Job!

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  30. CassandraH

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding, Kayla was wonderful. Parking was rough.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was awesome😆 only thing I can say that we didn’t like….the hostess I’m assuming pulled us to the side while we were walking, nd asked us did we know what gratuity is, and why did we leave an extra tip? Was also embarrassing.! I told her the waiter deserved what we left. She stated she just following policies! I asked are you pulling everyone to the side asking this question or just black ppl! Whatever her answer was I ignored and we walked out!

    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded on June 17, 2023

    Hello Anonymous. Thank you so much for dining with us and your generous tip to the server. We are happy to hear everything was awesome. Our policy is for management to ALWAYS verify and confirm ALL double tips to servers no matter who leaves it. It has nothing to do with race whatsoever. If you'd like to speak to owner Dean Carson about this, feel free to call his direct personal cell 773-310-1000 which is on every menu and website. He is very consumer centric and welcomes your feedback.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shawn and Kayla made my daughter’s evening absolutely AMAZING!!!

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  33. tsjones82

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time and it did not disappoint. The cornbread and French bread as appetizers were fresh and tasty. The filet with steamed broccoli and house coleslaw was world glass. I will be back!

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  34. MikeG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our server was great. The food was good, I would like my prime rib done more, but that’s just me. We would go back

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  35. GaryF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent and the service and attention to detail was outstanding!

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  36. TomM

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful lunch:crisp salad, perfectly prepared Brisket and cornbread to die for!

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  37. margaretm

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food and service were very good. Great atmosphere, not crowded.

    Is this helpful?

  38. LuellaK

    Milwaukee

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    The cornbread starter was great. The Cobb salad was also very tasty. BBQ chicken was extremely dry and augratin potatoes had too much cheese and very little flavor. The coke skaw was good and ribs were ok.

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  39. Nancy

    Milwaukee

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Carson’s was amazing. We went with friends to celebrate my birthday and it was absolutely amazing! We all ordered the full rack of ribs and they were out of this world delicious, the whole meal was good and we all had plenty to eat and leftovers to take home! Our server surprised me with a warm brownie with ice cream that we shared! Already thinking how soon we can go back! Highly recommend!!

    Is this helpful?

  40. Pokergirl84

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    We dined for Downtown Dining Week. The food was large sized and tasty. I thought the service was poor though, she was never around all night. Good value for $35.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee using the Order Online button. Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (414) 223-3311.

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee is rated 4.6 stars by 1425 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee

301 West Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    N Old World 3rd St
  • Neighborhood
    Milwaukee
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We offer $12 Valet. We also credit you with a $10 beverage credit. Validate with the manager, please.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Kim Baldwin
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (414) 223-3311
  • Catering
    Contact our Party Planner Nick directly at (323)540-4888 or email him at nick@ribs.com
  • Private party facilities
    Contact our Party Planner Nick directly at (323)540-4888 or email him at nick@ribs.com
  • Private party contact
    Nick@ribs.com: (414) 223-3311
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