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

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee

4.8
4.8
1686 Reviews
$31 to $50
Barbecue

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 p.m.
Booked 40 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Fancy
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 Essential Chicago BBQ babyback ribs are the star attraction, but other must-try 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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
    The Essential Barbecue Restaurant
  • Catering
    Contact our Party Planner at ribs.com/contact-us<br />OR Visit our website RIBS.COM<br />THE Essential Barbecue Restaurant
  • Private party facilities
    Contact our Party Planner at ribs.com/contact-usOR Visit our website RIBS.COMTHE Essential Barbecue Restaurant
  • Neighbourhood
    Milwaukee
  • Cross Street
    N Old World 3rd St
  • Parking details
    Valet is available during Fiserv events, Bucks games, and every Friday and Saturday night. $12 for dine-in only and $40 to dine-in and keep your vehicle valeted during the event. (Prices are subject to change.)
  • 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 1,686 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Milwaukee consistently delivers a "wonderful experience" with its superb steaks, generous portion sizes, and top-notch service. Guests appreciate the "amazing" crab cakes, prime rib, and twice-baked potatoes. While some find the prices high, the atmosphere and attentive staff make it a "go-to" spot before events at Fiserv Forum.

1,686 Reviews
  1. Nikki

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great experience. Worth every penny. Will definitely be dining there again.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you so much Nikki! It was a pleasure having you here for your girls night out and we are grateful for your kind 5 star review for your overall wonderful experience. Kind regards.

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  2. Tiffany

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was amazing and service was pretty good. Only complaint was that we planned our reservation around attending a Marquette game. The tables ahead of us were lingering so we did not get seated until at least 30 minutes after our reservation was supposed to start which made us late for the game. Would recommend having a time limit when there are events going on so this doesn’t happen. The manager did buy us a drink, which was nice but would have rather made it to the game on Time

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  3. Phil

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is outstanding. My husband had the steak sandwich which was cooked perfectly and so was his double baked potato. My rib sandwich was amazing. Our waiter, Tony, was a great waiter and checked on us regularly to ensure all was good. Carsons is one of our favorite restaurants to dine at before going to Marquette basketball ball games.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you Phil for your glowing comments about our service staff and your 5 star dining experience. We are extremely fortunate to work with an amazing team! We appreciate your feedback about our perfectly cooked steak sandwich, amazing prime rib sandwich and double baked potato. Here at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Milwaukee, we very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back and serving you before your Fiserv event.

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  4. Kristin

    VIP

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Lots of food with entrees. While good, wishing we’d skipped the salad and appetizer.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Kristin. Thanks for dining with us 1/3/25 prior to the Marquette game at Fiserv. We appreciate your mention of our generous portions and good quality food. We see your party of 5 ordered the following.. Iceberg Wedge Blue Cheese Dressing, Peppercorn Steak Skewer Gluten Free Allergy, 3 Lakefront Riverwest Stein Beer, 2 GLASS PATZ & HALL CHARD, Miller High Life Beer, 1 Filet Mignon 10oz MRare, Charcrust, Roasted Greek Potato, slaw, BBQ Baby Backs 1/2 Slab, Rib bone by bone, Gluten Free Allergy, Au gratin potatoes, slaw, Chargrilled Mediterranean Wings, Extra Double Baked potato, 1 BBQ Pork Sand, Fries, slaw, BBQ Baby Backs 1/2 Slab S&P Crusted Baked Potato, slaw. All meals come with a side and homemade coleslaw as described per menu. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.

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  5. Brittany

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect for date night! Staff was extremely pleasant and kind.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 6 days ago
    Hi Brittany. Thank you for your lovely comments about our service staff and your 5 star dining experience. We are extremely fortunate to work with an amazing team! Here at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Milwaukee, we very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back for more perfect date nights. Happy New Year 🎊

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  6. Lee

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I am a Frequent Flyer. Always a good pregame dinner.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you for your amazing comments about your pre game at Fiserv 5 star dining experience. We are extremely fortunate to have wonderful regular guests like you Lee. Here at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Milwaukee, we very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back before a Bucks game or any time you are in the mood for more slow smoked barbecue and wings. We sincerely appreciate your time to provide positive feedback and for your continuous dining loyalty.

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  7. Monique

    VIP

    Milwaukee

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service from Aleah and phenomenal food! A great night.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 6 days ago
    Hello Monique. Thank you for your excellent compliments about Aleah’s exemplary service and your 5 star dining experience. We are thrilled you enjoyed a great night with phenomenal cuisine. Here at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Milwaukee, we very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back and serving you again anytime. Feel free to request Aleah when reserving and we will do our best to accommodate. Happy New Year 🎊

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  8. Shirley

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the most wonderful server! She was attentive and our dining experience was amazing. The food was great and the ambiance was also. Will be back for sure!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 6 days ago
    Thank you for taking the time to provide such a positive review about your wonderful attentive service from Savannah following your recent 5 star dining experience at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Milwaukee. We truly appreciate you letting everyone know your feedback that your dining experience was amazing from top to bottom. We will look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind Regards and Happy New Year 🎊

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  9. Flavia

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From our table to the service to the food, the evening was perfect.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 6 days ago
    Hello Flavia. Thank you for your glowing compliments about our service staff and your 5 star dining experience. We are thrilled to learn you and your party had a perfect evening with us. Here at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Milwaukee, we very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back soon. Happy New Year 🎊

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  10. Billie

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is the second year that I've treated my wonderful nieces to dinner out at Carson's. We had a nice experience and the food was great. Our waiter was kind, knowledgeable and efficient. Both of my girls try to eat healthy and Carson had good options for my veggie girl. We left full and satisfied.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - MilwaukeeResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you Billie for this awesome 5 star review of Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee. We are pleased to hear you and your nieces enjoyed the food, kind and efficient service and overall experience. We do have many options for vegetarians and healthy eating and we love that you enjoyed them! We look forward to your third year back and appreciate being a part of a new family tradition.

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FAQs

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (414) 223-3311.

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee is rated 4.8 stars by 1686 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 p.m.
Booked 40 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
  • Neighbourhood
    Milwaukee
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet is available during Fiserv events, Bucks games, and every Friday and Saturday night. $12 for dine-in only and $40 to dine-in and keep your vehicle valeted during the event. (Prices are subject to change.)
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    The Essential Barbecue Restaurant
  • 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 at ribs.com/contact-us<br />OR Visit our website RIBS.COM<br />THE Essential Barbecue Restaurant
  • Private party facilities
    Contact our Party Planner at ribs.com/contact-usOR Visit our website RIBS.COMTHE Essential Barbecue Restaurant
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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