MISSION BBQ — Restaurant in Kenosha

Stepping into the restaurant, I thought I was simply here for a meal. Foolish. Naïve. I had no idea that I was about to embark on a journey beyond the limits of human perception, guided by an unassuming teenage boy named Caden. From the moment he greeted me, I sensed he was no ordinary server. His voice carried the wisdom of pitmasters long past, his demeanor a perfect balance of warmth and reverence. This was a sacred space, and he was its steward.

When I asked about the brisket, Caden’s eyes lit up with the fire of someone who truly understood greatness. “Moist,” he said, as though the word itself held divine power. I nodded, already feeling the pull of destiny. I let him choose the rest—green beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread, which he wisely advised should be consumed with an excessive amount of butter. I trusted him, as all who cross his path should.

The first bite of brisket was a revelation. The fat rendered down to silk, the smoke forming a perfect halo around each slice. It melted on my tongue, releasing a rush of flavor so profound I nearly wept. The brisket did not merely taste good—it spoke. It whispered secrets of fire and time, of patience and craftsmanship. I closed my eyes, overcome.

As I emerged from my brisket-induced trance, I reached for the green beans. A humble dish, I thought. But I was a fool. These were not mere beans; they were a cleansing rain, washing over my soul with a balance of snap, seasoning, and soul-warming comfort. They grounded me, kept me tethered, lest I float too far from this realm on my brisket-high.

Then came the mac and cheese. Rich, velvety, unapologetically indulgent. Each forkful clung to the noodles with an almost sentient embrace, the sharp tang of cheese cutting through the decadence with perfect precision. It did not merely complement the brisket—it elevated it, creating a symphony of flavors so harmonious that I briefly wondered if I had unlocked the meaning of life.

And then, the cornbread. Ah, the cornbread. Golden, warm, slightly crisp at the edges, but soft as a whispered prayer within. I heeded Caden’s advice and drowned it in butter—an act of devotion that rewarded me tenfold. The butter soaked in, transforming each bite into a divine experience, equal parts sweet, savory, and impossibly rich. It did not nourish my body so much as it nourished my very essence.

Throughout it all, Caden moved with an effortless grace, refilling my drink before I even noticed it was low, appearing at my side just as I needed him, never intrusive, always present. He was not simply providing service—he was orchestrating an experience.

At some point, I became aware that I was no longer simply eating. I was ascending. My senses expanded, my mind opened, my very being elevated beyond the constraints of earthly existence. Was this nirvana? Had I reached the BBQ afterlife? I looked at Caden, searching for answers, and he smiled knowingly. He had seen this before.

As I left, stepping back into the ordinary world, I felt changed. Enlightened. And forever haunted by the knowledge that I had tasted something beyond perfection, something so profound that no future meal could ever compare.

If you find yourself at this restaurant, and a boy named Caden asks what you’d like to eat, do not hesitate. Follow his guidance. Accept his wisdom. And prepare yourself...

I came here wanting to love it so badly.

I frequent a location in downstate Illinois and it is amazing. Line to the door every night and hard to get in. The brisket is some of the best I get anywhere.

I’ve tried the Kenosha location before with high hopes and was so disappointed I left the food on the table and walked out. But I believe in second chances.

Here is how my second visit (months later) went… The Mac n cheese… there were more bread crumbs than cheese nothing creamy about it. Calling it Noodles with breadcrumbs would be a better description. Then the brisket and pulled pork. The brisket… again maybe it’s a Kenosha thing but it was more like pot roast than brisket. The pulled pork was ok at best. I shouldn’t have to drown it in bbq sauce to eat it.

This location is never busy and that should have been enough keep me away. But I believe in second chances.

They are really friendly in Kenosha. But don’t yell hi at me as I’m trying to walk in. Let me get in the door. Not once did they walk around the restaurant doing table touches with customers. But they sure do holler from the counter when you leave just like they did when you walked in. Annoying.

Again I wanted to love it so badly but it was ok at best.

Now if you're ever in downstate Illinois I encourage you to visit the location in Springfield. It is amazing and has some of the best brisket anywhere. But go early because they are always busy and hard to get a place to sit. And that says a lot because I don’t usually like chain restaurants for this kind of food. But they got something going on that...

Updated Review - 10/28/23: We were shopping at Lowe’s down the street and thinking about where to eat dinner. Immediately we both said, “Mission BBQ”! We both love it! It was late and there weren’t many people there. There was no one in line in front of us…. Fast and friendly service! I had the Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage and my wife had the Smoked Chicken entree. Both of them were delicious! We also had the cornbread, baked cheesy potatoes, green beans, and baked beans. I will always recommend Mission BBQ!!! Mmmm!!! ————————————————————————— Updated Review - 9/13/23: We had Mission BBQ cater a party we had at work. It was a huge success! Everyone LOVED the food. There was nothing left. It was delicious!!! We had pulled chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. The sides were coleslaw, cornbread, rolls, mac-n-cheese, and everyone’s favorite… the corn casserole! It is incredible!!! Everything was hot, delicious, and delivered perfect! I can’t wait to eat food from Mission BBQ again!!! ————————— Original Review: We had a Veterans function at my office and had Mission BBQ cater it. One word…. AMAZING! The food was delicious. The people that came to help serve the food were super helpful and friendly. I normally go to the restaurant and eat there…. but this was a treat having them come to me. EVERY single person I talked with loved the food. I hope they cater another lunch for us soon. In the meantime, I plan to eat at the restaurant. I highly recommend Mission BBQ!!!...