ChuckWagon BBQ — Restaurant in Madison

When we dined at Chuckwagon BBQ in Madison, we found ourselves delighted by the blend of quantity and quality we found there. There wasn't a bite of leftovers, though—despite the portion sizes, it was simply too good to leave behind.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

I was blown away by the rich, meaty taste—even snagging a bite of plain meat that had tumbled off the sandwich was complex and delicious. This is a protein made with patience, cooked low and slow until it's just right.

To elevate my sandwich, I added spicy slaw, mild barbecue sauce, and peppers, and it was the perfect combination of heat and savory flavor. The spicy slaw, peppers, and onions add a sharp crunch to the plate, while the sauce balances and harmonizes with it all, bringing a well-seasoned sweetness to the ensemble.

The cherry on top is the bun, however. Toasted and crunchy, with a soft center, the buns add a lovely texture to the sandwich. These buns also held together well—too often, I find myself eating with a fork as my bun falls to pieces, but despite the size and weight of this sandwich, Chuckwagon's buns are tough enough to hold it all together.

But the good times did not stop at the sandwich. I recommend getting their mac and cheese with your meal—of the sides I tried; this was easily my favorite. I like my mac and cheese made with real cheese, thick and with a little stretch as you pull each bite from the bowl, and this little side delivers.

Stuffed Potato

At least, that's the case for the combos. The stuffed potato is in a league of its own, a massive potato cooked to fork-tender perfection. This potato was stuffed with meat and cheese, overflowing onto the plate. With the same pulled pork I had on my sandwich, it was no surprise that this stuffed potato was a delight.

Pulling all these flavors together, however, is the white sauce. This Alabama classic barbecue topper is typically a combination of vinegar, mayonnaise, and spice, with the measurements adjusted to the cook's taste. This particular batch was creamy and tangy, with an aftertaste that bordered on sweet. If they bottled this, I just might take it home with me.

Smoked Wings

Of course, while I adored my sandwich, there wasn't a meal that disappointed. One of our party ordered the smoked wings and got a plate of drumsticks with perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat underneath. The mild buffalo sauce, in a bowl to the side, was perfect for dipping those wings without getting absolutely covered in sauce (though, as tasty as the sauce was, that isn't the worst fate).

Alongside the wings were waffle fries, with plenty of crunch that dissolved into soft, smooth potato inside. With a dash of seasoning, these fries are the perfect side for any sandwich or other dish you choose.

Chuckwagon BBQ Sandwich

Last but certainly not least was the absolute monster of a sandwich one member of our party received: the famous Chuckwagon. This sandwich featured the tender beef brisket the Chuckwagon is known for, with a little sausage for good measure and potato salad on the side. He chose not to add toppings—he thought that might be overkill at that point.

But the sandwich itself was excellent—if you are a fan of brisket, do not miss this restaurant. As they cut the meat at the counter, it fell off the bone, tender and perfect, with a blackened exterior and juicy, pink interior. The sausage added a pop of spice and that rich, smoky flavor sausage brings to the combo. Topped with that same toasted bun, this sandwich is a chuckwagon...

Yeehaw, partner—gather ‘round the fire, ‘cause I got a tale to tell about a little smoke-slingin’ joint called Chuck Wagon BBQ over yonder in Madison, Alabama. Now I may not be a real cowboy, but after a plate from this place, I felt like spurrin’ my boots and ridin’ off into a brisket sunset. 🤠🔥

First thing you’ll notice when you roll up? That smoky aroma hangin’ in the air like a welcome sign for hungry cowpokes. Smells like someone wrangled a herd of flavor, roped it up, and slow-cooked it over hickory ‘til it gave up all its secrets.

I ordered me a plate piled high with brisket, and let me tell you, it was tender enough to make a grown cowboy tear up. Bark was barkin’, smoke ring was struttin’, and the flavor? Lawd have mercy. That meat didn’t need no knife—just whispered “please” and it fell apart.

The ribs? Fall-off-the-bone like they’d been rode hard and put up wet (in the best way). Sauce was tangy, a lil’ sweet, with just enough kick to remind you you’re in barbecue country—not some fancy-pants salad bar in the city.

Now the sides—mac n’ cheese was creamy like Ma used to make, and the baked beans had that deep, smoky richness like they’d spent the day simmerin’ in a cast-iron pot on a campfire. The coleslaw was good, too—crunchy and cool, like a breeze comin’ off the plains.

Only gripe? The joint can get mighty busy, and sometimes you gotta wait a spell—but heck, good barbecue don’t come quick, and this stuff is worth sittin’ your boots down for. Just bring your appetite and maybe a little patience, partner.

The folks runnin’ the place were friendly as a golden retriever in a cowboy hat. You can tell they put love—and probably a fair bit of elbow grease—into every rack, slab, and scoop.

Bottom line: Chuck Wagon BBQ ain’t fancy, and it don’t need to be. It’s just darn good eatin’, served with a side of Southern hospitality and a whole lotta smoke. If you leave hungry, that’s on you.

I’ll be hitchin’ my wagon back there real...

I tried Dreamland in Huntsville; it’s good but not “outstanding”. The hotels I stayed at on my two trips both suggested Thomas Pitt. I tried it and must say that I am glad I gave Chuck Wagon a go!

On two trips I’ve now eaten here three times now and look forward to my next trip to Huntsville!

I’ve had:

Ribs – They are awesome, big meaty, smoky. Just all around great ribs.

Pulled Pork – They do the butt, and it is very good. They even have a Vinegar sauce close to a Lexington, NC style. The pork is moist, smoky… just awesome.

Brisket – I am not a fan of Brisket. However, I eat it in places that claim to have great brisket just to see. Chuck Wagon BBQ I supposed to be Texas style so, I had to try it. Actually have eaten it twice just to let you know how good I think it is!

Sausage – I pick the spicy version they offer; I have not tried the regular. I love sausage and this stuff is awesome.

Smoked Baked Beans – talk about good. Man is this stuff ever so good. It sits waiting to be served right beside where he cuts the meats. After cutting meat he pushes all the leftover into the beans.

Potato Salad – They actually have a very good potato salad!

Their Tea is very good both unsweet and sweet.

I had Cheery pie on one occasion and it was wonderful!

Only complaint... proper BBQ places serve Banana Pudding! No Banana...