David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon MKE — Restaurant in Milwaukee

I've been looking forward to this place opening up. I stopped into the public market on a Monday and grabbed a full rack of ribs to go. The wait was virtually nonexistent and Jordan was super polite.

The ribs - The texture is perfect for competition ribs. A single bite leaves the perfect mark in the rib. The meat has a lovely smoke ring to it and is deliciously juicy. I found the dry rub a bit bland, but the bark was good. It could do with a bit more kosher salt and other spices, but if you're watching your sodium intake, you're in luck. 7.4/10

The sauces - The sweet and spicy tastes apple sauce and ketchup mixed together. The heat level is mild even by Midwest standards. 3.5/10 The Bacon Bourbon Honey - tastes exactly how you would expect. It is a rather nice sweet sauce. 7.5/10 The Kansas City Sauce - the best of the three for sure. It got a bit more acidity to it and is more balanced. Pairs well with the ribs. 8.0/10

Coleslaw - a light vinegar & sugar based slaw without the mayo, but is only good in small doses. 6.3/10

Mac and cheese. - Fantastically creamy, perfectly season, with a wonderful texture. No notes. 8.8/10

The cornbread - About as close to yellow cake cornbread from a sheetpan as you can get. Its soft. Its fluffy. There seems to be more flour than cornmeal. Not my preferred style, but the style they're going for is executed...

I was in Milwaukee on 7/28/25 & 7/29/25 for the first time in my life for a work conference. After googling the public market, we stopped in to check it out and then go eat dinner someplace else. While in the market, we noticed DAA BBQ so we stopped and sat at the bar for a drink. While sitting there, we watched plates of food being brought out and everything looked delicious. My husband and I decided to just order a sandwich to share, just to taste. We ordered the brisket sandwich. The guy next to me ordered mac & cheese and it looked so creamy I decided to order it also. Ya'll I'm from Buffalo, NY, we have great food and BBQ in Buffalo and you won't find better wings anywhere.....but the DAA brisket was so tender and delicious, my husband and I were fighting over the last piece. The bacon honey sauce was absolutely amazing. Then I tried the mac & cheese, and it was so cheesy and creamy. I'm a stickler with mac & cheese because I don't like it lumpy or dry...this was a bowl of cavatappi noodles wrapped in creamy deliciousness. Although we didn't try the wings, they looked (and from the moans of the guy next to us) like they tasted amazing as well. 5 stars all around for food, service and the atmosphere was lively and entertaining. If you're in Milwauke, go...

I was visiting from Orange County, CA and stopped by David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse & Saloon — and wow, what an experience! Both Jordan’s (yes, two of them!) at the register were beyond helpful in walking me through the menu since it was my first time. I started with the burnt ends — AMAZING, huge portions, packed with flavor.

My wife and I then split the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and honestly, words don’t do it justice. Perfect amount of heat, tons of flavor, and just the right portion size. I had the mac & cheese as my side and it was spot on.

I also found out the cook’s name was Travis — hats off to him, because everything came out perfect. While waiting at the bar, I met Ty, who was just as friendly and welcoming as the rest of the staff.

From start to finish, this place nailed it. Great food, incredible staff, and an overall awesome vibe....