Nothing says summer in Wisconsin like a massive smoker and some of the best tasting barbecue around. Two weeks ago, on Wednesday, April 15, Just Smokin’ Barbecue took their food truck out of its winter hiding place. For the spring and summer season, they will be parked in the Advance Auto Parts in Oconomowoc’s parking lot every Wednesday. From 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Or whenever they sell out, which happens regularly), the truck can be found serving up a variety of high quality smoked meats alongside comfort foods and everybody’s favorite cornbread.
Just Smokin’ Barbecue is so much more than a food truck. They have a physical restaurant location in Lannon, which is open every day except Monday. Since it opened in 2016, the restaurant has become a hit. Known for its reliably delicious menu, everyone who stops in to try their food has a hard time resisting coming back for more. At the restaurant, they offer some exclusive dining options and specials, such as nachos, burgers, and homemade desserts. However, its Lannon location can make it a difficult spot to get to during the working week, which is why their trailer is the perfect way for Just Smokin’ to get to Lake Country. Complete with a massive smoker hitched to its back, the trailer is hard to miss.
The food truck’s menu offers a trimmed down version of their restaurant’s biggest hits. They primarily offer sandwiches, St. Louis style ribs, and meats which are available by the pound. Additionally, they sell polish and jalapeño cheddar sausage sandwiches which are perfect for those with an abbreviated lunch hour. Their side dish offerings are equally unforgettable, with their creamy, slightly spiced mac n cheese being a favorite, alongside classics like dill pickle potato salad and cheesy potatoes. The truck offers up a few specials of its own. On the Wednesday we visited, they had a ti-tip sandwich that was unbelievably packed with flavor and a special bourbon mashed sweet potato side that paired nicely with the rich, smoky flavors.
The access in and out of the Advance Auto Parts where Just Smokin’ frequently parks makes it easy to get to. Additionally, the staff is helpful and quick. However, the best part of the experience might be their lineup of homemade barbecue sauces. While their ‘Just Classic’ sauce pairs with every dish they serve, the ‘Carolina Tang’ and ‘Alabama White’ sauces are definitely worth a taste. For fans of intense heat, the ‘Daredevil’ sauce is something that can’t be missed.
Just Smokin’ keeps their food trailer out from April through October, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and try out a few of their unforgettable bites. Don’t be worried if you see a little bit of a line, because the staff truly is fast, and most people just can’t seem to stay away from this tasty approach to barbecue.
