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Welcome to Karl's Bar-B-Q Express

Karl's Bar-B-Q Express, located in Eau Claire, WI, is a must-visit for barbecue lovers. Known for its meticulously prepared dishes, including melt-in-your-mouth brisket and tender ribs, this casual eatery emphasizes quality and flavor. Customers rave about generous portions, like the brisket-stuffed potatoes, and unique sides such as creamy coleslaw and delicious cornbread. The friendly staff, led by Karl himself, is always eager to share cooking tips and ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Karl's offers a warm atmosphere and flavorful meals that leave diners wanting more.

Karl's Bar-B-Q Express: Reviews & Ratings

Rachel Rawlinson
Rachel Rawlinson

We went here for a late lunch. My husband and I shared a brisket-stuffed potato and an order of cheese curd. The potato was insanely delicious. The brisket melted in my mouth. It was so good. The curd was also very good, especially with the chipotle ranch. Our son also got the ribs kids meal. He loved the ribs so much, and also gave me a bite. It was also very delicious and they just fell right off the bone. Absolutely would eat here again any day!

Greg Berres
Greg Berres

I’m with NexGEN exteriors in our crew is working in Eau Claire temporarily and we found the best restaurant in Eau Claire hands-down! Food isn’t heated up in the microwave. It’s prepared right in front of you and Karl was very Helpful in giving tips on my cooking my own brisket. I’m a fat boy by heart so trust me I eat brisket all the time. This is the best brisket I’ve ever had..

B A
B A

Great food and super friendly staff. We stopped here on a road trip, and it did not disappoint. I had the two meat platter with pork belly burnt ends and ribs, with macaroni and coleslaw for sides. The meats were great. The macaroni was delicious as well. I'm picky on my coleslaw, and the coleslaw did not disappoint. Perfect balance of creamy, acidity, sweetness, savory, and crunch from the veggies. The prices were more than reasonable. I'll be stopping by next time I'm in Eau Claire.

John Axeman
John Axeman

Stopped in to place a take out order. First was the "Smells". Mmmgood. 2 meat platter, w sides and a Deluxe tater. 2nd time for me here. Amazing food. Never have i had brisket so tender. And the Burnt ends were as bbq as you can get. Excellent food. Great staff. AAA.

Kathy Thompson
Kathy Thompson

We went for dinner tonight to celebrate a birthday and we were not disappointed! While we decided on our order we were treated to a sample of pork burnt ends that melted in our mouths. We had an order of that, brisket, pulled pork, a couple of brisket stuffed baked potatoes (enormous!!) , and the cornbread was delicious. We'll definitely be regulars!!

Deb Bjorlin
Deb Bjorlin

First time there & their beef brisket was absolutely tender, flavorful, and delicious! The portions were fantastic. Staff was very friendly & helpful with questions. Very clean and cute place to dine in. We will return.

Hank Liautaud
Hank Liautaud

Wow wow wow wow wow. Five wow's for the five well-deserved stars rightfully earned by Karl's BBQ. After hearing my folks lauding and revering their baked potatoes and pulled pork these past few months, I had to give it a try on my most recent visit to the Chippewa Valley. I am a previous native who switched to the dark side and moved to the Northwoods of MN where the BBQ scene is nonexistent. Additionally, during my time in the valley, I never knew where to go for a good brisket, pulled pork, or some ribs. Holy cow you guys this is it. We found it. They did it. melt-in-your-mouth meat no matter what you pick (brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and the turkey which I tried via leftovers from my folks). My fiance and I had the two-meat platter with brisket and ribs and ordered a pork potato on the side. We loved it so much that, for our return journey to MN, we bought the SAME potato and a pulled pork sandwich to go! Inhaled it shortly thereafter! LOL. But the beauty of it was not only the food and the price, but the service was in minutes. Like, less than two minutes from order to sit-down. Usually the recipe is: you get good food, it's cheap, or it's fast; pick two. This had it all! Now I would only say "cheap" by today's standards, but hey we live in a society. My belly doesn't speak in dollars and cents, either! ;) My new go-to barbecue joint with the family. A guilty pleasure for sure that deserves your money, your stars, your attention, and taste buds. Go get you some! I know it'll be my first stop.

J Kaufman
J Kaufman

Grandparents had a full rack, I had the Philly Brisket. Everybody happy! Gotta say, best potato salad I've had in a long time.

Location

Welcome to Karl's Bar-B-Q Express, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Located at 1410 S Hastings Way, this culinary haven is where smoky flavors and tender meats come together for a barbecue experience that is truly unforgettable. From the moment you walk in, the enticing aroma of smoked meats envelops you, promising a feast that goes beyond mere satisfaction.

Step up to the grill and prepare for a delightful journey through a menu that highlights the best of Bar-B-Q cuisine. Here, customer favorites like the brisket-stuffed potato reign supreme. One satisfied diner, Rachel Rawlinson, described the brisket as “melting in my mouth,” perfectly complemented by crispy cheese curds dipped in chipotle ranch. It’s no surprise that this dish has quickly become a bestseller.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. For those seeking variety, the two meat platter is a must-try, featuring succulent pork belly burnt ends and fall-off-the-bone ribs. This dish has garnered praises from food lovers like B A, who appreciates not just the meats but the well-rounded sides like creamy macaroni and coleslaw — a balance of flavors that celebrates the essence of barbecue.

Each bite at Karl's feels personal. Greg Berres, a local worker, mentioned that the brisket was the best he had ever tasted, with Karl himself readily sharing cooking tips that speak to the caring, friendly atmosphere of the establishment. Customers rave about the welcoming staff who are always eager to share their passion for cooking.

And let’s not overlook the generous portions—dishes like the Deluxe tater promise to fill your plate to the brim, making it perfect for sharing, or savoring all by yourself. The experience is not just about food; it’s a gathering place for families and friends, as highlighted by Kathy Thompson who celebrated a birthday surrounded by the warm ambiance and mouthwatering samples of pork burnt ends that left her craving more.

In a world where fast food often reigns, Karl's Bar-B-Q Express offers something special. It isn’t just about a meal; it’s about indulging in the rich flavors of expertly prepared barbecue that has locals and visitors alike coming back for seconds. When you’re in Eau Claire, make it a point to stop by Karl's—you won’t regret it!