Braving a cold January weekend has its rewards. Last weekend, Iron Grate BBQ Co. (4177 S. Howell Ave., 414-455-1776) had its first run, serving beef brisket, Milwaukee ribs, pulled pork, hot links and sides like baked beans, smothered greens and smoked-tomato mac and cheese. It was a soft opening for owner Aaron Patin (former chef at Ardent, Stone Creek Coffee and SURG Restaurant Group), whose official Q debut is Friday, Jan. 22. “Edna” — the name Patin has given to his hand-built smoker — is up to the task. Menu items are detailed on Iron Grate’s website.
Initially, the BBQ joint, which shares its quarters with Hawthorne Coffee Roasters, will operate three days a week, through winter (Patin will gradually add more days). Hours are Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For now, it’s dine-in at communal tables in the dining room and carryout. No phone orders or online ordering yet.
Combo orders (1 meat, 3 sides; 3 meats, 3 sides) have been popular, but if you’re feeding a crowd, the better option may be by-the-pound. Meats run $11-$16 per pound. Sides are available in pint ($5) and quart size ($9).
Something Patin says the staff learned from its first weekend in business was not to “smoke all the brisket right away.” Because it sells out fast. If they approach it in shifts, that ensures the meat will be available later in the day as well.
You will undoubtedly read more about Iron Grate in an upcoming issue of Milwaukee Magazine.
