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Find mouth-watering made-from-scratch dishes including gourmet American choices, Seafood and BBQ Cuisine on Okauchee Lake. Best sunset views on the lake from the deck along the lake side. Public piers for drive up service and dining options. Family friendly, food, drinks and atmosphere. On-line ordering for take out & curbside. Plenty of parking across the street in school lot.
Address and Contact Information
Address: N50W35016 Wisconsin Ave, Okauchee Lake, WI 53069
Phone: (262) 468-5012
Website: https://joessmokeonthewater.com/
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Smoke on the Water BBQ – Okauchee, WI
Smoke on the Water BBQ – Okauchee, WI – Great Food and Drink, Live Music and Below Deck, Lake Country’s Newest Event Space.
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Smoke on the Water BBQ Okauchee, Okauchee Lake. 11656 likes · 607 talking about this · 8871 were here. Whether arriving by land or sea, you’ll enjoy…
events & live music – Smoke on the Water BBQ – Okauchee, WI
This is going to be an Epic Friday night, playing again at Smoke on the Water on beautiful Okauchee Lake. … Address: N50W35016 Wisconsin Ave, Okauchee …
Reviews
R H
Went out for a pre-holiday lunch with my partner and another couple and we decided to check out Smoke on the Water BBQ in Okauchee,WI. It wasn’t busy probably because of the temps
outside being in the single digits. We were seated immediately by the host who was great and who was known by the other couple from another restaurant in Oconomowoc, WI. Our server brought out the menus and took our drink orders. The menu is 5 pages and if they even do 80% of what’s on it as good as what we ended up ordering, I would give them 5 stars even if the rest wasn’t as good. Our drinks consisted of 2 cokes a water and one glass of wine with a couple extra glasses of water for the table. We ordered 2 appetizers from the menu, cheese curds and Texas twinkies which are bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers stuffed with smoked brisket and pepperjack and cream cheese. The entrees were 2 orders of burnt ends with an order of fries to share between the 2 who ordered them a pulled pork sandwich which comes with house made potato chips and a half of B.B. King BBQ ribs which were ordered with a side of fries instead of chips and mac & cheese they also came with a corn bread muffin. We asked for the appetizers to be brought with food orders as they were going to be shared anyway. Our orders were out in a very short time, and it all looked and smelled great. I will start with the appetizers the cheese curds were great deep fried perfectly the Texas Twinkies were also very good the bacon cooked perfectly crisp, and the filling was very tasty for me and they had some nice spicy heat but not real hot. I will say that one person didn’t like the filling on the poppers, but it was more about the pepperjack cheese than the overall taste. My half rack of ribs was smoked to perfection with the meat being tender and coming off the ribs either by hand or with your teeth with just a little effort and the house BBQ sauce on the side was very good.
Now I prefer fall off the bone ribs that you barely need to touch to get the meat off the bone but when ribs are dry smoked and cooked as well as these, I have no problem with them, and these are excellent the side of mac and cheese was house made and excellent i did not try the corn bread muffin it came home with part of my ribs. My partner said the smoked pulled pork sandwich and chips was also great with the pork having great smoky flavor and being very tender and the house made chips were seasoned nicely she gave it a thumbs up. Now the 2 orders of Burnt ends that the couple we were with ordered they were like no Burnt ends I’ve ever seen in that they had more meat than any I’ve ever seen they were stuffed into bowls covered with a nice amount of the house BBQ sauce and the couple who ordered them said they were outstanding with the same great smoke flavor and the house BBQ sauce as all of our orders. Our server checked on us several times and was very attentive and was very good about getting us some take home containers for the extra food going home and the host also came by to check and see how everything was. It was a good time in a great restaurant with excellent service and outstanding food. We all agreed that we will be back in the future to try other items on the menu.
… moreoutside being in the single digits. We were seated immediately by the host who was great and who was known by the other couple from another restaurant in Oconomowoc, WI. Our server brought out the menus and took our drink orders. The menu is 5 pages and if they even do 80% of what’s on it as good as what we ended up ordering, I would give them 5 stars even if the rest wasn’t as good. Our drinks consisted of 2 cokes a water and one glass of wine with a couple extra glasses of water for the table. We ordered 2 appetizers from the menu, cheese curds and Texas twinkies which are bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers stuffed with smoked brisket and pepperjack and cream cheese. The entrees were 2 orders of burnt ends with an order of fries to share between the 2 who ordered them a pulled pork sandwich which comes with house made potato chips and a half of B.B. King BBQ ribs which were ordered with a side of fries instead of chips and mac & cheese they also came with a corn bread muffin. We asked for the appetizers to be brought with food orders as they were going to be shared anyway. Our orders were out in a very short time, and it all looked and smelled great. I will start with the appetizers the cheese curds were great deep fried perfectly the Texas Twinkies were also very good the bacon cooked perfectly crisp, and the filling was very tasty for me and they had some nice spicy heat but not real hot. I will say that one person didn’t like the filling on the poppers, but it was more about the pepperjack cheese than the overall taste. My half rack of ribs was smoked to perfection with the meat being tender and coming off the ribs either by hand or with your teeth with just a little effort and the house BBQ sauce on the side was very good.
Now I prefer fall off the bone ribs that you barely need to touch to get the meat off the bone but when ribs are dry smoked and cooked as well as these, I have no problem with them, and these are excellent the side of mac and cheese was house made and excellent i did not try the corn bread muffin it came home with part of my ribs. My partner said the smoked pulled pork sandwich and chips was also great with the pork having great smoky flavor and being very tender and the house made chips were seasoned nicely she gave it a thumbs up. Now the 2 orders of Burnt ends that the couple we were with ordered they were like no Burnt ends I’ve ever seen in that they had more meat than any I’ve ever seen they were stuffed into bowls covered with a nice amount of the house BBQ sauce and the couple who ordered them said they were outstanding with the same great smoke flavor and the house BBQ sauce as all of our orders. Our server checked on us several times and was very attentive and was very good about getting us some take home containers for the extra food going home and the host also came by to check and see how everything was. It was a good time in a great restaurant with excellent service and outstanding food. We all agreed that we will be back in the future to try other items on the menu.
Shelli G
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing BBQ and Great Vibes!
This was our second trip to Smoke on the Water BBQ (and it’s over an hour drive for us—but absolutely worth it!). We first discovered this hidden gem thanks to our friend CJ this summer, who was performing there. Both times, we’ve enjoyed an amazing dinner, attentive and friendly staff, and fantastic bartenders.
If you’re looking for great food, good laughs with friends, and live music in a fun, welcoming atmosphere, this is the place! We can’t wait to come back!
… moreThis was our second trip to Smoke on the Water BBQ (and it’s over an hour drive for us—but absolutely worth it!). We first discovered this hidden gem thanks to our friend CJ this summer, who was performing there. Both times, we’ve enjoyed an amazing dinner, attentive and friendly staff, and fantastic bartenders.
If you’re looking for great food, good laughs with friends, and live music in a fun, welcoming atmosphere, this is the place! We can’t wait to come back!
Lisa Locke
This place is absolutely incredible. We went in without a reservation with 2 people and we were seated immediately. We had a great view of the lake from inside. I had a blue Hawaiian and it was only $9. Not bad at all. Our waitress was terrific. Extremely friendly and attentive. We ordered the brisket and it was phenomenal. Honestly some of the best we’ve ever had. It literally melts in your mouth and isn’t fatty at all. We had the Mac and cheese and also the BBQ beans and they were delicious. My fiance got the maple bacon baby potatoes and let me tell you…soooo good! They have an all you can eat ribs special on Thursdays for 19.99. We will be back for sure. I can’t give enough praise. You must try it!
… moreTracy
Food was so good. I had the combo platter pick 2 meats. The ribs and chicken had a nice smokey flavor. The maple bacon glazed brussel spouts were delicious too! We got to sit outside overlooking the water at sunset. It was a gorgeous night. I will definitely go back.
… moreJudie Taylor
What a fantastic night at Smoke on the Water! The comedy event was incredibly fun, well-organized, and exactly the kind of experience that brings people together. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the crowd was lively, and the laughter never stopped!
Joe and Ellen deserve special recognition for all they do—not just hosting great events like this, but for the way they invest in and support our community. Their passion, hospitality, and commitment are evident in every detail. Smoke on the Water isn’t just a venue—it’s a gathering place that makes our community stronger and more connected.
We’re so grateful to have Joe and Ellen and this wonderful space. Already looking forward to the next event!
… moreJoe and Ellen deserve special recognition for all they do—not just hosting great events like this, but for the way they invest in and support our community. Their passion, hospitality, and commitment are evident in every detail. Smoke on the Water isn’t just a venue—it’s a gathering place that makes our community stronger and more connected.
We’re so grateful to have Joe and Ellen and this wonderful space. Already looking forward to the next event!
Scott W
First time here. Came with a friend for lunch on a Thursday. There’s a large indoor seating area with a big bar. Video poker games line one of the walls (not a fan). Outside, there’s a spacious patio that overlooks the lake, with plenty of umbrellas for shade. It was a beautiful day, so we grabbed a table outside.
Our server greeted us right away, brought waters, and took our drink order. We weren’t in a hurry, and she gave us plenty of time, checking back occasionally without making us feel rushed.
To start, we ordered the Texas Twinkies, their version of a stuffed, deep-fried jalapeño pepper. These came filled with cream cheese, pepper jack, and brisket, all wrapped in bacon. We were a little concerned about the heat, but they were fantastic. Honestly, the best jalapeño poppers I’ve ever had.
For mains, I ordered the Mushroom Onion Swiss Burger, and my friend had the Rice Bowl. Both came out quickly, hot, and in good portions. The burger was good, but not great. Instead of medium-rare, it was cooked to medium. Not a huge deal, but the bigger disappointment was that while the toppings were excellent, the meat itself lacked flavor. The side of homemade chips was warm and tasty. The Rice Bowl was also good, but again, not exceptional.
Overall, a decent experience. Next time, I’d skip the burger and try some of their smoked meats instead. The service throughout was excellent (thanks, Jill!).
… moreOur server greeted us right away, brought waters, and took our drink order. We weren’t in a hurry, and she gave us plenty of time, checking back occasionally without making us feel rushed.
To start, we ordered the Texas Twinkies, their version of a stuffed, deep-fried jalapeño pepper. These came filled with cream cheese, pepper jack, and brisket, all wrapped in bacon. We were a little concerned about the heat, but they were fantastic. Honestly, the best jalapeño poppers I’ve ever had.
For mains, I ordered the Mushroom Onion Swiss Burger, and my friend had the Rice Bowl. Both came out quickly, hot, and in good portions. The burger was good, but not great. Instead of medium-rare, it was cooked to medium. Not a huge deal, but the bigger disappointment was that while the toppings were excellent, the meat itself lacked flavor. The side of homemade chips was warm and tasty. The Rice Bowl was also good, but again, not exceptional.
Overall, a decent experience. Next time, I’d skip the burger and try some of their smoked meats instead. The service throughout was excellent (thanks, Jill!).
Darius Jenkins
Joe,
You absolutely knocked it out of the park. First off, the way you made accommodations for our group of nine was amazing. Thank you to you, your wife, and Barry for making everything flow so smoothly.
Friday night was an incredible experience. The food was outstanding — and you know I’m very particular about where I eat because not many places cook better than I do. But every single dish was on point. The drinks were great, the atmosphere was perfect, and then to top it all off, that comedy show completely knocked it out of the park — especially the last act.
I truly hope you continue doing more shows like this. It’s something this area has been missing, and you guys did an awesome job bringing it together.
Thank you again for the warm hospitality. I’ll definitely be seeing you soon.
Darius Jenkins
… moreYou absolutely knocked it out of the park. First off, the way you made accommodations for our group of nine was amazing. Thank you to you, your wife, and Barry for making everything flow so smoothly.
Friday night was an incredible experience. The food was outstanding — and you know I’m very particular about where I eat because not many places cook better than I do. But every single dish was on point. The drinks were great, the atmosphere was perfect, and then to top it all off, that comedy show completely knocked it out of the park — especially the last act.
I truly hope you continue doing more shows like this. It’s something this area has been missing, and you guys did an awesome job bringing it together.
Thank you again for the warm hospitality. I’ll definitely be seeing you soon.
Darius Jenkins
Kerry Heidebrecht
I had SOTW cater my wife’s Surprise 60th Birthday party on 1/24/26. I ordered off the standard catering menu that included salad and dinner rolls, I chose the BBQ chicken, Smoked Brisket (my wife’s favorite), along with Baby baked potatoes and Bourbon Glazed Carrot Pearls. EVERYONE loved the food, it was truly a big hit. Being from Kansas City and regularly smoking my own meals/meats at home, I consider myself a BBQ connoisseur, and tough customer to please. SOTW always meets and exceeds my expectations. Don’t miss the Bourbon Bar at the restaurant either. Whether you’re going into the restaurant or have a party catered, you can’t go wrong with SOTW for GREAT BBQ. Thank you Joe and staff!
… moreChris Lidwin
Attended the comedy show featuring Chris Barnes. Guy was hilarious and kept the crowd smiling. Our party of 8 began upstairs for some delicious BBQ and drinks (the old fashions were out of this world). Service was friendly and hard working… you could tell they enjoy working for the owner, Joe. Will be back again for the next event and can’t wait for summer to enjoy that lake vibe! Recommend the brisket melt, fish tacos, and brisket pot pie (massive)!!!
… moreCory Peters
This may come off negative, I assure you it’s not. We Had a great dining experience the other night. The food was outstanding. I couldn’t be happier with what we ordered. I will definitely have to stop back and try something else off the menu. It was difficult to decide.
However, I would like to offer something constructive. Based on our visit these are the things that stood out.
– We were placed at a super tiny table. We ended up knocking a glass of water on floor. Definitely needed more room
– Leave the drinks in the smoker a bit longer. If I’m paying for a smoked drink I want the entire experience.
– It took awhile to get the bill. It’s was like we were forgotten about after we finished our dinner.
– I counted 4 times, a different server knocked over cups by the bar. Right next to where we were seated. It was loud and got to be annoying.
… moreHowever, I would like to offer something constructive. Based on our visit these are the things that stood out.
– We were placed at a super tiny table. We ended up knocking a glass of water on floor. Definitely needed more room
– Leave the drinks in the smoker a bit longer. If I’m paying for a smoked drink I want the entire experience.
– It took awhile to get the bill. It’s was like we were forgotten about after we finished our dinner.
– I counted 4 times, a different server knocked over cups by the bar. Right next to where we were seated. It was loud and got to be annoying.