When looking for a place to feed the whole family, you may be concerned about ensuring all party members have enough food. But quality, too, is a must. Sadly, many eateries offer one but not the other.
When we dined at Chuckwagon BBQ in Madison, we found ourselves delighted by the blend of quantity and quality we found there. There wasn’t a bite of leftovers, though—despite the portion sizes, it was simply too good to leave behind.
Chuckwagon BBQ Madison, Alabama
Located on Highway 72 in a small shopping center with a few other eateries, Chuckwagon BBQ offers quality smoked barbecue at affordable prices. Whether you like sandwiches, wings, stuffed potatoes, or simply a quality barbecue plate, you can’t go wrong with Chuckwagon.
Remember that this restaurant serves Texas-style barbecue, with a special focus on beef brisket. If you’re a loyalist for other regional styles, try Chuckwagon, but don’t be surprised if it’s a little different from the barbecue you know and love.
Chuckwagon BBQ First Impressions
When we arrived at Chuckwagon, we were wowed by the adorable Western decor. With Western films on the TV and (my favorite) the metal cowboy cactus, it felt like stepping across the border to the Lone Star State.
The restaurant features a cafeteria-style line for ordering. You can check out their menu on the board above the counter, get in line, and check out the tasty options they have available. I chose a pulled pork sandwich, not expecting the massive pile of meat on my sandwich. We arrived in time to watch them pull out another side of meat, fresh and ready for dinner.
They also offer plenty of toppings: a variety of sauces, jalapeno peppers, pickles, two types of slaw, and red onions. As you walk down the line, the staff builds your sandwich, scoops your sides, and sends you off to your table in just minutes. Unless you arrive at rush hour, you should have no problem getting the delicious food you’re craving.
When we finally sat down, we had a few entrees to choose from, but I dug into my sandwich first:
Chuckwagon BBQ Dishes:
Pulled Pork Sandwich
I was blown away by the rich, meaty taste—even snagging a bite of plain meat that had tumbled off the sandwich was complex and delicious. This is a protein made with patience, cooked low and slow until it’s just right.
To elevate my sandwich, I added spicy slaw, mild barbecue sauce, and peppers, and it was the perfect combination of heat and savory flavor. The spicy slaw, peppers, and onions add a sharp crunch to the plate, while the sauce balances and harmonizes with it all, bringing a well-seasoned sweetness to the ensemble.
The cherry on top is the bun, however. Toasted and crunchy, with a soft center, the buns add a lovely texture to the sandwich. These buns also held together well—too often, I find myself eating with a fork as my bun falls to pieces, but despite the size and weight of this sandwich, Chuckwagon’s buns are tough enough to hold it all together.
But the good times did not stop at the sandwich. I recommend getting their mac and cheese with your meal—of the sides I tried; this was easily my favorite. I like my mac and cheese made with real cheese, thick and with a little stretch as you pull each bite from the bowl, and this little side delivers.
Stuffed Potato
At least, that’s the case for the combos. The stuffed potato is in a league of its own, a massive potato cooked to fork-tender perfection. This potato was stuffed with meat and cheese, overflowing onto the plate. With the same pulled pork I had on my sandwich, it was no surprise that this stuffed potato was a delight.
Pulling all these flavors together, however, is the white sauce. This Alabama classic barbecue topper is typically a combination of vinegar, mayonnaise, and spice, with the measurements adjusted to the cook’s taste. This particular batch was creamy and tangy, with an aftertaste that bordered on sweet. If they bottled this, I just might take it home with me.
Smoked Wings
Of course, while I adored my sandwich, there wasn’t a meal that disappointed. One of our party ordered the smoked wings and got a plate of drumsticks with perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat underneath. The mild buffalo sauce, in a bowl to the side, was perfect for dipping those wings without getting absolutely covered in sauce (though, as tasty as the sauce was, that isn’t the worst fate).
Alongside the wings were waffle fries, with plenty of crunch that dissolved into soft, smooth potato inside. With a dash of seasoning, these fries are the perfect side for any sandwich or other dish you choose.
Chuckwagon BBQ Sandwich
Last but certainly not least was the absolute monster of a sandwich one member of our party received: the famous Chuckwagon. This sandwich featured the tender beef brisket the Chuckwagon is known for, with a little sausage for good measure and potato salad on the side. He chose not to add toppings—he thought that might be overkill at that point.
But the sandwich itself was excellent—if you are a fan of brisket, do not miss this restaurant. As they cut the meat at the counter, it fell off the bone, tender and perfect, with a blackened exterior and juicy, pink interior. The sausage added a pop of spice and that rich, smoky flavor sausage brings to the combo. Topped with that same toasted bun, this sandwich is a chuckwagon straight to heaven.
Chuckwagon Menu
Here is the full menu below:
Get On the Wagon Today!
In Huntsville, you have plenty of options for food, with nearly every price point imaginable. Sometimes, though, it’s not the time for a fancy meal—sometimes, you just need a big plate of quality meat to satisfy your raving belly. If you’re in such a situation, hurry to Chuckwagon BBQ, which got a hearty “Yee-haw!” from everyone at our table.
If you have been missing quality barbecue, give this a try. You won’t be disappointed by brisket cooked low and slow and sauce that adds that tangy kick only the best barbecue offers.
