State Street is every Madison foodie's mecca. From Indian curry to Chinese udon noodles, the downtown strip has one of the most diverse selections of food in the state.
One food it's lacking? Southern-style barbeque, and the Pink Heifer is changing that.
The Pink Heifer BBQ Saloon has been open for just under two weeks now, satisfying local Madisonians’ cravings for Southern-style barbecue and providing a spot for hungry students looking to try something new.
Nestled between Mooyah and Conrad’s Grill on State Street, the Pink Heifer adds a different flavor to one of the city’s most popular routes. This new restaurant comes as part of a 25-location expansion planned over the next five years.
The restaurant’s flagship location opened four years ago in Monticello, Wisconsin. Born from a passion for revitalizing historical spaces and creating unique, high-quality dining experiences, the Pink Heifer continues to expand its outreach, starting off with the Madison location.
The Pink Heifer offers a decent range of menu items, specializing in comfort food and traditional American-style smoked meats. The brisket, pulled pork and chicken are among their main attractions. Some dishes feature customizable bowls or platters that allow diners to pair meats with traditional staples like mac and cheese or coleslaw. Other sides include cowboy caviar, cornbread and a salad bar. In addition, the BBQ Saloon has a mix of traditional alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options like tap beer, wine and seltzers.
Inside, you’re met with a twist on traditional Western-style decor through gold-framed historical photographs, spunky cow-print chairs and glass chandeliers — plus a neon pink sign of a heifer paired with the words “Smoke Show.” The restaurant’s comfortable atmosphere and flavorful aroma add to their traditional American-style barbecue offerings.
During a recent visit, I ordered one of their “Mac Bowls” featuring the chopped brisket and a side of coleslaw. Plus, they gave me a couple sweet pickles on the side, which was nice. For a quick counter-service meal, I’d say it was pretty tasty.
The meat was tender and flavorful and paired nicely with the creamy mac and cheese base layer. The lively decor and casual vibe made it easy to settle in, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or hanging out with friends.
However, the Pink Heifer’s food and atmosphere are not the only unique features. The restaurant supports local farmers through their Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative.
According to their website, the initiative provides farmers with crucial resources related to mental health, veterinary care and farm sustainability efforts. Certain menu items, like the Pink Heifer’s “Wagon Rolls,” donate a percentage of sales to support this initiative. The initiative comes as a response to unpredictable market conditions and pressure on rural communities.
The Pink Heifer is open each week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sundays and open until 1 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
