Speed Queen BBQ
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Speed Queen Bar-B-Q
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Corner of 12th & Walnut Street,Milwaukee, WI 53205
Local(414) 265-2900 265-2900)
speedqueenbbq@gmail.com
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q, a cherished family-owned Milwaukee landmark since 1956, has been delivering some of the city's finest barbecue for over six decades. Founded by Betty Gillespie and Leonard Partee, the journey of Speed Queen began in the bustling Hay Market District at 5th and Vliet, where they set up shop with a family recipe for barbecue and their secret sauce. Initially thriving on the overflow from the nearby "Black King" BBQ, word quickly spread about their superior taste, secret sauces, and fast service, earning Betty the affectionate nickname “Speed Queen.”
As their reputation grew, the Gillespie family relocated to 12th and Walnut in 1975, where the tradition of crafting the finest smoked meats continues today. Renowned for its mouthwatering, tender barbecued meats and award-winning sides, Speed Queen proudly serves customers from all walks of life, whether through the drive-through, carry-out, or dine-in options. Using the largest BBQ pit in the city, they consistently deliver perfectly smoked meats cooked low and slow. Their trademarked sauces have become iconic, and the inviting atmosphere continues to make Speed Queen a must-visit Milwaukee destination for BBQ lovers. Every visit brings an authentic taste of Milwaukee’s rich culinary history, ensuring a satisfying experience with every meal.
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Amenities
Closed Sunday
Miles to the Convention Center 1.45
Hours of Operation Closed Sun.; Mon.-Tue. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wed.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-Midnight.
Black-Owned
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Menu as captured Aug 30, 2026 · source ↗
We hold 209 venues in Milwaukee, WI and could score 30 of them. This one is not among them, so it has no position — not a low one.
There is no score breakdown to show: nothing we read about this venue earned points in any of the four categories, so a bar chart of zeroes would look like a verdict on the kitchen rather than on what it publishes. What we did read is below.
v1.7.4 0.0/100 = sourcing 0.0/50 (named-farm 0 distinct, named-region 0 distinct, attribute 0 distinct, buzzword 0 distinct) + farm partners 0.0/20 (none scored) + registry 0.0/12 (none listed) + press 0.0/18 (capped at 35% of the 0.0-point evidence base).
Buzzwords only. This venue uses sourcing language ("farm-fresh", "locally sourced") but names no farms, regions, or verifiable attributes.
Coverage
- Shepherd Express restaurant guide entry: Speed Queen BBQ ↗
Shepherd Express
Press