I really, really want to like Brickhouse BBQ due to its downtown location, nice and spacious interior, and fantastic-looking rooftop patio.
When I visited, I ordered fried cheese curds--a Wisconsin specialty if there ever was one--and found them to be bland and extremely greasy, even for a cheesy item that is breaded and then dropped in a fryer. For the main course, I ordered a brisket sandwich, which was all-around disappointing. The meat, though relatively tender, had NO smoked or meaty flavor. On top of that, they added cheese and onion strings, both of which were also dripping with grease. Of course I understand that no BBQ place is a particularly healthy establishment, but this one just had puddles of grease on everything we tried (my husband had similar results with the pulled pork sandwich). Overall, this was just the kind of meal that not only made me feel gross after eating it, but that made me pretty sure a heart condition was on its way as well.
Nonetheless, I can't promise I wouldn't return for one of Madison's only rooftop venues. Maybe to try some drinks?