Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin: Meet the Pitmaster
Discover Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae—one of the best BBQ spots in Northern Wisconsin
We sat down with Pitmaster Aaron Amershek of Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. Deep in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Bad Bones BBQ delivers a surprisingly authentic Southern-style barbecue experience far from traditional BBQ regions. Located along Highway 51 near Minocqua, this laid-back, lakeside smokehouse has been a local favorite since 2010, blending Kansas-style roots with Wisconsin charm. The focus is all about low-and-slow smoked meats done right—brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and house-made sausages cooked over real wood for deep, smoky flavor.
Image Credit: Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Everything is paired with scratch-made sides and a lineup of signature sauces, giving diners a customizable, flavor-packed BBQ experience. This is “Southern BBQ up North” at its best—a hidden gem that proves great barbecue can thrive anywhere when it’s done with patience, smoke, and passion.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Most mornings start before the sun comes up with coffee in hand, checking smokers, wrapping briskets, and getting ahead of the day before the doors open. BBQ is a constant process—there’s always meat resting, fires burning, or something that needs attention. I like ending the day the exact opposite way: slower pace, kitchen cleaned up, music on, and knowing we gave people a great experience.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
I’ve always admired chefs and pitmasters who stay true to their identity and don’t chase every trend. The best food usually comes from people who really care about the craft and put in the work every single day. My advice would be to stay humble, learn the fundamentals, and understand that consistency matters more than hype. Great food takes patience.
Image Credit: Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
The biggest accomplishment for me has been building a place that people genuinely connect with. We’ve had families make Bad Bones part of their yearly Northwoods tradition, and hearing someone say they drove hours just to eat here never gets old. Recognition is appreciated, but earning loyal customers year after year means the most.
What do you typically cook at home?
Usually the opposite of restaurant food. At home it’s simple stuff—burgers, breakfast, tacos, pasta, comfort food. After spending all day around smokers, sometimes the best meal in the world is just something quick with the family around the table.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I like seeing people move back toward real food and authentic experiences. Guests care more now about quality, craftsmanship, and personality than perfectly staged food photos. People want meals that actually feel memorable, and BBQ naturally fits that because it’s built around time, tradition, and bringing people together.
Image Credit: Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
What drink do you enjoy most?
Honestly, if it wasn't for peach monster I'm not sure I would make it through the day sometimes. Running the pit makes for some long days and caffeine goes a long way. To finish the day and unwind I'm pouring 3 fingers of bourbon with a couple cubes of ice.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
We’ve had some recognizable faces come through over the years, but honestly, we try to treat everyone the same once they walk through the door. Some of the best moments are still regular customers bringing in friends or family and proudly saying, “You’ve gotta try this place.” That kind of word-of-mouth means everything in the restaurant business.
What’s Your Instagram So Readers Can Follow You?
You can us on Instagram at @badbonesbbqwi.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? AND did you like it?
One of the best things I’ve ever experimented with was a smoked cheesecake topped with candied bacon and praline drizzle. It sounds a little over the top, but somehow the smoke, sweet, salty, and crunch all worked together perfectly. It’s probably not something most people expect from a BBQ guy, which is exactly why I liked it.
Image Credit: Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Why should readers visit Bad Bones BBQ in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin?
Because Bad Bones BBQ feels like the Northwoods. It’s laid back, loud, welcoming, and built around great food and good company. We take the BBQ seriously, but we never want the experience to feel stiff or overdone. Whether you’re here after a day on the lake, riding trails, or just road-tripping through Wisconsin, we want people to leave feeling full, happy, and already planning their next visit. Like we always say: There’s no place like Bones.
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