Wagner’s Ribs
361 Wagner Rd, Porter, IN, 46304
Wagner’s Ribs Menu
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Address :
361 Wagner Rd
Porter, IN, 46304 - Phone (219) 926-7614
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Maggie M.
I would highly recommend Wagner's. The outdoor patio has a great atmosphere with ambient lighting, and the drinks and food are delicious. I ordered a lemon drop martini and the crab stuffed shrimp and I would recommend both. The sautéed perch and filet are also very good. Our waitress was very helpful and knew a lot about the menu. Overall a great place to enjoy good food and company.
(5)Eric G.
Some folks were telling D and I about Wagner's place near Michigan City, IN that served some of the best ribs they ever tasted. I do love ribs though I don't eat them often since they're not the healthiest of dishes. In fact I couldn't even think of the last time I ate ribs (not even during the standard rib cooking holidays). But they're 'oh so good' when they're done right. So we put Wagner's on our bucket list of places to check out someday. It just so happened I had a hankering for some ribs so we made our way there. We got there just before 2 and saw there were a lot of cars parked in the street and in their parking area. The building itself reminded me of someone's home. From our vantage point, it looked like a nice cozy area. We went inside and saw that the place was bigger than it seemed from outside. Everytime we thought of sitting in a section, we would see another section. And just when we hit the back room, D spied the outside area and we opted to sit outside. Apparently so did everyone else. So that's where everyone was. There were sprinkles of folks inside but the majority opted to eat outdoors. And there was no reason not to since it was a nice warm Saturday afternoon. There was only one open table for two. It unfortunately didn't have an umbrella like the others but thankfully the sun wasn't too overbearing. The outside space itself was huuuuge. If I had to do some rough estimate measurements, the area felt like it was 30 x 50. I'm sure I'm wrong but rest assured the area was nicely spaced. It was the perfect spot for getting together and enjoying great food and folks. So we both ordered half slabs of their ribs, not sure if full slab would be too much. I ordered my half slab as part of a combo. The other half I ordered was steak kabobs. As sides I had the bbq baked beans and their pancake like corn bread. D was elated to see one of their sides was tater tots. So he opted for those and got a side salad. Service wasn't the greatest. Once again I found the server seeming to focus her conversation to D, which wasn't good since I was paying for the meal. Even D noticed it and made a comment afterwards. Also there was a couple that came at least ten minutes after we did and they got their order sooner. When D asked our server for food status, she snapped at him saying 'it was coming in a minute'. She was walking in a different direction and was probably distracted but the tone was uncalled for. Thankfully it did wind up being served to us in the next two minutes. The food itself was very good. The ribs were so tender you could pick the meat off with a fork. D ordered the dry rub so he had sauce on the side. The sauce itself reminded me of Open Pit though not sure if that was it or their homemade sauce. The sides were all good but the MVP award went to the corn bread. D kept wanting to sample the corn bread. I was curious how it would taste with syrup but it definitely didn't need it though I dipped pieces of it with the bbq baked beans. But service aside the food was worth the extra wait time. And the outside space is a winner. The extra star is definitely because of that area. We will probably give the place another chance.
(3)mac m.
We have been coming here for years. Actually live right down the street. But the last two times we were very disappointed. Food is still good but wow how the service has really declined. Sat in the very back room both times, only one waitress for that room with ALOT of full tables. The first time I blamed it on our waitress being new, at least I thought she was. Came back two months later same waitress same below average service. Why have a bartender if the waitress has to make her own drinks? And why one waitress to at least 10-12 tables.
(2)Jolee G.
Tried the macaroni and cheese with a breaded chicken sandwich.. it was delicious! The mac & cheese was gooey and definately homemade. The chicken breast was huge and very juicy. Nice afternoon stop on our way from the dunes.. only complaint was they should adjust the menu for price and items changes so there are no suprises.
(5)Karl W.
Was expecting so much more out of Wagners. Nestled in between a housing community is Wagners ribs. You can tell this was originally a house that has been converted. Sitting on the vary spacious patio, the neighbor is only an arms length away. Service was awful. Once we said we liked water to drink it took nearly 30 minutes to place an order. There was only 2 other parties outside, and they were the only ones being helped. Food was average. Quality of the rib meat was excellent but very little dry rub on it. Corn cob was average. Only tried the BBQ sauce once, it was extremely sugary and some of the worst I've ever tasted, not to mention the pink hue color it has. If that is the typical BBQ sauce for the ribs, I highly recommend getting them dry.
(2)Steve D.
This place is a hit or miss with their ribs. I've had their ribs where it had meat and perfectly cooked and other times it was like dry meatless leather. There has been times where I got there too late and they are out of the lake perch. When they are on top of their game the food is great but lately it hasn't.
(2)Kip W.
Ribs pretty good! Some of the best I've had. The Mac n' cheese...sucked. It's basically pasta noodles with some sort of processed cheese melt. It is not a 4 cheese blend like it states in the menu. BBQ beans good, cornbread cakes good! Just stay away from the Mac n cheese. Also- apparently the reason for no one under 21 is because the only entrance requires you to pass through the the bar to get to the dining area. According to our waitress, Indiana State law says under 21 is not allowed to pass thru the bar area to access the dining area. Seems kinda weird... But hey- I'm all for a place where there aren't any snot nosed little rug rats running around screaming and crying. Save that crap for McDonalds.
(4)Tricia B.
First time there & food was excellent. Got the ribs & they were so good. Homemade cornbread cakes was delicious. Highly recommend if you want good bbq. Will definitely go back.
(5)Dave T.
Got the meat lovers combo which came with a half slab of there famous ribs and a 10oz grilled ribeye. The ribs where awesome as usual and they basically fall off the bones. In my opinion they are a must have when you go to Wagner's and I've never been disappointed with them. My steak was a little over cooked on the other hand but was still seasoned well and I've had it before and it was perfect. As funny as it it sounds I think next time I'll just get the regular combo and get the half slab of ribs and the lake perch a couple people in my party had and raved about it and I did try it and it was wonderful. I really do like this place the one piece of advice I would give a person is get there a little earlier because it fills up fast and you'll want to get a decent seat.
(4)Jim R.
Way over priced haven't been here in years and just figured out why the ribs are not made any special way they are just boiled and dipped in there sauce and they are skimpy on sauce they charge a seperate fee for packaging on take out orders so on top of high prices they charge just to use there packaging I will never go back again!!!!!!
(1)Darren F.
i got the Meat Lovers Combo which comes with 1/2 Slab of Wagner's Ribs & 10 oz. Filled Ribeye.. the ribs was tender and the meat just falls off the bone.. the sauce has a kick to it which i like.. the ribeye was cooked just right and seasoned well.. really good ribs.. just wish they were a little closer to chicago..
(4)Mark H.
Wagner's reminds me of the current NBC show The BlackList. It has all the elements of a good show but lacks the special chemistry to be a great one. I suppose it's difficult in ambition to aim high when you're in a sea of mediocrity or you're the only game in town like in Wagner's case. I enjoyed the country experience nonetheless. The Wagner Sauce was OK. Tried the spicy. Ribs had no seasoning at least I can taste. Corn cakes was nothing to brag about. Coleslaw was subpar. As a Mac and cheese aficionado, it was terrible. The chicken noodle soup was tiny portioned and bland. Overall the 3 stars. This place is not a special destination spot. But it is an excellent pick if you work in the area or accidentally find it after driving hundreds of hours as a pit stop heading to Chicago.
(3)Margo M.
Food is fabulous. Just wish that they had a family dining area. Nobody under 21 can eat this delicious food. Not sure why the back does not allow kids. We would eat there more often if it did.
(4)Alexie C.
We ate here twice, once 4 years ago, and then last weekend. We live outside Chicago, but sometimes we like to get away, hence us traveling to Indy (for the Dunes, beaches, hiking, etc). First time we came here, I remembered the outside patio. Which is probably what led us back here to be honest. It's just that cozy and such a nice factor to eating food out in what us city folk consider the "country". Anyway, my guard was up this time seeing how many bad reviews started circulating about this place. I didn't see any of the bad servers mentioned and in fact our server was efficient and very sweet. The patio was as cozy as I remembered. But the reason for 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 is this: the patio was cozy but the mosquitos were BRUTAL.I mean attacking your face, flying in your ears. I heard another patron (who sounded like he used to be a regular) mention that they used to have tiki torches to keep the bugs away and allow people to eat in peace. The girl was new and had no idea. Luckily I keep an unscented OFF bug spray in the car and we had to douse ourselves before eating. Another reason for losing a star was the food. I don't eat meat (vegetarian) but my boyfriend said his ribs were very disappointing. And said the Famous Daves by our house had much better ribs, ouch. To be fair he did say they were good, but not nearly as good as he remembered. I had a salad and waffle fries, which was good, but forgettable. The plus to this place is the ambiance and beer. If they can up their upkeeping of the place and their recipes this place would be at least a 4 star restaurant. Another poster mentioned this place not allowing children. Well its a bar. And personally I live by a "family restaurant/bar" and it terrible. While you slam beers little timmy is crying over his meal because he can't have the fries he wanted. Please. If I want to go out for a meal and some beers, I don't want running, screaming, crying kids around. This is not an issue for me at all. Also someone mentioned they don't have wheelchair accessable places to enter. Which is true. This place looks like it used to be a house and it was converted to a restaurant, so it has that awkward crapped feeling on some entrances. With that said, they have plenty of space to expand the restaurant near the "garage" to open up in the indoor seating area (which is cramped when its crowded) and put in a wheelchair ramp that could lead to the patio and inside area. Where's Jon Taffer when you need him?
(3)Frank G.
I have been to Wagner's several times and have never been disappointed! Ribs were great and I love the waffle fries. Nice beer selection also. Can't wait to go back in the summer and check out their patio seating. Great place for adults since they don't allow anyone under 21 in. I like that fact cause you can enjoy a night out without unruly kids!
(5)Andrew P.
Terrible. Went to have dinner with my entire family the day before leaving town and didn't even get to taste the food. As this being a bar we all anticipated being ID'd but what we did not anticipate was the rudeness of the wait staff and manager. They did not accept my state issued identification card. It was less than 24 hours old as I acquired it from the BMV the afternoon before. It was terrible service. No apology, no explanation, just told us to get up and leave. Sad we did not get to even try the food as we drove 30 MINUTES IN A BLIZZARD TO TRY THEIR RIBS. Bad experience all around.
(1)Chrissy M.
Great service and awesome food. :). Also kick ass beer list.
(5)Deb L.
First, I will start by saying that I have to give only 3 stars because this place does not let any children here under 21! So, if you are 18...they still don't want you! We don't come here for that reason alone anymore. This place is a restaurant that has a small bar. Plenty of family dining available, but only if you are 21! Also, they don't accommodate handicap people. I believe there is no handicap parking and if you are in a wheelchair...forget about this place! You can't get in. Ok, the food is good. It's a little pricey, but the food is pretty good. If you like ribs, you should like this place. The service is ok! Not the friendliest, but whatever. They have outside dining, and it is really nice outside! I'd probably come here more often and would have given more stars if my kids could eat here, but since they are not accommodating to families...can't give it more stars.
(3)Andrew Q.
Good BBQ, great ribs that fall off the bone. Friendly staff. Would return
(4)Jessica W.
Really cute place, we came in the winter but saw that there is a patio outside which we think will be really nice in the summer. Ribs were the best I have ever had, and they were gluten free which was great since I have celiac disease. The waitress is really familar with gluten free as well. Will definitely be coming back!
(5)Amy T.
This place should be on your bucket list, without a doubt the best ribs, pulled pork and baked beans ever.
(5)Robert A.
Had the hay stack was fantastic and we all had half rack of rids fantastic!!! I'm a guest from out of town (texas) hope to go back next time in town. don't miss out give them a try.. Bob Alley
(4)Jaime W.
This was a pit stop after reading reviews of how this place has the best ribs in the state. Being a first timer here, I didn't know what to expect except picturing myself scarfing down ribs. I went here with a friend of mine and we split their full slab of ribs. For being $22, it came with 2 sides and it was plentiful for both of us to share. The service was a-ok and we both felt that we were treated differently. It's daylight out and in most cases, people don't drink during the day so why did the waitress ask us for our IDs? A bit bothered, I just handed it to her and I asked why. She said it was a bar that we went to and they had to check our IDs. Um lady there are plenty of restaurants like Applebees and Damons have bars and they don't ask for our IDs. Anyhow, we were both very hungry and just ordered. Ribs come out and they were finger lickin' good. Meat fell off the bone and the green beans that came with tasted fresh as well. Not your typical out of a can ones and their sweet yams tasted right out of the farm. Indiana people sure know how to eat fresh and I love that. Being from the metropolitan area, we don't get to taste what real food is. In other words, food that weren't mass produced from a factory. I like Indiana especially the ribs I had from here. If you ever take a road trip to Chicago, make sure you stop by here. They have the best ribs!!!! And let's not forget their brews on tap and plenty of craft brews
(4)Jennifer B.
Table for seven on New Year's Eve! Service was good, food was great! 3 orders of ribs, 2 seafood platters, 1 sirloin and 1 pick two. All were cooked perfectly and hot. Adult beverages were also good! Wagners, please bring back the wings!
(5)Jim K.
We drove an hour to get there and it was worth it! Great, fall off the bones, tasty ribs. The Hay Stack onions were good, along with the Wisconsin Cheese soup. Yum Yum
(5)Mark M.
Best Ribs in NW Indiana. Great atmosphere, and good beer on tap. We go here on occasion and love the place. The place is usually full around dinner time, so plan on waiting just a bit. But the food and service are both outstanding so it is worth the wait.
(5)Levent T.
Was able to try several items and some were a hit and some were a miss. BBQ was tasty but not something I would go out of my way for in the future. That being said I would so go back if in the area again because there are not many better options. Nice portions for the price point and atmosphere. Service was attentive but not overly friendly. Wasn't a fan of the corn cakes because they were too sweet for my tastes and was expecting more of a Ho Cake. Imagine a homemade pancake that didn't have enough flour to make the batter so the cook added extra sugar and some cornmeal instead as fillers. Definitely has potential to gain more stars so I will be back.
(3)H B.
This place may be off the beaten path, but the food is out of this world good. Incredible fresh produce (=fried zucchini), and the ribs are simply astonishing. True to their word, fall-off-the-bone tender, expertly flavored and grilled to perfection. Also, the macaroni is in the most thick, intense white cheddar sauce I've ever had (what panera's wants to be when it grows up). Great beer list and truly friendly, helpful staff make this place a MUST.
(5)Anne M.
We drove from Omaha on the way to our summer vacation. We had heard great things about the food but were extremely disappointed that we were turned away because we were with our children! It had something to do with their alcohol service. We went a few blocks over and had a nice meal- AND THEY SERVED ALCOHOL! I'm not sure the difference but it was very annoying that we drove this way for nothing... It said nothing about children not being welcome on their website.
(1)Ryan H.
Surprised so many people give this restaurant good reviews. The ribs seemed either boiled or baked which, in my opinion, are shortcuts as real ribs are smoked. No smoke ring. The ribs were fall off the bone, flavorless and lacked texture. I tried Texas style, and their original which seems to be the same thing with BBQ sauce added. I also tried the steak which was a very thin, ugly excuse for a restaurant steak and tasted of seasoned salt. The sides ranged from average to above average. Not sure if it's the lack of options in this area of NWI, or that people are still fooled by the "fall off the bone" thing (not a difficult feat - boil anything long enough and it will fall apart). Wagner's is well below the Chicagoland area standard for BBQ set by places like Smoque, Smoke Daddy, Fat Willie's, Honey One, and others that take time and care in making their ribs. Don't waste your time.
(1)Mari M.
There are a few things I may never understand in life: string theory, the plot of Eraserhead, or why anyone thinks that Wagner's serves good food. My boyfriend and I went to Wagner's on a recommendation and were very disappointed. We tried many different menu items and none of them were any good. Here is what we ordered: Half slab of Wagner's ribs: Flavorless, greasy meat covered in bland, overly sweet barbeque sauce. The meat was not smoked, and therefore, had absolutely no flavor. Perhaps the ribs are boiled? Half slab of Texas style ribs: The same flavorless, greasy meat but with no barbeque sauce. I couldn't finish my portion of the Texas ribs because eating bland meat with my hands isn't something that really appealed to me and I felt kind of grossed out by the lack of flavor. Again, these ribs are not smoked, and therefore, taste like nothing. 10 oz. ribeye steak: This came as part of my boyfriend's "meat lover's combo." It was a sad looking piece of meat. We kept joking that it looked like something someone would cook in a motel room on a hot plate. It was gray and flavorless. I don't think the fine folks at Wagner's have ever heard of the concept of flavor. Crab stuffed shrimp: The menu described these as AMAZING! (Yes, in all capital letters with an exclamation point). I would describe them as prepackaged and greasy. The shrimp tasted like something that came from the Market Day order form. They were not homemade and tasted like the grease in which they were fried. Also, the menu does not make mention of the fact that these "amazing" little morsels are fried. Four cheese macaroni: I will give credit where credit is due. This was decent macaroni and cheese. Homemade cornbread cakes: A rib place, in my opinion, should be able to whip up a decent cornbread. Once again, Wagner's disappointed. These cakes did not have the crumbly texture I'm used to in a corn bread or taste anything like corn or cornmeal. I genuinely don't understand why people like this place so much.
(1)Beata D.
I can't review the food since we never made it past the front door. Since the only door in is through the bar, anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed in. So my children were not allowed in. Smelled good, but crummy policy. At least make it known.
(1)Danny M.
This place has the best and I mean the best ribs ever! I was introduced to this place by my sister and her husband who lives by the area. Thank goodness for that because I would have never noticed or even came to this place. It is kind of a hard place to find if you aren't from the area. It is not located on a busy street or anything like that, and from the outside, the place doesn't look like a business. I was a little nervous the first time I saw how this placed looked like, but the inside is better. Don't be scared and go inside, this place will deliver that craving for ribs! The ribs are literally the best! I always get the full slab of rib (good for 2 people) and it comes with 2 sides. I usually get the the haystacks, which is amazing. The second side, we normally switch between mac and cheese or the corn bread pancakes. Can't go wrong with either. The quality of the ribs is perfect! The sauce is perfect and the ribs literally melts of the bone. Talk about perfection... I am sad that I live in Chicago, which is almost an hour drive here. I try to go whenever I visit my sister or shop by Michigan City. Writing this review makes me crave it already. P.S. - This place murders all of the rib places that I have eaten at in Chicago and at the Naperville Ribfest and Uptown Ribfest!
(5)Jon N.
We went for lunch last week after people had been talking a lot about Wagner's being the place for ribs in this area. After a twenty minute drive from Valpo, we entered into Wagner's Ribs (and Haunted Manion). In brief, the service was great as well as the ribs. The meat fell off the bone and the sauce was good. Now comes the critique. I might be too harsh but I think they boil their ribs before and then they cook them. I've been known to do that at home but it's not what I'm looking for in BBQ when I go out. I really do want ribs prepared the long way - seasoned then smoked. I know I can't get that everywhere but I'm just saying it's my preference for BBQ. The other thing that struck me as odd is the it's 21 and over in the restaurant. That means I can't bring my boys here to eat. I don't think I'm going to order the ribs, pick them up and bring them home. I just find that to be weird... almost feel a bit guilty going there like it's a gentlemen's club or something.... Otherwise, I thought it was good. I think if I'm going to make the effort to get good BBQ I'll probably head into Chicago.
(3)A. S.
Excellent ribs and food! My husband found this place and convinced me they were better than Glenwood Oaks and he was right! The ribs fall off the bone and the sauce has a slight sweetness to it...I like them charred and that's an option on the menu..I also had the Mac and cheese which was so good...very creamy and a good size for a side dish...had tater tots and cornbread cakes (which looked like pancakes and were delish!)...we sat in the bar and it's cute and quaint and just a good atmosphere...Wagners seems very clean and we will definitely return!!
(5)Thomas Z.
The food is always great. We've never had a bad meal there and the portions are large enough that you'll have leftovers. It can get very crowded on the weekends and it's 21 and over for those of you with kids. The only reason that It's 4-stars is that the staff can be a bit unfriendly at times. Other than that, it's excellent.
(4)Rott G.
My husband loves the ribs. I am not a huge fan but will try ribs if they come highly recommended. We have made the trip to Wagner's a few times. One time the service was horrible. The waitress spent her time talking to the other employees instead of doing her job. The Pollock is horrible!! The Pulled Pork sandwich was good but I have had better. I don't remember the sides we had which tells me they weren't that memorable.
(3)Ed F.
Been coming here for ages. Food tasted better when the place was smaller. Beer still cold and crisp. That's good. Like it best off season, just the local crowd.
(3)Cory S.
Yummmm Yummmm. but way too much food for this guy!!! Came here for a lunch with the 'rents and a couple friends. The atmosphere and decor is typical BBQ - signs on the wall and pretty low-key. The service was ok - nothing tremendous, but not bad either. Waitress was a little lost, lackadaisical at times. The food . . . Started out with a Goose Island 312 - hit the spot, but as normal, the taps seemed a bit dirty. My friends had the taco dip with I had a little of.. It was pretty good. Good flavor and good consistency. I had a side of 4 cheese mac n cheese along with mashed potatoes. They were all good, not incredible, but good enough. But I didn't come for the sides so I didn't eat much of them. I came for the Ribs. They were. . . as advertised. Very tender and well cooked. They were smoked well and seemed rather fresh. They almost fell off the bone, but could stay on the bone if they needed to as well. I'd definitely have them again. Overall - good experience.. I ate way too much food and had ZERO problem resting my eyes on the flight home a couple hours later. We will be back.
(4)Roscoe P C.
In the region for a 5 day vacation in Chicago and Indiana Dunes. We were first impressed with the great atmosphere, decorations and pleasant staff. The two of us had 1/2 rack of Award Winning Ribs and BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Mouth watering taste and generous portions. Highly recommend the Steak and Mushroom Tidbits for an appetizer. Ashley B was our server. She was very knowledgable and attentive, but not bothersome.
(5)Jeff T.
Ate here for dinner and once for lunch. Not bad, I'd go back for more....Service was good and the ribs were great. Also tried their rib-eye and one of their burgers for lunch. not bad at all. One of their staples is their waffle fries, awesome!!!
(4)Tom B.
I've been going here for years, and I have yet to find ribs I love more anywhere else in the country, and I've been to lots of places. Get them "Tim Style" which is charred with extra sauce.
(5)Jay H.
Solid but not spectacular BBQ. We tried the ribs and pulled pork, which lacked real smoke flavor and which come with a too-sweet sauce. The hit of the table, actually, was the meatloaf platter -- great beefy flavor with layers of mashed potatoes and onion crisps. Nicer inside than I expected, with a large outdoor patio. Friendly but slow service.
(3)Kyle P.
On way back from Detroit decided to stop and get some ribs. great service excellent ribs. Funny it is a bar across street from school.
(5)James C.
This rating is based solely upon one visit and the consumption of one "Slow Roasted BBQ Pork Sandwich." While I no doubt expect that the ribs are delicious, I felt no compunction to stain my shirt, maw and fingers with sweet porky goodness and decided to use the sandwich as the perfect vehicle to feed my need for delicious porcine barbecue meat. And I've got to say, though having not spent much time in Porter County, Indiana, this sandwich is the best sandwich in the whole of the county. The pork is perfectly cooked, flavorful and smoky much like the barbecued pork one is want to find about 10 hours south of the shores of Lake Michigan. The raw onions are a must as well as the sweet sauce. Along with a side o' waffle fries, I'm a happy camper. I'll be going back, I can guarantee it.
(4)Aaron R.
We go here all the time. It's usually awesome... especially for the area. I would have given it 5 Stars... but there are times where the food just isn't as spectacular. Always 'good' though for sure.
(4)Greg L.
I don't make it back to Northwest Indiana very often to see my parents, but when I do, and they ask where I want to go eat, iI usually say Wagner's. I like the herb roasted chicken. In nice weather there is a cool patio to enjoy. The staff is always friendly. This is a 21 and up establishment. There is a parking lot right next door.
(4)Kylie S.
One of my favorite spots when I come back to the NW Indiana area. Really casual vibe full of good people and good food. They have good craft beer options and a solid menu. I always order the BBQ Chicken Salad - it's amazing. The portions are out of control (IMHO). One of the great things about this place is the outdoor patio. Such a cool place to hang out with friends/family. I'll definitely return when I'm back to see family.
(4)Stacy M.
Not cool. They don't let kids in to eat dinner !!!! They should indicate this on their website.
(1)Ryan H.
Read the reviews here and gave it a try. A bit of a drive for us but well worth it. Had the ribs and they were better than expected and i lived down south in the carolinas which is good rib country. Waiter was awesome, wish i could remember his name but other staff seemed just as good. Place was packed which speaks for itself. These well established hole in the wall places are the best. You'd think it was a local dive bar from the outside but as soon as you walk through the door you know your at a local hidden gem. I love that kind of experience. Low expectations from the outside and then boom, awesome inside and awesome food and staff.
(5)Dan W.
Best ribs I've ever had. Truly amazing. Brought to biz colleagues there on a trip from Chicago to Michigan. They were suspect, both agreed it was well worth the stop. Amazing!!
(5)Pat P.
1. You must be 21 years old with an ID to enter Wagner's, even if you are not drinking. Wagners's is a bar that serves food. If you are 21 or older, you can bring a family member who is 18 if each of you has IDs that show you are in the same family (name or address). 2. Outstanding ribs. Great pulled pork sandwiches. I would go on and on, but the other reviews already say that. 3. Worth the trip. We drove from Downers Grove, IL to get ribs today.
(4)David B.
Boy, is this place ever hard to find. A local took me the first time. Best ribs I've ever had: tender, tender.
(5)Earlie C.
The best ribs in the region. Probably the best ribs in the state. Just reviewed a BBQ place in Chicago (that people raved about on TV) after we ate there. And let me say that Wagner's is so much better than any BBQ that I've had in the city. And, it's 21 and over only. So no screaming children! Lot's of GOOD beer on tap/in bottles. It's a shame that they discontinued carrying Three Floyd's after they closed the Valparaiso place. The Hot BBQ wings are awesome too. Top 3 places for me for a good burger in NWI/Chicago. Fantastic patio section too.
(5)Nickey H.
Cute set up w/ friendly wait staff. Dynamite food and a great price. A gem of a joint!
(5)Rob E.
Great food, lousy service. If you come here expect to stay awhile. We got here at 6:30, waited an 1.5 hrs for food and are just getting out at 9.
(3)Matt G.
A colleague and I traveling from Ann Arbor to Chicago for a Bears game and we were in desperate need of bbq for tailgating. A quick Yelp search turned up Wagner's. If you are anywhere near this place you must give it a try. The ribs were stunningly good. We Texans feel our bbq is pretty damn good but I have got to hand it to these Indianans. Nice cue!
(5)Joyce W.
Simply the BEST ribs I have ever tasted. It is a 200 mile R/T for us, but worth the ride. We have been getting the pre-packaged ribs. Just as good as the eat in. Also try their BBQ sauce, which they sell in quart mason jars. One caveat. Watch your speed on Wagner Road. Very often Porters finest are waiting for speeders. Children under 21 not allowed.
(5)Carm B.
We had a party of four on a Saturday night. We all ordered the meat lovers combo, ribs & a ribeye. I got my ribs Tim style (charred w/extra sauce). Wow! Delicious! The meat falls right off the bone, the sauce was fantastic! I had the corn cakes and baked beans for sides. They were equally as good. Everyone was happy with their meals. No one under 21 allowed. I love kids but it was nice to actually enjoy my meal. Service was awesome! We sat at our table for hours having drinks and talking and we were never rushed. I would highly recommend if you are in the area!!! Wear some stretchy pants too!
(5)Heather K.
By the far - best ribs in the region! I recommend this place frequently to out of town folks that stay at our hotel. Great service, sometimes things can get a bit busy and slow - but it's worth the wait. My favorite are the ribs "Tim Style" which has extra char and sauce.
(5)Melody M.
No smoking, no kids, great patio area with heaters. Decent beer selection, always some IPA on tap. Waitstaff are always friendly and efficient. There's a wait on weekends but it's definitely worth it.
(5)Brad W.
Friday Jan 25 was our first experience at Wagners. To start off on a positive note, our waitress was knowledgeable of the menu and also very friendly as was the rest of the staff. Upon our arrival at 9 PM, we asked a random employee about closing time and the reply was they stop serving food at 10 PM. We were seated, given menus, our server talked of the specials and then took our drink orders. After studying the menu, I knew I was only there for one reason... And that was for the ribs. Then I came across the meat lovers combo. Mmmmm. Sounds great!!! So that's what I ordered and my girlfriend ordered the create a combo platter with the half slab of ribs and the three breaded stuffed shrimp. For our sides we both chose the waffle fries and a side salad. I asked for no tomatoes or onions on my salad. When the salads arrived they looked great. My only complaint is they give you just one cucumber slice for such a large salad. Shortly after our food came. The first item I grabbed to consume were the waffle fries. They were literally cold. I asked my girlfriend to try one of her waffle fries and they were cold as well. We both then proceeded to try our fall off the bone ribs. Her ribs were 'eat off the bone with a fork' tender and mine were 'eat with a knife and a fork' tough. Our 1/2 slabs were definitely cut from two different slabs. The other half of my meat lovers combo came with a 10 ounce filled ribeye which I ordered medium. I'm not sure what the 'filled' part means. Although the meat appeared to be cooked beautifully and there was steak juice on my plate, the steak was dry throughout the center and cooked to well done. The other half of my girlfriends combo meal was the fried breaded stuffed shrimp. She said they were the best that she ever had consumed and other than the cold waffle fries, she was very satisfied with her meal hence the 3 star rating. Our server and the staff also contributed to the 3 star rating. Between the two meals and 2 $2 drink specials, our bill came to $53. I loved the ambience of the restaurant/bar area and the place is absolutely beautiful!!! The big question is will I ever go back??? On a side note, I never, ever send food back. I worked in the food industry in my youth and I seen firsthand what goes on with an unhappy cook. I'm not saying that would have happened there at Wagners, but I am not one of chance.
(3)Steven A.
When you imagine barbecue pork ribs, you probably think of places like Tennessee, or Texas, or Missouri: red brick storefronts sweetening the air in Memphis and Kansas City; shacks lying half-hidden under live oak, puffing smoke signals into clear Hill Country skies. You probably don't think of Porter, Indiana. A small railway town forty-five miles outside of Chicago, Porter lies just beyond the great dunes of Lake Michigan's southern shore - well outside the barbecue belt. Yet Porter is home to Wagner's, an old saloon turned rib joint that for twenty-two years has been serving one of the best slabs of barbecue baby back ribs in the nation. Though Wagner's may lack geographical cachet, it possesses genuine quality and ambiance. The original building, which stands at the corner of Wagner Road and Indiana Street, is small and old. (I called Town of Porter Building Department to find out exactly how old, but all they knew was that it had been there for as long as anyone in the office could remember - at least sixty years.) Inside it has a tin ceiling, painted a chocolate gray, and dark wood moldings crowning yellow painted plastered walls. The exception is the wall behind the lacquered wood bar, which is covered in boxcar siding. Beer paraphernalia abound, with two-dimensional tin advertisements decorating every wall, and narrow, dark wood shelves lined with vintage cans. Each of the three structural additions is increasingly large and modern, showcasing the restaurant's growth without diminishing its country feel; the middle room adds only a few square feet of space to the original structure, and mimics its style; the rear room is large, clean, and bright, with tall vaulted wood beam ceilings; the final addition is an expansive, tree-shaded wood deck beer garden, inviting patrons to brave the summer humidity and enjoy a cold glass of beer. Beer is important at Wagner's, which boasts a generous selection of locally bottled microbrews. My favorite is the Alpha King, brewed and bottled by the small, family-owned artisanal Three Floyds Brewing Company based out of nearby Munster. Alpha King is the Three Floyds's flagship beer - a flavorful, well-balanced American Pale Ale with a heady citrus aroma and a crisp, hoppy finish - the perfect prelude to a slab of Wagner's ribs. Much about Wagner's ribs is shrouded in secrecy. The menu provides little information beyond the names of available items - Dave's Famous BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Cornbread Cakes, Coleslaw. Details are omitted, leaving the patrons to their own guesswork. The staff is kept just as ignorant; waitresses know only what is printed on the menu, and the ribs are prepared before they arrive. Wagner's signature barbecue sauce is concocted at an off-site facility - the location undisclosed, the ingredients a mystery. Admittance to the kitchen is forbidden without owner Dave Wagner's express permission. Even the source of the meat is kept confidential. Is it local or trucked? Farm-raised or factory-produced? No one knows. What we do know is that Dave's Famous BBQ Baby Back Ribs are gas grilled - not wood or charcoal smoked - meaning they cannot be technically classified as "barbecue". But most Kansas City-style barbecue is also grilled, so a precedent for the inclusion of grilled meats has already been set. One of the benefits of gas grilling is that it allows the slab to maintain its natural moisture without the need for constant application of barbecue sauce. The result is a juicier, more delicate rib that retains its natural porky flavor without being overwhelmed by acrid wood smoke or bitter burnt barbecue sauce. This allows the flavor of Wagner's sauce - sweet and lightly smoky, with notes of honey and molasses, and a hint of allspice - to better compliment the rib, coating it with a bright, shiny glaze, and leaving even the charred gristle moist, tender, and sweet. The whole process makes for a lighter, cleaner barbecue flavor and a much tidier dining experience. The sides are equally enjoyable. There are several options, but the cornbread cakes are a must. Looking and tasting like little cornbread pancakes, and just begging for a liberal slathering of butter, they provide an excellent accompaniment to the meal. The coleslaw, made with all white cabbage and tiny cubes of carrot, is perfectly done, with a sweet kiss and tart touch - just enough to cleanse the palate before another mouthful of Wagner's delectable baby back ribs. Wagner's is located at 361 Wagner Road in Porter, Indiana. They serve a variety of other food options, and are open seven days a week. No one under the age of 21 is admitted. Three Floyds's superbly crafted beers are available only in the Chicago area. ShangriLAfoodblog.com
(5)Christine J.
Yummy! The food was great... I felt like I was at home eating excellent barbecue! My chicken was moist and the sauce was great. The guys loved their ribs. Service was top notch. Will go back!
(5)Jessica D.
The first thing that I love about this place is that it is a 21 and over establishment. After walking into the foyer area there is a separate bar area with seating and then there is a dining room in the back of the building. I had the ribs of course and they were full of meat that just fell right off the bone. The half slab ribs dinner is about $13.00 and you get to choose 2 sides to accompany your meal. The cornbread cakes are a must...absolutely delicious. Wagner's is located in a neighborhood in Porter Indiana and you can pretty much find it by following the delicious smell of BBQ! Wagner's is a must! The only negative thing I could say about Wagner's was the service we experienced. The server seemed to be too busy for us...
(5)Chris W.
I am in the BBQ business with lots of experience in competition BBQ, and BBQ restaurants. The other day we were on our way to the Chicago Bears game and stopped by and picked up 10 racks of ribs and pulled pork for our tailgate. The ribs were FABULOUS and the rave of the Tailgate crew and many others we served. We served it with our STUBB'S "All Natural" Bar BQ sauce for a delicious BBQ dinner. The folks at Wagner are not only experts in category, they are truly nice, honest, salt of the earth kind of people. We will use Wagner's for all of our Chicago events from here on out...!
(5)Evangelos F.
Stopped by here on the way home to Detroit from Chicago. Found a lil ole BBQ place hiding just off the freeway (thanks GPS!). Couldn't have asked for anything better! The ribs were sooooooo great. They were so fall off the bone you could probably just pull the bones out of the ribs on the plate! Their cornbread pancake things are a wonderful spin on the traditional treat. Lovely decor and friendly staff to boot. If i lived nearby I'd love to stop by and pick up their wonderful prepared ribs to go all the time.
(5)Scott M.
Great patio, neighborly location, food was standard but very good after a day at the beach. The patio is the best part! It was large, open and shaded by large trees. Definitely worth trying if you're in the area.
(4)Kool K.
Wagner's has excellent BBQ. Hands down some of my favorite in the area when it is cooked right, and the wait staff doesn't ruin my experience somehow. Why is it that almost every waiter/waitress thinks it's ok to sit around and talk as opposed to checking on food and tables...for real.
(4)Lee C.
Fantastic - this is my gold standard for ribs and BBQ sauce. Ribs are always fall off the bone tender and the sauce has a great sweetness to it. Can get very busy on the weekends. Restaurant is actually a bar so I used to order to-go and have them bring it out to my car when I was under 21. Wish they would ship BBQ sauce to CA... ;(
(5)Amy S.
Mouth-watering! Their ribs and pulled pork are awesome. I've dined in and ordered for a large party and been completely satisfied every time. A must-eat in Northwest Indiana!
(4)Aaron F.
I have been here for the ribs, I have tasted the pulled pork and both are absolutely stunning. What I didn't expect was a burger that absolutely blew my mind. So here is a bit of background. My wife and I would go to Swingbelly's in Michigan City. There burgers were solid, nothing to write home about but good. We do not go there any longer as the last time we were there we were not only insulted by the 'kitchen manager' but the waitress as well; that was over 2 months ago. We hit rock bottom in regards to our burger cravings when we decided to go to Schoops for burgers. Suffice it to say that will never happen again. Back to Wagner's Ribs. I started out with the Wedge, the '80's hit salad with bleu cheese and bacon. This salad is making a huge come back and Wagner's hit the mark with flying colors!! The bleu cheese was fresh, huge chunks and not some processed dressing out of a bucket this was the real deal. The bacon was thick and perfect the lettuce cold and crisp. Perfect balance of acidity with the tomatoes! I then ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger. The bottom line here is I have nothing, not one thing to say about it. IT WAS PERFECT, everything about it was utterly perfect. It is really hard to talk about something that meets the highest of standards. If there is a word to describe that burger better than perfect please let me know. Now, as far as the service is concerned every time I have been there I have had 5 star service. This is a place worthy of a visit from Guy Fiery and the Triple D crew!!!! Bravo!!!!
(5)Daniel F.
This is a neat place in a mostly residential area of Porter. Really like the decor and the feel of the place, too. Now, since they don't smoke the meats, it's really not a bbq place in the traditional sense. Finding that out, I skipped the pulled pork, brisket and so on, and went with a half slab of ribs and ribeye combo, with corn on the cob as a side. Great flavor to the ribs, fell off the bone, but not overcooked. No dry rub, as one might expect. Really liked the sauces, and bought a quart of the original to take home. Service was good, and prices very reasonable. Recommended.
(4)Tara M.
I give it a solid 4. I absolutely love the fact that it's 21 and over only...finally, a place to go to have a great meal without children all over the place. I had the half slab with baked beans and corn cakes. The ribs were very good. To be honest, I was not quite as blown away as I had hoped. They were definitely fall-off-the bone tender, but I thought they were just a teence on the dry side. Sauce was excellent. Sides were delicious. Friendly service and the price is right. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area, I plan on returning.
(4)Charles S.
Definitely worth a stop between Detroit and Chicago. Close to the freeway, as well as antique shops for my wife. Clean and attractive. Nice tangy sauce goes well with the ribs and chicken. Meat falls off the bones.
(4)Steve J.
Love it. The best place for BBQ. Pick anything from the menu and it is delicious. Their steaks and ribs are my favorite. The steaks are juicy and you can eat the ribs easily with a knife and a fork. The price is great for the amount of food you get. They have a full bar in the front of the restaurant, and the service through out the restaurant is excellent. I recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Marie N.
I ordered a rib dinner to go and it was great. Smokey flavor with just a light coating of barbeque sauce.
(5)Paul B.
Good food service and great beer selection was a great waitress and very friendly. Will visit again,before i return to California.
(4)Cari A.
Wagner's is a favorite place to go! The only downside is that my 8 year old LOVES ribs and we can only get them to go when she's with us and by the time we get home they are cold.... I love everything I have ever ate there, the corn bread is scrumptious, baked beans have a spice but are not overwhelming and the ribs are to die for. In the beach area, go here!
(5)Carlos F.
Stopped by after a hike in the Dunes. I would definitely return. Nice place, good service, and a good beer selection. The two dishes I tried, country ribs and BBQ chicken, were very good. Sauce was excellent, not too sweet and with a bit of heat. Fries were terrific and slaw, while not my style (lot of mayo), was fresh.
(4)Mike G.
Rib's a side, Wagner's is an overall great place to eat in the region. The only down side is that you have to be at least 21 to enter - not kid friendly
(4)nick t.
this place is so good their store bought ribs are some of the best i've ever had. a lot of meat not fat, great taste, and the meat just falls off the bone.
(5)