about

KLINGER’S REAL BBQ our story

KRB's restaurant of Wautoma, WI would like to be the favorite part of your day. Serving smoked in house barbequed meats, homemade sides, desserts and a full bar with local tap beers, cocktails and more!

Through values that take us back to the basics, we create meals from scratch, support our local farmers & business community. All while approaching our guests and employees as part of our BBQ Family.

Klinger’s Real Barbeque is a family-owned operation built on a commitment to doing BBQ the right way — slow, simple, and consistent.

Our meats are smoked fresh daily using hardwood and traditional techniques, with a focus on quality over shortcuts. From brisket and ribs to pulled pork and house-made sides, everything we serve is made with attention to detail and pride in the process.

With locations in Waupaca and Wautoma, our goal is to provide great food and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Whether you're stopping in for a meal, taking food to go, or planning an event, we aim to deliver the same quality and experience every time.

KLINGER’S REAL BBQ smokers

What started as a sketch on a bar napkin turned into the custom smokers that fuel everything we do at KRB. The design was dreamed up by Ed Klinger and John Wenniger (Wenniger Auto), and John went on to fabricate both rigs entirely by hand. Starting with a raw 7,000-gallon tank manufactured by Lannon Tank in Wisconsin, each pit was transformed into a workhorse with three chambers and six racks — capable of cooking up to 42 briskets at once.

They’re powered by an offset firebox that delivers steady heat and clean smoke through the tank, while twin stacks pull that smoke evenly across every cut. Fueled exclusively with oak and hickory sourced from Waushara County, these pits were built with one mission: to perfect brisket.

Every slice that comes off carries the balance of smoke, bark, and tenderness that only comes from a handmade pit built with purpose. Born from a bar napkin, brought to life by craftsmanship and grit, and still burning strong today — these smokers are the true heart of KRB.