It's time for Dining Month, presented by Deer District and its spooky Halloween-themed alter ego, Fear District. Throughout the month of October, we'll be serving up fun and fascinating content about all things food. The signature dish, however, is our 2019 Best of Dining poll, who's winners we will dish out all month long. Get hungry, Milwaukee!

Iron Grate BBQ Co.

Last year, Iron Grate won the annual OnMilwaukee Best of Dining readers poll in the barbecue category after finishing a very close second to Smoke Shack the previous year. This year, Chef Aaron Patin's Bay View-based barbecue joint remains on top.

This will come as no surprise to anyone who's visited Iron Grate and sampled the "live fire" fare. Patin is a master of smoked meats including brisket, ribs, pork, links and chicken. And the stellar sides are the perfect comfort food complements to the carne, including hush puppies that are boldly delicious.

This year, Saz's State House cracked into the top five, alongside a trio of returnees from last year: Smoke Shack, Double B's and the legendary Speed Queen.

Runners-up: 
2. Smoke Shack
3. Double B's BBQ
4. Speed Queen 
5. Saz's State House

OnMilwaukee editors' pick: Iron Grate BBQ Co.

Lori Fredrich's pick: Heaven's Table