The story
Joe American, on Corso di Porta Romana, is a Milanese hybrid that pulls off both smash burgers and Texas-style BBQ — and the latter is where it truly shines. Secondo Luca calls their overnight-smoked pulled pork “genuinely delicious,” free of sous-vide shortcuts, and at a Parma Expo event the brisket turned out “buttery” with a cherry-studded sausage described as “amazing.” The passion of the team is evident.
The burger side is more modest: solid smash burgers from a clean, open kitchen, though as Luca notes the meat “lacks a bit of punch” and prices run high. Franchino Er Criminale calls it a solid spot, good for the price, if not mind-blowing. For diners craving American barbecue in Milan, Joe American delivers the real thing — focus on the brisket and pulled pork, and this no-frills 4.6-star spot earns its stripes.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2026.
What diners say
Synthesized from 32 Google reviews · tap an aspect for the detail
Diners consistently praise the smash burgers as some of the best in Milan, with high-quality meat, delicious sauces, and a great overall flavor. The friendly and attentive staff, along with free drink refills, add to the positive experience. While some find the prices a bit high for the portion size, the value is generally considered fair for the area.
Smash Burger Quality
The smash burgers are widely celebrated as top-notch, with many calling them the best in Milan. The meat is flavorful and well-cooked, and the buns are soft and delicious. Specific burgers like the King Onion and Chimichurri are highlighted for their excellent taste.
Service and Staff
The staff is consistently described as very friendly, kind, professional, and helpful. Many reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere and the attentive service, which enhances the overall dining experience.
Value for Money
Most diners find the prices reasonable for Milan, especially given the quality of the food. The free drink refills are a appreciated bonus. A few feel the portions could be larger for the price, but overall the value is seen as good.
Fries and Sides
The fries are often praised for being crispy and delicious. Some note they can be unsalted, but the overall quality is high. The chicken tenders and cheesecake are also mentioned positively.
Vegetarian Options
The availability of a vegetarian burger is appreciated, though some find it a bit thin or anonymous compared to the meat options. Still, it's seen as a nice addition to the menu.
Consistency
While many regulars are very satisfied, a few reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in burger quality, such as the bun being less soft or the meat having an unusual texture. However, these are not widespread complaints.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 9 dish mentions say about the food
Joe American’s standout is the Single New York, a hearty, classic cut that earns consistent praise. Reviewers describe the overall vibe as warm, unpretentious comfort food done right.
“This one has five pickles inside, very generous. The meat doesn't have much saltiness, it's very neutral. The texture is strange, I expected it to be juicier, it's a bit softer. This one is much more intriguing. The pickle gives it that touch of magic that softens everything, making it more enveloping and creamy. The sauce underneath is nothing to write home about. It's very good, but all the flavors are distinguishable, yet I'm missing a gear of flavor, a bit more saltiness and push. They seem a bit timid.”
What creators say
4 creators have covered Joe American. Most active: Secondo Luca, Franchino Er Criminale
Shorts 1
Videos 3
Joe's American Smash Burger serves solid smash burgers with a clean, well-maintained kitchen, though the meat lacks a bit of punch and the prices are a bit high.
Dishes mentioned
- Cheeseburger
Single New York
This one has five pickles inside, very generous. The meat doesn't have much saltiness, it's very neutral. The texture is strange, I expected it to be juicier, it's a bit softer. This one is much more intriguing. The pickle gives it that touch of magic that softens everything, making it more enveloping and creamy. The sauce underneath is nothing to write home about. It's very good, but all the flavors are distinguishable, yet I'm missing a gear of flavor, a bit more saltiness and push. They seem a bit timid.
- Secondo LucaLoved
Parma BBQ: porto uno sconosciuto e mettiamo alla prova Wagyu e smash burger · @ 24:06
Joe American serves incredible Texas-style BBQ — the brisket is buttery and the sausage with cherry is amazing. The passion of the team is evident.
Dishes mentioned
Brisket
This brisket is butter. Look at that — it's like butter. The sauce on top is sweet and sour, super interesting. The coleslaw is a good product. For now, this wins over everything we've had outside. It's juicy to extreme levels. What can you say? It's perfect.
Salsiccia con Cherry
This sausage with cherry is amazing. The flavour is incredible — sweet and savoury at the same time. I'm loving it.
A solid smash burger spot in Porta Romana, Milan — good quality for the price, much better than the Central Market location, though the burgers are simple and not mind-blowing.
Dishes mentioned
- Cheeseburger
Chicken Bacon
The fried chicken is golden and crispy, the bacon is crunchy, and the Alabama sauce really kicks. The chicken is meaty and fairly juicy — not a farm chicken thigh but honest for €10. The bun breaks a bit but the composition works. It's a simple, easy sandwich, nothing mind-blowing but solid. I'd give it an 8, not higher because it's very standard fried chicken.
