The 25 best barbecue restaurants in the Detroit area, according to Yelp

By on Fri, Jun 11, 2021 at 12:05 pm

You know you're overdue for some action if the words “dry-rubbed and smoked low and slow” get you all hot and bothered. Well, keep your clothes on and grab a moist towelette (sorry), because these metro Detroit barbecue joints are doing god's work: filling our stomachs with brisket, pulled pork, and, yes, burnt ends. So, how did we pick these BBQ spots? Well, we didn't — but you Yelp users did! Per the Yelp angels: This is an all-time list of the best barbeque restaurants in the Metro-Detroit area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the barbeque categories, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 9, 2021. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 9, 2021. Oh, and vegans, you'll have to sit this one out because we've got it bad. P.S. Our safe word is “rib tips.”

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25. The Kensington BBQ & Grill 30712 Lyon Center Dr. E., New Hudson; 248-437-7077; thekensingtongrill.com "So this was a very unexpected surprise .. My wife ended up getting a DoorDash gift card and we decided to order ribs, brisket, and sides from Kensington Grill after a couple of our friends had recommended them from their catered baby shower...All I can say is WOW... BIG HUGE WOW to flavor from a one-off place in Eastern Michigan to slow cook such flavor ... tender ribs... delicious brisket ... with so very VERY good bbq sauces on the side ... it was a meal I thought came straight from Memphis or the heart of Texas ...These guys know flavor, they know heat and how to slow cook ... they know seasoning, and they know sauces … I will be ordering from them again very very frequently :) much recommended !!!!" — Ernesto V. on Yelp Photo via The Kensington BBQ & Grill/Facebook

25. The Kensington BBQ & Grill

30712 Lyon Center Dr. E., New Hudson; 248-437-7077;
Photo via The Kensington BBQ & Grill/Facebook
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24. Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ 8050 Main St., Dexter; 734-646-6261; hotelhickman.com "Wow is all you need to say about this place. The staff is fantastic and the food is out of this world. My wife ordered the brisket sandwich platter with beans and peach cobbler. The brisket was so soft you could rip the sandwich in half with your bare hands. The beans were above average and the cobbler was to die for. She also joked with the gentleman behind the counter when he came to check on us that it would be perfect with a pickle. He proceeded to head to the cooler and bring out homemade pickles that were to die for. I had the pork sandwich with I-44 loaded mashed potatoes and the apple cobbler. The sandwich was fantastic, the potatoes were the best loaded potatoes I've ever had and the cobbler was fantastic. We will be going back, what an amazing find in an awesome little town." — Christopher M. on Yelp Photo via Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ/Facebook

24. Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ

8050 Main St., Dexter; 734-646-6261;
Photo via Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ/Facebook
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23. J Bird Smoked Meats 1978 Cass Lake Rd., Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124; jbirdsmokedmeats.com "Literally the best meal I've had in 2 years. The Nashville hot chicken and all of the sides were spectacular. The attention to detail at this place is ridiculous. Each item is perfectly seasoned. cooked, and plated. These are pros that actually care about each dish they serve." — Paul D. on Yelp Photo via J Bird Smoked Meats/Facebook

23. J Bird Smoked Meats

1978 Cass Lake Rd., Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124;
Photo via J Bird Smoked Meats/Facebook
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22. Club Canton 39651 Michigan Ave., Canton; 734-722-0722; kblocksbbq.com "This place has the best ribs around, the service is absolutely amazing. I will go nowhere else to eat ribs. The owner makes sure you're happy and very satisfied. Thanks CLUB CANTON!" — Debra N. on Yelp Photo via Club Canton/Facebook

22. Club Canton

39651 Michigan Ave., Canton; 734-722-0722;
Photo via Club Canton/Facebook
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21. Brown Iron Brewhouse 57695 Van Dyke Rd., Washington Twp.; 586-697-3300; browniron.com "This is the best brewery/tap house in Michigan. Plenty of tap handles and with the constant rotation there is always something new. They get a lot of rare beers here as well. If the excellent beer/wine/cider menu isn't enough to bring you in then the food will do the job. Great BBQ and I really enjoy the taco Tuesday specials. This is a place I have consistently brought my friends that are visiting from out of town and they were very impressed." — Mike S. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

21. Brown Iron Brewhouse

57695 Van Dyke Rd., Washington Twp.; 586-697-3300;
Photo via GoogleMaps
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20. K-Block's Fire Pit BBQ 66880 Van Dyke Rd., Washington; 586-281-6798; kblocksbbq.com "By far the best BBQ in Michigan. This place can seriously compete with Texas or any other BBQ state for that matter. Ribs and brisket are amazing. Super clean and very friendly place." — Frank F. on Yelp Photo via K-Block's Fire Pit BBQ/Facebook

20. K-Block's Fire Pit BBQ

66880 Van Dyke Rd., Washington; 586-281-6798;
Photo via K-Block's Fire Pit BBQ/Facebook
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19. AlJoom's BBQ 8606 N. Telegraph Rd., Dearborn Heights; 313-769-5100; getburgershack.com "This is one of my favorite places. The food is absolutely phenomenal and the brisket is definitely one in a million. Can't describe only in words how great this place is. Even the people that are there are super kind you need to try this place" — Nadia L. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

19. AlJoom's BBQ

8606 N. Telegraph Rd., Dearborn Heights; 313-769-5100;
Photo via GoogleMaps
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18. Victory Smokehouse 28950 Mound Rd., Warren; 248-671-6328; victorysmokehouse.com "Chris is a true pitmaster. He's actually a magician, what he does with barbecue is magical. This is hands-down the best barbecue in the state of Michigan. I highly recommend it, it's very clear he loves what he does. The brisket is so moist and so flavorful it requires no sauce. However, the sauces are both excellent as well. The St. Louis and baby back ribs are also amazing. I recommend trying everything, he does no wrong with all of his meats. The mac & cheese is also amazing. Thank you for a magical meal." — David N. on Yelp Photo via Victory Smokehouse/Facebook

18. Victory Smokehouse

28950 Mound Rd., Warren; 248-671-6328;
Photo via Victory Smokehouse/Facebook
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17. Rogue Estate BBQ 600 Woodward Hts., Ferndale; 248-721-4878; iloverebbq.com "I just finished eating the incredible Beef Brisket and decided to make a yelp account to send my praise. The brisket is incredibly tender and juicy. The man that owns and runs this food truck told me that he used to be a computer engineer but decided that wasn't the life he wanted and now he serves delicious smoked bbq 3 days a week. That's a business I can get behind... especially when the food tastes great!" — Gary D. on Yelp Photo via Rogue Estate BBQ/Facebook

17. Rogue Estate BBQ

600 Woodward Hts., Ferndale; 248-721-4878;
Photo via Rogue Estate BBQ/Facebook
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16. C.A.Y.A. Smokehouse Grill 1403 S. Commerce Rd., Walled Lake; 248-438-6741; cayagrill.com "Met some coworkers for dinner here and was not surprised - after reviewing what fellow Yelpers have said - everything was stellar at CAYA (come as you are) Smokehouse Grill. The ambience and vibe of the place is really cool, very industrial and modern. I tried the smoked turkey, the beet salad, and fried sweet potatoes. The smoked turkey was really good and had tons of flavor! Highly recommend it. They have a selection of bbq sauces and the bourbon one, I felt, paired well with the turkey. The sweet potatoes came with maple syrup and were delicious. The beet salad was also very tasty! Everything was tasty!" — Angela S. on Yelp Photo via CAYA Grill/Facebook

16. C.A.Y.A. Smokehouse Grill

1403 S. Commerce Rd., Walled Lake; 248-438-6741;
Photo via CAYA Grill/Facebook
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15. Beans and Cornbread 29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-208-1680; beanscornbread.com "Fantastic old school southern cooking is being served up, which always makes me fondly remember my childhood Sunday dinners. All the comfort foods I got to enjoy with my family today. Their staff are friendly and their drinks are awesome. You simply cannot go wrong! Fried Perch, Mac & cheese and their greens are my absolute favorite. Oh and their yummy sweet potato muffins!!! Yummy stuff!!!" — Kathy K. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

15. Beans and Cornbread

29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-208-1680;
Photo via GoogleMaps
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14. Red Rock Downtown Barbecue 207 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-340-2381; redrockypsi.com "Everything was great! My wife and I had the garbage fries, the Typsi Ypsi pulled chicken sandwich, and the barbecue chicken salad. All delightful! Our party of 13 tried a lot of different things off the menu, and everyone cleared their plate. The host was super accommodating when we first arrived late, props to him for his trust; and our waitress always on point throughout. Thanks for a great meal; will definitely make the trip back to Ypsi for round two. & Our server Sarah was awesome, thank you!" — Thomas H. on Yelp Photo via Red Rock Ypsi/Facebook

14. Red Rock Downtown Barbecue

207 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-340-2381;
Photo via Red Rock Ypsi/Facebook
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13. Smokehouse 52 125 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-562-2565; sh52bbq.com "I can't speak highly enough of this place! Our waitress was incredibly kind and speedy quick. The food was out of this world and the drinks were strong! I loved that they had a gluten free bun option for my sister who said it was the best gluten free bun she's ever had. The pulled pork was cooked to perfection and was complimented perfectly with the caramelized onions and melted gouda. To top it off, the baked beans were the best I've ever had. We can't wait to come back and bring our parents!" — Madison M. on Yelp Photo via Smokehouse 52 BBQ/Facebook

13. Smokehouse 52

125 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-562-2565;
Photo via Smokehouse 52 BBQ/Facebook
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12. Sharks BBQ 4845 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-250-6412; sharksbbqtroy.com "I almost never write reviews but this place deserves one. The meats are so well seasoned and the smoke flavor divine. I think the chef owner does a lot of things himself and you know he knows what he's doing! The sandwiches come with bread that looks like it's sliced too thick (at first), but when you try it you know "I want more of that bread!!!" I suspect they also make their own bread. Needless to say, we're going back!!!" — Gin T. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

12. Sharks BBQ

4845 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-250-6412;
Photo via GoogleMaps
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11. Woodpile BBQ 630 E. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Heights; 248-565-8149; woodpilebbqshack.com "On the first smell, I LOVED at his place. Let's just say it took me a few days to finish the huge meal I bought. I tried the burnt ends!!! DELICIOUS!! And I think there were pickled onions on the order. Whatever that was has us fighting over it in the parking lot. Needless to say that item never made it home. I had the platter with the pulled pork, brisket and chicken and ribs and jalapeno cheddar sausage. Lol. Everything was awesome." &#151; Keith D. on Yelp Photo via Woodpile BBQ Shack/Facebook</i

11. Woodpile BBQ

630 E. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Heights; 248-565-8149;
Photo via Woodpile BBQ Shack/Facebook
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10. Slows BarBq 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828; slowsbarbq.com "I've been going to Slows for many years. You will not find a single restaurant that serves ribs, pulled pork, or brisket in southeast Michigan that is even relatable to the deliciousness Slows has to offer. My favorite is the pulled pork. No, wait... the brisket. Nope. Ribs. Darn it.... they are all AMAZING. 5 stars all around. Additionally they offer GIFT CARDS. I'm not a fan of gift cards, but heck, I'd be elated if I got one for Slows!" &#151; Andrew G. on Yelp Photo via Slows BarBQ/Facebook

10. Slows BarBq

2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828; slowsbarbq.com
"I've been going to Slows for many years. You will not find a single restaurant that serves ribs, pulled pork, or brisket in southeast Michigan that is even relatable to the deliciousness Slows has to offer. My favorite is the pulled pork. No, wait... the brisket. Nope. Ribs. Darn it.... they are all AMAZING. 5 stars all around. Additionally they offer GIFT CARDS. I'm not a fan of gift cards, but heck, I'd be elated if I got one for Slows!" — Andrew G. on Yelp

Photo via Slows BarBQ/Facebook
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9. Jayell Smokehouse 221 1/2 N. Bailey, Romeo; 586-281-3943; jayellsmokehouse.net "This place is the bomb diggity, the meats are all so so good ! The only thing I would change ( and I mean this in the kindest way) is maybe thickening your barbecue sauce. It's all homemade super yummy but my preference is a little bit thicker sauce. You'll never have a bad meal here. This place is primo!" &#151; Alisa M. Photo via GoogleMaps

9. Jayell Smokehouse

221 1/2 N. Bailey, Romeo; 586-281-3943; jayellsmokehouse.net
"This place is the bomb diggity, the meats are all so so good ! The only thing I would change ( and I mean this in the kindest way) is maybe thickening your barbecue sauce. It's all homemade super yummy but my preference is a little bit thicker sauce. You'll never have a bad meal here. This place is primo!" — Alisa M.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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8. Arkin's Sweet BBQ Pit 30140 Southfield Rd., Southfield; 248-731-7397; arkinsbbq.com "Omg, amazing! I understand why there were so many people waiting to pick up food! This was by far some of the tastiest BBQ I've had in my entire life! Such good taste on every single item we got! It's not even close to our house about a half hour away but we will absolutely be back ASAP! Highly recommend you must give this place a try!" &#151; Kristen B. on Yelp Photo via Arkin's Sweet BBQ Pit/Facebook

8. Arkin's Sweet BBQ Pit

30140 Southfield Rd., Southfield; 248-731-7397; arkinsbbq.com
"Omg, amazing! I understand why there were so many people waiting to pick up food! This was by far some of the tastiest BBQ I've had in my entire life! Such good taste on every single item we got! It's not even close to our house about a half hour away but we will absolutely be back ASAP! Highly recommend you must give this place a try!" — Kristen B. on Yelp

Photo via Arkin's Sweet BBQ Pit/Facebook
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7. Roy's Barbeque and Hamburgers 25 Wabash St., Milan; 734-439-1737 "This place is my absolute favorite spot to go to when I am in Michigan! It's a hidden gem and my favorite memories as a kid. They have the best burger and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches! Their Roy secret sauce is seriously the best sauce I've ever had and I could drink gallons of it. I wish this place was closer to me and I could visit it more because I am always craving this place! Make sure to get their chili cheese fries, they're so delicious. Go sit at their counter top, watch them make the food, and have great conversations with the sweet staff. This place offers a fun environment, amazing food, and overall a great little spot to eat at." &#151; Rachel L. on Yelp Photo via GoogleMaps

7. Roy's Barbeque and Hamburgers

25 Wabash St., Milan; 734-439-1737
"This place is my absolute favorite spot to go to when I am in Michigan! It's a hidden gem and my favorite memories as a kid. They have the best burger and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches! Their Roy secret sauce is seriously the best sauce I've ever had and I could drink gallons of it. I wish this place was closer to me and I could visit it more because I am always craving this place! Make sure to get their chili cheese fries, they're so delicious. Go sit at their counter top, watch them make the food, and have great conversations with the sweet staff. This place offers a fun environment, amazing food, and overall a great little spot to eat at." — Rachel L. on Yelp

Photo via GoogleMaps
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6. A.B.'s Amazing Ribs 27310 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-914-2159; abamazingribs.com "This place lives up to its name. I have never seen ribs this big or delicious. We ordered ribs, brisket and wings. My husband has lived in Texas for years and he thought this brisket beat them all. The wings were great. The Mac and cheese was delicious as were the baked beans. The cornbread was to die for. The four of us were fully stuffed, fully satisfied and happy. Everyone in metro Detroit who likes ribs should definitely try these. Or any smoked meat for that matter. We had a combination plate for four people and we had so much left over I think all four of us could eat two more meals with the leftovers. The service was great very attentive." &#151; Carrie P. on Yelp Photo via A.B.'s Amazing Ribs/Facebook

6. A.B.'s Amazing Ribs

27310 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-914-2159; abamazingribs.com
"This place lives up to its name. I have never seen ribs this big or delicious. We ordered ribs, brisket and wings. My husband has lived in Texas for years and he thought this brisket beat them all. The wings were great. The Mac and cheese was delicious as were the baked beans. The cornbread was to die for. The four of us were fully stuffed, fully satisfied and happy. Everyone in metro Detroit who likes ribs should definitely try these. Or any smoked meat for that matter. We had a combination plate for four people and we had so much left over I think all four of us could eat two more meals with the leftovers. The service was great very attentive." — Carrie P. on Yelp

Photo via A.B.'s Amazing Ribs/Facebook
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