5 Best Places To Get Amazing Barbecue In Metro Detroit

I’ve been wanting to try the St. Louis Style Ribs and Loaded BBQ Pizza for a while now, but never seem to visit around dinner time (I like sandwiches for lunch). The Mess O’Fries (pulled pork, handcut fries, bacon, melted cheese and scallions) also stands out every time I open the menu, and it often goes on special. This might be a good one to try with a larger group of people!

2. Slow’s To Go (Midtown Detroit)

How many of you have been dying to try Slow’s Bar-B-Q on Michigan Avenue, but leave dismayed each time you visit because you just can’t justify standing in that mile-long line? Well, friends, I’ve figured out a way around the madness. For AMAZING barbecue without the wait, try Slow’s To Go in Midtown, an establishment that offers that same Slow’s flavor minus the giant crowd. Slow’s To Go doesn’t have a huge amount of “dine-in” space (hence the “to-go”), but there are a few tables and high-top seats available if you’re visiting from out of town, have a smaller group, and can’t wait until you get home to eat.

What’s Good:

I seriously don’t think I’ve had anything at Slow’s To Go that I didn’t absolutely love. When Brad and I go, we usually each get a Carolina Style Pulled Pork Plate, which comes with two small sides and two sauces (my favorites are the apple and mustard flavors). Typically, the sides are big enough to share (I like the waffle fries and baked beans), but when it comes to the mac and cheese, I’m completely selfish and have to have my own. Seriously—that stuff is so good, I literally scrape every last morsel out of the container.

What I REALLY love about Slow’s To Go is that two people can get a really great meal and have enough leftovers for lunch the next day for right around thirty bucks. That’s about the same price we end up spending at many nearby lunch and brunch places (which, in my opinion, are overpriced and give you way less food that’s not nearly as good).

On My List To Try:

I guess I’m a creature of habit (or I just really like what I get), because I always end up ordering the pulled pork! Some other menu items that interest me: Baby Back Ribs, Triple Threat Pork sandwich (bacon, pulled pork, and ham), and the beef brisket. As far as sides go, I’ve got my eye on the cornbread and sweet potato mash (I’m comin’ for ya!).

3. The Meat Shop (Commerce Charter Township)

What’s Good:

Pulled pork with coleslaw on fresh rolls (if it wasn’t ciabatta, it was definitely similar)—so good! When Brad and I opened a box to find two small sandwiches, we were a little surprised at the size . . . until we found out that the two sandwiches were one order! Yup, you’ll get two per person—so unless you’re super hungry and want both, you can either save one for later or share with a friend. Love it! And of course, being creatures of habit . . . we both got macaroni and cheese on the side. This version had a creamy, white sauce that was really good (and it reheats well to go with leftover sandwiches)!

On My List To Try:

The Meat Shop also sells meat in bulk containers (pork, brisket, ribs, corned beef, chicken, turkey, short ribs), which would be perfect to share with a group of friends or family members when they’re in town. Potato salad or mashed potatoes (depending on the season) were also suggested during our visit, so of course I’ll have to give those a try next time we stop by.

4. Bad Brad’s BBQ (Shelby, Orion, and Clinton Townships)

What’s Good:

My favorite thing about Bad Brad’s (besides the fun décor) is that there are so many unique options on the menu. Choose from creative combinations like the Boss sandwich (smoked pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, sausage, double smoked bacon, and sweet mustard BBQ), or go with a simpler chopped brisket (seasoned perfectly). I loved that the menu encouraged me to branch out past my usual meal choices to try something new.

On My List To Try:

BBQ mini sliders (a great way to try three different sandwiches if you’re indecisive) and the Pig Candy (candied bacon). Omnomnomnom.

5. Kensington Grill (New Hudson)

What’s Good:

If you’ve picked up on our eating habits by now, you won’t be surprised that I love the Pulled Pork Entrée, while Brad is more of a Texas Beef Brisket Entrée kind of guy. Both come with cornbread and two sides (the sweet potato fries, cheesy mac, and baked beans are a few of my favorites).

On My List To Try:

Like I mentioned before, there are several other options on the menu besides barbecue, but with a Groupon that cuts your meal price into about half, I think I’d honestly go with the pulled pork entrée every time (it’s a fantastic deal) and just switch sides to match whatever my taste preference is that day.

Did I miss any? Comment below with your favorite place to get great barbecue and let me know which new restaurants are on your list to try!