5 Best Barbecue Joints in Detroit, Michigan to Try

Detroit isn’t just about Coney dogs and pizza; the Motor City has quietly become a hotspot for all things smoked and sauced.

Innovators have embraced everything from old-school pit barbecue to downtown fusion, creating a diverse and exciting BBQ scene that honors both Midwestern comfort and world flavors.

Bring your appetite—Detroit has some hidden gems.

Slows Bar BQ

Right in Corktown, Slows helped kick-off Detroit’s barbecue renaissance. Rave about their “Reason” pulled pork sandwich, big, juicy wings, and signature Mac-n-Cheese.

Don’t skip their house-made sauces, especially Sweet and Apple BBQ, perfect for mixing and matching.

Bert’s Marketplace

A bona fide Detroit institution, Bert’s is equal parts BBQ palace and live music destination in Eastern Market.

The smoky, meaty ribs are legendary, the pit beans spicy, and the tender brisket sandwiches draw crowds every weekend.

Try it on a jazz night for the full experience.

Lockhart’s BBQ

A Ferndale favorite (just north of Detroit), Lockhart’s does Texas-style with Motor City soul.

Brisket, turkey, and sausage links smoked the traditional way stand out, but the burnt ends and spicy bacon mac make this a “worth the drive” spot even for city folks.

Bad Brads BBQ

Expanding throughout Metro Detroit, Bad Brads offers a rustic, inviting atmosphere and painstakingly smoked meats, especially their melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends.

Their homemade pickles and sweet potato mash up the comfort level, and their sauce lineup (from sweet to hot) lets you customize your feast.

Union Woodshop

In Clarkston, a bit northwest but beloved by Detroiters, Union Woodshop is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and slow-smoked pork.

Try the porker sandwich, the St. Louis-style ribs, and the legendary mac-and-cheese. It’s a classic local roadhouse with a real “destination” feel.