Warren, just north of Detroit, is a city shaped by working-class grit, auto industry legacy, and a deep love for hearty, satisfying food.
The barbecue scene here highlights both Midwest comfort and Southern roots, with plenty of Motown innovation and multicultural energy.
From old-school roadhouses to new-wave smokehouses with craft beer to match, Warren’s spots feed the neighborhood with plenty of pride.
1. Bad Brads BBQ
A Detroit-area destination with a Warren outpost, Bad Brads is known for its seriously smoky brisket, thick sausage, and creative platters piled high with house-pickled veggies, spicy sauces, and fresh cornbread.
The potato salad and burnt ends—crispy outside, juicy inside—are bestsellers.
Come hungry and dine in, or grab a family pack to go for a real local treat.
2. Detroit BBQ Company
They started as a food truck, and now their brick-and-mortar joint is famous for “Motor City” ribs coated in a peppery house rub, pulled pork, and luscious mac and cheese.
Their cherrywood-smoked chicken nods to local produce, and the Michigan cider slaw is a refreshing side.
3. Slows To Go (Detroit/Warren area)
Warren residents are lucky to have access to the legendary Slows Bar BQ via its “To Go” locations.
The applewood-smoked pork, pit beans, and signature “Yardbird” chicken sandwich (pulling influences from both Texas and Memphis) show why Slows wins awards year after year.
4. Smokin’ BBQ Pit
Family owned and always hopping on weekends, Smokin’ BBQ Pit excels at huge slabs of St. Louis ribs, peach-glazed chicken, and soulful sides like collard greens and candied yams.
The energy is pure Detroit suburbs—laid-back, community-driven, and always up for an extra-spicy hot link.
5. LazyBones Smokehouse
Over in nearby Roseville but beloved by Warren’s BBQ fans, LazyBones combines classic Texas brisket and Carolina pulled pork with some of the best baked beans and cornbread north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
They’re old-school about their smoker and friendly about everything else, serving BBQ platters among old license plates and Motown memorabilia.
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