Slows Bar BQ

Came in to order takeout for lunch yesterday— Molly killed it! She had to balance the floor (which had a 40+ party in one room alone), the bar, AND takeout. Food was well worth the wait; as a plus, the gluten-free substitutes were high quality.

We held our family holiday party (~30 people) here 11 a.m. EST 12-22-2024. Carrie arranged everything with us via email and text. We reserved their private room in Corktown, which has a bar and a single stall restroom (your guests don't have to go out in the restaurant to use the restroom). The menu was served family style, and included salad, appetizers, mac & cheese, chicken wings, brisket, pulled pork, mashed sweet potatoes, waffle fries, and carrot cake. We were able to order mocktails for non-drinkers, and people who drank alcohol could have whatever they wanted, including IPA on tap. Molly, our bartender, did an excellent job. I didn't catch the names of our servers, but they were great, too. We are senior citizens now and always cooked for 20-40 people. What a relief it was to hand over the cooking and cleaning to Slows, and what a treat it was to eat in a charming building with much better food than we could have gotten at most restaurants. This was a much more interesting meal than we would have gotten at most places, too, and the wide range of offerings (including some gluten free) appealed to everyone in our party. Our guests ranged in age from 3-72. I chose Slows because I used to work for the insurance company that does their commercial coverage. I was there on an insurance walkthrough ~ 6 months ago and was so impressed because they really smoke their food (they don't add fake liquid smoke), and their kitchen was super-clean. The only tip I have (and this is not Slows' fault), is that there's a lot at 2040 Michigan Ave. It has a sign that says it allows parking for Slows, IMA, and several other businesses. There are also Park Detroit metered spots. We were there on a Sunday, and parking's free in the metered spots. I elected to use the lot because I'd used it before and, since it's 1-1/2 blocks away, I figured I'd leave spots for my guests on the street. We arrived at 10:50 a.m. When we came out at 2 p.m., the lot had stuck a claim check on our car and tried to get $5. They'd already shaken down several of our guests for $5. They had temporary signs out front that said "Parking $5." If it costs $5 to park there, why doesn't the lot have a sign that says "You will be charged between the hours of 1 p.m.-11 p.m. (I don't know if those are the hours). I refused to pay, because I thought it was a scam. I looked at the claim check later and it does say Misba Parking, LLC, 2040 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI. I am not sure if it's legit or not (there are a lot of fake parking spots in Detroit). If it is, they need to post a sign right out front, and they need to put up a gate that doesn't let you enter it (only exit) unless you pay. The lot is open and has 2 driveways.

Great atmosphere, super friendly staff, and so many Gluten Free options on their menu! Absolutely delicious!