Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Detroit

BBQ spots

Made for those who respect the slow-cooked process and smoke-heavy profile of authentic barbecue.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Babybacks Open Pit Restaurant image 1
Babybacks Open Pit Restaurant image 2
Babybacks Open Pit Restaurant image 3
View all

Open pit barbecue ribs offer fall off the bone tenderness with a finger-licking sauce. Family-owned spot serves generous portions of bbq chicken and mac and cheese at fair prices. Warm, welcoming vibe draws regulars who love soul food quality and home-style cooking.

BBQ sauce stands out with a finger-licking flavor. The menu features bbq chicken and mac and cheese at reasonable prices, plus soul food options like chicken and oxtail.

People are saying

"The food here tastes just like Grandma's soul food."

"These ribs are tender and flavorful."

"The BBQ ribs here are spectacular and tender."

Good to know

1

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, making it a good value.

2

The restaurant is family-owned and known for personalized service.

3

Pricing is reasonable compared to other BBQ places in the area.

02
Royal Barbecue Pizza image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue ribs offer rich flavor and tender texture in a clean, welcoming atmosphere. Seating is comfortable and well kept, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal. Service is consistently good, enhancing the overall experience.

BBQ ribs stand out as a highlight with rich flavor and tender texture. The menu offers a wide range of total BBQ dishes alongside other options, all served with consistently good service.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is delicious."

"I thought the BBQ food here was the best."

Good to know

1

New Year’s Day brunch is from 11am to 2pm.

2

The establishment is very clean and well lit.

3

They offer large portions suitable for family gatherings.

03
Taqueria El Rey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Glass garage doors create a bright, airy space with indoor-outdoor dining. BBQ chicken shines with rich flavor and ribs often surpass typical spots. Lively Pitbull music fuels a friendly vibe in a modern setting with a central fountain.

BBQ chicken stands out with rich flavor and perfect cooking. Ribs match up well, often better than typical BBQ spots, and the adobo barbecue chicken adds a unique twist.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very fresh."

"The tacos here taste so authentic and flavorful."

"I loved their adobo barbecue chicken; it's flavorful and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers five corn tortilla tacos for $10.

2

The restaurant is cash-only, so bring cash for your meal.

3

Parking is limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

04
The Eagle Detroit image 1

Bright space with a front wall of windows offers a modern feel and chill vibes. Carolina barbecue shines with braised BBQ sandwich and BBQ Pork Burnt Ends delivering bold flavors. Cocktails like Rio's Old Fashioned pair well with southern-style dishes such as fried chicken and shrimp and grits.

Carolina barbecue stands out with its unique flavor and tasty profile. The braised BBQ sandwich, BBQ pork and chicken sandwiches, and BBQ Pork Burnt Ends all deliver strong, memorable tastes.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is super crispy and not greasy."

"The Shrimp And Grits were fantastic and divine."

"I thought the BBQ sandwiches were the bomb!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $2 chicken legs and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are required for dinner service.

3

Street parking is available but can be challenging during events.

05
Robert C. Valade Park image 1

Park offers scenic river views and a sandy beach with playgrounds for kids. Smoky G's serves smoky barbecue with solid flavor in an indoor café. Seating near the water and food trucks keep the vibe family-friendly and relaxing.

Smoky G's serves smoky barbecue with solid flavor. An indoor café offers BBQ dishes and drinks alongside fish and bakery items when available.

People are saying

"It's super kid friendly with a great playground and games."

"I loved the nice view of the river and the Canadian skyline."

"I had some really good BBQ here."

Good to know

1

The festival is free to attend, but food and beverages are for purchase.

2

Parking can be an issue during events; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The park hosts various events throughout the year, suitable for all ages.

06
Detroit Wing Company image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Chicken wings come in large, juicy portions with bold sauces like Hot Garlic and whiskey BBQ. Limited bar seating keeps the vibe casual and quick. Strong flavors shine in both boneless wings and sandwiches, making it a solid spot for BBQ lovers and quick bites.

Garlic and BBQ boneless wings stand out with strong flavors. The menu also features whiskey BBQ wings and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich alongside a BBQ chicken sandwich.

People are saying

"I love the variety of American food sauces and rubs here."

"The BBQ chicken sandwich here is delicious."

"The BBQ wings here have the perfect crunch and tons of sauce."

Good to know

1

Detroit Wing Company is a takeout-only restaurant with no dine-in options.

2

Ordering online is convenient, especially during lunch breaks.

3

Prices are fair, with meals typically under $20.

07
Detroit 75 Kitchen image 1
Sandwich shop

Food truck serves hickory smoked wings and BBQ beef sandwich with bold flavors. Industrial vibe and workshop-style decor create a relaxed, clean atmosphere. Outdoor picnic seating shaded for comfort offers views of a nearby bridge, adding Detroit character.

BBQ egg rolls and hickory smoked wings stand out alongside the BBQ beef sandwich and shrimp po' boy. The Corktown BBQ sandwich and BBQ chicken rolls also get solid mentions for flavor.

People are saying

"I had the best sandwich I have ever had here."

"The strawberry lemonade here was pretty good."

"You have to try the BBQ egg rolls; they're really good."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead online can significantly reduce your wait time.

2

Expect to pay around $15 for a sandwich and $6 for fries.

3

The food truck is located next to a Shell gas station for easy navigation.

08
Err'Thang Smoked image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Big smoker out front shows focus on smoked foods like pulled pork and turkey chops. Texas-styled BBQ shines with rich barbecue sauce that lifts fries and chicken. Family-owned spot offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dining or dates.

Texas-styled BBQ stands out with a menu that beats many local options. The barbecue sauce plays a key role, enhancing fries, tips, and chicken with rich flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"You have to try the brisket; it's amazing American Food."

"I thought the BBQ here was top-notch and fabulous."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2

Some menu items may be unavailable, so check before ordering.

3

The restaurant is not handicap accessible for wheelchair users.

09
TRAP VEGAN image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small dining area offers a friendly vibe with clean decor. Vegan burgers, especially the BBQ jackfruit, deliver rich flavor. Outdoor seating and casual games create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying tater tots with barbecue sauce.

BBQ jackfruit burger stands out with rich flavor. Tater tots come with barbecue sauce. Deep fried cauliflower bites pair with jerk chicken and trap BBQ vegan sauces.

People are saying

"The vegetarian burgers and cauliflower here are delicious."

"I thought the smoothies here were very good and amazing."

"The Soul Survivor burger with BBQ sauce was so tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for food unless you call ahead or use the app.

2

Seating is limited, making it more suitable for pickup and takeout.

3

Prices are on the higher side, but portions are generous.

10
BBQ CENTRAL image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue shines with tender ribs and classic sides like mac and cheese. Friendly service matches the homey atmosphere despite some wear. Prices feel high but portions and quality justify the cost.

Tender, meaty ribs stand out with great flavor and quality. The menu includes beef ribs, BBQ chicken, and classic sides like mac and cheese and greens. Service is consistently friendly and accurate.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"The beef ribs here are fall-off-the-bone tender."

"I thought the BBQ here was amazing and consistently on point."

Good to know

1

A slab and two sides cost $42.00.

2

They charge a 4% fee for credit card payments.

3

This location is takeout only, so plan to eat elsewhere.

11
T-Mo’s BBQ Pit (Chicken & Ribs) image 1

Barbecue shines with tender ribs and smoked wings that deliver solid flavor. Generous portions and reasonable prices make it a great spot for comfort food. Friendly, clean setting keeps energy steady and inviting for all guests.

Good barbecue stands out with consistently solid flavor and quality. Carry-out orders make it easy to enjoy reliable BBQ without dining in.

People are saying

"The ribs here are super tender and flavorful."

"I thought the Mac And Cheese was on a whole other level."

"I found the BBQ here to be the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

They have deals on Tuesdays.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan accordingly.

3

Check your order before leaving to avoid mistakes.

12
Halal Eastside Eats & Market image 1

Small take-out spot with vibrant decor and a mini market inside offers quick, casual dining. BBQ beef brisket is juicy with a buttery texture, and the sauce is perfectly balanced. Limited seating keeps the vibe cozy and fast-paced.

BBQ beef brisket stays juicy and moist with a texture like butter, similar to the lamb ribs. The BBQ sauce balances sweetness and tang without overpowering the meat.

People are saying

"The food here is so well seasoned and tasted amazing."

"The ribs here are so tender, they just fall right off the bone."

"The BBQ lamb ribs here are so tender, they just fall off the bone."

Good to know

1

The food is halal.

2

The prices are fair, and portions are generous.

3

The menu has a great variety of options.

13
Als Soul Food image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food shines with juicy baked pork chops and perfect ribs. BBQ wings offer generous sauce and good flavor, but chicken legs often dry out. Friendly spot with affordable prices and no seating, ideal for takeout or delivery.

BBQ wings come with a generous amount of sauce for dipping and cook well. Beef ribs taste good even without sauce. BBQ chicken legs and baked wings often turn out extremely dry.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The turkey dinner here is tender with flavorful mac and cheese."

"The owner let me try some amazing beef ribs and oxtails."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead is recommended for popular items.

2

Expect a wait for beef ribs; they are not always available.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but there is an extra charge for debit card use.

14
Lee's Texas Style Bar-B-Q image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue shines with rib tips and classic sides like macaroni and cheese. Atmosphere offers a hearty vibe perfect for soul food lovers. Prices lean higher, reflecting a focus on quality over quantity.

Ole style BBQ offers rib tips and macaroni and cheese. Half BBQ chicken dinners come with french fries, which don't pair well with the barbecue. The BBQ does not serve authentic Texas-style barbecue.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really good, sometimes awesome."

"I experienced good ol' BBQ the way it's supposed to taste."

"The ribs here are delicious and taste great."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased significantly, so expect higher costs for meals.

2

The area around Lee's Texas Style Bar-B-Q is not safe at night.

3

Reservations are not required but can help avoid long wait times.

15
Nunn's Bar-B-Cue II image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue ribs and chicken shine with tender meat and a homemade BBQ sauce that’s smoky and flavorful. Take-out only service keeps things simple, while portions offer great value. Atmosphere feels like visiting family, though the lobby lacks warmth.

Barbecue ribs and chicken come out very tender with a homemade BBQ sauce that stands out. Rib tips are especially tender, offering a smoky flavor different from typical charcoal-cooked BBQ.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the BBQ ribs and chicken to be the best in Detroit."

"These ribs are so tender, they just fall off the bone."

Good to know

1

Fried food is not available after 11 pm, even though the restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Expect small portion sizes for sides; they are served in 3oz containers.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times; food is often ready quickly.

16
Uptown BBQ & Soulfood image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food shines with authentic vibe and welcoming atmosphere. BBQ delights include amazing BBQ chicken and famous BBQ sauce. Lines form early, proving its status as a city staple for great eats.

Barbecue here features amazing BBQ chicken and famous BBQ sauce that stands out. The BBQ fries and rib ends are popular and highly praised for their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and fresh."

"You have to try the ribs; the mac and cheese is excellent."

"The BBQ sauce was on point with hot fries."

Good to know

1

They offer fun specials before 3 PM.

2

Uptown BBQ & Soulfood is carry out only.

3

The lunch special costs around $9.00 with generous portions.

Discover more

Detroit, Michigan

Area guide
Loading Map...