Top 12 BBQ restaurants in Detroit
Detroit's culinary scene is rich and diverse, with BBQ restaurants in Detroit standing out for their mouthwatering flavors and unique styles. From smoky ribs to tangy sauces, these BBQ restaurants in Detroit offer a feast for the senses, showcasing the city's love for grilled meats and vibrant dining experiences. Explore the best BBQ spots and savor the local flavors!
1. Slows Bar BQ
Experience the best barbecue in Detroit with mouthwatering flavors!

The restaurant's barbecue is exceptional, exceeding expectations and justifying any potential wait times. Every bite is a testament to their expertise in crafting succulent meats and flavorful sauces.
From the tender brisket to the smoky ribs, each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The rich and smoky flavors are a true delight for barbecue enthusiasts, making this establishment a must-visit for any food lover seeking authentic barbecue.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Social Gatherings
2. Slows To Go
Spectacular BBQ with a focus on flavor and quality.

The restaurant's convenient pick-up system ensured a smooth and timely experience. Customers can place orders in advance and retrieve their food at a designated time, minimizing wait times and offering a contactless option.
The barbecue offerings, including the beef brisket sandwich and mac and cheese, were praised for their deliciousness. The restaurant's friendly staff and clean, welcoming atmosphere contributed to a positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Detroit Shrimp & Fish BBQ
Savor the best of Detroit's seafood BBQ experience!

The seafood at this establishment is undeniably delicious, with perfectly cooked shrimp and fish boasting flavors that are spot on. The fried catfish meals and catfish nuggets are especially noteworthy, consistently receiving praise from patrons.
While the service is generally commended for its speed, friendliness, and quality, some diners have noted inconsistencies depending on who is managing the staff. Overall, the positive aspects of the service outweigh any minor drawbacks, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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4. BBQ CENTRAL
Experience the best BBQ in Northwest Detroit with our mouthwatering flavors!

This barbecue joint offers a delightful experience, featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. The service is also commendable, adding to the overall enjoyment.
The barbecue is truly exceptional, with standout dishes like the beef ribs and rib tips. Customers consistently praise the quality of the meat and the warm hospitality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
5. Err'Thang Smoked
Where every bite takes you back to BBQ paradise!

The burgers are a customer favorite, praised for their juicy, flavorful quality and the variety of topping options, including brisket.
The food is consistently lauded for its flavor and temperature, with customers highlighting the ribs and cheesecake jar as standout menu items.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. Nunn's Bar-B-Cue II
Serving the best BBQ in Detroit since childhood memories.

This barbecue joint offers top-notch barbecue, featuring delicious sauce and flavorful sides. While the change to a menu without dinners is a slight drawback, the quality of the barbecue remains exceptional. The sauce is a standout, complementing the smoky, flavorful meat. Despite a small parking lot, the convenient street parking provides ample options.
The barbecue chicken is a highlight, with a flavorful, smoky, and spicy sauce available upon request. The sides and desserts are also worth trying. The ribs are a must-try for future visits, making this a barbecue destination worth revisiting.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
7. Vicki's Bar-B-Q
Serving the best BBQ in Detroit for over 56 years!

Vicki’s Bar-B-Q offers a delightful barbecue experience with perfectly cooked smoked chicken, fried prawns, and coleslaw. The restaurant is known for its exceptional service, with friendly staff always eager to assist patrons.
This welcoming establishment caters to all, with wheelchair accessibility and convenient parking in front. The quick service provided by the friendly staff makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying rib joint experience.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
8. House Of Bbq

9. Lee's Texas Style Bar-B-Q
Authentic Texas BBQ experience with a variety of sauces and sides.

The menu highlights flavorful barbecue ribs, tender and cooked to perfection. Be sure to sample the accompanying sauce, which is equally delectable and can be enjoyed on the side of fries.
This barbecue joint excels at offering classic smoked meats, including succulent ribs and chicken, all paired with creamy coleslaw.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
10. Babybacks Open Pit Restaurant
Delicious barbecue cooked with love, perfect for family gatherings.

Babybacks Open Pit Restaurant is a popular destination for barbecue lovers, offering mouthwatering dishes cooked with care. The menu features a variety of favorites, including succulent baby back ribs, moist turkey, and flavorful greens. The macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, and the sweet caramel cake is a delicious ending to any meal.
The restaurant has garnered praise for its high-quality food, with customers consistently raving about the baby back ribs, macaroni and cheese, greens, and peach cobbler. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques results in dishes that are both satisfying and memorable, ensuring that customers return for more.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
11. Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q
Authentic BBQ experience with a rich flavor that keeps you coming back!

The rib sandwich, while featuring a generous four bones, fell short in terms of quality. The meat was tough and one bone displayed signs of overcooking. The sweet sauce, a crucial element, lacked the desired sweetness.
Adding to the disappointment, an unidentified foreign object was found in the greens accompanying the meal. While it's disheartening to criticize a long-standing Black-owned business, the overall experience left much to be desired.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
12. Southern Smokehouse
Experience the best Southern BBQ flavors in a cozy atmosphere.

The sides at this establishment offer a satisfyingly filling meal, but the real stars are the main courses. The brisket, cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth, while the mashed potatoes and collard greens provide the perfect accompaniment. Don't miss the sweet potato yams, a true revelation for even starch-averse diners.
For those seeking a taste of Southern comfort, the dessert options are equally impressive. Peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and red velvet cake all deliver on their promise of sweet satisfaction. Every bite is a celebration of classic flavors and expert execution.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner