The 25 best barbecue restaurants in the Detroit area, according to Yelp

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jun 11, 2021 at 12:05 pm

You know you're overdue for some action if the words “dry-rubbed and smoked low and slow” get you all hot and bothered. Well, keep your clothes on and grab a moist towelette (sorry), because these metro Detroit barbecue joints are doing god's work: filling our stomachs with brisket, pulled pork, and, yes, burnt ends. So, how did we pick these BBQ spots? Well, we didn't — but you Yelp users did! Per the Yelp angels: This is an all-time list of the best barbeque restaurants in the Metro-Detroit area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the barbeque categories, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 9, 2021. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 9, 2021. Oh, and vegans, you'll have to sit this one out because we've got it bad. P.S. Our safe word is “rib tips.”

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5. A Taste of Soul by Biggie

1004 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-483-8360
"This is my absolute favorite soul food place. Everything we have tried is on point! The wings, ribs, shrimp, sides like mashed potatoes, beans, coleslaw, green beans, and mac and cheese are all phenomenal. Good prices too for what you get! I HIGHLY recommend you get a slice or two of the lemon pound cake to round off your meal... sooo good. Oh, and you can even get some Kool-Aid to go with everything! The owner is great, too- quite possibly the only man I've ever met who is somehow able to say things like "sweetie" without sounding condescending or sexist. Not sure how he's able to pull that off, but he totally does!" — Blaise b. on Yelp

Photo via A Taste of Sou by Biggie's/Facebook

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4. Bad Brad's BBQ

Various locations; badbradsbbq.com
"When you're still thinking about your amazing dinner 24 hours later, that's when you've stumbled upon a gem! My first visit to this restaurant left a lasting memory in what's sure to be a long romance of cravings!
I ordered the single meat dinner and added 1/4 rack of ribs. I was expecting the smoked Turkey to be dry, which was far from the truth! Moist, succulent and divine. The ribs were smoked to perfection and fell right off the bone. Very rich and tender.
The menu was so inviting, I decided to order a bunch of the sides to sample them all. Very impressive, each one made with superior ingredients and love.
I've found my perfect Barbeque fix and look forward to many meals in the future." — Nancy S. on Yelp

Photo via GoogleMaps

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3.Smoke Street BBQ

424 N. Main St., Milford; 248-529-6464; smokestreetmilford.com
WOW... I can't believe it's taken me this long to try this place! This has to be one of the best (if not THE best) barbecue restaurants in the area. Food and drinks were phenomenal, and our server was so sweet and attentive! They have a wide variety of barbecue sauces to choose from - I got the Memphis and it was so good I took 16 ounces home with me!! For food I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was too delicious. The meat was perfectly tender and the sauce put the cherry on top. My fries were crisp and delicious. Everything was amazing and I cannot wait to come back! Thank you Smoke Street BBQ!" — Kennedy D.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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2. Max & Bella's Smokehouse

600 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth; 734-667-5203; maxandbellasbbq.com
"Delicious BBQ and super friendly, hard-working owners. Ribs, brisket, and all the sides were all made with care. Not only was all of the food absolutely mouthwatering, but the customer service was top notch as well! Definitely recommend and will be ordering from them again!" — Kate P. on Yelp

Photo via Max and Bella's BBQ/Facebook

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1. Ricewood

1928 Packard St., Ann Arbor; 734-436-4163; ricewoodbbq.com
"I don't give out five star reviews very easily. I BBQ myself and I almost question "why" Ricewood is less than two miles from my house and consistently delivers competition-level bbq. Their brisket is top notch and their pulled pork melts in your mouth. And their pork belly burnt ends are almost as good as my own (ok that's bias theirs are probably better). If you consider yourself serious about food this is every bit as excellent. I lived in Saint Louis for four years and Texas for a year. I can think of one place I put on this level and it's a legendary bbq shop in St. Louis. Go there, you will not regret it!!" — Dan M. on Yelp

Photo via Ricewood BBQ/Facebook

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