10 Best BBQ Spots in Detroit You Need to Try

Story by Biba Adams

Is Detroit known for good BBQ?

There are some cities known for BBQ--St. Louis, Austin, and Charlotte. Detroit may not be a city that put BBQ on the map, but it is a city with a direct connection to the South due to the Great Migration. This has made us a city with a great BBQ culture.

There is nothing like the sweet, smoky aroma of food on a grill, complemented by the sticky, tangy taste of authentic BBQ sauce.

Whether you are looking for ribs, chicken, or even a whole smoked turkey, we've got you covered. Check out this list of 10 of the best BBQ spots in Detroit because as Anthony Bourdain once said, "Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start."

Arkins Sweet BBQ Pit
30140 Southfield Rd, Southfield, MI 48076

With a “secret” Arkins Meat Rub, they marinate their ribs, chicken, pork and beef, then slow cook them till the meat just melts in your mouth. Then they top it off with their award-winning BBQ Sauce on the side. Their delicious sides include Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Mac' N Cheese, Fresh Collard Greens and Homemade corn bread.

Fun Fact: Try Arkins candied bacon. It's sweet, sticky, and has a deliciously spicy kick.

Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q
7444 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

In 2024, 24/7 Tempo compiled a list of "The Best Family-Owned BBQ in Every State." In Michigan, they named Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q. Their journey began in 1964 when their grandparents fired up the grill and ignited a passion for bringing exceptional BBQ to our community. With each generation, the secrets of their special spice rubs, marinades, and smoking techniques were passed down, ensuring that every bite at Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q carries the essence of the family's dedication. Try a delicious 2-bone sampler to get a taste of the old-school flavor. Their green beans are delicious and top it off with an order of peach cobbler.

Slows Bar BQ
2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

A city staple, Slows has earned its national reputation for great BBQ since its opening in 2005. They are known for a meticulously designed interior paired with a gourmet spin on barbecue cooked fresh every day, a love of craft beer, and a dedication to community. Slows is also known for great catering and a private room that accommodates 40 for special events. Try their pork rinds as an appetizer, any of their delectable chicken sandwiches, and some of the best brisket in the city.

The Southern Smokehouse
14340 W. McNichols, Detroit 48235

Family-owned and operated, The Southern Smokehouse Family has a storied history of preparing delicious Southern-style cuisine. They offer a passion for service and quality that is second-to-none. Their ribs and chicken are seasoned with their signature rub and smoked with hickory wood. In addition to BBQ, the Southern Smokehouse serves some of your other favorite southern staples, including liver & onions, fried fish, oxtails, and smoked and smothered turkey wings.

Detroit BBQ Company
630 E 11 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071

According to their website, Detroit BBQ Company started off with two brothers and their buddy selling ribs and chicken at the Grosse Pointe Park farmers market in 2009, mostly for extra beer money on the weekends. They use high quality meats from Creekstone Farms and Niman Ranch, all of which are cooked over a mixture of local oak and hickory wood. They never serve reheated BBQ, aiming instead to sell out every day. Leftover meat may get mixed into the next days beans or greens, and what isn’t used in that is donated to a local soup kitchen.

Smokey G's Smokehouse
Robert C Valade Park 2670, 2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207

Get some of the best smoked meat in the city while admiring a gorgeous riverfront view. Smokey G's is committed to providing customers with an excellent product. They use only the finest selection of meats and ingredients to ensure they deliver the highest quality product. Try the smoked turkey leg, smoked salmon, and their delicious Brussels sprouts topped with tons of grated Parmesan cheese.

A.B.’s Smokehouse by A.B.'s Amazing Ribs
27310 Ford Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Rated #1 in Halal Beef BBQ, A.B.’s Smokehouse by A.B.'s Amazing Ribs has some of the tastiest and best-priced dinner plates in town. All plates come with Cornbread & your choice of 2 sides: Mac 'n Cheese, Coleslaw, French Fries, or Smoked Baked Beans. Their brisket is extremely delicious, tender, and juicy and is sourced from Creekstone Farms known for having the highest standards of Halal meat quality and production and flavor.

Royal Barbecue Pizza
5844 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48211

This neighborhood staple has an extensive menu ranging from BBQ to Pizza to Pasta and much more. With more than 2,000 5-star ratings on Google, they are known for the wood and slow-smoked St. Louis-style ribs. Try the Royal Sampler with 3 bones, ½ lb rib tips, 4 pc. Shrimp, 4 pc wings, and choice of two dinner sides. Royal has great sides, including red beans & rice. They also have a dozen tasty salads--try the seafood salad with Romaine lettuce and spinach with crab meat, 8 pieces of grilled jumbo shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.

Smoked Lotus BBQ
21509 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030

One review says that Smoked Lotus BBQ has "Absolutely insanely good food and absolutely amazing staff." Their menu is very unique, featuring items like rice bowls with BBQ meat and mixed vegetables over a bowl of jasmine rice. Their Texas Trinity features a full-pound of three BBQ meats with optional side dishes. Their tallow fried potatoes are incredible and you can't leave without the blueberry honey cornbread.

Babybacks Open Pit Restaurant
7108 Seven Mile W, Detroit, MI 48221

Their name says it all. Try the baby back ribs or rib tips. They also have great short ribs and meatloaf that can be accented with gravy or their homemade BBQ sauce. Their sides include northern beans, dumplings, dirty rice, and their crispy fries are topped with a huge spoonful of their sauce. For a sampling, try the Hungry Man Combo with 2 meats & 3 sides. Choice of rib tips,1 piece chicken, 1chop, 4bones.

DINE IN THE D