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Photo courtesy of Woodpile BBQ Shack
When barbecue cravings hit, Metro Detroit offers plenty of standout spots that perfectly smoke, grill, and craft delicious, smoky dishes. From stacked sandwiches to classic smoked meats, here’s your guide to some of Metro Detroit’s finest barbecue establishments.
Jayell Smoke House
151 South Main Street, Romeo
Jayell Smoke House elevates barbecue classics with creativity and robust flavors. Their signature smoked wings are available with an array of rubs, including spicy ranch and garlic n’ herb, offering something for every palate. Unique menu items like BBQ Shepherd’s Pie, a bowl layering pit beans, your choice of meat (pulled pork, chicken, smoked sausage and more), smoked mac n’ cheese, and cornbread bake, and the indulgent Hot Texas Sandwich featuring brisket, spicy mac, and ghost pepper cheese demonstrate the commitment to bold, flavorful barbecue dishes. The Bulldog XL sandwich is another standout, combining pulled pork, brisket, chicken, candied bacon, and smoked sausage, making Jayell Smoke House a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts.
K-Blocks BBQ
66880 Van Dyke, Washington
40North Lapeer Road, Oxford
At K-Blocks BBQ, barbecue is presented with irresistible Southern charm and flair. Highlights include their flavorful burnt ends and the Piggy Mac, combining savory pulled pork with creamy mac and cheese drizzled in house barbecue sauce. The Pit Platter offers a delicious array of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, and jalapeño cheddar sausage, complemented by sides and a cornbread muffin. Signature sandwiches like The Big Mike (available at the Washington location), stacked high with brisket, pulled pork, bacon jam, and horseradish sauce on a buttermilk biscuit, or the Wildcat (in Oxford), loaded with pimento cheese, smoked brisket, and jalapeño cheddar sausage, perfectly embody their playful yet flavorful approach to traditional barbecue.
Full Rack Barbecue
21425 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Full Rack Barbecue, a favorite local fixture, is lauded for its quality, consistency, and community-driven spirit. Owner Bryon Mowrey shares, “We’ve been operating the storefront for almost 3 years now. In that time, we’ve had incredible growth. The local community has been amazing. We have the most loyal and supportive customers! It’s humbling and keeps me motivated to keep earning their support.” The eatery serves up beloved barbecue sandwiches, smashburgers, and creative choices like the Bamadilla, a smoked chicken quesadilla featuring bacon, pickled jalapeños, and Alabama white sauce. Full Rack’s dedication to quality is evident in every flavorful bite.
Woodpile BBQ Shack
630 East 11 Mile, Madison Heights
303 South Main Street, Clawson
Woodpile BBQ Shack boasts its locally smoked meats and house-made sauces. “Woodpile BBQ is a locally owned neighborhood BBQ joint that takes pride in smoking their meats fresh each day and making its sauces, sides, and desserts from scratch,” shares Operations Manager Kelly Idzikowski. Their brisket, described as the “best brisket north of Texas,” is a highlight alongside creative sandwiches like the Brisket Reuben and the hearty Woodpile sandwich, packed with pulled pork, brisket, cheddar jalapenño sausage, and candied bacon. With tempting combos like the Pitmaster’s Platter and Madison Heights exclusives, including BBQ Mac and Cheese, Woodpile consistently delivers unforgettable barbecue experiences.
Smoked Lotus BBQ
21509 John R Road, Hazel Park
Smoked Lotus BBQ sets itself apart with its inventive approach and diverse barbecue offerings. Diners will find flavorful options like smoked meatloaf, pig belly burnt ends, and unique pulled pork pierogi. Their broasted chicken and St. Louis-style pork ribs highlight their mastery of classic BBQ techniques, while house-made sides such as pit beans, collard greens, blueberry honey cornbread, and sweet heat pickles round out a distinctly satisfying meal. With smoked jackfruit available, Smoked Lotus ensures even vegetarian barbecue lovers are not left out of the feast.
Each of these Metro Detroit barbecue joints brings something uniquely mouthwatering to the table, promising dining experiences infused with smoky goodness and heartfelt culinary craftsmanship.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on May 16, 2018.
