BBQ Bonanza: A Metro Detroit Grill-Off

May 28, 2024
barbecue tray from woodpile bbq shack with mac and cheese and sweet potato mash

Photo courtesy of Woodpile BBQ Shack

Metro Detroit is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts, with a range of smokehouses offering mouthwatering meats and delectable sides. Whether you’re a fan of brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, the barbecue scene in this area is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top barbecue spots that are grilling up a storm in Metro Detroit…

SMOKED LOTUS BBQ

21509 John R Road, Hazel Park

Smoked Lotus BBQ is a local no-frills favorite. From pit-smoked barbecue by the 1/2 lb. to St. Louis-style pork ribs and broasted chicken, Smoked Lotus BBQ has it all. With its straightforward menu, you’ll find barbecue choices like burnt ends, smoked meatloaf or jackfruit, pulled pork pierogi, and more. Check out the BBQ entrees like the mac bowl covered in your choice of barbecue meat, a rib meal, or a chicken tender sandwich on an onion roll with pickles and mayo. As for sides, you’ve got to try the fresh cabbage slaw, blueberry honey cornbread, and collard greens. It’s a must-visit for any BBQ lover.

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LAZYBONES SMOKEHOUSE

27475 Groesbeck Highway, Roseville

Lazybones Smokehouse has been a staple in the Roseville community for nearly two decades. “We have been in business for 20 years, providing mouthwatering barbecue to Metro Detroit. We have a carryout and pick-up brick-and-mortar location in Roseville, we do full-service catering out of there, and we have a food truck that we run out of there also,” shares owner Deni Smiljanovski. Try out one of the many pit-smoked plates, with the honey sriracha wings, Texas beef brisket, or poblano cheddar sausage, a combo of smoked meats, or broasted chicken that is pressured fried upon ordering. Sides include Yukon gold potato salad, pit-smoked beans, bacon fried rice, and pig fries, smothered in chili, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, fried onions, pulled pork, and barbecue sauce. There are 10 varieties of barbecue sauces to accompany the expertly smoked meats, ranging from honey garlic and candied apple to chipotle buffalo and screamin’ inferno for a tangy and very spicy experience. 

wings from lazybones smokehouse with barbecue sauce
Photo courtesy of Lazybones Smokehouse

VICTORY INN SMOKEHOUSE

28950 Mound Road, Warren

Victory Inn Smokehouse stands out with its traditional smoking techniques, known for smoking its meats on-site ‘low and slow’. Victory Inn only uses aged hardwoods and custom-built smokers for its authentic American barbecue. Beyond its pork belly sandwiches and brisket, you’ll also find housemade potato chips, cornbread, beans, mac and cheese, and more for the perfect BBQ meal. You can also find burgers, jumbo hot dogs, paninis, nachos, and much more to enjoy at this bar and grill.

SOUTHERN SMOKEHOUSE

14340 West McNichols Road, Detroit

At Southern Smokehouse, you’ll find a menu that celebrates Southern barbecue traditions. From turkey wings, fried pork chops, and ox tails to fried perch, meatloaf, and ribs, the dishes offer a true taste of the South right here in Metro Detroit. Pair the dinners with candied yams, mustard turnips, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, fried okra, and more. Don’t forget to finish off the meal with a homemade dessert like banana pudding, peach cobbler, 7-Up pound cake, or one of the other delectable options. 

WOODPILE BBQ SHACK

303 South Main Street, Clawson

630 East 11 Mile Road, Madison Heights

Woodpile BBQ Shack, with locations in Clawson and Madison Heights, prides itself on smoking meats fresh daily and creating sauces, sides, and desserts from scratch. “Our excellent staff has done an incredible job at putting out a consistent product and experience for our guests that keep them coming back for more. Visit us next time you’re in need of the best brisket north of Texas!” says Kelly Idzikowski, operations manager. Grab a brisket Reuben or The Woodpile sandwich, made with pulled pork, brisket, a cheddar jalapeño sausage, and candied bacon. You can buy meat by the half pound, with options like smoked ham, ribs, and more. Sides of candied bacon, sweet potato mash, and pit beans stand out. Try one of the four barbecue sauces available, like the signature Shack sauce, sweet barbecue, honey mustard BBQ, and Carolina vinegar. End your meal with some key lime pie, apple crisp, or banana pudding. 

barbecue wings and beer from woodpile bbq shack
Photo courtesy of Woodpile BBQ Shack

FULL RACK BARBECUE

21425 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores

Full Rack Barbecue is renowned for its generous portions and rich, smoky flavors available daily. What started as a weekly cookout for friends in Tennessee turned into a brick-and-mortar location with a food truck to continue sharing a passion for good food.  On the menu, you’ll find racks of ribs, chicken wings tossed in your favorite flavor from Korean chili to buffalo plus, and quesadillas made with their smoked pulled pork or chicken. As for fully loaded sides, you’ll find mac and cheese topped with meat, BBQ sauce, and pickled jalapeños, Bama fries with pulled chicken, queso, Alabama white sauce, and bacon, or brisket fries with cheddar cheese, salsa verde, and onion straws. Pair your meal with a sweet tea and enjoy everything Full Rack Barbecue has to offer. 

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on May 16, 2018.

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