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Photo courtesy of Lazybones Smokehouse
When it comes to ribs, the flavors, cooking methods, and sauces are as diverse as the area of Metro Detroit itself. Each restaurant adds its unique spin to this beloved dish, ensuring that there’s always something new to tantalize your taste buds. Here in Metro Detroit, barbecue enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with several exceptional establishments that smoke their meats to perfection. Whether you’re a long-time BBQ lover or eager to explore new menus, these spots promise to deliver mouthwatering ribs that will have you coming back for more.
LAZYBONES SMOKEHOUSE
27475 Groesbeck Highway, Roseville
Lazybones Smokehouse has been a staple in the Metro Detroit barbecue scene for nearly two decades now. Of the range of applewood-smoked meats, you’re going to want to check out the Detroit-style rib tips and the St. Louis spare ribs, which are finished on the chargrill. These can be ordered by the plate, combo, or even by the slab and pound. Pair these with the delicious honey-buttered cornbread and a homemade side or two, with options like vinegared garlic slaw, bacon fried rice, pit-smoked beans, potato salad, and more. As for barbecue sauce? There are ten different choices, from sweet Candied Apple to tangy and spicy Screamin’ Inferno.
UNION WOODSHOP
18 South Main Street, Clarkston
Union Woodshop is a popular spot for all things BBQ and delicious comfort food. With a green hickory smoker out back, Union Woodshop starts its meats with a rub and continues until ready to be devoured. Smokehouse rib options include St. Louis spare ribs and back ribs, available by three or six bones. Either choice is served with bread, pickles, and slaw, and your choice from seven sauces, ranging from Memphis, TN’s tomato and vinegar base to Hell, MI’s ghost chili and chipotle sauce. Other sides to check out include Shop Tots, Union Mac and Cheese, corn muffins, red beans and rice, and collard greens, amongst others.
WOODPILE BBQ SHACK
303 South Main Street, Clawson
630 East 11 Mile Road, Madison Heights
Woodpile BBQ Shack believes in sharing good barbecue with friends and family and certainly practices that. Operations Manager Kelly Idzikowski shares, “We take pride in smoking our meats fresh each day and making our 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 keeps them coming back for more.” Freshly smoked overnight, Woodpile has St. Louis ribs, available by the half pound. For a combo featuring other stand-out smoked meats, the Pitmaster’s Platter has ribs, pork, chicken, brisket, and cheddar jalapeño sausage, while the Feast for Four is just that with a whole chicken, a full rack of ribs, and sides. The mac and cheese is a must, as is the sweet potato mash. Check out the candied bacon too. Don’t forget to check out the excellent sauces either, ranging from honey mustard barbecue to Carolina vinegar.
LOCKHART’S BBQ
202 East 3rd Street, Royal Oak
Lockhart’s BBQ brings a taste of all over the country to Metro Detroit. Combining styles from the South, Lockhart’s BBQ created a ‘Detroit-style’ barbecue for our enjoyment. For Sunday brunch, check out Lockhart’s Country Breakfast, which features scrambled eggs with smoked ham, 1/4 rack of ribs, smoked candied bacon, sausage, country potatoes, sausage gravy, and more, for a protein-filled start to your day. Speaking of ribs, the beef rib on the barbecue menu is excellent, as are the St. Louis cut spare ribs. Pair them with deviled eggs, garlic mashed potatoes, hush puppies, or the spicy vinegar slaw. Whether you’re looking for a plate of ribs or want to make a combo plate, be sure to try the Fire on the Red sauce, with cayenne, chipotle, and habanero peppers for a kick, amongst the other three choices.
J BIRD SMOKED MEATS
1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor
J Bird Smoked Meats is another fantastic spot to satisfy your rib cravings. This cozy and casual is the place to be for modern twists on comfort food. The sauces are regionally named, from Michigan’s really sweet and sticky to Memphis’s tangy and peppery sauce. As for ribs, there are baby-back and St. Louis available dry-rubbed or glazed with barbecue sauce by the half-slab. Pair these with fried green tomatoes, bacon dog pit beans, buttermilk slaw, or delightfully crispy beer-battered onion rings. For family-style dining, J Bird Smoked Meats makes things easy by offering the perfect serving of ribs, your four choices of pulled pork, turkey, brisket, fried chicken, andouille sausage, or smoked salmon, and four sides. With its variety of sauces and sides, every visit promises a new and delicious experience.
THE PETERBORO
420 Peterboro Street, Detroit
While not your typical barbecue spot, The Peterboro offers a unique take on ribs. This modern fusion of Chinese cuisine and American fare has an extensive menu from spring rolls to bao buns, but it also has Chinese spare ribs. These are cooked low and slow and served with perfectly seasoned waffle fries and their house-made spicy dragon sauce, which adds the best amount of heat. This take on the American classic is a delightful twist of flavors. Pair it with a cocktail from the carefully crafted menu and enjoy the ambiance of The Peterboro.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on June 29, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
