Bad Brad's Barbecue in Shelby Township

Word-of-mouth travels fast and that's how we came upon Bad Brad's in Shelby Township. We loved the ambiance and service, but the food was the pièce de résistance with sliders and ribs and a choice of delicious sides that does not end. The have a large selection of Michigan craft beers, too.  If that weren't enough, check out our dessert in the lower right hand corner.  You'd think you were at the Whitney! Hats off, cowboys. They have a second location in New Baltimore also.

Rub BBQ Pub in Detroit

Succulent barbecued pulled pork on a bun with luscious homemade coleslaw. Couple that with an outstanding offering of Michigan brews and the fact that they are a stone's throw from Comerica Park and Tiger Baseball and you just have to put Rub BBQ Pub on your dining list. We sat by their signed framed Papa Grande jersey. They also offer all the fixings for a mighty fine picnic or tailgating party including a 6 pack or 64 oz growler of beer. Rub's is open every day for lunch and dinner.  Their second site is in Warren kitty corner from the GM Tech Center.

Union Woodshop in Clarkston

Clarkston's Union Woodshop is just a stone's throw from I-75 at exit 91 and it was filled with happy patrons Monday night. Chosen as the Detroit Freep's best restaurant in Michigan for 2011, it specializes in southern barbecue and comfort food like pizza and mac and cheese. Reinvented two years ago from what used to be the Carkston Café, their laid back atmosphere and superb food offerings have really struck the sweet spot. Even Kid Rock is a fan.

Slows Bar-b-q in Detroit

Detroit is pretty famous for its barbecue places and one of the most well known is Slows tucked away on Michigan Avenue in Corktown. It's logo has a train on it because the restaurant is in the shadow of the looming Michigan Central Depot. Make mine a pulled pork sandwich with Slows Mustard sauce and those fried fritters made with split peas and okra, please! This is barbecue heaven.