Dearborn smokehouse A.B.’s Amazing Ribs serves an all-halal menu with massive beef ribs, whole smoked chicken, and brisket pastrami sandwiches as well as options like fish and chips. Customers can choose from sides such as brisket macaroni and cheese, loaded potato skins, and smoked baked beans.

Hole-in-the-wall aptly describes this takeout spot where there’s always a wait, yet locals and tourists have sought out Vicki's for barbecue since 1964. The specialty is the popular pork spare ribs, roasted in a pit to perfection and complemented by the homemade barbecue sauce. The fried shrimp are almost as popular. Walk in to place a takeout order.

Slows is popular with everyone from old-school Detroiters to young hipsters. Customer favorites at this Corktown-based chain include the smoked chicken Yardbird sandwich or baby back ribs for carryout. The restaurant also sells sauces for cooking at home. Patio seating is available with a beer menu.

In business since 1964, Parks Old Style BBQ is a destination spot in the North End. It specializes in pit-style barbecue basted with a vinegar-based sauce. Go for meat and bread only — choosing from slabs, rib sandwich, chicken, rib tips, and wing dings — or splurge on the full dinner, which comes with two sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, and green beans.

Started by Grace Owens in 1951, Joe Ann’s BBQ still makes open charcoal pit barbecue on a grill hand-built by one of its founders. These days, Owens’ daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping the family tradition alive. Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs feet. The flash-fried shrimp paired with Joe Ann's tangy, spicy sauce and the tropical shakes are must-try items. Call ahead to place an order for carryout.

Named for the barbecue capital of the Lone Star State, Lockhart's is the go-to spot in Royal Oak for Texas-style barbecue. The restaurant dry-rubs its meats and then slow-cooks them over local ash and hickory wood for hours. Sauce here is considered optional (the sweet version is made with tomatoes, grapes, and root beer).

Woodpile BBQ Shack now has two locations (Madison Heights and Clawson) for low and slow-smoked barbecue. The menu ranges from Central Texas-style brisket to cheesy jalapeño smoked sausages to smoked chicken and even St. Louis-style ribs. Try a few different meats with the Texas Trinity — a combo of ribs, brisket, and sausage that will satisfy a carnivore — and don’t overlook the burnt ends.

Ribs and chicken are the biggest draws at Nikola’s family-owned and family-run sit-down restaurant. Everything is homemade, down to the salad dressings. The carryout entrance is in the rear, but on Thursdays there are live jazz bands.

With four locations in southeast Michigan, mini barbecue chain Bad Brads is doing its best to spread the gospel of hickory-smoked meats to metro Detroit. The original location in Shelby Township is open for takeout, delivery, and dine-in service. All the platter combos, St. Louis-style ribs, and smoked chicken barbecue lovers crave are here. Brad even offers “pig candy” — smoked and crisped thick-cut bacon with sugar and spices.