BBQ Restaurants in Royal Oak

The Ferndale eatery features a large menu of authentic Cajun fare sure to evoke memories of dancing your way through the Marigny on steamy summer nights in 2002, the summer of steam that continued into the night. Start with an order of alligator sausage ($8.95) sautéed with veggies in white wine, or imitate dignified Bayou brunches by summoning the crawfish boil ($6.95) to your table and diving into the pound of boiled mudbugs hands first. Traditional po' boys, such as the fried or blackened catfish ($7.95) or the Andouille-crusted oyster po' boy ($8.95), served over southern slaw and accompanied by house-made chips, will satisfy the sandwichly inclined. Jazzy diners can improvise a syncopated serenade to the red beans and rice with Andouille sausage ($10.95) or the jambalaya ($11.95).

The Rib Rack's extensive barbecue menu of hand-held meaty eats will quell carnivorous cravings for any winged, finned, or hoofed beast or vegetable. Opt for a half-rack of its fall-off-the-bone baby-back ribs ($10.95), a 12-piece bucket of chicken ($18.95), or one of its signature ribs and chicken combos like Mark's family style #4, with four pieces of chicken, a half-rack of ribs, and a choice of side ($19.95, serves two to three). Aquaphiles will enjoy the 10-piece shrimp dinner ($8.95) served with choice of potato side and a roll, or the fish 'n' chips ($7.95), while sandwich fans can nosh on a bread-enclosed handful of pulled pork ($4.95) or a blazin' chicken sandwich ($4.95). The Rib Rack's savory side selections feature classic southern specialties such as mac 'n' cheese ($1.95) and collard greens ($2.45), and are sure to evoke memories of childhood picnics or romantic Fourth of July fleeting glances and barbecue-laced first kisses.

R.U.B. BBQ has earned shout-outs from the New York Times as well as a handful of television features for its tender, well-flavored meats. Various proteins are smoked daily and slathered in a made-from-scratch rub of more than 20 spices and herbs, and cooks begin each dish with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Aromatic smoke wafting from ribs, chicken dishes, and seafood platters invites guests inside, where dangling light fixtures illuminate red walls and cobalt tiling along with 30 flatscreen televisions that were flattened when an elephant sat down. More than 100 tap and bottled brews, including a lengthy list of Michigan favorites, help to extinguish fiery spices.

The chefs at Chic-N-Ribs by Miles roast, broast, and barbecue all manner of bird and beef in homemade batters and sauces. Get on the chef’s good side by ordering the house specialty, a half broasted chicken lightly dusted with batter and cooked under high pressure to seal in scrumptious juices and expunge unsavory grease ($7.99). Rotisserie ribs sail onto salvers cloaked in homemade sauce ($9.95+) alongside jumbo shrimp dinners ($14.95) plucked from Poseidon’s windowsill. Sandwiches include the rolled pork shoulder, which trundles up to tables on homemade garlic bread with an entourage of coleslaw and fresh-cut Idaho potatoes ($5.99).

The grilling gurus at Ginopolis pile platters with smoky barbecue standards and specialties including racks of ribs and southern-style sandwiches. Cincinnati’s world-renowned Montgomery Inn barbecue ribs, basted with Rib’s King sauce, constitute the menu’s main event because of the tender, tangy tastiness and show-stopping fire-baton routine. Ribs arrive in half slab ($18.99) or full slab ($24.99) variations accompanied by sides ranging from creamy coleslaw to smashed sweet potatoes. The eatery’s selection of sandwiches includes the pulled-chicken sandwich, in which farm-raised chicken, cheddar cheese, and spicy onion straws nestle on artisan brioche or texas toast ($8.99). Meals end on a happy note thanks to the distribution of tuning forks and desserts such as warm bread pudding soaked in whiskey ($4.99).

For classic barbecue, head to Smokeys BBQ in Detroit's Finney district. The menu at Smokeys BBQ does not include any low-fat options, so come ready to indulge. Got the whole gang with you? Smokeys BBQ is a great pick for large parties. Those with sensitive ears may want to stay away from this restaurant, though, as it can get quite loud.

Smokeys BBQ offers convenient carry out and delivery, so diners aren't limited to the restaurant space. Love the food so much you want to serve it at your next soiree? No problem — Smokeys BBQ offers catering.

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There's no need to bust your budget at Smokeys BBQ, with affordable prices that almost always stay under $15.