Barbecue in Detroit

Anyone can show up here. Detroit's only late night jazz club serving up Cajun catfish and red beans and rice all night long. It's not common to find a bar where everyone seems to know each other and yet newcomers don't feel excluded. Dozens of regulars turn up Thursdays for the open mic jazz jam sessions. Bert's serves the music fans bargain-price soul food from rows of steam tables: meat and two sides for nine bucks, or up to $25 for a whole slab of ribs. In keeping with Bert's bare-bones, working-class atmosphere, their food is more down-home than much of the soul food you find in restaurants, which has often been upgraded from its humble origins.

A true microbrewery; six to eight microbrews made on the premises. Spacious, high-ceilinged Chicago loft-style decor. Happy Hour Monday through Friday; 60-item menu served 'til midnight (until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday). Specials include Employee Appreciation Night, Two-fer Tuesdays, karaoke and College Night.

Family sports bar with world-famous Buffalo chicken wings with 12 signature sauces. Large screen satellite TV's, pool tables, darts, video games. Live bands every Wednesday and Saturday.

Chapman's Mill Restaurant & Bar is Rochester Hills' newest casual dining concept. Located just north of the M-59 freeway in the Crooks Corner Shopping Plaza, we offer fresh made comfort food at resonable prices. Around our huge stone fireplace is a comfortable place to enjoy made-to-order burgers, baby back ribs, fish & chips, meatloaf and all of our housemade soups, salads and desserts. We feature great entertainment every Friday and Saturday night in the Mill Bar. During the week, check out our Wii machine for some virtual games, along with cocktails to help improve your score! The bar is a casual place to meet and enjoy 55 beers (14 on tap), 22 wines and a full range of cocktails. A perfect place for your next meeting would be the private dining room, available 7 days a week. In warmer weather, the outdoor patio with 48 seats is a great place to relax and enjoy the weather.

Filippa's has a wide array of menu options, but prides themselves on their excellent all natural steaks and Boston fresh seafood. Cozy atmosphere during the winter with multiple fireplaces and a patio for beautiful spring and summer days!

Steakhouse and bar specializing in Black Angus beef and a large variety of seafood, pastas and sautéed dishes. Variety of beer, wines, cocktails and specialty martinis. Daily lunch specials and banquet room available.

Completely remodeled in 2005. Nikola’s is best known for giant portions of BBQ ribs and chicken. Nikola's now has a 130-seat meeting room available for private functions.

For more than 50 years The Original Pointe Bar-B-Que has been famous for their ribs. Ribs are cooked over an open flame. The Eastside's only "Certified Angus Beef" house. Also serving fish and seafood, chicken and sandwiches. Dragonmead microbrewery beers on tap (9+).

Shield's has been serving its award-winning pizzas, pastas, salads, ribs (and more!) since 1946! Large groups and families are always welcome. Our lounge features happy hour deals and weekend entertainment.

Shield's has been serving its award-winning pizzas, pastas, salads, ribs (and more!) since 1946! Large groups and families are always welcome. Our lounge features happy hour deals and weekend entertainment.

Ann Arbor's only Memphis-style barbeque! Enjoy unique specialties like southern-fried catfish, BBQ chicken, fried okra and jambalaya. Join your friends for happy hour from 3 to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday. You'll love the southern hospitality complimented by soothing blues music in the background. Think of us for your next catered event or dinner party.

"Art Deco decor, eclectic crowd. Menu ranges from chicken wings to homemade pastas to filet mignon. More than 100 beers; excellent wine list. Wide range of catering packages for any occasion."

Union Street's tremendous reputation as a Detroit landmark is not built on good eats alone. It's true, each dish on the menu is prepared with home-cooked lovin'. And sure, there is a wide selection of flavorful meals – from smoked pork loin foccacia sandwich to "Union Street Jambalaya" or baked brisket to BBQ rib fingers.

But the number of imported beers alone is reason enough to stop by. The long 1920's bar blends a classical spirit of aged hardwood and antique artistry with modern accents of art deco knicknacks, making it a hip place for the young and young-spirited to step up to the counter. Plus, the staff understands "service with a smile" still matters – grinning workers Hali and Jason (pictured) are just happy, not drunk.

Of course, don't let these good looks and traditional values impress you. Someone told these business-savvy gents to give people what they've always wanted in a bistro but rarely asked for – the bonuses. Bonuses like a good meal available until 1 am Sunday morning, for friends who need to catch up. The luxury of wide open spaces and echoing walls, ready for loud venting over an imported ale after work. Or perhaps most importantly, conversation with a friendly bartender to calm first-date jitters. Offer this and you can bet they'll come and be merry. It's a Detroit kind of place... one that makes you feel good when you go. And it makes you want to thank them by going. See... they trick ya.

--Rebecca Mazzei

Perfect for a pre-theater meal, or a post-show toddy, Union Street is a quaint little bistro in the heart of D-town. Opened in the early 1900s, this piece of midtown history is dark and deco, with a welcoming atmosphere that offers the slightest hue of casual. With a savory menu that boasts gourmet burgers, a vegetarian menu to die for, and the ever-famous dragon's eggs (a lightly fried chicken breast stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and spices), an evening at Union Street is always a good time. Try one of their yummy homemade margaritas or an ice-cold martini, or take a dive into their delicious beers and wines. Either way, you will be pleased. Union Street is at 4145 Woodward, Detroit; call 313-831-3965 for more information.
--Eve Doster