Real smoke, real craft, and zero shortcuts — that’s the philosophy that put Slows Bar BQ on the map. Opening on the corner of Michigan and 14th in Detroit in September 2005, it launched with a meticulously designed interior, a gourmet spin on barbecue cooked fresh every day, a love of craft beer, and a dedication to community. What started as a neighborhood staple quickly grew into something far bigger.
Over the following years, Slows became a destination restaurant, featured on cable TV shows and in numerous national and local publications. Serving chef-driven, award-winning BBQ rooted in Corktown — Detroit’s oldest neighborhood — it has built a reputation that stretches well beyond Michigan’s borders. Whether you’re a lifelong Detroiter or just passing through, this place earns its reputation bite by bite.
Menu Highlights
The Charlene is arguably the dish that put Slows on the national radar. Succulent pulled pork is tossed in a sauce made from the meat’s own drippings, then stuffed into a soft yet sturdy bun and topped with a mound of coleslaw and pickled jalapeños. It’s messy, bold, and completely unforgettable.
The Triple Threat Pork is the sandwich that made food TV history. It’s a one-pound sandwich that stacks together applewood-smoked bacon, pulled pork, and grilled ham on a poppy-seed bun — a gut-busting creation that’s not for the faint of heart, but absolutely not to be missed if you’re a serious BBQ fan.
The Yardbird offers a lighter but equally satisfying alternative. It features smoked chicken doused in mustard sauce, delivering that same slow-smoked depth in a form that balances heat, tang, and smokiness with real elegance.
The Mac & Cheese deserves its own paragraph entirely. Adam Richman described the macaroni and cheese as “transcendental” and included it on a list of five meals “not to be missed” from around the United States on NBC’s The Today Show. Justine Sterling also listed it as one of the top ten mac and cheeses in America for Food and Wine magazine. Creamy, rich, and clearly homemade — it’s the side dish that steals the show.
The Signature BBQ Sauces are a point of serious pride at Slows. The house apple BBQ sauce in particular has developed an almost cult-like following — the kind of condiment people talk about long after the meal is over and try to smuggle home in their luggage. Beyond apple, the table typically features an array of house-made sauces ranging from tangy to smoky to spicy, encouraging you to mix, match, and experiment across everything on your plate.
Starters & Sides round out the experience with equal creativity. The menu features sweet catfish morsels in a fluffy cornmeal tempura batter with a creole remoulade, chopped brisket and smoky gouda brisket enchiladas, and okra fried in a split pea batter with a sassy dipping sauce and dill pickle garnish. The smoked wings — marinated, rubbed, and smoked until awesome — are another crowd-pleaser worth ordering right alongside your main.
The Craft Beer Program elevates Slows well beyond a typical BBQ joint. It boasts one of the best tap lists in metro Detroit, with 50-plus taps that usually include some rarities, along with occasional cask and cellar-pull offerings. The bar’s deep love of craft beer is woven into the entire DNA of the restaurant, making it just as appealing to beer enthusiasts as it is to BBQ devotees.
Atmosphere & Décor
Slows operates out of a renovated building featuring exposed brick walls and wood tables, giving it the kind of warm, lived-in character that feels authentically Detroit. The space is bold but not pretentious — it strikes a balance between polished and unpretentious that fits the neighborhood perfectly.
The restaurant sits in the Corktown Historic District, directly opposite the iconic Michigan Central Station, making its location as compelling as the food itself. Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, and dining here feels like being part of the city’s ongoing story of resilience and reinvention.
Inside, the mood is energetic and communal. The full bar buzzes with conversation, the dining room fills quickly on weekends, and the combination of exposed brick, warm lighting, and the smell of real smoke creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. The restaurant also offers patio and outdoor dining, giving you a front-row seat to the street life of one of Detroit’s most vibrant corridors.
Other Considerations
Who founded this place? Slows was founded by former fashion model Phillip Cooley, his father Ron, brother Ryan, and chef Brian Perrone. Chef Perrone has said Slows got its name partly because “it gets back to the craft of how things are cooked without processing.” That guiding principle — slow cooking, real smoke, no shortcuts — is still evident in every dish today.
What’s the price range like? Slows serves moderately priced barbecue ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches, and a variety of comfort food side dishes, making it an accessible option for most diners. Most entrées and sandwiches fall in the mid-range, and the portions are generous enough that you’re getting real value for what you spend.
Is it good for groups or private events? Absolutely. The Corktown private room accommodates up to 40 people and is perfect for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, holiday parties, and business meetings. It’s a great option if you’re planning a gathering and want something more interesting than a standard event venue.
What about parking? Parking in Corktown can be a bit of a puzzle. There is a lot at 2040 Michigan Ave with a sign indicating it allows parking for Slows and several other nearby businesses. Park Detroit metered spots are also available along Michigan Ave. Arriving a few minutes early — especially on weekends — is a smart move.
Any concerns to be aware of? Like many popular spots, Slows can experience inconsistency during peak times or for large groups. Some diners have noted slower service during busy periods or when seated with larger parties, so it’s worth managing expectations if you’re arriving with a crowd during prime weekend hours. That said, on a good visit, the experience is hard to beat.
Has it been on TV? Adam Richman described the food at Slows as “a truly life-changing experience” while filming his visit for Man vs. Food. Celebrity chef Michael Symon has also called it “the best barbecue in Detroit,” and the restaurant has earned coverage in publications ranging from Food and Wine to The Wall Street Journal. The national attention is well-deserved.
Slows Bar BQ
📍 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Website: https://slowsbarbq.com
