Slows Bar BQ Menu with Prices 2026 (United States)

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$8.73 Average Item Price

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You are viewing prices confirmed by PriceListo at the following Slows Bar BQ location:
435 Ionia Ave Sw, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, US (616) 454-1588
This business is featured in 10 Best Detroit Restaurants

On the Slows Bar BQ menu, the most expensive item is St. Louis Cut Ribs, which costs $18.00. The cheapest item on the menu is Cutlery Kit, which costs $0.50. The average price of all items on the menu is currently $8.73.

View the Slows Bar BQ menu prices list below for the most accurate and up-to-date menu prices. We aggregate data from one or more Slows Bar BQ locations in our database to create the most accurate list of Slows Bar BQ prices. Don't rely on outdated price data. We update our database frequently to ensure that the prices are as accurate as possible.

Slows Bar BQ is a gourmet barbecue restaurant offering a menu of slow-smoked meats, complex sandwiches, and scratch-made sides. The most popular items on the Slows Bar BQ menu are The Yardbird sandwich and the Mac & Cheese. The cheapest meal is The Reason, with prices ranging from $13.00 to $17.50, while the most expensive is Baby Back Full Slab Dinner, with prices ranging from $36.00 to $41.00. The menu with prices features sandwiches starting at $13.00, combos from $17.50, and sides for as low as $3.00.

Slows Bar BQ opened its original location in September 2005 in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, transforming a vacant building and becoming an anchor for the area's revitalization. The restaurant gained a reputation for its chef-driven approach to traditional barbecue. Slows Bar BQ has expanded to include a second full-service restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a dedicated takeout location called Slows To Go in Detroit. The restaurant group operates exclusively within Michigan and has no international franchises.

Slows Bar BQ Menu

View Slows Bar BQ Catering Prices

What is Slows Bar BQ Most Famous For?

Slows Bar BQ is known for its gourmet barbecue cuisine and its foundational role in the revitalization of Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. The restaurant elevated the local perception of barbecue by applying chef-driven techniques to traditional slow-cooked meats, creating complex sandwiches and entrees. Its opening in 2005 transformed a long-vacant building into a destination restaurant, proving a model for new business in the area and setting it apart as a culinary anchor with a deep community connection.


What are the Most Popular Signature Items on the Slows Bar BQ Menu?

The most popular items on the Slows Bar BQ menu are The Yardbird sandwich and the Mac & Cheese. Other frequently ordered dishes include the St. Louis Spare Ribs and the Beef Brisket. A list of the most popular signature items on the Slows Bar BQ menu is provided below:

  • The Yardbird: A sandwich featuring smoked pulled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and bacon, all topped with a honey mustard BBQ sauce.
  • Mac & Cheese: A side dish made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs.
  • St. Louis Spare Ribs: Pork ribs that are dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, and lightly glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce.
  • Beef Brisket: Sliced beef brisket that is smoked for hours until tender.
  • The Reason: A sandwich with smoked pork butt, coleslaw, and dill pickles.
  • Split Pea and Okra Fritters: A unique appetizer served with a side of dipping sauce.
  • Waffle Fries: Crispy waffle-cut fries that are often ordered plain or topped with cheese and other ingredients.

What Drinks and Beverages Can You Have at Slows Bar BQ?

At Slows Bar BQ, patrons can have an extensive selection of local Michigan craft beers and a full range of cocktails. The beer list is curated to complement the smoky and rich flavors of the barbecue, featuring a large number of taps that rotate seasonally. The complete list of drinks and beverages available on the Slows Bar BQ menu is provided below:

  • Draft Beer: A rotating selection of craft beers from breweries like Short's, Bell's, and Founders, including IPAs, lagers, stouts, and ales.
  • Bottles & Cans: A wide variety of beers and ciders, including options from Atwater, Blackrocks, and Sierra Nevada, as well as non-alcoholic beers.
  • Cocktails: A list of classic and signature cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Manhattan, and Slows Sangria.
  • Wine: A selection of red, white, and sparkling wines available by the glass, carafe, or bottle.
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Options include fountain soda, coffee, tea, fresh lemonade, and Northwoods Draft Root Beer.

What is the Cheapest Meal on Slows Bar BQ Menu?

The cheapest meal on Slows Bar BQ menu is The Reason, with prices ranging from $13.00 to $17.50, which features slows smoked pork butt, pulled and bathed in NC BBQ sauce then topped with coleslaw and dill pickles. 

What is the Most Expensive Meal on Slows Bar BQ Menu?

The most expensive meal on Slows Bar BQ menu is the Baby Back Full Slab Dinner, with prices ranging from $36.00 to $41.00. This entree includes award-winning premium loin back ribs, tender and meaty with a secret blend of spices.

What are the Healthiest Meals on the Slows Bar BQ Menu?

Healthier meal choices on the Slows Bar BQ menu include the Locavore Salad and the Smoked Chicken. The Locavore Salad is made with local greens, blueberries, candied walnuts, and goat cheese with a sherry vinaigrette. The hickory-smoked bone-in chicken offers a leaner protein option compared to pork or brisket, and can be paired with sides like the Roasted Broccoli Salad or BBQ Carrots.

What Types of BBQ Meats are Available at Slows BBQ?

Slows Bar BQ offers a variety of classic, slow-smoked barbecue meats, each prepared with a specific rub and smoking process. The menu centers on these core proteins, which are available on their own, in platters, or as part of their signature sandwiches. A list of the primary smoked meats is below:

  • Pulled Pork: Michigan family farm-raised pork butt, smoked until tender.
  • Beef Brisket: Dry-rubbed and slow-smoked beef brisket, available sliced or chopped.
  • Baby Back Ribs: Award-winning premium loin back ribs.
  • Smoked Chicken: Hickory-smoked Amish chicken, available as pulled meat or bone-in legs and thighs.
  • Beef Hot Link: An all-beef hot link from Corridor Sausage.

How Often Does Slows Bar BQ Offer Special Offers?

Slows Bar BQ offers rotating food specials such as The Throwback, a classic sandwich special that changes, and has featured other limited-time sandwiches like The New Style.

Is There a Special Menu for Holidays at Slows BBQ?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ offers special menus for holidays. The restaurant provides holiday meal packages, particularly for Thanksgiving and Christmas, which include items like whole smoked turkeys, briskets, and various sides available for pre-order and pickup.

Does Slows Bar BQ Have a Loyalty Program?

No, Slows Bar BQ does not have a loyalty program. The restaurant does not offer a points-based or membership rewards system for its customers.

Does Slows Bar BQ Offer Family Meal Bundles?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ offers options suitable for family meals through its catering menu. Customers can order meats by the pound and sides by the quart, half pan, or full pan to create a custom meal for a group.

Does Slows Bar BQ Offer Vegan Options?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ offers vegan options. The vegan options on the menu include The Genius sandwich made with plant-based morsels, and the Four Bean Chili, which is described as a smokey vegan celebration.

Does Slows Bar BQ Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ offers gluten-free options. Many items on the menu are marked as (GF), including the ribs, all smoked meats, and sides like the Pit Smoked Baked Beans. The restaurant also offers gluten-free buns for its sandwiches for an additional charge.

Is Slows Bar BQ Pet-Friendly?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ is pet-friendly. The restaurant is described as an open-air, dog-friendly establishment that welcomes small dogs.

Can You Order Ala Carte in Slows Bar BQ?

Yes, customers can order ala carte at Slows Bar BQ. The menu is structured with individually priced items, allowing diners to purchase single sandwiches like The Reason, starters like Burnt Ends, or meats by the pound.

What Other Services Does Slows Bar BQ Offer?

Slows Bar BQ offers several other services, including a full bar, catering, a food truck for events, and a retail shop. The retail store sells bottled sauces, branded apparel like hoodies and hats, and other merchandise.

What are the Operating Hours at Slows BBQ in Detroit?

The operating hours for Slows Bar BQ Detroit in Corktown are from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, and from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. As one of the top Detroit BBQ restaurants known for serving some of the best ribs in the city, these hours can change, so checking the official website is recommended.

Does Slows Bar BQ Offer Catering Services?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ offers extensive catering services. The catering menu includes bulk orders of their signature meats, sides by the quart or pan, slider packages, and individually packaged entrees. Meats like pulled pork are available for $20.00 per pound, while sides like Mac & Cheese are available by the quart for $16.00 or in a full pan that serves 35 people for $105.00.

How Much Does Slows BBQ Charge for Pulled Pork Catering?

Slows Bar BQ's pulled pork catering price is $20 per pound and can be ordered via ezCater. 

Can You Rent Slows Bar BQ for Private Occasions?

Yes, customers can rent a space at Slows Bar BQ for private occasions. The Corktown location has a private room that can accommodate up to 40 people for events like rehearsal dinners and holiday parties.

Does Slows Bar BQ Do House Delivery?

Yes, Slows Bar BQ does house delivery. The restaurant delivers through its website and third-party platforms including DoorDash and Uber Eats.

How are the Reviews for Customer Experience at Slows Bar BQ?

Reviews for the customer experience at Slows Bar BQ are consistently positive, with customers frequently praising the high-quality barbecue, extensive beer selection, and lively atmosphere. The food quality, especially for signature items like The Yardbird sandwich and the ribs, is a main point of acclaim. The service is generally described as friendly and efficient, even during busy periods. The restaurant's rustic and casual decor contributes to a relaxed dining environment that is a key part of its appeal.

Who are the Top Competitors of Slows Bar BQ?

The top competitors of Slows Bar BQ in the Detroit area are other highly regarded barbecue establishments like Redsmoke Barbecue and Bad Brads BBQ. These restaurants compete directly with Slows Bar BQ by offering their own distinct styles of slow-smoked meats and a focus on craft beverages. The popular competitors for Slows Bar BQ is provided below:

  • Redsmoke Barbecue: Located in Detroit's Greektown, Redsmoke Barbecue is a major competitor known for its variety of regional barbecue styles, from Memphis to St. Louis, making it a direct alternative to Slows Bar BQ.
  • Bad Brads BBQ: With multiple locations in the metro Detroit area, Bad Brads BBQ is a significant competitor that offers high-quality, slow-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and a modern roadhouse atmosphere.
  • Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Dickey's Barbecue Pit is a major competitor known for its fast-casual service and widespread accessibility, making it a direct, convenient alternative.
  • Sonny's BBQ: Sonny's BBQ offers a classic, family-friendly dining environment and a legacy of Southern-style, slow-smoked barbecue that has been honed for over 50 years.
  • Mission BBQ: Mission BBQ builds its entire brand around patriotism and support for American heroes. It attracts diners seeking a barbecue experience with a purpose, offering a unique, community-focused atmosphere.
  • Smokey Bones: Positioned as a "Bar & Fire Grill," Smokey Bones are the choice for customers seeking a lively, modern roadhouse atmosphere with a full bar and a broader menu that includes burgers and wings alongside its signature smoked meats.
  • City Barbeque: With a strong presence in the Midwest and Southeast, City Barbeque is a competitor known for its award-winning, competition-style barbecue served in a fast-casual setting.
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