Disappointing BBQ Experience We drove in from a few towns over, excited to try this spot because they're open late (until 11pm) and we were craving some solid BBQ. Unfortunately, it was a pretty disappointing visit overall. We ordered the DQ Pulled Pork and Brisket, and both came out cold with no flavor. The corn bread was okay, and the collard greens were surprisingly spicy -- not bad, just unexpected. We originally wanted the trifecta but they had already run out of ribs. So we went for two orders of burnt ends, expecting that rich, crispy texture. Instead, they were soft, smushy, and cold -- more like baby food than BBQ. Not good at all. The only standout dish was the corn cream cheese side -- warm, flavorful, and probably the best part of the meal. Also worth mentioning: the bartender was great -- super cool and clearly passionate. The place itself has a chill, loungey vibe, but it doesn't really feel like a true BBQ joint. Final thoughts: Burnt ends: Cold, soft, no bark -- total miss Pulled pork & brisket: Cold, bland Collard greens: Spicy, but decent Corn cream cheese: Delicious Vibe: Cool, but not very BBQ-ish Service: Bartender was the highlight Wish we could've had the food to match the energy. Hopefully they can tighten things up, especially on the basics. read more

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Always an amazing meal. we had buffalo mac & cheese, smoked chicken sandwich, brussels sprouts, and garbage fries. Definitely need to come and check it out the deco speaks for itself!!! read more

Bitter Truth - Smoked chicken sandwich with Brussel sprouts - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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This is back to being Red Rock. Almost the entire same menu as before. A few items missing. Mac n cheese side was super good and came out really hot. Pulled pork was nice and thick and Smokey. Ribs and beans were ok, I've had better. The pork belly was good but what's missing is the pork belly burnt ends from before. They have regular burn ends tho!!! Those were the reason we'd drive half an hour each way to come here!!! Miss the wood floors!! read more

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First! Free street parking? Yes, please. Second = beautiful bar. Luke was a great bartender & good conversationalist. The food (triple + Mac and cheese) was very good!!! Wish they had a few more side options. read more

Bitter Truth - Beautiful bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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My coworkers and I were looking for a bite to eat for lunch and came across Bitter Truth here on yelp. We were a bit confused when we first walked in because it looked like an empty bar, but soon found out they do serve lunch. A bit sketchy being the only ones in there for lunch. Turns out they recently started serving lunch, which explains why it was so empty. Our food was pretty good. The chicken was a bit dry. Note - if you by chance get the Cobb salad, it's a shareable item. Wish we were there in the evening so I could have enjoyed a cocktail! Would return if I was in the area. Loved the ambience! read more

Bitter Truth - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

Came here for our anniversary; got the barbecuterie board along with entrees & a couple of drinks & WOW, the drinks paired with the food was top notch. The ambiance was amazing as well. Loved not feeling rushed by service while still feeling catered to. We'll definitely be back in the future. read more

Bitter Truth - barbecuterie board was definitely something i'd get again! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

I returned for a formal dinner, and was very happy. We were well taken care of by Aaron . We started with the ginger beer, which was sharp and sweet, with the perfect amount of fizz. We started with the cornbread and roasted Brussels. Best cornbread I've ever had; moist, sweet and warm with amazing butter. The Brussels were perfectly browned and balanced with a hint of vinegar and pepitas. We ordered the barbecuterie board as a main. I highly recommend it! It was an assortment of pure yummies. Everything from burnt ends, pork belly, pimento cheese, crackers, poached pear and smoked pineapple...I could have eaten 2! I will definitely return to try the Cornish hen, arugula salad and brisket sandwich. read more

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The truth about The Bitter Truth is......great food and an awesome bartender. Luke pours a mean Old Fashion and that is the perfect segue to a barbecue fest. If you are a fan of Kansas City style BBQ, you will feel right at home. The ribs are tender and the pulled pork and brisket melt I. Your mouth. The sides are limited, but the star of the show is the meat. Reasonably priced and intimate, this is a wonderful venue for a good meal. read more

After a LONG closure, Red Rock BBQ has finally reopened as Bitter Truth Lounge. It's a beautiful space now, with a high-end lounge feel, but prices aren't as steep as I expected them to be. The service was wonderful, and the bartenders were knowledgeable with the drink and food menu. Rumor has it, they will be expanding the food menu once it officially opens! read more

I'm really hoping that whoever owns this establishment looks at these reviews. Now, the cocktails were so amazing. But our reservation was at 8. Tell me why we didn't get our soft pretzel appetizer until 8:55? Who wants to sit there for a full hour with an empty stomach? There was only about 5-6 occupied tables and then the bar. We were so hungry.. then our main course, which came out with the appetizer, was disappointing. The beans and fries were good but the brisket was incredibly dry, cold, and had the texture of a dog treat. I'll be back here for drinks but I'm really hoping the staff here can make some improvements before I even attempt to order food again. read more

Bitter Truth - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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My husband and I came for dinner this evening for our anniversary and wow! I think we found our new go-to date night location. The vibe is so comfortable yet elegant. The barbecue was amazing -- we had the duo, the barbecuterie platter, and the Brussels sprouts and would get them all again. The portions were generous and the prices crazy reasonable. I loved the amaretto sour so much I went back for seconds. On top of that, the service was excellent. The owner, Sean, is so knowledgeable and quality oriented, and a nice dude to boot. 10/10 -- a fantastic establishment read more

Bitter Truth - Barbecuterie platter and Whiskey Sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

Unexpected surprise walking in the door. Gorgeous colors, accent pieces, beautiful sitting area and the atmosphere was amazing, decor and the drinks were so good read more

Bitter Truth - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Stopped in for a quick cocktail before meeting a friend. Loved the atmosphere and was greeted as soon as I walked in. The bartender helped me decide on the Honeysuckle and it was perfect. I didn't get a chance to try the food but will definitely be back to do so. read more

Bitter Truth - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

My new favorite spot in Ypsi. Went here on Valentine's Day and had a great experience with my wife at the bar, the food was excellent but as a setting it really stands out. Entire restaurant was staffed well, which was nice to see. As much as anything, it's *quiet*, not covered with hard surfaces that reflect sound like some of these modern restaurants, which drives me nuts. read more

Excellent bartenders and a fantastic kitchen. This is one of my favorite places for drinks and food. The burger is top notch and I'm yet to have anything I wouldn't recommend to others. read more

Sidecar was divine. Expensive, but well chilled and excellently prepared. Food was a solid eh. I had wings with a side of fries. Wings were middle of the road. Thoroughly cooked, no chewy texture that makes wings delicious, sauce was forgettable. Blue cheese on the side was out of a jar. Given the atmosphere, I was hoping for a chunky, house made blue cheese dressing like you get at a fancy steakhouse. Fries were skinny and short, but tasty. With the name like "Tallow Fries" I was hoping for something more seasoned, thicker, hand cut, Also no ketchup was offered. I ended up using the ranch with my wings for a little pick me up (I'm not normally a ranch fiend, but in this case I was glad it came along with my wings). My companion ordered pulled pork, perhaps mistaking it for a pulled pork sandwich. (Admittedly there was one on the menu, so operator error). Was served a small plate with an ungarnished, unsauced serving of pulled pork. She asked for sauce and three bottles of bbq sauces were brought to the table. Menu description, presentation were a bit of a miss. I think it tasted fine. Our sever was lovely, very polite and charming. Overall it feels like this place needs to decide on its niche and spend some time fully fleshing out its service and experience. The new exterior paint job and name drew me in and the interior was very cool. I regret not sitting at the bar. Food needs more polish so it can live up to the decor and the published menu prices. Much like Downtown Ypsi, Bitter Truth has potential, but not somewhere I would quite recommend. Keep working on the menu and execution. I might stop by for a cocktail again if I'm nearby. read more

I went to Bitter Truth a couple days ago. The drinks were nice and strong and the service was solid. The food was ok. Nothing to write home about. Overall I'd probably come back just for the drinks. read more

What an incredible place. The interior is immaculate and the food and drinks are delicious! Must stop by while you're in Ypsilanti.

Sat at the bar for a bit and had to leave. Nice people but no water or menu or any effort to get us to stay. Everyone seemed confused. Was very weird. Felt like a bar rescue stress test fail. If they've been open for a few days sure but it's been long enough now and this was pathetic. Ypsi deserves better read more

Give it a try! So friendly. Support local. We just opened the door and poked our heads in to see what it was about. WOW! The atmosphere is breathtaking. The aromas are enchanting! read more

Sept 28 was my sons homecoming, we, as parents had called and made reservations a week before specifically stating it was for homecoming for a group of 6. No where on Facebook or online did it state that the Bitter truth was a 21 and over establishment. It talked about it being red rock rebranded as a restaurant and bar. No different than ANY other restaurant in town that serves food and drinks. We were told it didn't matter if there were reservations, the kids wouldn't be let in. We asked if a parent could join them so there would be a legal aged adult and told no again. We mentioned that nowhere online did it state 21 and over and were met with a "well it will be now" response. Thank goodness for bobcat Bonnies right across the street being willing to accommodate our group of kids on a short notice. I had really hoped that Bitter truth would help red rock have a fresh new start and hoped to enjoy it for many years down the road. I as one of the parents of this group will now NEVER step foot in this restaurant again and spitefully hope its a short lived venture read more