Had a taste for bbq yesterday and found this place on Yelp the reviews were not great but we decided to try and glad we did. We decided to both get the Mac & Cheese with pulled pork which was very tasty but came lukewarm. I also tried a half slab of ribs which also not hot but meaty, tasty and fall off the bone . The servers were attentive and prices not bad z. If the food was served at the right temperature I would given another read more

Oak and Ash - Pork Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

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Such a gem in Dowagiac! We love this place. I get The Burrito with smoked chicken and it's amazing! read more

Oak and Ash - The Burrito - Barbeque Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

I arrived in town earlier than expected after a 3-hour drive and was looking for something to eat and drink. Unfortunately, options were limited--mostly fast food and a few pubs that were closed at the time. This restaurant was open, so I decided to give it a shot. The place was nearly empty, aside from a few locals. It's a surprisingly large space, which only made the emptiness more noticeable. The tap list was underwhelming--mostly domestics like Bud and Busch, along with a heavy focus on IPAs (not my thing). I ended up ordering a Corona, but it was clearly skunked, likely from sitting too long--suggesting slow turnover and possibly overstocked inventory. I ordered the half rack of ribs with baked beans and their corn coleslaw. Unfortunately, the meal was disappointing. The ribs were lukewarm, dry, and lacked flavor. No BBQ sauce was brushed on or offered--which is surprising for a BBQ joint. The beans tasted canned, and the corn coleslaw, while creative in concept, just didn't work in execution. No pickles, no bread, no condiments--nothing to round out the plate. I get that this is a small town, but when you're the only BBQ spot around, there's a real opportunity to stand out. Sadly, this place missed the mark. I don't like leaving below-average reviews, but in this case, I had to be honest. read more

Sevice was great!! Jumbo chicken wings could of been pigeon calling 'em jumbo was a crime $14 way over priced! Prime dip sandwich $18.50 might have had 2 slices of meat. Mostly bread with one slice of meat. Way over cooked! Any bbq sauce is $1.50 per side none comes with entrees read more

Oak and Ash - This is my $18.50 sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

Nice place. Very good service. Not sure why they don't have brisket sandwiches on the menu. They also should have brisket nachos and quesadillas. They did make a brisket sandwich for me but it was underwhelming. They could do much better! read more

Oak and Ash - Brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

Food was fantastic & atmosphere was nice. The only down side was the lack of servers. The works were rushing trying to get everything to everyone as quickly as possible. I appreciate their hustle but it did take away from the ambiance. The manager actually made a comment about not scheduling enough workers on Fathers Day. I would go again because the food was that good but I might consider take out read more

The ambience was wonderful. Beautiful old historic building of Dowagiac. Just fabulous window views for a historic building . . if you can get a window table. The lunch bill was $50 with tip. Two people. Reuben was $18.49 I think the menu said $16.49 for the Reuben. There was no sliced pastrami brisket. Just like shredded bits of beef from previous day or earlier. For the price of a lunchtime sandwich, one would expect extra thick luscious slices of the home-smoked brisket. I am the last person in the world that wants to trash people's best efforts. I see the potential success of this precious spot near 4 lakes in the summer months. My dream would be for Oak & Ash to be a success. And thrive. So many great shops to experience on Front Street. Check out Rhapsody bakery, consignment clothing shop, home accessories shops, "antique" store with very special re-purchased chests and stuff. And for those looking for Fabulous furniture, Imperial Furniture a few minutes drive away. Very special, high-end pieces. Gorgeous. Super small sandwich bread for Reuben. Like Kroger brand house sandwich bread for few dollars. Was expecting a luscious bakery rye. For some reason no sauerkraut. On a Reuben?? Out? Asked if I could have a little extra thousand island dressing if the sandwich was dry. Service person said "I will let them know you want a little extra." 1.5 0z clear plastic cup with lid No pickle relish in it or any onion, mayo with a little red food coloring. Was charged $1.50 extra on the bill . . . like why charge for a $16.59 sandwich? Think about it . . . maybe not nickel and dime when that lunch sandwich charge on bill was $18.50. All good things about here overall . . . just thinking maybe these prices are for set for Chicago visitors. . . . people with summer homes near. Maybe prices are really up in the summer. This doesn't work for your average human being and what they are able to spend on lunch. Extra 3.00% for using credit card. The menu said$16.50 for the sandwich. Charged $18.50 Samara was a super star service person. Checked back several times. She was very attentive, warm, and professional in her handling of things. She answered our questions about the menu. If she didn't know the answer, she went and checked. I give her 5 stars. read more

Excellent smoked meat. Turkey, ribs tips, and wings were a little dry. I would come back though for sure.

Hard to judge with cold food. Things they did well: The Armadillo Egg... good stuff. Their version of a Scottish egg. I ate two. The brisket was tender, too bad it was cold. Things that would make it closer to a 5 star: Hot food: The food clearly came up way out of order in the kitchen, everything I ate was luke warm Give some love to the baked beans: Clearly these are directly out of a #10 can of Busch's Baked Beans beans. If they aren't.. they sure taste like it. The Barbecue Baria? Taco needs texture: It tasted ok but everything was mush. Maybe dip it, then put it in a hard shell for a good crunch. The burnt ends: Visit Kansas City and see what they are supposed to taste like. All this being said, I would give them another shot in about six months to see if they worked out the kinks. It is hard to be a new restaurant Taste 7/10 Quality vs Cost 8/10 Service 6/10 Presentation 6/10 Atmosphere 7/10 34/50 = 3 star read more

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The service was great, wait staff was very friendly. Room was large with lots of room for our son in his wheelchair. Food was very good. Smoked turkey was the favorite with the Burnt Ends Mac and Cheese a close second. read more

I read reviews saying how good their barbecue was, but I didn't read enough of them to know I would not like my rib tips. I got home to eat them and when I opened the box, I noticed how few of them I got for the outrageous price I paid for them. The rib tips were nothing to brag about. I wasted a lot of gas to drive to the location to get them. It was definitely my first and last time I'd go there.. read more

Food is great. Burnt ends nachos...fire!!! Didnt know it was AYCE fish Friday and they brought us a sample...def coming back next Friday for it!!!! Wait staff are delightful!!! Drinks are stout!! (Shh) read more

Have been going here since they opened. I was really hoping they would get better, but I have to say, it is going downhill fast. Our last visit we saw that they have eliminated many items. Most glaring was the pulled pork sandwich. Why would a smokehouse do this? Since I've had everything on the menu, I decided to order off the meat board. 1/2 slab and burnt ends. Burnt ends OK, but the ribs were horrendous. They weren't smoked, and appeared to be boiled with globs of fat. There was some slurry mush spread on the ribs that was tasteless and disturbing. Had to scrape it off. Waitress never came back to see how everything was. I think I know why. The final insult came when they decided to charge 3% because I used a credit card. New policy that wasn't mentioned when we ordered. I think the writing is on the wall for this place. Really sad. I just saw that they haven't been compliant by the Health Department for years. I wish I would have seen that. read more

I love this spot and for SW Michigan, this bbq is hard to beat. The burnt end Mac n cheese is next-level and their fries are seasoned to perfection. They also have great prices and awesome seasonal cocktails. I will always go out of my way to come here when I'm visiting the in-laws. read more

Poised to be a hit based on the location and services they offered it fell short. went in with a craving for BBQ and even waited since they only after 4 at the time of review. There are some things they did good and some they could improve on. I will list what I ate and rating per item and the overall review at the bottom will be a full in-depth review. * Burnt End Loaded Fries (waffle Style) - 3/5 * Brisket (1/4 lb) - 3/5 * Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage (1/4 lb) - 3/5 * Rack Tips (1/2) 4/5 * Cole Slaw - 1/5 The location is spacious with plenty of room for a bar top as well. The staff was very friendly and kept checking in and meeting all requests asked. Asked the server for a recommendation and they mentioned that fries for an appetizer. It is a very generous portion enough to share with 2 the first couple of bites are very good but that's when it ends. After a few bites, the taste is very overpowering and has a very thick feel to it. would portably order again but only if eating with others and sharing since I could not finish more than a 1/3. Their meats are priced varying on the market price they have a board that will list the price for items located in towards the back. Had to turn around to look at it would recommend having two locations for this. The meats are ordered in 1/4lb increments I went with Brisket, Rib Tips, and Sausage with a Hot BBQ Sauce pairing. The Brisket was soft and very tender but felt a bit dry and all the food was warm. The sausage was average felt more like I was eating a jack's link than at a sit-down restaurant. The sauces both for the ribs that came with, and the Hot BBQ probably saved most of my meal, and was able to eat it. The Rib tips were the best thing by far and would gladly order them again. Avoid the Cole Slaw if you would even call it that very bland and just tasted of Pepper and Vinegar. This was my take on the food and based on my experience I might make a return once they have spent a few more months of experience. The location is very new, and I believe is in the stages of learning they have the potential to be good and be a standout for the community. read more

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Ashley, our server, was outstanding. We LOVED the BBQ brisket nachos!!! We stopped by around lunchtime for a quick bite. Food was good, atmosphere friendly and prices reasonable. Most of the portions were big!!! Will definitely return! read more

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Started with the poutine waffle fries. Amazing! We had a party of 8 diners. I had the Frisco double patty melt. It was great. We had dry rub ribs and rib tips. They were awesome. I was told the burrito was great, but maybe a bit spicy. The elote was really good! read more

Oak and Ash - Barbeque Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

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Great pulled pork nachos!! Very nice bartender!! The smoker's aroma is all the advertisement they need. Couple of disappointing items: they do not have a brisket sandwich on the menu. We would have definitely had to try that. Also we wanted to order a slab of ribs to take home but they were out. Overall very good food!!! read more

With a nice modern aesthetic, Oak & Ash is a welcoming addition to Dowagiac that brings good food and even better drinks. We got Frisco melts, the burgers were some of the best you can get in town and are easily worth the price. As for the drinks, i'd say the only negative thing is how dangerous they can be because of how good they taste. Really good experience. read more

Oak and Ash - a person holding a sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

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Really sorry to hear that other reviewers were unhappy with their experiences. My wife and I have eaten here several times since they opened and all have been very good experiences. I suggest sitting at the bar in the evening. The bartender has provided excellent service each time. She is attentive and very friendly. Go for the pork and/or brisket burria tacos. They are outstanding. Wife really liked the smoked chicken sandwich with Alabama White BBQ sauce. No complaints. Great evening. read more

Order the pinto beans as a side. They are off the hook! Ribs are delish. Great local spot. Try it and dine in a laid back easy atmosphere.

Worst bbq ever. Had the Reuben, pastrami was minimal but that's ok because it was very much like jerky.

Such a gem in this town! Their Caesar salad with fun cheez it croutons is one of my favorite with the tasty chicken. They also have fun cocktails and desserts. The parking is easy and the staff is friendly and efficient. If you tell them you need to be in and out the lunch is quick too. Friends have been happy with tacos and burgers as well. read more

We stumbled upon Oak and Ash yesterday and decided to give it a try. So happy that we did. We started off with the burnt end nacho fries, then got the smoked turkey, brisket and elote corn salad. The turkey was my favorite. The service was great! The owners told us they are starting brunch next week and the menu looks great! We will definitely be back time and time again. read more

Started out okay, our server had high hopes. UNTIL we were ignored for over 20mins while he sat on his phone up at the bar. Placed an app order and didn't even get to order an entree we waited so long! I kept trying to get his attention and he was just in another world. Needless to say without being allowed to order an entree we paid for our appetizer and left. Super disappointing. read more

I will give it 2 stars instead of 1 as I know they are new....I only hope they last long enough to improve. Decor- think warehouse decorated with reclaimed barn wood and you get the idea. Very open. I can only imagine how loud it would be if filled with people. Nothing on the walls, no plants, no atmosphere (other than barn wood warehouse). Service - host was pleasant and prompt. Great customer service skills. Server- not yet proficient in checking on the needs of the customer. Food - OMG - I've had better BBQ at Fireside Subs! Had the "taco" made from the premier BBQ beef ribs served on Friday and Saturday. Should have listened closer when the server said "left over". I still can't tell you what was in it other than some dried up chucks of beef - I assume. The taco itself was grilled to a nice shade of black. Cup of Chile - potential to be good. . . Except I like my Chile at least warm if not hot (temperature). Caesar salad - interesting - I've never had a Caesar salad that used cheese nips instead of croutons-stick with the traditional croutons, please. Overall - I'll come back for their 1st year anniversary-assuming they last that long. Should have the bugs worked out by then. Would recommend they revisit their menu. Two varieties of a taco, a burrito and a bagel sandwich just doesn't speak "BBQ" to me. read more

We were super excited to try this place out. Made it less than a mile down the road before getting sick. I hate giving bad reviews but for how much money we paid we definitely got nothing. Service was ok. But I have nightmares about the food read more

Great to have another local restaurant option. We've been here 3 times already and, outside of the ribs (had an odd cinnamon/nutmeg flavor that I just didn't like), everything was great. I expect the service will get better with time (they just opened a week & a half ago). Great people & good BBQ! read more

Amazing and delicious homemade food. I have had a lot of corned beef and Reuben sandwiches in my lifetime and by far this is hands down the best I've had anywhere. This place should be packed with people as it's some of the best food for miles and miles. I hope they stay open forever! read more

Don't sleep on this place! The food is AMAZING!!!! Great service as well! Tacos, Mac and cheese, turkey sandwich and potato salad... it was all fantastic! read more

Service is fast and menu is a is quality compared to other area restaurants. Lots of drink choices also.

Where do we start. Waitress fine, worst food ever, portions ve=u tiny, had the birra grilled cheese sandwich, no birra dipping provolone cheese not melted, and an egg on it with a limited amount of bee. Makes no sense. Tasted salt, salt, and funky cheese. The sweet tea tastedcluke BBQ sauce. My husband's brisket and gravy was a child's portion. The hamburger was a mcdouble size, all for 62.00 Never again. read more

Stopped by while passing through Dowagiac. Saturday at lunch. Brisket bagel was seriously delicious. So fresh and tasteful. Service was great and cute place. read more

Great food, Good meat, and even better BBQ birria tacos. I've eaten here multiple times and every-time it's been amazing.

I didn't think anyone could top Zeeks but they sure did! The brisket tacos are the bomb!

My favorite thing to get here is the birria tacos. It is so good. The staff is knowledgeable and cares about good service

Really I believe the people that left the bogus reviews to come back. My family and I went tonight food was on point, drinks were good. New places need to work out the quirks. Small town place good food. I recommend you checking it out. read more

We should have read the Yelp reviews. It was pitiful for $55 dollars. The best part was the draft beer and an old poster. $19 burger was dry, overcooked and probably a quarter pound. The potato salad was Sam's club loaded potato salad. The pastrami ruben could have been good except it had something spicy hot... jalapeno? On a Ruben? The waffle fries were cold and tasted like they were made last week. When we complained, no adjustment was made, no comp, just asked if we wanted more fries..no thank you. The service was good.. too bad nothing else was. Many places to eat in Dowiagic and the Sisters Lakes area so read the reviews and choose wisely. read more

The food was very good however I'm also big on presentation with that said my husband got brisket and pulled pork, one sliced of brisket on one basket and a pile of pulled pork on another, if you wanted sauce you had to pay extra, I had a full slab of ribs for $25.00 and that's it sauce extra, potato extra! Food very good service very good, presentation of food not so pretty! If you order a sandwich you get 1 side so next time I'll try a burger I guess..... read more

We gave it a try and will not go back. Nice atmosphere, food was iterally uneatible.. I had the reuben sandwich- the meat was so tough I could not chew through it or even pull it apart with my fingers or teeth and they also forgot to put on the cheese. And the waffle fries were lukewarm. The price-$18- a total waste. So sad, because we like to see new businesses succeed. Save your money until things change there. read more