First visit to this location. I chose the burnt ends. Totally delish. Fork tender. I got the sweet sauce. It has a little kick but leaves you wanting more. Get the Key Lime pie. A perfect palette cleanser after the sweet heat of the ribs. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Burnt Ends with Sweet Sauce. - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

TLDR: This barbecue place was underwhelming, with some meats better than others. The service was relatively quick, and the outdoor seating was clean. There is likely better barbecue in the area. Each meat varied heavily in quality, so they will be rated individually below. I ordered the Pitmaster's Platter, which included multiple samples of the meats. Meats Beef Brisket (2/5): For some reason, this brisket was extremely dry. There was no moisture between the meat fibers. When doing the brisket bend test over a finger, the brisket barely even moved. The bark had the texture of jerky. I would not recommend this meat option. Pulled Pork (3/5): The pulled pork was moist in some places and dry in others. This meat was extremely average. There were some parts of the pulled pork with a heavy smoke flavor, which I did appreciate. Pulled Chicken (2/5): This was just as dry as the brisket. There were small portions that did have some moisture, but I could not finish the dry portions. Cheddar Jalapeno Sausage (4/5): This meat was the best among the options. Incredibly juicy, heavy on the seasoning, and the cheese was oozing out of the sausage. If I were to come back, I would order this again. Ribs (2/5): Again, just as dry as the other meats. There was no pull, and the meat was tough on the outside. Sides Mac & Cheese (3/5): This macaroni and cheese was nothing special, despite other reviews raving about it. It is a standard mac and cheese with slightly soggy breadcrumbs on top. Coleslaw (5/5): Somehow, this was the best part of the meal. The coleslaw tasted extremely fresh. There was just enough sauce to coat the vegetables without taking away from their quality and crunch. The coleslaw being the best part of the meal says a lot about this establishment. I do not think I will be coming back here again. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Pitmaster's Platter. - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

Delicious! It's an order at the counter and eat in a pseudo-indoor/outdoor area. Paper towels are plenty around the area which I appreciate. There's ample parking in the area (both parking lot and street parking). I got the pulled pork, which came with 2 sides. I thought the 1 meat combo is plenty to fill you for lunch or dinner. My favorite side was the Mac and cheese. Plenty of bbq sauces to choose from too. There's small add ons/ up charges in which meat and sides you choose so keep an eye out for that! Thought the price was reasonable still though. read more

I ordered from Woodpile BBQ through a delivery service, so I can only comment on my food order. I wanted to try both the pork and brisket, so I decided on the two meat combination. Like I said, I ordered the BBQ pork and Brisket (they allow you to specifiy the type of Brisket you want [flat, ends, etc]). The meal includes two sides...I chose the sweet mash and corn bread. I also chose sweet BBQ sauce from the given choices - also incuded. The BBQ overall is very tasty. Being my first order from Woodpile, I wanted to try it plain and I wasn't disappointed. The meat was smoky and well-seasoned. The portions were smaller than I expected,but that may vary in-person. The pulled pork was tender and juicy. The Brisket could have been a bit more tender and the portion was mostly flats and some shredded. The sweet mash had the smooth consistency and taste of sweet potato pie filling. I prefer it a bit chunkier, but it was so tasty, I really didn't mind much. The cornbread was moist and flavorful. While my order wasn't absolutely perfect, the food was tasty and satisfying. read more

Came here on a Thursday night around 6, wanting some bbq in the area. Staff was nice and helpful. I got a two meat combo, pulled pork and brisket. And then Mac and cheese and cornbread. The pulled pork was good and juicy and the bbq sauce they had on tables went with it nicely, I liked the sweet bbq sauce. The brisket was also good, haven't had a lot of brisket but it was tasty and the fat was nice as well. Not sure if it's normal or not be sure I mainly get pulled pork. The Mac and cheese was nice and the cornbread I felt was a little small and was in foil for some reason. I dined in, they do have a lot of takeout. But the dining area was nice but empty for me at least. Had TVs up and an outside bar. Very good bbq spot if you're in the area and pretty good prices read more

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All went well. Excellent food, quick service, very reasonable pricing. Only downside is lack of ambiance, but it's to be expected. 5*

I'm honestly surprised I've never written a review for Woodpile BBQ because I've been coming here for a while--and they never disappoint. This place is a total Clawson gem. I met up with a friend here for dinner on Opening Day, and it was such a beautiful day out, which made the experience even better. I went with the pulled pork BBQ sandwich and a side of baked beans, and wow--so delicious. Their mac & cheese has always been one of my favorites, and you really can't go wrong with their ribs either. Everything is consistently flavorful and done right. One of the things I love about Woodpile is the vibe. They've got picnic tables outside where you can relax, hang out, and enjoy the weather, plus a covered indoor area that's really cool and comfortable as well. Whether you're dining inside or out, it's just a great spot to kick back and enjoy some amazing BBQ. Fantastic food, great atmosphere, and a place I'll keep coming back to. Highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already. read more

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It's been almost 9 years since my review of Woodpile, so it's time for an update. I went here today with my husband and inlaws for lunch. My husband and I split the two-meat plate, with brisket (+$3 upcharge), pulled pork, mac and cheese, and mashed sweet potato. I always get their candied bacon too (it's DELICIOUS), and it was 5 pieces for $6, I believe, or possibly $5 for 6 pieces. My husband is a brisket critic, because he makes his own, and really liked theirs. I thought it was a little fatty but otherwise good. The sauces are very good too, and the regular sweet BBQ was my favorite. We also each added a piece of cornbread ($1.50 each) which was tasty. I'm knocking my review from 5 stars to 4 because of the pricing... It's probably comparable with other BBQ places in the area but for 4 of us it was more than $80, I believe, and they now charge a 3% fee to use a credit card, too, which I hate. As a FYI, they have outdoor seating and in the winter I believe they have heat lamps. There's a small bar area out back, too, and the bathroom is near the front, by the ordering area, as it used to be an A&W a while back, I think someone told me. I'd still return (or do DoorDash!) for meats but just be aware it's a bit pricey. I think sandwiches started around $12-13. read more

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One of the top two bbq spots in Metro Detroit. I've never eaten here; always done takeout which is always packaged well to ensure food temperature retention. The food is great. The brisket is almost always great (lean can be a little too dry at times) with the moist brisket being the star. The pulled pork and pulled chicken are also great. Nice smoke flavor; great color on the pork. As good as spots I've had in the South. The burnt ends are even better than the brisket with the bbq sauce working so well. It's literally meat candy. Finally, my favorite is the jalapeño cheddar sausage. Not too hot, but you know it's there. Full of cheese and always smoked to perfection; this is the best thing on the menu. Shoutout to the shack bbq sauce; it's amazing. The sides are also pretty good. The cornbread is not my favorite (a touch dry), but the baked beans, mac and cheese, and the sweet potato mash are delicious. Baked beans are just a classic baked bean with a touch of nice sweetness. The mac is creamy and actually cheesy. Where some spots have suspect mac; this is not the case here. Finally, the sweet potato mash is amazing. It's incredibly rich though so I can only have a couple bites. Overall, Woodpile is great and it's hard to get any better in the area. read more

On the 3 to 4 occasions that I have ordered from this location I have not experienced anything type of customer service that would make me want to return or recommend. The Madison Hghts location on the other hand to me has the best customer service and food. The customer service has been going down at this location since my first visit some time ago. A few months ago I ordered take out over the phone from the Clawson location and the customer service I experienced was less than welcoming when I arrived to pick up my order. I let that slide because maybe the had a rough day. The next time I order a phone order and it was a different person but the same unwelcoming experience with cashiers who do not smile or make you feel like your business is welcomed. I decided after the last few experiences at the Clawson location that I probably would not be returning. And started looking at other Smokehouse and BBQ locations to patronize. Today I got an email stating that the Clawson location would have turkey legs and I decided to give them another try. NOT without some investigation because I would not want to deal with the poor service after paying the price for the food because it is not cheap. I called the Clawson location to confirm that what was being promoted was actual because I know different locations have differences in menu items. I asked if the Turkey wings were being served and was told that they are not being served today but tomorrow and they only have 7.. I posted the email advertisement and had a coworker look at the email to make sure I was reading correctly. It definitely says the offer is today (Friday). I could understand if they were out but to say that it's tomorrow?? Im not sure if the owners know or are aware of this, but your discrepancies in advertising and the poor customer service at this location is turning people like me away, I have found another smokehouse/bbq restaurant a few miles away that has won me over since my experience with your Clawson location, so I guess I owe you a debt of gratitude for the experiences. I don't mind spreading money for a decent quality meal and have never complained about your prices (which they are not cheap). But the inconsistencies and over feeling of being just another sale or an inconvenience in a persons day is not something that I am going to pay money for to receive. I hope you guys improve at this location because it is not the experience that I receive at the MH location. I would frequent there more often but is a distance away from where I work. read more

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For the benefit of the doubt I'm sticking with 4/5 stars, however this second bout was not as good as the first. I'd go with 8.4/10 B mainly because the ribs were not as good as the previous, and the Mac n cheese was just okay. However, so far my favs are the burnt ends and the pulled pork for sure. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

I enjoyed my meal here. I got the two meat combo (brisket and pulled pork with mac'n'cheese and sweet potato sides) and the candied bacon. This was more than enough food for my wife and I to feast upon. I typically compare all the bbq I eat to what I make myself, so I can admittedly be a bit persnickety. That said, this hit the spot and is definitely one of the few good bbq spots around here. I have recommended this establishment to Texans living over 45 minutes away. The location itself has a bar in the back, and that area appears to be heated in the winter. Not the most seating or parking, but it'll do and there is additional street parking. Easy carry-out location too. Only one, gender-neutral bathroom in the front that I saw. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Two Meat Combo - brisket and pulled pork with mac'n'cheese and the sweet potato for sides Candied Bacon in the center of the tray - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

Best BBQ and banana pudding in Clawson! I love all of their sides and the chicken is delicious!

Dinner with a co worker. He had a pulled pork sandwich, he says outstanding! Sides of Mac and cheese , and bake beans. Great ! I had the three meats. Ribs, brisket, and pulled chicken. Excellent!! Double collard greens...delicious! read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Threee meats ! - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

Ordered takeout. Service was quick and friendly. Ordered the ribs and they were exactly what a barbecue should taste like. Smoky, flavourful, after each bite making you want to take another. Has a nice patio space. Plan to stop by when I have time to dine in. read more

Cute patio. Fatty ribs. Amazing mac & cheese and excellent beans. I would go back, but I would change my meat selection.

I saw a post on r/BBQ about Woodpile and so many people recommended it that I decided to stop by over the weekend to get the Pit Master Platter. At Woodpile, you line up in the front to place your order, then you take your number and select a table in the back. The staff will bring your food out for you and after you're done, you bus your own table. All seats are outside only - several picnic tables nestled along the road, and a large covered area in the back. There are fans running on the ceiling to help cool you off, but this isn't a place I'd go if it's really hot and humid out. Luckily it wasn't too bad the day I went. Pit Master Platter ($25) - This comes with a huge variety of meat and you get to select two sides of your choice. Ribs - The ribs are pretty bad. Tough, chewy, and dry, the trifecta of bad bbq characteristics. The ribs here are barely better than a pre-made grocery store rib. The rub is the only highlight. (2/5) Pulled Chicken - The chicken is moist and tender and still retains the natural chicken flavor through the spice rub. I didn't think it needed any of the sauces at the table to dress it up. (4/5) Pork - Not bad at all. They actually have a legit Eastern NC-style vinegar mop here - didn't expect that since most places outside of NC add ketchup/tomato base (more Western-style) or mustard (More SC-style) to their Carolina-style bbq sauces. Probably because most people don't know how to use it. The mop is a little sweet, quite tangy from the apple cider vinegar, and with just a small amount of spicy kick. The squirt bottle they use is not appropriate for the consistency of the mop. It squirts out with high pressure, resulting in the sauce splattering everything. At any rate, it pairs very well with the pork, which is smoky, not too dry, and pulled well. (4/5) Brisket - They give several pieces of lean brisket and several more fatty pieces. The brisket is smoky and quite peppery on the exterior. The lean pieces are not too dry but not something I'd ever clamor to eat. The fattier pieces are superior - great flavor and tender, and also well rendered so that it doesn't feel like you're eating gristle. There's a good amount of bark in the platter, but none of it is crispy. (4/5) Cheddar Jalapeno Sausage - The sausage is the best meat on the platter, with gooey cheese, a bit of a kick from the jalapeno, with a texture that is perfect for sausage; not too chewy, soft but with a bit of a snappy bite. (5/5) Collards Greens - A bit tangy from vinegar, quite spicy from pepper especially if you let it sit. There's a small amount of shredded meat mixed in. The greens are cooked until tender and delicious. (4/5) Pit Beans - Super sweet mix of tender cooked beans with the tiniest amount of dried brisket mixed in. Not sure if this is pre-made/food service bought, but it kind of tastes like it. There's nothing really special about the beans. (3/5) At each table, there's a wire basket of five different barbecue sauces you can use. They have Carolina vinegar, Shack Sauce (hot and sweet), Sweet BBQ (no heat), and Honey Mustard. The last bottle is ominously labeled with a fire emoji. I've only visited a couple of BBQ places in Metro Detroit (due to the fact that they've all been sub-par so far) but I have Woodpile at the top for now. The meat isn't top tier, but it's good enough to satisfy any BBQ craving. Bathrooms - Single unisex room kind of hidden. It's behind the unlabeled door in the front of the building Overall rating of the food this visit: 3.71/5 read more

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My boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday afternoon, and it wasn't very busy at all. They have a window you can order from, and you can choose to sit at picnic tables under umbrellas to the side, or they have a large covered area in the back. We got the Pit Master Platter so that we could try a variety, and it was plenty for both of us to share. Our favorites were the smoked cheddar and jalapeño sausage and pulled pork the best. The ribs were tough and probably our least favorite. The meat was seasoned well and had great flavor, more than what I've tasted at most other barbecue places. The sauces were good--we liked the Carolina Vinegar and Spicy (it wasn't that spicy, but it was nice to have the option). read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

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Best BBQ you can find! Clawson resident here. Outdoor and indoor seating are available. They have the best ribs, brisket and mac n cheese. Not a fan of their sweet potatoes I think it's too sweet. Love their hot sauce. My nephew loved the brisket and the ribs. I think next time we'll order their sandwiches read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

Brisket, ribs, and cornbread were all great! My Mac n cheese is better. Theirs is very bland. Had to add seasoning to them. The sweet potato mash was mid, the kids enjoyed it. The greens are extremely spicy, so not everyone can eat them. The cole slaw has a strong vinegar taste. Will not return. Definitely not worth the money. read more

I got the pulled pork by the pound and the sweet bbq sauce. I'm impressed by the flavor and the smokiness-when I opened the box at home, the smokiness perfumed the air. It felt like I was at the restaurant with the delicious smell! The bark on the pork is delicious and in some areas you can see the smoke ring. There was a small piece of bone (as someone who makes pulled pork from pork shoulder/butt, it happens sometimes!), but no gristle. The pork is seasoned so it's salty enough to be put on bread without it being too bland, and super juicy from the soaking of juices. It doesn't really need the sauce, but the sweet bbq sauce isn't overly cloyingly sweet. There's no spiciness to the sauce, which is perfect for me. They offer several other sauces too, so I'm sure there's something for everyone. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Exterior of business - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

This is my first BBQ place since moving to MI, and it definitely wasn't good. I ordered burnt ends, which did not appear to be burnt ends and they were stewed and covered in a lukewarm sauce. I've never ordered meat that came out already sauced. What's the purpose of putting the other sauces on the table? Mac and cheese was bland and also cold. Corn bread was straight out of the fridge and very very sweet. Not impressed. read more

Excellent service, great ribs,collard greens and pit beans. Definitely will be back. I will try the pulled pork next.

Amazing food, we come here at least once a month because we are obsessed with the pulled pork sandwiches. I love the Carolina sauce. Great vibes as well. read more

I ordered a chicken Sandwhich and corn bread to go yesterday. plenty of chicken which was over cooked and rubbery. Corn bread was very dry. Not happy at all. Bun was soapy by the time I reached work which was 6 minutes away. read more

We can't get enough of this spot! Everything from the smoked wings, to the ribs and even the ham is outstanding! My favorite sides are the greens (pretty spicy in my opinion though) and the sweet potatoes! They are super sweet but honestly the perfect addition to a Smokey meal. We always take our food to go but in the summer we'll have to try dining here. Prices are fair for quality and quantity of food! Overall a great spot that we've loved for years! read more

This is my new favorite bbq place. This stacks up to Southern bbq. Tried all the meats and sauces and all are good. Sides and pies are great too. Local Light from Shorts brewery is on special. It's mostly outside style seating but it's covered and screened in. Good service as well. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Outdoor bar area. - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

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I wish I could post the video for proof but the brisket was so damn tough it broke the plastic fork they gave me... If you brisket is that tough you gotta reevaluate if you're in the right business. Both it and the burnt ends were served to me cold and tough. Paid 3 bucks extra for both. Collards were just greens boiled in water and were also not soft. Mac and cheese tasted like craft with planko crumbs on top. If this is what passes for 4.4 stars in the north I need to move back down south. Friendly service, in fact they were so nice, I didn't have the heart to tell them in person how bad their Bbq is. read more

The Woodpile Brisket Reuben Sandwich always keeps me coming back for more! If you're looking for a good spot to get BBQ in the metro Detroit area, check out Woodpile. I've been to quite a few BBQ places in the area and what stands out about Woodpile is the flavorful meats! My favorite thing to get is the Reuben Sandwich and it comes with their homemade cornbread and your choice of their in-house BBQ sauce flavors. As you can see in the photos, this sandwich is big and messy but all the flavors from the special sauce, cheese, and coleslaw blend so perfectly together. The brisket is tender and packed with flavor. I also like that when you order take-out they leave the top off the sandwich so it doesn't get soggy. I haven't tried that many other things on the menu because this sandwich is so darn good! This place is also a nice go-to in the summer and fall because they have an outdoor seating area and a full patio/indoor bar. It's a great place to catch up with friends over good food and even better vibes. In the fall/ summer, they also have LIVE music outside! read more

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bbq is great! The sides are pretty good also. There's only outside eating but it's under a covered area. It is wheelchair accessible except the handicap parking spot doesn't have enough of a striped area to get your wheelchair out comfortably. Staff is nice. Prices are not cheap but not extremely expensive. The sandwiches are huge. read more

If you think this place has good food that means you know nothing about our cooking. I got 1/2 smoked chicken it had zero smoked flavor it was baked with a side of over spiced beans. My friend got the pit combo and his is very dry. She forgot my Mac and Cheese. My total was close to $50. I got 1/2 baked chicken and a side of uneatable beans. Big rip off. Never again. read more

Food was great - we doordashed it. The BBQ Rueben is amazing! We also got the pulled chicken and mac & cheese as well. Absolutely will be ordering more!!! read more

We ordered carryout therefore, this is only a review of the food. We ordered a shareable platter and extra brisket. BRISKET - The brisket was outstanding. It had an excellent smoke ring and was not dried out. Had a mix of point and flat and the flat was juicy too. Will order again. PULLED CHICKEN - Ok. A little dried out without great flavor. Won't order again. PULLED PORK - Above Average. The pork was good, but I have had a lot better and feel my shoulder is better. Smoke was average. It was tender and an ok sized portion. SAUSAGE - Excellent. The homemade jalapeno smoked sausage was excellent. This along with the brisket made for an enjoyable meal. I will be ordering this a lot more here. Don't know if this is an option, but if this was served with some fresh or pickled jalapenos it would knock it out of the park. The woman at checkout was friendly. If you haven't been there, there is only outdoor seating. I will be back when I am not smoking my own meats. read more

This was sooooo disappointing the BBQ sauces were flat and tasteless. The barbecue was tasteless and everything was al a cart. Soooo not worth it. Service was slow and the menu has been chopped down to only a few items. This would be okay if the food was excellent. The bbq was dried and not much smoke tasting. The homemade smoked sausage was the best thing. The drinks weren't tasty as well. I felt like I was visiting an older person homes bbq that cooked with no seasoning or salt, and fat free. read more

The Smokey bbq flavor is definitely there. The meats are all tender and juicy! We went around dinner time and didn't wait long to get our food, they were fast. For the amount of food we ordered, it was decently priced. Loved their signature bbq sauce. The rib tips and brisket were my favorite!! read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - 1/2 lb. Pulled Chicken with Shack BBQ sauce, Mac and cheese, collard greens. Rib tips. Pit Master Platter. - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

Very casual fast dining setup. Order at window and they bring food to your outdoor dining patio or picnic tables. Food was very good ordered the brisket Reuben which was very good. Recommend trying the honey mustard bbq sauce with it. read more

Ok... as a Texan... it's pretty good. My kids (2&3) are in heaven with the Mac and cheese. I had brisket. Very tender. Outdoor seating is nice. Had a live musician she was good too. Would come back. read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Kids chowing down on Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan

It's walk up service. You can eat outdoors on site or carry out. I got ribs(Shack BBQ Sauce), Mac & cheese and peach cobbler were all excellent. read more

The brisket; wasn't that good, I wasn't too pleased with the quality of the macaroni and cheese, bland taste there. Also Cornbread could improve. As for the BBQ the ribs were just ok. To be a BBQ place meat tenderness needs to be improved. read more

This is my new favorite BBQ place! We ordered one of the family meals with 2 lbs of meat and sides. It was delicious. It's not often I crave leftovers but I couldn't wait to eat more of it that was leftover the next day for lunch. The meats were so tender and not fatty at all. And their sauces were all tasty too. Even the cornbread was delicious. We'll be back soon! read more

Woodpile BBQ Shack - Family Meal with 2 extra sides. Yum - Barbeque Near Me - Clawson, Michigan