Arkins Sweet BBQ Pit

Arkans Barbecue has been on my radar for a while now — it kept popping up on my TikTok feed and I’d heard plenty of buzz from friends. I finally made the trip, and let me tell you… it lives up to the hype. The brisket was absolutely phenomenal — tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The wings had a bold, smoky flavor that really stood out, and the ribs were next level. The barbecue sauce they use is a game-changer, and I’d definitely recommend asking for extra. By the end of the meal, I was in a full-on food coma — the good kind. If you’re a fan of legit barbecue, Arkans is more than worth the visit.

My wife and I love Arkins. Unfortunately over the past couple years the food didn’t seem the same but hot damn, we tried the beef rib today and WOW! Great meat to fat ratio, sauce on point, seasoned to perfection. Absolutely incredible. As I’m typing this she’s cleaning the rest of the sauce up with the bone. Great service, great food, will be back!

Absolutely love this place. Our favorite and go-to BBQ spot! Customer service is always amazing and food is always delicious!

This was my first time and I loved the food. It was smoky, tender fall off the bone ribs. The Mac and cheese was good the blue cheese coleslaw was tasty. Their home made Bbq sauce is my new favorite. Don’t hesitate just go you won’t regret it.

Was in the area, so I gave this place a try And passing threw so Didn't have much time Didn't know it gonna take 40 minutes for take out. i would've called ahead or tried some other place Maybe they are super busy. i don't know Usually, it takes 15 or 20 or less because the smoke meat it all ready except for grill sandwich But anyway, I ordered a couple of things 1st pork brisket sandwich chopped It's tasty, no problem Chicken wings were good but a little dry Beef brisket was ok a little dry Collard greens good but a little sweets Mac cheese was good We also ordered the brisket loaded potatoes with cheese It tasted good but didn't like sweet bbq on it If I knew, I'd ask sauce on the side Next up is the brisket cheese sandwich These is over cooked look like a brisket meatloaf My opinion Should just melt the cheese until running, then top off with beef brisket Last jalapeño smoke sausage It was to dry way over smoke Maybe we got a bad batch Everything was good except the cheese brisket sandwich cheese was overcooked. You'll be the judge looked at pictures for yourself Or maybe that how they cooked it here Give this place a try if you're in the area Also, call ahead if you don't have much time to wait or just pass through

It's hard to find good bbq these days and feel satisfied with the price. well let me tell you, this is best brisket I've ever had. mac n cheese is a hit or miss, baked bean coleslaw good. give it a try, no seating though, carry out only

Been here twice so far. Ribs are outstanding, jalapeño sausage is outstanding, burnt ends amazing. Definitely my go to spot for bbq as of now.

Food / service was awesome!!! Ordered the 1/2 Brisket 1/2 Pulled Pork sandwich combo and it was amazing. The collards greens were just as good and the pickled jalapenos had to be made in house as their flavors were outstanding!!!

Arkins gets 5 stars across the board. The food, amazing the sauce is literally finger licking good . I would travel the world for those wedges they have. The chicken is seasoned to perfection and the beef ribs are like a small piece of halal heaven. I had around before I became a Yelpie and I've been there enough to say they should be one of the best BBQ spots In the metro area. The brisket is another one of my faves. Dont walk or run but speed and do it safely and get you some Arkins......

Damn it. Looks like I got the short end of the stick and they served me up old brisket from days before. Got the Fatty moist and it ended up being dry and hard as hell. I'm pissed

Always great food. But the customer service lacked this time around. We preordered a week before for Super Bowl food. We arrived at our pickup time and they were behind by 45 min. Almost missed kickoff. Then they ran out of cornbread and didn't offer anything else to substitute for it nor did they give us half jalapeño cheese cornbread like we ordered, just the plain kind was given. We were charged for the full order so we paid for two more cornbread than we got, waited 45 min longer than our scheduled time, and weren't offered a replacement or credit.

The food is hit or miss. There have been occasions when it's delicious and others when it's disgusting. However, I hadn't written them off as I am typically a loyal customer. The major issue for me is customer service. I ordered a very large order from them on Saturday for my mother's birthday and it was pretty good. On Sunday, I went back for a small order. I mistakenly clicked "fried"wings dipped in bbq sauce. Before leaving I checked my order and noticed it was fried, with no bbq sauce. I really wanted baked wings with bbq sauce. Therefore, I made a mistake and so did they because it was dipped in bbq sauce. I said, my apologies I'm a long standing customer and I can't eat the fired wings is it possible to swap for baked. He told me, no all I can do for you is dip them in bbq sauce or give some bbq sauce on the side. Well, sir that isn't a favor considering I paid, $2 extra for bbq sauce and the wings don't have it. I always find it disheartening when restaurants open up in areas of color and provide subpar service/treatment that would otherwise not occur in other areas. Long story short, I've given them grace by continuing to patronage the establishment despite their hit or miss performance, as I am often a loyal customer but if the loyalty can't be reciprocated then I will no longer patron nor recommend them.

I have to give it a 9.5/10 because it's amazing. The chopped bbq sandwich was unreal. The bbq sauce they give you is right up my alley - sweet with a little bit seasoning. The home fries were great and the Mac and cheese was pretty good. Tried a piece of the fatty brisket from sandwich and that was unreal too. Best bbq in this area by far. Need to go back to try ribs and pulled pork. This place is takeout only and is very efficient with your order.

Absolutely great smoked meats; sides and desserts. Had a problem with my most recent order called spoke with the mgr....problem solved!!!

Great barbecue place with lots of variety to choose from. The amount of food you get for the prices is insane like huge portions ( can't beat that). Fast service only sad part is no seating so either eat in the car or take it home. Went around lunch time and it seems as people are smart enough to place their orders earlier and then just come and grab it. Will be back Sorry no pics

Terrible place. Food was poorly cooked. Owner was rude and super political. Also parking is very congested with Starbucks next door. I'd recommend going somewhere else.

Best BBQ in the area and even better service at a an affordable price. I got the 1/2 slab dinner and amount of food i got was perfect for the price. The workers were all kind and got the food out fast despite how many orders they had at the time. Unfortunately they don't have seating indoors but it's worth eating in my car!

The food is very good. I had the three meat plater with two sides. I have actually ordered the meal twice.

Great customer service as always! Visited yesterday, paid for it and picked it up today! Thanks again for the best food!

If you love barbecue, this is one of the best BBQ places in the area. Take out only! Order online for pick up is the best way to go because they are busy. They have all the favorites--BBQ chicken pulled pork, brisket, ribs, you name it. They even have brisket quesadilla. Delicious side options. I'm most excited about the cornbread. They have original cornbread and jalapeno cheese cornbread. I had the rib tips and brisket combo with baked beans and coleslaw for sides, with additional cornbread. Rib tips were well seasoned with nice crunchy cartilage. Moist brisket. Again, well-seasoned. Baked beans have brisket chunks in them. The coleslaw was good and light. The cornbread was crumbly, not too sweet, or overly greasy. The price may seem expensive, but it is actually very reasonable, given the portion. It's A LOT of food.

Ribs are amazing no sauce needed, great smoke flavor, and the beef ribs are excellent.

Not as good as it used to be, short cuts are being taken, time to look for a different spot! Chuck

Alwayssssssss packed and be prepared to wait in line for some time unless you order ahead but the BBQ is really good and I'm from the south. My favorite is the pulled pork sandwich. Delicious. The staff is always polite though even though there's normally 10 people in the extremely small space. Also the hours of the restaurant are very weird. Only open on certain days.

Worst bbq I've ever had not a clue! However manager made it right and other customers loved it!

Lines are out the door and your wait may be 15-20 minutes for a meal, but it was worth it! Tried brisket, pulled pork, and spicy sausage - all delicious. Sides are homemade and unique - enjoyed it all!

If you're planning to go, order WAYYYYY ahead, or bring your patience. I think the long line and wait is a testament to how much people love them. I thought the food was yummy. Service was friendly. They offered chili samples to those of us waiting for our order. Smart move because most of the people waiting for their orders tacked on an order of chili. The only thing that I didn't love was the upcharge for sauce. Really? They should at least offer one sauce option with the plate.

Heard about this restaurant via a Detroit foodie 's post on Instagram. I was in the area therefore wanted to buy dinner from this place. I ordered the two piece combo which had Sliced chicken and rib tips with potato wedges and coleslaw for sides. I bought the cornbread as an extra side. I was also given two small cups of BBQ sauce for dipping. Sliced chicken, potato wedges and coleslaw were good. What I liked best was the rib tips..they were covered in BBQ sauce and very tender. Keep in mind: Arkins is carry out only. There is no sit down dining area. Expect a wait from the time you place your order to the time you pick up your order. I had to wait approximately 45 minutes after I placed my order until I was able to pick up my oder. I waited in my car since the restaurant has a very small area to stand up. I did enjoy my dinner and would go back to Arkins again.

THE BEST BBQ YOU CAN GET! The ribs are amazing, pulled pork amazing. All the sides are amazing lol the only bad thing about this place is that they sell out so quickly but for a good reason. So I'd definitely get there early if you can. The service is always nice, they're super polite and friendly. It's always clean and tidy. I just wish I lived closer because it's not any where near my house or work, so I don't get to enjoy it often but when I do it's always perfect

In a world where the dining landscape has been forever changed by the pandemic, Arkins Sweet BBQ has emerged as a phoenix with its carryout-only model, proving that a seat at a table isn't necessary for an exceptional culinary adventure. This bustling hub of smoked delights keeps the tradition of slow-cooked meats alive, serving up happiness in styrofoam containers that promise a sensory overload. The food? Always great, without exception. Arkins has mastered the art of consistency, ensuring that every brisket is as tender, every rib as succulent, and every helping of mac 'n cheese as heartwarmingly creamy as the last. The joy of unwrapping your carryout is akin to a BBQ Christmas, any day of the week. Be prepared for a wait, though. This joint is no secret to the locals, and its fame is well-deserved. But any amount of clock-watching fades into insignificance once you bite into their pulled pork sandwich. It's an item that doesn't just sit on the menu; it reigns supreme. The balance of smoky, sweet, and savory within a bun is nothing short of artistry. So, if you find yourself craving some top-tier barbecue, Arkins Sweet BBQ should be at the top of your list. Don't let the takeout line deter you--it's a small toll to pay for a taste of BBQ nirvana. And when you do stop by, let the pulled pork sandwich be your gateway into their smoky domain. It's not just a recommendation; it's almost a requirement for anyone with taste buds.

This place doesn't exist. We drove there and it was no longer there. We were extremely disappointed.

Great BBQ place with lots of choices! Sadly I ate too quickly to get a picture but the food was great! We had brisket over mac and cheese, half a pound of brisket and the A le carte bbq chicken in sauce. We got the brisket fatty moist but it was not as fatty as expected (wish it was). We would've liked a little more BBQ sauce on the side that comes with the meal. The mac was very cheesy and flavorful. Overall great bbq option!

We are not sure what's going on, but something has changed with the ribs. There is still flavor, but it is reduced flavored and seemingly less smoked ribs. It just seems okay now. We hope that whenever we make it again, the flavor is back. We are taking a long break, though.

I love it best food and perfect seasoning. The workers are so friendly and helpful. They have all kind of smock meats.

The hours on their website do not match their hours on Yelp which do not match their hours on Google. Everything has a different set of hours. I called to confirm and someone picked up and said, "We're closed for the night". Before I could even ask what the hours were she hung up on me. I guess I'll never know.

I had the slab of BBQ ribs. It was delicious. Some of the best ribs Have not been here at this location for awhile. It was well worth it.

Great tasting BBQ. We got the 2 meat dinner plate with pull pork, beef brisket, baked beans, regular cole slaw and toast. The pull pork was moist, smoky and full of flavor. The bark was a party in my mouth. The brisket was good, a bit dry yet very tender. The beans were packed with lots of meat and flavors of tomato and onion. The regular cole slaw is vinegar based and was overpowered by celery seed. The toast could have been left off the plate as it was underwhelming compared to the BBQ stars in the plate. There is only one type of sauce, tomato based BBQ with a little tanginess and no heat. The website shows seating the in restaurant but upon arriving we found out it's pick only so we eat at Starbucks next door. I will be back for more food and highly recommend Arkins to anyone in the area.

The food is great! The brisket the ribs, the best in Oakland County. But, the service on July the 4th. Is quite horrendous! People are waiting outside your Restaraunt that placed orders online, for over an hour, in 95 degree weather. You could, at a minimum, offer ice water, does that cost too much? You have people outside, so he could offer water. I'm surprised if no one passes out. I'm rethinking coming back, especially during the holiday. Either take less orders or be prepared to treat your customers with respect. Another thing...you could TEXT when orders are ready. This would allow people to wait in their cars. Is that too much trouble?

Two words: brisket quesadilla. You're welcome. Yelp won't let me post without more words than that, even though no more are needed.

As I'm sitting here in my car on my lunch break eating Arkins I've came to the realization that this is one of if not Thee best BBQ joints locally. To save time and energy look at the menue on the website and call and order ahead of time. If u don't know , just ask the customer service is very helpful and non rushing. The place is big enough to pay get your food and leave out. This is not a sit down restaurant. The most important part is the food. The food is delicious, fresh and bbq sauce on point. The sides are even up to par and don't forget the jalepeno cornbread yikes out of this world . You deserve this 5 star .you deserve the business, because the quality of service your provide is 5 star.

Who Loves BBQ? ‍ It's absolutely no secret that @arkinsbbq is one of the best in metro Detroit! We grabbed some ribs to go. Thry were soft, smoky, meaty & absolutely DELICIOUS! Order in advance online as they are busy & otherwise you will wait. Oh....& don't go too late - they sell out!!!

As a whole, Michigan severely lacks in good BBQ spots. But I can firmly say Arkins is a bright spot. Just excellent BBQ across the board. The brisket was tender & juicy. The ribs and rib tips were fall off the bone tender and flavorful. The smoke flavor was just right. Pulled pork was juicy. fries were great too. Pricy, but worth it.

It's a small place, about 18 seats or so. It's busy for a Sunday night. Mostly carry outs. Ordered a chopped Amish chicken dinner with the blue cheese coleslaw and a jalapeño corn bread and a Bundaberg ginger beer. $18 out the door. Hoping it's good, I am hungry, but we are doing a progressive dinner, if it's not. Who put the bomp is playing, by Barry Mann. Just Shazam'd it. Never heard of it, but it sounds oldish. Nice old retro music. Google says it's from 1961. Now bad moon rising by CCR. My dad used to listen to them when I was a kid. Our food took about 12 minutes to come out to us. The Amish chicken is moist and tastes good. The blue cheese coleslaw is good, get a slight hint of the blue cheese. The jalapeño had small bits of the jalapeños in it, not bad, pretty moist, would be better if it was warmer. The Texas toast if nicely toasted and crunchy and carby. The food was all good, we would come come back for the chicken, blue cheese slaw and the jalapeño corn bread, maybe ask them to warm it up some next time. ;)

Best take out food I've had in a while. Everything was delicious the only thing I can say was my Mac wasn't hot it was still good though

Amazing amazing amazing!!!! Randomly found this place looking for food while cruising Woodward. $20 for a dinner for "one" but it fed me and my boyfriend. So so so good!!! Mac and cheese, potato wedges and brisket to die for. He also gave us a sample of a buffalo quesadilla just amazing. There is no place to sit but 100% worth it to eat in your car 10/10

So let me start off with, I get emotionally invested with BBQ. I am from Oklahoma, where we have adopted Central Texas BBQ style and culture. At home, BBQ is meat focused. So I was excited when I saw the photos of Arkins because the brisket looked amazing, and I finally found a place that serves a fatty brisket option. I ordered 1 lbs of fatty beef brisket (to take some home and eat some now), greens, Mac and cheese, a half slab rib dinner with beans and Mac all for $60. I was so ready. We waited in line to place our order and then again later to pick it up. You wait outside, so keep that in mind for hot days. There is no waiting or dining area inside, only room to order. Now to the food. I finally get my fatty brisket, and it was so disappointing. It was as dry as a bone. It tasked like brisket that was one good and then two days later it was reheated and served to me then. The meat was sitting under heat lamps and it lost all of its juice and moisture. The sides were pretty good. But nothing can make up for dry brisket. We won't be back to wait in a line for bad BBQ.

Today's lunch was a brisket sandwich from Arkins! I chose the mix between lean and fatty for my brisket and was not disappoint! The meat was super flavourful and the roasted potatoes were seasoned well! Don't forget to ask for an extra side of BBQ sauce (it's delicious) Also public service announcement: don't eat this for your work lunch you will be so full you won't wanna work anymore.

One of the best if not the best barbecue location in Michigan! Brisket just melts in your mouth ‼ and very great service the chef is very kind and good hearted, definitely coming back when I get back in town ‼

They burned up my food, and when I called them, to tell them that the food was dry, they offered to replace it, but I never went back. I didn't think they had good customer service. Not recommended.

I ordered 1/2 lb of brisket, 1/2 lb of pulled pork, a large order of Mac and cheese and a large order of greens. The greens were genuinely good. The Mac and cheese was cold, oily and was not appetizing, even though I served the food very quickly after I placed and picked up my order. The brisket was tender and had nice flavor, but was cut into uneven hunks instead of slices as shown on the website. This made portioning and serving the meat difficult. The pulled pork was tender, but I was hoping for a little texture and a deeper flavor to the meat. The cornbread was tasty and went well with the greens. Overall, I found the food to be acceptable but not enough to bring me back although I am close by.

Food is delicious with a resealable price. Food was ready when I did online order. Small inside, really no where to wait. Brisket mac and cheese was my favorite item.

After the recommendations from a couple of friends, I decided to try this spot for barbecue. After reading other reviews and tips, it seemed the most efficient way to order was online and pay ahead. This process was simple. The food was ready upon arrival and kept in a hot box. The three meat combo that we ordered was easily split between the hubby and I and satisfying. The meat did not disappoint. Arkins BBQ is definitely a keeper. The only shortfall is the size of the sides. They could be larger. But the potato wedges were good. I look forward to trying a few other things on the menu. We ordered: Broasted Chicken Rib Tips Pulled Pork Beef Brisket Potato Wedges Collard Greens Jalapeño Cheddar cornbread

I'd been to Arkin's a few times when I first moved local to them - and always enjoyed. However, I got some carryout from them recently and was blown away at the flavors. I am not usually a fan of brisket - it's often too smokey and way too fatty. However, my partner ordered the brisket and it was INCREDIBLE. There was a mix of lean and fatty, so I went toward the lean, but the bark on the brisket was the most flavorful piece of BBQ anything I've ever had. Sausage was moist and flavorful, chicken moist and flavorful, the beans amazing, the brisket incredible. I can't wait to go back.

Great food , good quality. Finished in a timely manner. Also easy pick up. I recommend it.

Good bbq , corn bread, and tasty sides. They do sell out thats how good the bbq is here.

Best to call-in/carry out order vs ordering on-site. Food seasoned well though sides are smaller portions than you'd like. Recommend you visit during week as opposed to weekend.

Very good food, but just a heads-up: for holiday meals, order early bc they sell out fast. And expect lines when picking up for a holiday. Also, the sides are pretty small (even the "large" sides) so if you're on feeding a lot of people, you may want to purchase more than one container of any one side.

Wow wow wow. BBQ like you've never had before. We've traveled to Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, etc for BBQ. This local joint beats out all other places. The Mac and cheese with smoked BBQ brisket on top is absolutely amazing!