Cobo Joe's Smokehouse BBQ & Sports Bar

Barbecue restaurant · CBD

Cobo Joe's Smokehouse BBQ & Sports Bar

Barbecue restaurant · CBD

422 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226

Highlights

Cobo Joe’s is a lively spot dishing out BBQ, American favorites, and pizza, perfect for game day or a casual hangout with a full bar.

422 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226 Get directions

@eater

"Cobo Joe’s, a favorite hangout for Detroit Red Wings fans and visitors to Cobo Center, has closed permanently. The sports bar that served customers for 31 years at 422 W Congress Street near Cobo Center and Joe Louis Arena served its last drink on July 19 according to Delroy Thomas, a partner in the business with longtime owner Richard Cadreau. Like many sports bars in the area on the southwest border of downtown, Cobo Joe’s relied heavily on the patronage of hockey fans who attended games at the Joe Louis Arena and struggled when the Red Wings relocated to the Little Caesars Arena more than a mile away in 2017. The bar originally opened in 1987 under owners Joe and Judy Kosky, the Detroit Free Press reports. Cadreau took over the reigns at the business with a partner Rick Tressler in 2004. In January, Cadreau brought on Delroy Thomas to help with day-to-day operations while he prepared for retirement, according to the Detroit News. Thomas in turn made an effort to revamp the sports bar by adding Caribbean food and bringing in live music and DJs on the weekends. Cadreau tells the Free Press that he attempted unsuccessfully to sell the business over the past few months and as the end of his lease approached decided to close the business down." - Brenna Houck

Cobo Joe’s, a Favorite for Red Wings Fans in Detroit Closes - Eater Detroit

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@eater

"Cobo Joe’s, a sports bar near Cobo Center and the Joe Louis Arena in Downtown Detroit, closed in July after 31 years. The bar struggled financially after the Red Wings moved to Little Caesars Arena." - Brenna Houck

Falling Down Beer Company Abruptly Closes Both of Its Taprooms - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for Cobo Joe's Smokehouse BBQ & Sports Bar

Elizabeth Knight

Google

The hubby and I stopped in randomly on our way to an event in the city. We had the pulled pork loaded fries and they were so good we literally finished the whole thing. Service was real good too. Will be back to sample something else next time.

Tarah Couch

Google

The owner Richard greeted us at the door and was extremely friendly! I had the 1/2 chicken dinner and it was AMAZING! Their cornbread and baked beans that came with it were also awesome! It's something that may not look like you should stop from the outside, we were recommended this place from a local, and it was a great choice! The owner came back around to make sure we liked everything, overall great experience!

Chris Journeay

Google

My wife and I stopped here before the Wings game on Saturday, April 1st. It was busy but they found us a table within 10 minutes. Ordered the chicken tenders and potatoe skins, both were excellent. The service was great and the price is always reasonable. Great place to go before an event!

Bud Bash

Google

Had lunch at Cobo Joe's last week. The staff is friendly and social. Food & drink were excellent. I will be stopping in before the next Red Wings game I attend. I will definitely be back for lunch as well. Good value

Rob M

Google

Food was good for this kind of place. They were totally unprepared to handle a crowd though. Nice servers, but they ignored is until we eventually flagged someone down, which took some doing. Also didn't have the first two kinds of beer people requested.

Dominic Fettig

Google

Only been doing BBQ for 6 months? It seems as though they have been doing BBQ for their whole lives! Fantastic. I had the half chicken with Linda's beans and fries. All fabulous. Great service from Linda herself! I advise you all to try.

Chris Baker

Google

We spent a week in Detroit and our first night we went to Cobo Joe's. They were great. We went there three more times (a group of 15 of us) and they were wonderful. The service was great and the food was excellent. Great beer selection and welcoming atmosphere. Not much to look at from the outside, but inside is a different world. On my next trip to Detroit will definitely be going back to Cobo Joe's!

Dan Premo

Google

I stopped here for a quick Saturday afternoon bite. It was awfully quiet with the exception of the rowdy bar crowd that came it later who I assume was a group of regulars there to watch the Lions. Moving on, I heard the cooks ringing the bell for when my food was done, but the waiter was too busy on the phone to get it. That didn't stop this crazy lady however from still mentioning how hot it was.