Joe Ann&#x27;s Bar B-Q

"Founded by Grace Owens, Joe Ann’s BBQ has been carrying on the tradition of open charcoal pit barbecue since 1951. These days, Owens’s daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping that family tradition alive: Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs’ feet — all cooked on-site over an open charcoal-fired pit. The fried shrimp paired with Joe Ann’s tangy, spicy barbecue sauce, as well as the tropical shakes, are also worth stopping in for. The interior is minimally decorated and features some seating; however, the move is to take your bounty home to enjoy." - Serena Maria Daniels

"Founded by Grace Owens, Joe Ann’s BBQ has been carrying on the tradition of open charcoal pit barbecue since 1951. These days, Owens’s daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping that family tradition alive: Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs’ feet — all cooked on-site over an open charcoal-fired pit. The fried shrimp paired with Joe Ann’s tangy, spicy barbecue sauce and the tropical shakes are also worth stopping in for." - Serena Maria Daniels

Where to Get Finger-Licking Barbecue in Metro Detroit

"Started by Grace Owens in 1951, Joe Ann’s BBQ still makes open charcoal pit barbecue on a grill hand-built by one of its founders. These days, Owens’ daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping the family tradition alive. Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs feet. The flash-fried shrimp paired with Joe Ann's tangy, spicy sauce and the tropical shakes are must-try items. Call ahead to place an order for carryout." - Eater Staff

Where to Get Finger-Licking Barbecue in Metro Detroit

13 Great Places in Metro Detroit for Takeout or Delivery

"Founded by Grace Owens, Joe Ann’s BBQ has been carrying on the tradition of open charcoal pit barbecue since 1951. Owens’ daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping that family tradition alive: Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs feet — all cooked onsite over an open charcoal-fired pit." - Serena Maria Daniels

Candace

Google

The food was absolutely terrible. Macaroni was nothing but cheese and noodles, no type of seasoning of any sort. The chicken was over seasoned, meaning it was WAY too much salt, I couldn't even eat it! The black eyed peas was also unseasoned, they even looked grey. If you've ever had any kind of soul food, you'd know all of this is unacceptable. It was down right disgusting. The homemade punch was amazing however, and also the sweet tea. The bbq sauce and rib tips were also really nasty....I'd say try it yourself but youd really be wasting your money.

Tonya

Google

I loved their food so much I travel 45 minutes to get rib tips. I'm Sad that they are closed it's been almost 2 years. Someone needs to update the website info. So people won't go to a closed store. Hope this Family is OK.

Tha Sicknaz

Google

A gem in the city. My family has been coming here all my life. I encourage everyone to make this stop! Didn't see a complete menu in the photos, so I wanted to share for everyone. Thank you for the many years of quality, delicious food!

Jacqui

Google

Okay so Joanne’s was my go to spot back in the days. I remember when the rib tips tasted like they were fresh off the grill and now it taste like it was fresh out of the oven with liquid smoke added. Mac and cheese…. Absolutely not! It is not homemade and it reminds of the box brand with extra cheese added minus 0 seasonings. Never have I ever had pig feet that were chewy and crunchy in certain spots. I am beyond disappointed and I will never be back. The shrimp dinner looked like salad shrimp gently dipped in batter which means the majority of the shrimp was pink and not covered in batter. The old days are gone apparently and it is sad…The only thing that remains the same is the sauce. It is amazing but I am done with patronizing restaurants that serve food that is mediocre with higher prices. I am willing to pay extra due to everything being higher however I do expect quality. I gave an extra star for the amazing lady behind the counter. She tried but I know she is tired 😪

Chevy Guy

Google

This place has drastically changed over the years. The sauce looks and smells like vinegar soup, the ribs doesn’t taste grilled, they taste boiled 🤮 and the service is super slow. They used to be good, this is sad.

ric allen

Google

I called in my order at 8pm and the great lady was more concerned about me getting the right sauce (they have mild, medium, and hot) she stated this is your first time here and I want to make you happy. She wasn't worried about what time she got done. When I came there they all treated me like family. They have been there since 1951 and I see why.

Glenn Myrick Myrick

Google

I love the food at Joannes But I always get it to go set up for takeout

lee young

Google

With a name like Joe Ann's BBQ it's certain things I expect like ribs cooked on a grill, charcoal, maybe even some wood chips tossed in there but it was none of the above. Ribs were boiled😤. What respectable BBQ restaurant serves boiled ribs! And that vinegar juice they call sauce needs its own paragraph to talk about. Needless to say Joe Ann's is on my do not return to list.

Nichole D.

Yelp

I miss this place. I call everyday when I leave from work just to see if they've reopened. I don't live in the city but I work nearby. I'm Saddened by their closing. Great food! Great customer service! You have to have a love for the Carolina sauce...if you know you know. It's not for everyone but that's okay. Many people love it...thus their longevity in the business.

James W.

Yelp

This is so sad that this place is permanently closed. I grew up on her sauce now how do I get this amazing sauce!!! Smh

Adrian G.

Yelp

I've heard of this spot for a long time but never visited until very recently. I ordered a large end rib dinner with greens and fries with medium sauce. I love the vinegar based sauce and the ribs were nice and meaty. The greens were very flavorful too. I think this will be new neighborhood go-to spot.

Tamika M.

Yelp

I've never seen light skinned rib tips in my 45 years of living and eating at various rib spots in Michigan. The cook, apparently boiled fhe meat & did not attempt to grilled at all! The sauce that others raved about was pure vinegar hot sauce mix, unacceptable. I inquired about the shrimp with the person taking my order who said they were a nice size & considering the picture on the menu that was displayed I foolishly ordered them as well. Once I got home, it was basic Dollar tree shrimp that were pre cooked and they implemented that God awful BBQ sauce. BEWARE

Jessie G.

Yelp

I've only had the rib tips here and they are delicious! I love the sauces they have mild and hot. I'd advise you to get them plain and buy a side of sauce because I like a little spice and the medium had my head sweaty. Good service and they are open late. A mom and pop establishment been in the community for decades. I always call in but there is a small dining area. No table service available. Real nice people go check them out. I'm only giving 4 stars cause I've honestly never ordered nothing but shrimp,rib tips and cake and will spend $40 and that's just for me. Not to mention the cake isn't consistent. But good isn't always cheap and cheap isn't always good. Hope you enjoy!

Ernie M.

Yelp

Joe Ann's is the real deal. If you want some old skool, hood barbecue the Joe Ann's should be on your list to visit. In business for more than 50 years, this family owned establishment serves up all kinds of meats and southern inspired specialties. Service is efficient and friendly. It is mostly a take-out establishment, while there are a few tables available to dine in if you prefer. The BBQ has a vinegary taste, it is more saucy than Vickie's (another Detroit BBQ staple - who serves a bit pastier sauce). Having grown up in North Carolina, the vinegar flavor is just right as far as I am concerned. Joe Ann's sides are tasty as well, and most meals come served with two, along with two pieces of white bread. BTW - This location is not going to be for everyone, but if you really want to experience the fullness of Detroit flavor, you have to get off the beaten path!

James B.

Yelp

The ribs where tuff and not clean. Like they left the membrain on the slab then boiled it. The Mac cheese was over cooked and the collards were tuff definitely wasnt worth $53.

M S.

Yelp

My favorite place for ribs since the 70's. They don't mess around. The sauce is zesty with that characteristic bit of vinegar. I don't like sweet sauce and these are perfect. It's not really an eat in place but I don't care. I'm seriously thinking of having an event just so they can cater it! We used to have so many rib joints around town that I think we took them for granted. I am so glad Joe Ann's is still here and going strong.

Mzenvied T.

Yelp

Not the same rib tips I use to get back in the day! They we're boiled and on top of that !! It was only a splash of sauce on them! Total disappointment!! Also went up on the prices.. I need a new spot

Mai V.

Yelp

I would give zero stars if I could. We ordered dinner through Door Dash and it took over 2 hours. We spent over $60! The first driver waited so long that she left and a second driver had to go get our food to deliver it to us. You'd think that after waiting so long for our food, it would be spectacular.... Wrong. The Mac and cheese- pasta was mush and completely overcooked. We ordered beef ribs and they were mostly bones. HUGE disappointment! They were tough and dried out. The pork ribs were also tough and slathered with a vinegar based BBQ sauce. Nothing we ordered was edible. I love supporting mom and pop shops but this place is an absolute thumbs down for me. I can't believe the people who have this place a decent review. Absolutely disappointing!

Briana S.

Yelp

The fried shrimp and fries with the medium sauce on top of both is the only thing I ever get and it's phenomenal. They are slow so definitely call ahead and then add ten or so minutes to whatever time they give you but 10/10 would recommend. This is a place I go to every chance I can when I fly back home to Detroit.

Jamil A.

Yelp

I make the drive from Ann Arbor to my old neighborhood just for the shrimp. They're dusted with corn meal, flash fried then served with JoAnn's unique sauce.

Jerelynn C.

Yelp

I personally did not enjoy this Bbq the sauce had such an awful vinegar taste the greens were flavorless and cut too big. I got ribs and chicken combo plate and me and my family shared we all had a horrible taste in our mouths. I will NEVER recommend to anyone. Even my 1 yr old who eats like a horse spit it out. Do not eat here. Cornbread muffins were good though

Sandra W.

Yelp

This neighborhood favorite has been around for years and years. I stick to the rib tips and bbq fries because of the great sauce flavor. Prices $$

Holly W.

Yelp

Good rib tips been going here for years one of the only good decent bar b q places on the east

"Founded by Grace Owens, Joe Ann’s BBQ has been carrying on the tradition of open charcoal pit barbecue since 1951. These days, Owens’s daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping that family tradition alive: Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs’ feet — all cooked on-site over an open charcoal-fired pit. The fried shrimp paired with Joe Ann’s tangy, spicy barbecue sauce and the tropical shakes are also worth stopping in for." - Serena Maria Daniels

Where to Get Finger-Licking Barbecue in Metro Detroit

Where to Get Finger-Licking Barbecue in Metro Detroit

13 Great Places in Metro Detroit for Takeout or Delivery