Vicki's Bar-B-Q

I live right around the corner and always make it a point to support local businesses—and Vikki’s Legendary Detroit Pit Barbecue truly earns its name. The food is rich with flavor, cooked with love, and always served with that genuine Detroit hospitality that makes you feel right at home. The smoky aroma hits you before you even walk in, and every bite reminds you you’re eating something special. This is the kind of place that carries the spirit of the neighborhood—honest, soulful, and unforgettable. If you’re in Detroit and want real barbecue made from the heart, Vikki’s is the spot.

I've never written a food review before. But after yesterday's (6/1/25) disappointment with Vikki's BBQ (under new ownership) I have to speak out. I was so happy to see that my now used to be favorite BBQ was reopened. I paid $31.00 and when I got home and opened my bag I found some mostly burned up ribs and sauce that did not taste like the original Vikki's. The sauce had a grainy texture like a lot of paprika had been added and didn't dissolve. The ribs tasted like they were reheated, mostly had a burned crust on them and only part of the slab was edible. The server was very nice, but then not so nice because she had to see that those ribs were burnt. That only food star is for the baked beans which were delicious.

Lydia is doing a great job since she reopened. Excellent customer service, and the ribs are delicious and tender. Sauce is good. Very clean safe environment indoors and outside. I've been able to visit 3 times. Food was consistent with what I remembered 30 years ago.

Yo, I had the worst experience at Vicki's the other day. I was craving some rib tips and fries, so I went there since it's a local spot from my childhood. The place looks a bit run-down, but I didn't mind. i love mom n pop shops. I placed my order and waited, but then I noticed the cashier taking another order and money without washing her hands. She put on one glove to cut up my rib tips, but that didn't really make me feel any better. When I got my food and opened it up in the car, the smell hit me like a ton of bricks. I tried to eat a few pieces, but the taste was just awful. It tasted like the pig had been raised in a gas station on W. Warren. And the bread that came with it was hard and stale. I had to chew gum to get rid of the taste. Man, that place has really gone downhill since I was a kid. It's a shame because I used to love Vicki's. Hopefully, this was just a bad day.

This place is the bomb for ribs the sides were just OK but I enjoyed the ribs very much the sauce is boss. The lady was very helpful I explain to her I was visiting from Cleveland and she hook me up with a nice dinner with nice desserts they sell such as the lemon pie which I had all it was the bomb. The sauce is very good I was very shocked the taste of it the ribs were just fall off the bone goodness I will be back. Thanks Vickies!

I don't know what happened to Vicki's, but the new owners totally messed up the sauce recipe! My husband and I were so excited they reopened after being closed for a while, but the sauce was a huge disappointment. We tried again, hoping it was just a bad day, but it was even worse! The BBQ sauce was way too tomato-y, and they ripped us off with the ribs – my husband only got five tiny tips for $13 or $14, and they were spoiled! Made him and the dog sick. Vicki's was our favorite, but we're never going back. Ugh.

The order of old spoiled rib tips with no sauce was terrible 5 tips for 13$ and it was old meat it looked old and rewarmed In the microwave. also ordered 2 slabs with no sauce and got 2 slabs covered in this new tomato paste based BBQ sauce that is nothing like the original. I will not be returning as this is disappointing (made me sick) be warned meat is not always fresh.

Well, the ribs are good they just not done enough for a person with no teeth to eat, as they don't fall off the bone, could be cooked longer, and they have good sides just they too small for the cost, 3.00 you should get at least 6 0z, I believe they were 4 oz containers, nice folks

Old time favorite. Best charcoal grilled ribs in town. Chicken, ribs and shrimps. The sauce is finger licking good.

vickies really need to do a better job with serving the public , the cashircharged me for cole slaw and didn't put it in my order. the shrimps was stuck togethe, I bought a pound

Whoever is answering the phone is unprofessional and ignorant. I called to ask a question and this is exactly how staff answered the phone..."Vicki's we not taking any call ins we close at 8"...click (hung up in my face). I had to call back and over talk him just to ask if the establishment would be open tomorrow. This experience alone made me not want to even go and eat the food.

Very poor customer service Restaurant looks like it needs an update. Again the service is poor!

Always something wrong when I come to this play . Last time they gave me rib tips instead of rib dinner. Now today I get home and the ribs were burnt and i know that they knew what they were doing because they put my ribs on the tray upside down so I wouldn't see it.

On a very cold New Years Eve evening back home in Detroit the Lady had a taste for BBQ so we came to this old staple. It's been a Detroit neighborhood favorite for almost 30 years. Because of the holiday they were out of Slabs of Ribs...... Soooo we go 4 pounds of rib tips , BBQ fries and 2 pounds of shrimp. Even though it's been years since I've been here.... It tasted just the delicious same. Love this place!

Good luck for a long-standing standby for many years. There is a sign for yesterday's ribs, half cost, no sauce. I missed it paying full price before noticing the sign. When we got home. The ribs taste like yesterday's ribs with gritty sauce and the hint of signature vinegar. We were really disappointed.

It's not the Vicki's of old needs some work the customer service was awesome the lady name Gayle make me wanna visit again an the sale buy a slab get one for 10$ was ingenious

I used to frequently go to Vicki's for their barbecue and shrimp. Then it changed. The quality and taste became hit or miss, so I stopped patronizing it. Then, it was sold to new so I cautiosly tried it again. He turned things around and the great open pit smoked flavor consistently returned, and under his guidance, the frying oil is changed regularly and you can tell that neither the fries or shrimp were fried in stale oil. However, one issue remains - poor attitude of staff, depending on their inconsistent mood. They aren't happy to see customers and you'll feel it. The latest example occurred on Mother's Day 2023. I called in to make sure that they had 7-8 pounds of shrimp because one time during the uneven period, I wanted 5 slabs but they had run out of meat so I inquired ,around Noon to make sure they had enough stock prior to coming in. Well, when the female answered the phone, she abruptly put me on hold before I could say a word. Then when she finally came back, she cut me off by saying they weren't taking pre-orders despite what their website days but in any case I wasn't calling to pre-order, I only had a one sentence question that I never got out my mouth before she hung up. I wondered why I felt like I had to beg a place to take my money and put up with rudeness, so I kept driving and kept my money for 8lbs of shrimp @ $22 a pound in my pocket and went elsewhere. There have been 2 bright spots: 1)Vicki's had a great employee early in the new ownership - I think her name was Chloe. She didn't last long and probably was run off by the "Bitter Betties". 2) If owner is on premises, they temper their attitudes but are still never warm. Just be prepared that the food is now good but the staff (except for cook) will not make you feel welcome or appreciated.

Burnt and cold. $50 , gas and time wasted. Never again BBQ Ribs was terrible. Sauce was awful. I'm done trying with Vickie's

Old School Pit Smoked Ribs watched the Pitmaster load a case of Ribs in the Smoker. It's a mega pit on the left as you enter the joint. A three plus story high chimney bellows the smoke outside. A absolute wonderful smell as you exit your ride. Got a Slab O Ribs Famous in Detroit many decades, they got lots of Meat. Watched as they dunked in the sauce, cut and placed in container. Come with Bread slices for sucking up xtra sauce and order of thick cut Fries. That sauce a taste of Carolina Vinegar Base with wee bit o heat. Truly a fantastic deal fed 2 of us with leftovers. Been in business for 56 years and they are consistently ranked as one of the top places for BBQ in Detroit. They specialize in Charcoal Pit Smoked Ribs, Smoked Rib Tips and Chicken, and Secret Recipe Fried Shrimp. We going back soon for the Chicken and Shrimp. #vickisbarbq @vickis.barbq #ribs #smokepit #slaboribs #bbqjoint #bbqsauce #gotribs #swdetroit #downriverfriendseat

After years of going to Vicki's BBQ this is not it anymore. The meat didn't have any smoke in it. I bit into a piece this evening and the meat tasted old in certain places. I won't return because the taste isn't the same at all. It has to be under new management.

Man it pains me to write this review. Especially since it's an update to a former five star review. I have been coming here since the 1980's when I was a kid. It was always a treat to have dad stop and get us Vicki's. I now live an hours drive from the restaurant but I like the food so the drive is worth it. It's a two hour round trip usually well spent. Not today. I should have known something was off when I called on Saturday and just got an employee that answered the phone and blurted out "please come in to place your order we are open until ten". Then hung up on me. I figured that they were busy in there on Saturday night so I waited until Sunday afternoon to drive out. The place was hardly busy if you compare to what it would be like in its heyday. It wouldn't be rare for there two be a line out the door and they could get you in and out in under 20 minutes. I can remember being sandwiched in there between the pay phone and an old Pepsi machine waiting for my order. Today there were 4-5 people ahead of me but that's a slow day. There was a time that I'd have been out of there in five minutes with only 5 orders ahead of me. Today, after I ordered my three slabs with fries on the side with the bones cut and mild sauce, I spent at least 45 minutes checking out the new tile on the floor and wondering what happened to the old pop machine and pay phone. They had a now hiring sign in the window. I could tell just standing in there that the place isn't the same. The crew in there used to be like locomotion!!! I'm 45 years old and have eaten here hundreds of times in my life and never had a complaint or a bad order. Until today. We noticed right from the jump that the food just didn't have that same aroma that is usually has on the ride home. We usually have to try hard not to dig in because that smell is so inviting. No smell today. We arrived home and guess what??? No fries!! I placed my call just to let them know their mistake because I'm not going back an hour to get three orders of fries. The lady answers the phone "Vicki's we are closing, we are out of ribs, we only have chicken and shrimp. Come in to place your order" I had to butt in to say my piece. Hey I was just there and you forgot to put my fries in with my order. "Well come on up and we'll get them for you" I appreciate that but I'm not coming back for the fries. Can I get extra on my next order?? "Come on in and order next week.. then she hung up on me. And it's not just that. The ribs were not cooked right. The sauce was obviously different. Now I have read through other reviews before posting this and have seen several that are long time customers with similar complaints. Complaints that are followed up with "we follow the same recipe since we opened in 1960" or something similar in regard to how the food is prepared. Or "if you're not happy with your order return it and we will replace it for you" I didn't come on here to bash this business. There is nothing that I'd like more than for this place to be what it once was. But the magic is clearly gone. Putting out good orders the first time every time is what made this place such a gem. Failure to do that just leaves you cashing in on reputation which will fade fast. When your core long time customers are writing bad reviews there is clearly a problem. When they stop buying it is too late. There is mediocre BBQ all over the Detroit area. Why would families like mine travel hours to get carry out from you when there is a Famous Dave's 15 minutes away?? I never thought that I'd be comparing the legendary Vicki's BBQ with Famous Dave's. Yet here we are and honestly the ribs at famous Dave's are 10x better than the slop that I was served today.

Great Rib's...periodt. Oh and Great customer service too. This is REAL important. I drive quite a ways to get their real pit barbecue and It's been worth it every time!

Overrated. It was bland and the sauce was awful, definitely not worth the money or time.

I'm a regular, who use to come frequently but over the last several month's the sauce is always on point but not the ribs , sometimes their cooked nice and juicy and at other times their over cooked and dry not even the sauce can save them. When your paying close to $30 for a slab, they should be good a 100 percent of the time not 50 percent of the time or less. Remember Vick's your name is on these Ribs. I would like to see some consistency, that's all.

My husband and I have been going to Vicki's for over 30 years now. We no longer even live in Detroit, but we still patronize their business. Yesterday my husband drove down to get our monthly ribs and boy were we in for a big surprise.. The ribs were tastefully smoked, but the sauce was clumpy and sparingly applied.. He ordered a whole slab (with extra sauce) for a total of $33. We received one serving of fries, and one slice of bread along with a heel end-piece. This is not what either of us expected nor is it what we recall from our past experience with Vicki's. Obviously they must be under new management, but they will certainly lose customers with this type of downgraded service. I hope they step up to their former standards...we love their ribs.

So I decided to get ribs here on the 4th of July. It was of course insanely busy. I ordered a half of slab with fries. So to start they are not stingy. I had a true to size half slab with tons of sauce and fries. The ribs were great, tender and meaty. Best of all fresh and smoked. The only reason I didn't give it more stars was the sauce and service. The bbq sauce was a little tart and bland. The staff were just a little unprofessional and rude.

This is legit bbq, I loved that the ribs weren't sweet, but instead they had a ton of flavor and were tangy. Personally, I have a thing for homie local restaurants and this is one of those with a simple menu and hardwood smoke. Just buy your food and leave. Make sure you take a ton of napkins with you if you're gonna eat in the car

This place is the bomb for ribs the sides were just OK but I enjoyed the ribs very much the sauce is boss. The lady was very helpful I explain to her I was visiting from Cleveland and she hook me up with a nice dinner with nice desserts they sell such as the lemon pie which I had all it was the bomb. The sauce is very good I was very shocked the taste of it the ribs were just fall off the bone goodness I will be back. Thanks Vickies!

I tried Vickie's once before but it was crowded so didn't stay. Today I noticed the sign was on and decided to try it out. I ordered a sandwich, received it quickly and headed for home. Although the package was strangely flat, it was heavy and I was thinking boy this is going to be great. What I found in the package was five or six ribs and two pieces of bread. It wasn't great. It wasn't any kind of sandwich at all, with very little meat and not tasty. Big disappointment.

Real Pit-style bbq with meat over the fries then sauce on everything shrimp are delicious too

Very disappointed!! The bbq ribs had no seasoning and the sauce was okay, fries good. The service was good, professional and caring.

Came here for the first time and it was my last I was excited I thought the sauce would taste like Parks Old Style BBQ or Young's BBQ BUT NOT AT ALL The service was fine , I ordered rib tips and fries The rib tips were very tough and barely had any meat on them , and the sauce was the worst the ketchup bbq sauce did not sit right with me it was a Waste of travel time and money

To he first time I went to Vicki's, I ordered over the phone and picked up my order in a Sunday after noon. I was on my way back to Indiana and wanted a snack on the way back. I got in y th he car and said let me try one . I got on the freeway and pulled over , I called Vick's back to tell them oh my goodness, I will never come to Michigan without a stop by.

Detroit BBQ legendary spot. Rough hood so be safe, but worth it. Call order in to save time, gets busy. Everything is good here. Ribs are quality cut of meat, nice grilled charcoal taste. Sauce very good. In between sweet and tangy. Not Open Pit based which is a welcome since far too many urban spots have that taste base. Get the hot bbq sauce on side it is superb. Wonderful kick. I can seriously see using this sauce in a bloody mary. Fried shrimp superb. Good batter and quality shrimp. Packet tarter only miss. Catch 22 is they are better to eat right away because otherwise fried foods can lose their crispiness in bags due to steam (a helpful trick is to keep the bag open and let the steam out). Steak fries are divine. Love the old school transparent fry bag they come in. Careful - you might become a regular or need a monthly fix. Parks and Vicki's are hands down the top BBQ spots in the D, Slow's in third. Both wrap the rib on a styrofoam plate wrapped w seran wrap.

I finally got the opportunity to try this Detroit staple. The exterior has not changed in years and from the looks the inside probably hasn't either. But, a classic is a classic for a reason. Once inside, you have a great view of bbq pit in action. The service was polite and quick. Now for the food. I ordered a slab which came with a really good portion of steak fries and several slices of bread. I also got an order of baked beans. How could I not? They were 53 cents! On a tip, I ordered the sauce on the side. I must say, I'm glad I did. The fries were hot and tasty. The actual rib, without the sauce was meaty and delicious. The sauce was very disappointing; very Open-Pitty. The beans would have been good, but they unfortunately had the sauce in them. So would I go back? Yes. Ribs...no sauce. I think next time I'll try the shrimp. They looked tasty!

Not sure what all the fuss is about this place.. In an era when the tastiest bbqs have their own style, bbq, ie k.c./st,louis dry rub, texas smoked, etc, Vicky's well, has no style.. Look, the ribs are decently cooked and were fairly tender..The bark was a little too stiff for my liking..but the flavoring of the actual ribs was non-existent.. The best I could surmise is that someone (presumably vicky?) slow cooked these ribs..with little to no seasoning..Then, when all was said & done threw them onto a styrofoam tray & bathed them in bbq sauce..once upon a time, I'm sure this was acceptable..In this day & age with so much solid & tasty competition not so much anymore... Interesting hype for such an old school place, but considering the flavoring of the ribs, as well as this shop's ghetto location, certainly not worth a second visit, in my book. ********** Bumped down to a star because the owner's being a wise-ass- also claiming they have a smokehouse version of these ribs, smoked for 4.5 hours. That's B.S. & nowhere on their menu. Also, it doesn't make up for the fact that their regular slab of ribs sucked*********

This place sure has changed, this long time favorite has fallen off. Im guessing its run by the new generation and it shows, bad quality ribs now, no-one awnsers the phone or its closed for no reasons. Last time i went at aroud 6pm they had no ribs. smh. Its sad when the a legacy is built only to be torn down by the kids/family of original owners.

I had been looking for some really good BBQ and was referred to this place by an out of state relative. Living in Monroe, closer to Toledo I decided to take the drive up to the D for a taste. After being disappointed by a number of new experiences in the past, I was elated to be pleasantly suprised by this BBQ. Although this was my first visit It certainly won't be my last.

You haven't lived until you've had ribs here. Seriously spectacular. Best I've ever eaten. Roasted over an open pit, with the most amazing tangy BBQ sauce ever. Now, if you're a white suburbanite like me, you'll probably be terrified stepping out of the car in this neighborhood. Perhaps with reason. But everyone was very nice, and you'll calm down while you wait. It's well worth it. Get the full slab of BBQ ribs. It comes with a side of fries, just under $25. Take the fries, or baked beans, or leave them. But you'll be back for more ribs. I've talked with the owner and seen the back off hours. He's meticulous about everything being spotless. I stop by whenever I pass by in the evening. Of course, it's carry out only.

I got ribs last week they were so tender and delicious. The only place I buy ribs from, if I am not cooking.

My only time going here was horrible. They didn't answer the phone so I figured I had the wrong number and go anyway. I get there and it's packed so I thought it must be good. Unhappy rude employees practically begging for tips. Ancient ordering system so it took 30 minutes to get my order in. Tough, chewy ribs from a box cooked for less than 30 minutes. Shrimp overcooked in old oil. It takes 1 hour to get the food. Priced way too much.

I came here for the first time yesterday and had an interesting experience. The spot is kinda hard to find for a tourist but manageable. I ordered just the shrimp and it came out pretty fresh and hot. But there was a good amount of batter but for $10 it was a decent deal. The service was nice so was the vibe. Would definitely check out if you're new to the area. It was kinda busy.

Vickies you have won your crown back keep up the good work you are the only restaurant smoking right now the others cannot compare to what you all have been putting out ribs and chicken are on point only thing I can suggest is pay close attention to your shrimps and fries needs some tweaking not consistent but not a deal breaker for me

The best BBQ in town! If you grew up in Detroit you would know that this is a gem! The best ribs, they have been using the same recipe for years my mum is in her 70's and she been going there since she was a kid! Now be prepared no matter what day of the week for a long wait, and you can try to order on the phone but that's a long wait. Your best bet is going in placing an order. This place is better than slows and parks! On their best day trust me! It's not in the best neighborhood but no worries the line is so long wrapped out the door you'll be fine! Worth the stop guys trust me!

This is a very good barbecue I enjoyed the ribs and rib tips.

Vicki, Vicki, you were my second choice tonight. I wanted Slows, but my stomach was too light. The wait there was long, but with you I was in and out. And, you, Vicki, is who this review is about. It was light years ago, when I first heard about you. And, once again, I visited here, on a dare from my work crew. While the neighborhood is gritty, and your establishment isn't pretty, You sure are well-know around this city. Your meat was tender, your meat was good, And I challenge anyone to find better in their neighborhood. Though the sauce leaves something to be desired, Nonetheless, it was good, different, not tired. Though your menu is scant, with only a few choices, I will return, for I enjoy your ribs' tender moistness. I could smell your tender goodness the entire car ride home, And, indeed, you were good, right down to the bone. If anyone else is in the area of West Warren and McKinley, I recommend you stop by, quickly. After all, Vicki, you are the unlikely hero, But, back one day, to you I will go.

Ok, so it's two blocks from the site where Malice Green was brutally beaten, and you should never go alone, and I could tell you a million and one reasons not to step foot in the door, but the simple fact of the matter is, I have never, ever, (and forgive me for this run on sentence) had better ribs from any other establishment!! Vicki's sauce is to die for and their ribs and french fries always make my summer night. Be smart, go with a friend, during the day, but enjoy the best ribs from the most unlikely establishment- and don't forget to ask for extra sauce!!

My favorite traditional BBQ place in Detroit, and one of my favorite carry out places of all time. Normally I don't like my BBQ bathing in sauce, but I'll make an exception for Vicki's. They're offering smoked ribs now, but they're usually not ready until pretty late. The menu is pretty simple, only showing chicken, ribs, and fried shrimp. Walking in the first time was kind of confusing, and you have to make your way to the window and find out who ordered already or not. They will ask you if you want hot or mild, and whether you want sauce on your fries or not. If you order a half slab of ribs, you will need to select the small end or the large end. The large end is a little more meat, but the small end is more tender and tastier. Coleslaw is pretty standard, but the baked beans are ridiculously good.

This place has really changed. I don't know which is worse the poor service, inaccurate wait times, or the rude attitudes from the cashiers. Came in on a Friday night was told it was going to be a "20min wait". No problem I thought. It was a Friday night and there was several customers before me--so I understood the need for a wait. as I'm waiting no one is getting their food orders (except 1 guy who appeared to be friends with the staff) , nothing is said by the staff as they continue to take orders of new customers. 30 MINUTES later my order still wasn't ready. no problem I thought....40 MINUTES later I politely asked one of the cashiers the status of my order, to which I got the most rude response ever; "YOU DIDN'T HEAR ME TELL THE PEOPLE THEIR ORDERS ARE COMING UP!." to which I explained to her, "No I didn't. You appeared to be talking to one side of the room over bullet proof glass and never said anything to the other half of the room complaining about their orders." PURE GHETTO. I just walked out. Clearly, Vickie's don't care about their customers. I never had this problem with Slows BBQ. Next time I will go there.

make sure you use cash in there and not your credit or debit card.I went in there two days ago and used my debit card and the girl behind the counter took my card and kept it a little longer than normal in which i thought was strange.The next day I get a fraud alert from my bank saying someone was trying to make a purchase at a store.I know it was her who was the culprit cause i very seldom use my card anywhere.

Omg i never even new about this place until my mother told me today i had planned to go to Parks old style bbq all the way on the eastside buy now i am so happy i found out about this place.I mean I would go to the ends of the earth for some great bbq and this place has it,slow cook in a wood and charcoal pit nothing but that great bbq flavor and the ribs are steaming hot and fresh what else can i say im a custo fo life now.

I am a frequent visitor, pack patience, and enjoy the vast array of characters that visit this place. If your not faint of heart you will find it entertaining, if you are...go before dark! Best BBQ, in my opinion, around.

Hands down the best BBQ joint around. On every visit they are consistent. Ribs are tender, shrimp and fries are fried to perfection and the MILD sauce remains mild. The waitstaff (Miss Rhonda and Miss Lydia) are the best. This place is real Barbecue.

The BBQ at this place is as good as you can get. Tender, delicious mouth watering goodness. Your mouth will thank you. And if you have any room for more try the ice cream. Your belly will beg you to return for another round of yummy!

As a child, we had the frequent debate on whether we would get BBQ from Parks or Vicki's. I always preferred the tangy and almost velvet like sauce from Vicki's. While my parents preferred the sauce from Parks BBQ. A real treat would be when my father would match the slab with their tasty shrimp. I visited the location a week ago and the bbq was just how i remembered it. Tender, tangy and just overall good! The shrimp on this visit was disappointing. It was bland and the batter fell off too easily, i believe they may have been overcooked. However, my thoughts on this place still remain the same. I LOVE Vicki's!

Go by yourself - pah lol, don't.. but if you do, it's worth every bit of the experience. Don't miss out. Detroit does its bars and restaurants so darn good... the best are among Vicki's. The BBQ is top of its class and nothing about this place doesn't lets you down when think of slabs and good gritty fun.

Not in the greatest neighborhood but what good BBQ spot is. When you walk in its standing room only. Yell your order from what appeared to be a 4 item menu: Ribs, Shrimp, Fries and pop (Soda). I will definately return. Sauce and ribs were nice...

The food is as great as it's always been. Unfortunately, the service is the worst. They walk up to the window and just look you in the face instead of saying hello. They eat all while they prepare you food slow as hell. They try to strong intimidate tips out of people instead of doing a great job of serving and earning the tips. They always try to hold on to the large end of the ribs and tell you they are out or can't sell them to you until they sale more small ends. Pretty sad.