Good Q, in an eclectic neighborhood. Being a musician, and a BBQ fan, I thought this is going to be great! (it was!) Tuesday 8/28/15 8:00pm The Downtown Ferndale area (West 9 Mile & Woodward) is a very hip Detroit suburb. I was afraid that I might not be able to eat here, but my recent growing in of my full, hipster want to be, beard, vintage looking music themed t-shirt and almost skinny jeans enabled me to sneak in relativity un-noticed. The place is adjacent to a Tattoo parlor, and a record store, and there is a guitar shop just down the street. What a cool little neighborhood. For my Cleveland, Ohio friends, it's like a combination of Coventry and Lakewood. Ferndale is described as an area that embraces the diversity of culture, class and creativity. So the place is cute, for lack of a better term. It comfortable, clean and well utilizes it's space. Most of the employees were a combination of hipsters and rockabilly types. Being a single diner this evening (away on business,) I was taken to the worst table in the place. This happens all the time when I am dining alone. and I don't know why, but it pisses me off!.... I asked that I be seated by on of the 2 open tables by the front window, and was seated there without an issue. This dining section is actually a store-front stage for their live entertainment. I like being on the stage, and ironically, was occupying the same space as the drummer would be, if a band were playing there........Indeed My server Jackie was quick to welcome me and he was patient and very helpful with the menu. Service was great, beverage refills were timely, and he was attentive, checking back often. OK, now the food, because that is what I came for, not the neighborhood, hipsters, and such. Zeke's Rock & Roll BBQ offers upscale BBQ. The menu is loaded with selections, and the pricing is reasonable. I had the 3 meat combo. It's a lot of food for only $19,00! The combo is served with a generous portion of fresh cornbread, and 2 side dishes. I couldn't resist the combo, because I wanted to try the burnt ends, ribs, and brisket. The burnt ends were good. They were different, because they were corned beef burnt ends. They were tender and juicy, and very tasty. I was expecting brisket burnt ends, but was pleasantly surprised. Next up were the ribs. They serve St. Louis style dry rubbed ribs, which I typically love! To me dry rubbed ribs are an art form, because they are not doctored with sauce. These were very good as well. Nice bark, great smoke, fall off the bone tender, good chew, and slightly juicy. The dry rub had a little sweet and a little spice to it. Lastly was the brisket. It was a nice size portion, especially for a 3 meat combo. The meat was tasty, and had the same dry rub bark as the ribs. The brisket was not the most tender or juiciest that I have had, but it had good smokiness and great flavor. I did eat around 8pm tonight, so maybe that explains why it wasn't as juicy as I like. Regardless, I will try it again, because it was very respectable brisket. The side dishes were very good, and unique. I had BBQ Pasta( pasta, pulled pork, onions, peppers and bacon in a tangy sauce) and pan fried Brussels sprouts, which were awesome! I would consider them a deconstructed Brussels spout dish. Extremely tasty! Other sides include roasted jalapeno mac & Cheese, Sriracha slaw, and more. The table has a variety of sauces as part of it's normal setting. In addition to ketchup, there are 5 house made sauces for you to enjoy. Cherry Bomb, a super sweet cherry based sauce with bits of cherries in it, ZBQ, Zeke's signature sauce, which was savory, tomato based, maybe a little vinegar in it, and a touch of spice. Mustard BBQ, Pineapple Habanero, which had great flavor before the bearable heat hit you, and Carolina Vinegar, which was presented as their hot sauce. It was different, but good. I personally loved the Cherry Bomb, and will ask to have my ribs finished with that sauce next time. I will be back, and I will remember to wear skinny jeans, rolled up, with a pair of drumsticks in my back pocket, no socks, wear a funky hat, and get a few more visible tattoos. Then I bet I won't get a crappy table! Just kidding..... Food Giants rating system; 5* = Freakin' Great. 4* = Really Darn Good. 3* = sure, why not, 2*= it's better than starving, 1* = A hungry homeless person, after one bite, wouldn't eat this, even if you gave it to them for free. (Although you should still offer it to them) No Stars = Ptomaine Tillie's foodborne pathogen Diner. (Yes the P is silent in Ptomaine) Food Quality: ****1/2 4.5 stars Portion Size: ***** Service: ***** Menu: **** Uniqueness: *** Atmosphere: *** Cleanliness: ****** Value: ****** Its great to be able to patronize an independent small business, that offers great food at a good value. Please support these types of businesses.
(4)
Sohini G.
Came here for lunch. Overall good price for quality of food with a bunch of options. Things I recommend: salmon bbq was hands down the best meat on the table. Pulled pork was also pretty decent. Don't try: The rotisserie chicken. It was sold to us as moist but was actually very dry. Wouldn't get again. For sides...fries were good. Jalapeño Mac and cheese was essentially just plain Mac and cheese...but decent. Everything else was just okay. Drinks...Bloody Mary was kind of weak but only 5 bucks. They do have happy hour 2-5 on weekdays! Overall not the best bbq I've ever had...but good for the price and a nice ambiance!
(3)
Minh S.
What is it about BBQ that makes my heart beat faster? Is it the anticipation of the soft meat pulling away from the bone? Is it the mystery of never knowing what sauces I will end up splattering all over my ribs? Is it WRITTEN IN THE STARS THAT WE ARE DESTINED TO FRATERNIZE??? I'D LIKE TO THINK SO! Sorry...I got a little out of hand. Before I get too excited, let's get down to business. PROS: +They serve Bloody Marys +Their sriacha slaw taste like Kimchi. Being Asian, this is a good thing for me. +Their BBQ Putine fries are bomb. Do yourself a favor and get it (You owe yourself 3 miles on the treadmill if you do!) +Brisket is bomb! +Cherry Sauce is BOMB! It's not on the table though, you have to ask for it! +Cinnamon Butter on Cornbread is to die for! +Staff is nice. +Full Bar CONS: -Bloody Marys not that good. -Tables are wobbly. -4 seater tables are too small for 4 people, especially with food on it. -Meat on ribs does not fall off the bone. This is a deal breaker for me. I do not like to work too much for my food, I'm not a caveman. -4 horsemen sub not all that. Honestly everything I've had here I've had better somewhere else. Famous daves does brisket better, and Iron Horse does bloody marys and Ribs MUCH MUCH better. But if you're in the area and dying for some meat in your mouth, feel free to give this place a try. You probably won't forget it.
(3)
Gary R.
This is a great option for some alternative dining in downtown Ferndale. We had been by here many times and finally thought we'd give it a try. Glad we did! It won't be our last time either. Personally, after reading the Yelp reviews and looking at their menu, I was craving some smoked sausage and the Zekewurst spoke to me. I had to have it. Let me just say this - it is freakin awesome! Awesome. I got it coney style, topped with Zeke's chili. Get this, the chili had big chunks of tender brisket in it! Man, was that a good sandwich! Messy for sure but I didn't care one bit. I'd go back just for that. But there are so many other things on the menu, including vegetarian options. In a BBQ place? Yesss! Love that. My wife ordered the egg rolls and chose the jalapeño one and the veggie one. I tried to talk her into getting all 4 which is only $10 and includes a Reuben one and a bbq rib one. She declined. Good thing cause that's a lot of food as it turns out. I was hoping for a better beer selection so that's why I can't give it 5 stars. Where are the local craft beers? And please, miller lite and bud light on tap? That's absurd. Light beers don't belong in a BBQ joint. Not sure where the Rock N Roll part of their name comes from other than the hipster clientele, waitstaff and several album covers on the wall. But don't let that fool you. It's a very good place and worth checking out!
(4)
Christine S.
I came here for lunch on a Sunday and wasn't really feeling a huge BBQ meal so I got the Greek Smoked Chicken Salad instead. The portion was HUGE! Greens, tomato, cucumbers, red onions, topped with feta cheese, and smoked pulled chicken and Greek dressing. It was simple but pretty tasty, the price was a little bit much for a salad but the portion I guess made up for it. The bad part about that is, I didn't finish but I couldn't take it home either..the dreaded soggy lettuce factor, meh! They also had brunch going on and I was torn on what to get. My cousins ended up getting the Pulled Pork Poutine..man it looked so delicious! And again, the portions were huge. The staff was super friendly and I would definitely come back to try the dinner menu.
(4)
Jon G.
There are a few things I will never turn down in life. Some are inappropriate to write about on a public Yelp review. But in terms of food, I will never turn down pizza, nachos or BBQ. So when I had the chance to visit Zeke's this past winter I was excited. I was a big fan of the menu, particularly the pulled pork pasta which is not something I had ever seen before. It wasn't the best pasta, or pulled pork, but it was legit. I complimented the pasta with some spare ribs, which were cooked to perfection. Of course, my only baseline for perfection is what I've eaten before which is probably pretty mediocre - so if you are a rib snob, sorry for the let down. The ribs were good and the atmosphere was okay. It was a mix of a sports bar and a restaurant but lacked the aesthetics that say, that one famous BBQ joint in Detroit has. However, Zeke's is head and shoulders above Rub Pub BBQ which for the money, is the worst BBQ place in Metro-Detroit. You could do worse than Zeke's, but you should try Zeke's instead.
(3)
Valerie G.
In a town where there are a lot of opinions about barbecue joints- this is one that I'll stand behind. We stopped by for an early dinner about 2 months after they opened and have been back a few time since. I like to let a place work their kinks out before I check it out. :) My husband, son and I ordered the 6 Pack so we wouldn't have to make too many decisions and could try it all! I loved the brisket - I know some folks love their meat with tons of fat on it. I do not. This had some but not enough to make me cringe. Taste was spot on too1 My husband loved the spicy Zekewurst. I don't know that I feel in love with any of their sauces, but there were certainly a couple that did the job. They also have a ghostpepper sauce you can request if you're feeling like punishing yourself. Importantly, their waitstaff is on point and that is always key. I plan to come back again and again.
(4)
Christina G.
What a nice surprise!!! Another good BBQ place. Get the poutine with pulled pork!!!! Yummmmm. Pepper gravy, cheese curds, fries have great seasoning. Loved them. We ordered tray sampler. It was about $30 for a huge spread. I think we will be back. Not too soon. I don't want to get tired of it.
(4)
Evie B.
Service was absolutely top notch/ the best!!! We were a party of 13/14 and our 1 waitress ran that table like boss! She was fast and organized. It was a weekday after lunch crowd, so that may have made a difference. So the service gets a 5 3-4 points for food depending on dish - Now having been here multiple times and I wish I would have posted reviews before but I've gotten behind- the food wasn't as great as previous visits. Anything that wasn't a BBQ entree was good- very good, but the BBQ MEATS were off- everything was a bit dry - brisket, ribs, pork...like really dry- the Mac was good but not as good as previous times- it was a bit mushy and clumped - the fries were awesome- the roasted veggies were good, but the schricha coleslaw was tooooooo talk and to much schricha. The BBQ pasta side- was wormy like looking noodles with a ton of BBQ sauce and a hint of pulled pork - yuck! Cornbread too dry. Again, this isn't what I recall, so it may have been an off day... Different chef? I will come back again as we have enjoyed this place previously.
(4)
Mike D.
It was our annual end of summer dinner tonight which always takes is someplace new. Tonight was perhaps the best choose we have made in our 7 year history of doing this. I had heard a lot of buzz on Zeke's but I was not buying into it. For some reason I didn't believe that Ferndale could have a quality BBQ joint. I will be honest, when I walked in I was afraid that we made a bad decision. It is not like most of the BBQ joints in our area. It was on the small side and nothing screamed BBQ to me. The walls are decorated with punk rock album covers, again I didn't see the connection to BBQ. The good news is that I was wrong and they served up perhaps the best BBQ that I have had in Michigan. We opened up with the egg rolls. It was something unique and I'm always looking for those unique items to try on first visits. You had a couple of different options for the filling. We opted for the BBQ rib and the Ruben. The BBQ rib was good. Not 100% sure what else was in it other then rib meat but it was really good. The person responsible for the Ruben should be inducted in to the food hall of fame. That was one of the best things I have ever tasted. The corn beef and and Swiss cheese just worked so well in an egg roll. You have to try it when u go. All of their meats were just absolutely fantastic. And trust me because I'm pretty sure that I tried them all. Pulled pork had one of the best seasoning rubs I have had. Ribs were cooked perfectly and seasoned to perfection. The brisket was out of this world and not to fatty. The chicken wings were the size of my head, which is pretty damn big, and totally delicious. The zekewurst was the best smokes sausage I have ever had, oh and it had a kick to it. The burnt ends were by far the best I have ever had. Pretty sure it was the first time I had them and they were not covered in sauce when they got to my table and that really made my day. I can't say one bad thing about any of the meats that they serve. They were all cooked perfectly, seasoned very well and had the perfect amount of smoke to them. The sides were solid and unique. The Mac and cheese was good, not the best I have had but also not the worst I have had. Could have used a little more jalapeño flavor. The spicy Sriracha slaw was a total home run and should be tried by everyone. The BBQ pasta, which I assumed I would hate, was my favorite side. It had some kick to it and was very unique and super delicious. The sides are so important for a BBQ joint and these guys did an awesome job of creating unique flavors that make the meal even more enjoyable. The building was on the small side but was well laid out. We had an early dinner on a Monday so noise was not a problem. The service was very good and friendly. The owner came over to talk to us often and was very nice. I love BBQ and I'm pretty picky about my BBQ. My first love was slows and that was quickly overtaken by the Woodshop. The Woodshop held the top place for many years but now that honor looks to be going to Zeke's!!! It really was some of the best BBQ I have had and it had its own twist on things that sets it apart from the others. All BBQ lovers should check it out soon.
(5)
Albert K.
I decided to try this place last week and overall, I was pleased with the experience. I ordered the smoked Cuban Sammy and my buddy tried the brisket and pulled pork combo. My sandwich was fine and they let me get the mac and cheese instead of fries for $1 more. I also got an order of cornbread for 75 cents. The mac and cheese was also solid, but nothing special. The cornbread was a bit of a let down. The portion I got was made up of two pieces that were equal t the size of order my friend received, but they were overcooked corner pieces and dry as hell. As for the atmosphere, I give it it 4 stars. You always get fantastic people watching in The Fab Ferndale. Case in point, I saw a guy with straight red hair with black polka. He looked like he had a giant lady bug resting on his head. The people aside, I have to admit the restaurant gives off a bit of a plastic vibe, as in it feels a bit contrived. My nitpicking aside, it fills a void in the food scene in Ferndale, and I will be sure to go back to see if it finds groove (a la Public House).
(3)
William S.
What a nice surprise. I tried this place with my family last week. It was really tasty and good. We had a nice waitress as well. Although it was earlier in the day, the lunch menu was great. I had the Zekewurst. It was SPICEY and really tasty. I loved it. The fries were pretty decent too. My son had the cheese curds and said they were the best he ever had. My wife had the Breakfast nachos! It was HUGE!!! She raved about how great it was. I tasted it and I concur. This is a really cool place for some good food. Definitely worth it. Good homemade food done right !!!!!
(4)
Marygrace A.
Delicious! They've only been open for a couple of months, but they know their BBQ. Two of us split a "6-pack" platter for $30 - comes with 6 types of meat and 3 sides. Healthy portions, and fast service at the bar, even when they were packed. Would definitely return.
(4)
Dave H.
Had a lot of hopes for this place but it was mediocre at best. The place is quite dark, with black or dark, dark brown wood and paint on the interior so we sat on the back patio, which has a "spectacular view" of the parking lot. Service was okay, not very attentive in terms of timing or processing drink orders and the hostess seemed depressed as hell! Did dig the "anything kinda goes" attitude of the workers. Kinda reminded me of a rock club or machine shop, which explains the dress and ambiance. Ordered the homemade salsa and chips, which were excellent. Really liked the salsa. Also got the Four Horsemen, which was smoked brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork and bacon with jack cheese and sriracha aoli on a hoagie bun. Messy- decent bbq sub sandwich that came with fries. Also tried a piece or two of my buddy's brisket he ordered. TOO much dry rub and kinda dry, he didn't finish it. Decent beer selection. I like all the new spots opening in Ferndale, especially since B Dubs moved but this one still has some kinks to sort out I think.
(2)
Daniel G.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a full meal, or a late night hangout, nothing in the area matches Zeke's. Authentic and unique approaches to BBQ, great vibe and good music. Everything on the menu is worth trying again and again.
(5)
Vernon B.
JUST AWESOME BBQ! Great sides, a great drink selection and a great atmosphere as well. Can't decide what to eat? My advise is to go for the "6 Pack". 6 different meats pilled on tray, 3 sides and corn bread...PERFECTION!
(5)
Marcie K.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The Union woodshop in Clarkston ought to be flattered at Zeke's effort, but shouldn't lose any sleep over potential competition. We happened in to Zeke's for lunch on a beautifully sunny Saturday. The place was mostly empty, but it was early. The decor is attractive, but there are too many TVs and the overhead music competes with the music blaring out of the kitchen (which are entirely different genres). As in previous reviews, they were out of the entree item that I wanted, and so I settled for a brisket sandwich. My wife also had the brisket - only the large entree portion. We both found the brisket very dry, and none of the unremarkable sauces on the table helped matters much. The side dishes were completely forgetable. Bland macaroni and cheese, and brussel sprouts that needed to be carmelized much better. The siracha slaw was good. We ordered an appetizer of fried green beans, which I would assume should be served with the ability to pick them up and dip them individually. These came out in a giant glopped together mass. There was no separating them. If you tried to take them apart, the batter just came off and you were left with a green bean that was completely bare and bland. At the end of our meal, the owner or manager, I'm not sure which, came over and asked us about our meal. I told him it was okay. He said, "Just okay?" I said, "Well, to be honest, the brisket was very dry and the green beans came out in a glopped together mass." he acknowledged our concerns and said, "okay thank you" and just left the table. I guess if it were me, I would've apologized or offered a check discount, or something. At any rate, it was expensive for an absolutely unremarkable experience. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever eaten, but I certainly won't be back. If you want great barbecue, head to Clarkston.
(2)
Kevin O.
Some places have their off days...we went during the pig and whiskey so I think their attention was elsewhere that day (we went inside to avoid the heat). They definitely need to improve the mac and cheese and the cole slaw, but they are a local establishment and deserve our support. I'm a bit of a BBQ snob so my expectations are high, but I would be willing to give them another chance. Their corn bread is definitely on point.
(3)
Michael M.
Hilariously busy, and totally hip. Have visited 2 times, and thoughly enjoyed both visits. The first trip, I went with Burnt Ends, which were delivered with an excellent Smashed Potato with Roasted veggies and Jalepeno Mac n Cheese (delicious, but not very creamy). The second time, I had Pulled Pork (a bit cold, but good) and Zekewurst (also served a bit cold) with Brussel Sprouts and BBQ Pasta. The BBQ pasta is extraordinary, and worth of a main dish itself. The Brussel Sprouts are even better. Smoked Chicken Wings are so good, it should put that "wing" place down the street out of business. Un-freaking-believable wings. My nephew knocked down BBQ Poutine Fries, and those were incredible. It's a new place. It needs a little time, but these guys hit the ground running like Road Runner and if it keeps up, they'll need a little more room to stretch their proverbial chops before long...
(4)
Jason C.
Met up with a friend to have lunch in downtown Ferndale... and wanted some bbq... parking was simple for me on this day... I parked on the street and just happened to park in front of the restaurant... parking is also cheap - 25 cent is 30 minutes and you get 2 hour limit. There's also parking in the back of the restaurant. The friend was already there, so we got seated, waitress came and asked what we wanted to drink, we settled for water... after carefully reviewing the menu, we opted to go with the 6 pack - which includes brisket, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, burnt ends and ribs with 4 cornbread and three sides (we got mac-n-cheese, coleslaw, and mixed vegetables). I'm gonna dive right into the review of the food.... - Mac-n-Cheese: Velveeta boxed mac-n-cheese was a lot better then what they were serving. The dish had no taste, bland and all you tasted was the shells and the cheese... it needed a lot of seasoning... I would not order this dish again. - Cole Slaw: If you like the Carolina style, then you'll like this, more on the vinegary side, although the dish did lack some flavor. - Steam veggies: well, they are steam veggies... enough said. - Brisket: Dried, dried, dried... Yes, did I say they were dried? I needed lot of the bbq sauce to enjoy the brisket... but no matter how much sauce you put on them, it shouldn't have been that dry. - Chicken: we got 1/2 a chicken... The chicken it self was dried as well... neither of was really had any chicken, so I ended up taking it home.... - Burnt End: dried, dried, dried... yes they were dried and tough to eat... I gave up on them. - Pulled Pork: this was the only thing that was good.. moist, seasoned well and yes, it was moist and enjoyable. - Sausage: I also like the sausage.. it was bit on the dry side, but did enjoy it. - Ribs: as you might have guess, "dry" was the theme unfortunately... the ribs were too dried, again, sauce to the rescue. - corn bread: basic as they can be. As much as I wanted to give 3 starts on my first visit, I had to settle for 2 stars for now... The service was good though and I did enjoy the visit. I look forward to revisiting, I just hope the next time I'm there, the meats will be more on the juicy side and less dried.
(2)
Tamara K.
Restaurant week drew us in as well as the convenient late night dining options. Had a Reuben egg roll and bacon jalapeño popper dip. Delicious!! Great beer selection!
(3)
Stacy C.
Everything we tried was soooo good. We had brunch so of course we had to have a few drinks. We all tried something different and taste tested :)
(5)
Anthony B.
Found this place on accident when shopping at the Rust Belt Market. Great Food, Amazing Atmosphere, and I couldn't ask for a friendlier wait staff. Always eating here when in Ferndale!!
(5)
Rachel O.
We liked it. It's very good for lunch with a child. Low key and great service. The first time at any bbq place means trying as much as possible. They have a meat platter that let us do just that. The ribs were my favorite. Lean with a delicious rub. A very close second was the pulled pork. Lots of bark and another, sweeter dry spice mix. The chicken was tender, cooked perfectly. Very juicy. There was some sort of cubed beef with a layer of fat on it, I forget what it was but it was yummy. Especially with the char on the fatty side. Speaking of beef. The brisket also had a nice spice mix on it. It wasn't smoked long enough to get it super tender but it was still very good. The sausage has a taste that is altogether different from anything I've ever tasted before. Some sort of German taste. Give it a try! For sides, the jalapeño mac was pretty spectacular. The roasted veggies are also solid. Two thumbs up for a bbq place that offers real veggies on the menu! The siraccha slaw is also good. It's vinegar based. The corn bread was really good warm. But once it cool down it was a little hard to eat. The crust was a little over cooked. Still very yummy with real corn in the center. Sauces - My favorite was the pineapple habanero. The house sauce is good also. They also have mustard, ketchup, & a Carolina vinegar sauce. I am looking forward to going back and trying to sandwiches and salads. The people beside us got a couple sandwiches and they looked very good. As for the beer menu, it is pretty standard. Don't expect a lot of craft brews here. They do their best and there's a bigger selection in bottle but not on draft.
(4)
Joe B.
I'm going to try and be really objective here and while it was a two star first impression the potential here is noteworthy. I think they need some time to get their kitchen and staff prepped for the rush on this place, but again, worth trying and trying again. We came in on a Sunday evening and it was packed, but with only a 20 minute wait for a two top. They cycle through tables quickly it seems. We ordered cocktails while we waited and with the bar running as it did, it took up a majority of that 20 minute window. The drink prices seem to be reasonable for well drinks and service was friendly even though it wasn't quick. All of their "custom" cocktails were on the sweeter side FYI....Ginger Jack with simple syrup and other drinks combining liqueurs of different sorts. Something a little stiffer would've been a nice option but they have a nicely stocked bar from what I could see Onto dinner. We were sat and a server came straight away letting us a know what they were out of. The list was short but distinguished so come early if you want your pick of all the choices. We started with the cheese curds with ranch. These were simple but simply tasty. Like I mentioned some of the other more interesting options were 86ed earlier. For the main, me and my special lady shared the Six Pack. 3 sides and 6 meats with four pieces of cornbread for $30 - a fair deal for sure. The meat comes stacked on those familiar tin cookie sheets you've seen elsewhere and there's the accompanying sauces at the table. I saw a Carolina, a Pineapple Habanero, Zeke's Q and another I can't recall. The Zeke's was empty so no-go there, the Carolina was way too thin and kind of splashed off the plate while the Pineapple Habanero was solid....sweet and hot and on the thicker side of the three they had available...I'm a fan! The meat was A-OK. The brisket had a nice smoke ring and it was pretty lean but maybe a little tough. The burnt ends were fatty and also a little tough. The chicken was cooked nicely and had some great juiciness and I liked the Zekewurst but it's heavy heavy on the garlic and spicy in it's own rite so be warned. Lastly, the spare ribs also had a nice smoke ring on them. The sides on the other hand left me wanting. Their Sriracha Slaw was spicy but could've used some sweetness....maybe a little honey or something to offset the one note flavor of the rooster sauce. The smoked beans seemed to be closer to a warm potato salad...it might have actually been warm potato salad but I didn't love it either way. Where I wanted them to shine with the Jalapeno Mac n' Cheese left me sad. The seashell pasta was fine but the cheese sauce was a little gritty and kind of flavorless with a touch of heat on the back end but not enough to call it Jalapeno Mac. The cornbread was nicely caramelized but also a little dry...throw some sauce on it though and problem solved. I'll definitely come back to try all of their menu but for now I'll let them get their balance. Service was very friendly and pretty on-point, at least at our table. You can tell that the staff really wants to please but might be a little overwhelmed during this opening month. I'm glad Zeke's is here and I hope they build the momentum and work out the kinks but it's worth a try and a second try for sure. 7/15 Update Fast forward a few months and I'm a little disheartened with Zeke's progress. We ate here over the slow weekend and the food was a tremendous let down. My girl had their Cuban which was OK enough but just didn't put up high marks on flavor. It was a little one note and bland. I'm wondering why they aren't using their BBQ Mustard in lieu of plain yellow. I had the three meat platter with Zekewurst, brisket and the ribs with sides of potato salad and coleslaw. The sausage was good but the brisket and the ribs were a little dry....actually the ribs were beyond dry and looked as though they had been sliced and then put under a heat lamp. The meat was tough and the skin on the outside was like rawhide from drying out. Additionally, it seems that they use the same rub on all their meats leaving everything tasting the same. The coleslaw was flavorless and terrible and the potato salad was flat without anything to make it unique. I had their Sunshine cocktail which was refreshing and service was great but I won't be back. This place is more expensive than Bad Brad's and the food nowhere near as good.
(3)
Rachel W.
The best BBQ in the suburbs by far. I've been here twice, and every time has been an incredible experience. The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive; our server stopped by in a timely fashion and answered all of our questions. The atmosphere is very "Detroit", with lots of records on the walls, etc., and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll on the sound system. I also dig that they had Zeke Pride shirts :) I wish we hadn't been seated near a cold air vent, but next time we'll grab a seat by the window instead. But what about the food? It's awesome. The meats are uniformly flavorful and juicy. The sauces are pretty good, but the smoking and dry rub is so good that you barely need them. The brisket melts in your mouth, the pulled pork is tender and spicy, and the chicken wings have a great skin and a lot of meat. I loved the pan-fried brussels sprouts and the jalapeno mac n cheese, although the beans were a little samey after so much meat. The cornbread is on the sweet side--that's how I like my cornbread, although purists may not appreciate it. I'd like to see a more comprehensive beer list, which I hope will come with time--but I didn't have any trouble finding a beer I liked that went well with the food. I'd also like to see collard greens on the menu, as well as a wider selection of desserts. Altogether, I'm glad this place has supplanted A.J.'s.
(5)
Regina S.
Welcome downhome BBQ to Fashionable Ferndale! I like Zeke's! We went in on the 1 week anniversary of their opening, and even with the weather outside acting all dookie, there was still a nice crowd at 8 pm. We were seated and our waitress, Eve, came over to take our orders. The menu is pretty vast, covering all meats that can be smoked. The entrees come with 2 sides and cornbread and range from $14 to around $23 or so. You can do combo platters too. I ordered the 2 meat combo pulled pork and corned beef. I got jalepeno mac and cheese (which is NOT hot at all) and the brussell sprouts.. my friend got the chicken and 4 bone ribs...she got the mac and cheese too and the roasted veggies.. They were out of beef brisket. (damn.) The ambience is decent, if a little loud. Think BBQ meets sports bar, maybe? There are 4 different house sauces; Carolina vinegar (loved), ZBQ house (sweet, liked it a lot) and there were 2 others I didn't try, one was pineapple habanero, and the other escapes me. The food came out really fast, which is always a good/bad thing for me. Yes, obvi the meat is done, but what about those sides? Well, per usual, the mac and cheese was OK..nothing really special. The brussell sprouts were the weirdest thing ever, they were, crumbled?? Like broccoli almost, and sweet, and with cashews!!! I don't really know how to explain it, but I couldn't stop eating it.. The pulled pork was great, but I wanted more. The corned beef was pretty ok, a tad tough on the one piece I got but you could tell it was and end piece. I don't know that I would get it again though, I am an old-fashioned boiled corned beef girl, I guess. The cornbread was AMAZING!! Literally melted in my mouth, I could've eaten half a pan of that by itself! My friend loved her ribs and sides, she didn't care much for the chicken being that it was all white meat and was kinda dry. Eve told us you can request dark meat though and she said she would do that next time. We had cake pops for dessert. I liked the key lime a lot, my friend thought they were all kind of dry. When we got the bill Eve explained they were supposed to come with a scoop of ice cream and she discounted them. Trial and error.. New business. I get that. Overall I thought it was pretty great, and a nice place. I'll definitely be back! /BBQ!
(4)
Jessica A.
Woah! So good. I was shocked honestly, by how much I loved this place. Our waitress was great. Very friendly. Very good at her job. The vibe of the whole place is great. I ordered a southwestern salad without cheese and dressing on the side. It came out just as I ordered it, always a pleasant surprise, and exceeded my expectations. Boyfriend loved his food as well. We'll be back!
(4)
Jim J.
Excellent BBQ we ordered 2 6 packs between 4 of us an I'm not talking beer it was a platter of BBQ heaven everyone loved it. I will definitely come back an bring everyone there. The atmosphere was great, good music, great crowd, staff was on point keep up the good work .
(5)
Laura N.
Great BBQ, drink and service. Their late night menu is amazing also. Make sure to get a side of jalapeño mac and cheese with some of your bbq. Don't listen to the schmucks who keep comparing this to other BBQ spots like Slow's. It's a different style of BBQ and just isn't comparable to what they do. What they do, they do great so remember that when you're trying them out.
(5)
Di Z.
Yay a new bbq joint in ferndale is always welcome. I wish I could have given this place a 3.5 stars as I don't think it's quite a 4 star level but 3 is a tad low. Place was packed on a Friday night. Got here before 7:30 and the wait for 4 was almost an hour. Luckily most people waiting stood by the bar and were able to grab drinks there. We started with some cheese curds at the bar. They were absolutely delicious fried goodness. Decent choices on tap (Axle, Rochester Mills, cider, Stella, Bud), it was $4 for a 16oz. I got the 2 meal combo which means you could pick 2 different types of meat for your entree which also comes with 2 sides and a corn bread. The ribs were decent nothing out of this world, I thought they were on the drier rare side. As for the pulled pork, thought it was very good. But both of the meat came out rather on the cold side, which means they were probably sitting in that kitchen for awhile. They had Zeke's sauces by the table (bbq, honey mustard, pineapple habanero, vinegar something?), the bbq one was really weak on flavor but big fan of the pineapple habanero if you like a heavier sauce with a kick to it. As for sides, I was a big fan of the brussel sprout side, they mashed it up into little pieces with nuts in them. Service was good overall, we didn't wait a particularly long time to get our food, our waiter came over periodically to check on us. Definitely no where near as good as Slows but a nice addition to the Ferndale neighborhood. I wouldn't mind going back again.
(3)
Tim A.
Good food - great staff!! BBQ sauce on ribs is quite spicy ! Corn bread is void of much flavor but overall good experience! Did take out, but next time will dine in!
(4)
Brent M.
I'm surprised this place isn't rated 5 stars by everyone! I went over the weekend for my second time and was beyond impressed. This place puts Famous Dave's to shame. Last time I went, I had the Zekewurst. Basically, it's spicy bratwurst. I loved it -- and I mean LOVED IT. When I returned with a couple friends, we got the 6 pack, which comes with 6 different meats (forget which ones) and 3 sides. The Zekewurst was still my favorite, but everything else was awesome too! For sides, we had veggie smash (mashed veggies mixed with mashed potatoes), smoked beans and roasted jalapeño mac and cheese. All sides were good but the Mac and cheese was definitely the best. And remember, you MUST try the pineapple habanero sauce they have. Absolutely amazing! I don't feel like I'm over exaggerating -- myself and my two friends stopped and said "oh my god..." after every bite because it was so damn good. We told everyone sitting around is how good it was, and even called the manager over just to tell him that it was amazing and we had absolutely nothing to complain about. Now I've never been to Slow's, so I can't compare... but I will say, even Slow's has some bad reviews. If you like BBQ, don't miss out on this place! Highly recommended!
(5)
Tony B.
This is my first time at Zeke's. I can already say I'm not impressed. I was here for a little more than 10 minutes before I had a problem. The atmosphere is mediocre, at best. The beer menu, is short, (I'm a draft guy) & the beer did not taste full flavor. I went to the bar to get my drink, and was ignored for about 5 minutes before my ID was even checked. The bartender, who had already asked me what I wanted, obviously had her attention in other areas and was very rude when speaking to me, because she was also speaking to 3 or 4 other people at the same time. All in all, it's not the best. I'll probably never step foot in here again. The decor was boring and cheap. They did not put much work into the tables or the service. I'm a customer. Not a piece of shit.
(2)
Zack K.
I can't for the life of me understand how someone could rate this place 5 stars. I'm giving it 2, and that's for their tortilla chips (and those alone). It doesn't matter what type of meat I ordered, it wasn't smoked long enough, and it wasn't cooked thoroughly enough. I understand that BBQ can be tricky at times, and sometimes you end up with bad cuts. That's when you rely on sauce. I don't know if the cooks have tried these sauces or not, but their signature sauce tasted like pachouli oil to me. I don't know how else to describe it, there's a VERY odd bite. The Mac and cheese is just bland. I was really excited to try this place, and after having it 3 separate times I am comfortable in saying I won't be returning. I cant imagine it will last long in the competitive west 9 mile circuit. Management should strongly consider packaging their chips for wholesale. They are really good, but not a good enough reason to go back
(2)
Zach S.
Everything was good except the actual meat, which is kind of disappointing. Sides were great, staff was friendly...meat just wasn't up to par, even for a Midwest BBQ place. Best spots are still Red Smoke or Slows, but this place was ok. If they stepped up their actual BBQ game, this place would be great and the only joint worth visiting in the burbs.
(3)
Sean H.
Big fan of this place. Great Drinks, food, and service. Never have had a negative experience there and hope that continues. Back patio is a great summer option.
(5)
Bree B.
Tried a bit of everything at this restaurant with family and friends. My husband and friend are BBQ lovers so I stuck with the usual ribs. Meats: -Ribs are good. Great rub but the outer skin was a bit tough -Brisket is okay. Nice flavor, good consistency, and slightly overcooked and dry. -Pulled Pork horrible. Very dry and no flavor. -Zekewurst good. Unique flavor, has a kick of spice and worth a try. Sides: -Veggie Mash was good. Recommended. -Potato Salad was good. -Baked Beans was good. -Roasted Brussel Sprouts were so-so. Good taste but undercooked. -Mac & Cheese was sub-par. Appetizer -Reuben Eggroll, awesome -Rib Eggroll, good -black bean Eggroll, very good -jalapeño Eggroll, sub-par The atmosphere is good, server was nice, bar was cool with unique drinks.
(3)
Kevin S.
Great service. Great meat. Horrible Mac &Cheese. I'd come again. A bit over priced but everything is these days. Did I mention how bad the Mac & cheese was?
(3)
Jess B.
I went to Zeke's with a group of friends. There were 9 of us drinking and eating. Only 2 out of the group had been there before. I went with the pan fried brussel sprouts and pulled pork sandwich. The sandwich was good. Nothing over the top. I did not care for the brussel sprouts. They were overly peanuty and a little mushy. Our service was ok. Our server was very nice, however she was super slow. I can't blame her completely for being slow though. Some was on the bartender for being slow with the drinks and the manager for not getting her more help. She would "be right back" and would show up 10 minutes later. The atmosphere was inviting. The other customers were fun and we actually randomly interacted with some. I gave it Zeke's a 3 based on the trip only. I will return because I feel like I may have caught Zeke's on an off night. If I have better service and food, id be happy to bump up to a 4!
(3)
Brooke W.
Five of us decided to come celebrate our friend's birthday. We expected to wait as it was a beautiful Saturday night. We waited about an hourish. We got our table and the nice server came over and took drink orders. The menu looked delicious and like it was copied from The Union Woodshop (not a bad thing). We all ordered a bunch of food (but not the ribs because they were out). I ordered the brisket and pulled pork with brussel sprouts and jalapeño Mac and cheese. We were excited and pretty hungry. Fast forward another 45-50 minutesish...we were freezing our asses off, starving, and thirsty. Kinda like jail. Should we leave? But we've already invested so much time! Blah blah blah. We didn't leave. Maybe we were too lazy? Maybe too weak? Maybe the scent of bacon hypnotized our common sense? Whatever the reason, we stayed long enough to experience the joyous vision of steaming metal trays of smoked meat be delivered to our table. After warming our hands and ordering more beverages, it was time to dive in! That first bite was glorious! I swear I heard angels singing. It was smokey and saucy and good. But when I went for my next bite of brisket and my fork could not penetrate the three inch thick layer of charred rub, I realized I had been dupped. This was not good BBQ. And it wasn't just the brisket. The mac resembled Kraft Shells & Cheese, and my Brussels sprouts were super sweet. I admit that I did not read the description of the sprouts very well, which may have warned me about the sweetness. My friends were equally disappointed. It was sad. Like when your mom promised you a dog for your birthday, but gave you a Pound Puppy instead. It's just not the same as the real thing. Overall, the food was lackluster and the service was sub par. I really wanted to like it. I just didn't and I cannot fathom a reason for ever going back.
(2)
C F.
First visit. Seriously good Q. Ribs were perfectly tender. Good smoke ring. Pulled pork was tender and the bark was seasoned nicely. I sip the Cherry Bomb bbq sauce all day.
Ribs are not all that great. Very neat and clean though. The decor was a bit on the demonic side. Didn't care for that. Friendly wait staff.
(2)
Irwin F.
We were disappointed. The decor and atmosphere are awesome but that is it. Our server seemed disinterested and our food was brought out auction style - aka "who had the brisket" which is poor. The pulled pork and brisket were solid but all of our sides lacked flavor. The mac and cheese was average and the potato salad needed something to kick it up in flavor. We never saw a manager walking around nor were thanked for our business. Bummer.
(2)
Trey H.
Our experience at Zeke's was terrible. I lived in the south for 40 years and have never had a worse excuse for "pulled pork bbq". The meat was fatty, undercooked, and extremely bland. It had the texture of a roasted meat not smoked. We complained and the manager obviously did not care. We will never go back and live 1-2 miles away.
(1)
Laura V.
I went there on Saturday 4/11 at around 1pm with a group of four people. We were seated immediately with a moderate crowd (looked like maybe we hit the end or beginning of lunch rush). Our waitress was hilarious, good natured and friendly. She dropped a couple things on the table a little heavily and we teased her about it, and she responded by teasing right back. Loved it! I apologize for not remembering her name! I tried the four eggrolls for $10 and made a meal out of it. They have a greek, veggie, BBQ and reuben. Let me just tell you. I am craving those egg rolls constantly now. Reuben and Greek were the best. Veggie was a bit spicy for me and the BBQ just needed one more ingredient in it to make it a bit tastier in my opinion. But that Reuben egg roll. Dear lord, I will just keep coming back for those. The BF got smoked Turkey and the steamed veggies which he really liked, but then he took a bite of one of my egg rolls and damned it to hell. So yeah... Keep on rockin' Zeke's. Cause I need a steady supply of that egg roll crack.
(5)
Marisa W.
Great options for the gluten-free crowd, and they are more than accommodating. All of the meats are gluten-free, along with the ZBQ sauce and many of their sides. We tried Zeke's on Saturday and liked our food and server (Hailey) so much that we decided to bring the family the very next day. Kiara did an excellent job with our large group, making sure we all had drinks and our food was exceptional for the length of our visit. Both times, I ordered the 6-pack with my boyfriend. There was a great deal of delicious food to be completely satisfied then, as well as some left overs for later. All of the meat was wonderful, the side dishes were just as good. I've tried the brussel sprouts, veggie mash, slaw, and the potato salad, all of which we excellent. My only complaint, and reason this isn't 5-star, is the attitude of the hostess. Yesterday, we came in 45 minutes early to tell them that we had a large group coming in. We were trying to be as accommodating to a new, busy restaurant as we possibly could be. We understand that you cannot seat us until more people show up, but we wanted to give the restaurant a heads-up because they do not offer call-ahead/reservations. Luckily another woman stepped in, was very helpful at prepping the table and we were sitted at the time we told them we needed the tables. I just don't think a great, thriving restaurant has room for a hostess with a stand-off, not-my-problem attitude.
(4)
Kim K.
Great service. Food was really yummy. Tried the sample plate. And the Poutine was amazing!!
(4)
Gerard G.
Zekes is where it's at. Stopped in last night and ate on the patio and was really satisfied with the barbecue goodness that is Zekes. Located right in downtown Ferndale, it's the only choice for barbecue in the area. I put it right at Slows level, and I'm a huge fan of what Slows has going on. After living in Tennessee for some time, I've had my fair share of quality barbecue. I give Zekes the stamp of approval. The pricing was really reasonable as well-- two people can eat there for under $30 and the quantity and quality of food you get is more than worth it. Will definitely be revisiting Zekes and I suggest you give it a try if you haven't yet.
(5)
Ryan M.
I was really, really looking forward to my meal at Zeke's. I love BBQ and I love Fried Cheese curds and a place that serves both is a winner in my book. Plus, I'm in need of a meal in Ferndale at least once a week, so I hoped to have a new spot to put in my rotation. But Zeke's just wasn't good. I had the fried cheese curds, which were not individual pieces. I believe they were supposed to be, but my order had all clumped together into 3 or 4 big clumps and a couple of smaller pieces. They weren't the worst cheese curds I've ever had, but the clumping was really a detractor. Moving on to my entree, I had the brisket sandwich. First of all, I found the hoagie roll to be too much bread. That's just a personal preference though, I prefer my BBQ sandwiches on a hamburger bun. Bread density not withstanding, Zeke's committed the greatest sin I can imagine. The brisket was dry, dry, dry. It was not tender, it was chewy, tough, and like eating leather. Beyond that, I didn't personally care for the rub that was on it. It tasted like it had been covered in a tomato sauce before cooking. Sorry Zeke's. I know you guys are new and it's tough to open a restaurant. I'm not totally writing you off, but it's going to be at least 6 months to a year before I come back. Hopefully you can find your footing because the space is really cool and the music was awesome.
(1)
Amanda S.
Went here yesterday and got the 2 meat combo: pulled pork & burnt ends. Both meats were very juicy and I though much better than some of the other BBQ places I've tried around here (i.e. Lockhart's, RUB, etc). I had the mac & cheese and potato salad on the side--both were fair, but not super memorable. One negative for me was that it was very noisy--I had to shout to be heard from time to time. All things considered, I would go back!
(3)
Heidi M.
I was at Zeke's last night and not impressed. The ceiling was dripping on us at our table and they were just like yeah we gotta get that fixed. Something they obviously knew about before sitting us there. No apology, no offer to move, not even an umbrella to borrow. The pulled pork came out cold. Their sauces are very watery, even the honey mustard. The cole slaw and potato salad were both very bland. The drinks served at the bar were good and had garnish, same drink orders at table... nothing. There was a hostess Nazi that tried to kick us out of our table after we were done eating, even though we were still drinking and hadn't received the bill. She was seriously a maniac running around in full panic mode. On the good side.. Smoked chicken wings were yummy. Mac n cheese had good flavor, even though it lacked creaminess. The bartenders were nice. They just opened a week or so ago, I will wait a month and try them again.
(2)
Jason C.
The best word to describe this place is mediocre. The atmosphere is nice and our server was extremely attentive but the food was blah. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese. The brisket was dry and flavorless and the mac and cheese was not any better. Will not return unless the food improves.
(2)
Kim D.
I stopped in tonight and it was packed, which is not surprising for a Friday night in downtown Ferndale. The wait was about 30 minutes, but it felt faster. I ordered the rib tips with the jalapeño mac & cheese and the potato salad. One friend ordered the 4 Ribs dinner, and another ordered the pulled pork. Everything was amazing! I would have preferred to have had mac & cheese without jalapeño, but it was tasty and it wasn't too hot for me. The potato salad was great...I could have eaten a huge bowl of it. I also really liked the cornbread and that is something I can normally do without. What I really want to talk about is something I didn't even order. My friend ordered the side of brussel sprouts on the recommendation of the waitress who called them "brussel sprouts for people who don't like brussel sprouts". I cannot stress enough just how much I loathe, and have always loathed, brussel sprouts. I legitimately haaaate them! I had a bite of my friend's and OMG...so freaking good! I would actually order them which is a minor miracle. We ended the meal with some Treat Dreams ice cream. Great food, good service...all in all I was pleased and I WILL go back (and I will order the brussel sprouts).
(4)
Rob P.
this place is amazing!!! A friend and I dropped in for lunch the other day and waited about 4 mins before deciding to sit at the bar. We ordered drinks and check out the menu. My friend ordered the brisket and I got the pulled pork. We also got an order of cheese curds. I'd like to take a moment to discuss these cheese curds... I've have fried cheese curds before and they were excellent. these were 3x BETTER than any I'd had before. It was like someone took pure happiness, fried it and served it to me in a basket. *sigh* While we waited on our food my friend was told that they were out of brisket. Not a big deal. When you order something that slow cooks for almost half a day you've got to expect them to run out ever once in a while. He ordered the Juicy Lucy instead. Our food came out piled high on two metal trays. PERFECT way to serve BBQ. That way it's not falling off a plate and no one thinks you're eating like and animal. My pulled pork was perfect, juicy without being too fatty. Could be the best pulled pork I've ever had. I tried each of the sauces, dipping into each of them. Loved them all, even the vinegar based one was delicious and i usually can't stand vinegar based BBQ. The staff was great. I saw a ton of familiar faces and even some close friends. We even got into a heated discussion was a few of the bartenders about which Swedish punk bands were the best. Where else is that going to happen. We also loved ever song that came over the stereo. Hands down the best BBQ in metro Detroit. I'm working on rounding up folks to go tonight!
(5)
B J.
Not bad, not great. The beer list is boring, the cheese curds were extremely salty, and the meat was underwhelming. I got the three meat entree (brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork). The burnt ends were super fatty. I think they gave me two other meats but it was hard to tell. I think (hope) it was chicken instead of pulled pork because it was super bland and dry. I don't even know what to say about the meat situation because it was so confusing. Pretty sure I just didn't get the right order. The sides were boring. The cole slaw was super bitter, the mac & cheese was just average. I would come back but my expectations are pretty low. Dickey's is better and cheaper, so if you don't want to hang out and/or drink beers, why bother with Zeke's?
(2)
Lily G.
So excited there's a great bbq joint in the area. I shared the 6 meat with someone. We had leftovers, but we got to try almost everything (sadly, they were out of brisket so we got double the pulled pork). Chicken, burnt ends, and sausage were great. Unfortunately, the pulled pork and ribs needed more cooking time, but considering they just opened and the flavor was there, I can overlook it this time. As for the sides, the brussel sprouts were to die for (and my new favorite) except the waitress said there's bacon in it which we found no traces of. Sriracha cole slaw wasn't too spicy but a nice refreshing touch to the meal. Oh and the cornbread was fluffy and moist..SO good. The waitress was a doll and really helpful and attentive even though they were slammed. Definitely going back soon!
(4)
Jamese F.
Average barbecue. I had the 2 meat sampler, the ribs were tough and the pulled pork was ok. The drink menu could use some expanding also. Decor is nice. I might try again, we'll see.
(3)
Myrtle M.
I had some high hopes for Zeke's, but overall, it was a bit meh. The tatted up servers with wild and crazy hair and too cool for school 'tudes may add to the luster for some, but overall, they were a bit jerky and also too cool to give decent service. Oh, and if you like The Buzzcocks, you're in luck. Prepare to hear them on repeat. The chicken and pulled pork were quite tasty, but the burnt ends and ribs were loaded with extra rub that took away from the natural smoky flavor. The sauces were also less than impressive. We all passed around our sides to try, and the mac and cheese was probably our favorite. The rest, again, meh. I can't see a good reason to choose this place over the other far better BBQ joints in the area.
(2)
Andrew S.
Top notch food, service, and prices. I've been several times and all of the food is killer. Ruben egg rolls, Zekewurst, brisket, and the wings can't be beat. The walls are lined with gig posters and record covers from local bands. A few TV's, but nothing distracting. Busch beer and Paddy's whiskey compliment the full bar. Feels like home away from home, right down the street.
(5)
Erin O.
I love Zeke's. I have been waiting for it to open for a year, and it does not disappoint. It's good flavored BBQ with more inventive sauces than usual. And guys, the point of BBQ is to mix it all up, unless you're in Texas. Which you're not. It's the D. Put some pulled pork on your macaroni and cheese and enjoy the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The bar is the standout feature of Zeke's. Staffed by the most solid high-volume servers with experience in music venues, and patronized by the same, Zeke's is what Ferndale needed. Everything else in the walking distance area of Ferndale proper belongs to a particular demographic. Zeke's is welcoming and no-judgment. I have been in twice this week and both times knew a bunch of friendly faces AND struck up conversation with people around me outside of my usual crew. Add a sandwich unapproved by your doctor to that mix and you have a successful night out.
(5)
Jim E.
I've eaten there several times and everything is good. The drinks are stiff. The BBQ is really great. The music and decor are just like I like it.
(5)
Jen Z.
The food and service were excellent! Great prices and portions. The only downside was the tap selections. Ferndale (and Detroit) is a beer city. We have high expectations for our beer selection, and above all, a BBQ place needs to deliver. The Miller/Bud draft choices are old and tired. I want a variety of micro brew selections that perfectly pair with BBQ. Talk to your beer vendor and get some better taps!!!!
(4)
jaime h.
Whoa. My brisket sandwich was insanity at its finest. Hands down best I've ever had. My second most favorite part of my first time experience here was the service, his name is Anthony and he was AWESOME. My food was so good I got another order to go :)
(5)
Shelby M.
Waitress walked out in the middle of our meal. Didn't even receive water after asking multiple times. Didn't get what we ordered. Bill was messed up. Long story short don't come here.
(1)
Tybithie H.
I had the pleasure of going to Zekes today. The food was awesome! I had a half slab of ribs, fries, and Zekes potato salad. The potato salad taste like my dad's potato salad. The ribs where very tender and the fries were excellent. I also like the ZBQ sauce which is the house sauce. The atmosphere is a bit busy and a little loud at times but it's cool. I also like the tray they serve the food on. The 6 pack beer cartons that hold the condiments and even the mechanic rags they use as napkins. Overall, a great experience and would definitely would come back and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Olivia P.
My 4yo, Spouse and I went to try Zeke's out. we got the following: Chips and salsa app half rack w, fries and corn bread Grilled cheese fries and corn bread pulled chicken sandwich with siracha col slaw and jalapeno mac n cheese. Picky four year old ate half the grilled cheese, some fries and half corn bread. This child is very picky and usually this does not happen A+ Spouse said he z sauce perfectly paired with the ribs! he loves loves BBQ so this is huge! Pulled chicken is usually my option and this had flavor and was yummy with the sirach col slaw on top!!! Mac an cheese was flavorful with a small hint of spice but not anything to be scared to try if spice is not your thing. This place is solid and a good option.
(4)
Jacqueline A.
My husband and I had a great experience. Our waitress was very attentive and provided some great recommendations. We really like the casual environment and our dinners were great!
(4)
Cookie W.
Had lunch with friends during the Ferndale Restaurant week. 2 of us had the rib ends which were very fatty and tough. Neither one of us liked it. Wished we had tried the burnt ends. All agreed the sides were delish. Loved the brussel sprouts, while they are in a lot of liquid as someone posted, I did not find them soggy but very tasty. Friend that ordered the Grilled Portobella sandwich, said she would definitely order again. Potato Salad tasted homemade. The friend that ordered the Greek Salad was very happy with her selection too. Our server was not very knowledgeable when asked questions regarding the menu, but she may have been new. Drinks were priced well for it not being a happy hour.
(3)
Sheri K.
New BBQ in Ferndale. Excited much? Yes! The smell of the smoker is amazing! We were 2 very hungry and indecisive persons dining on a Saturday afternoon. Of course teh 6 Pack was the only way to go. I could not believe how much food we got. I think it could easily feed 4 since we brought half home. The ribs were good, could have been a little more tender, but still good. My only suggestion? CAST IRON FOR YOUR CORNBREAD! Other than that, it was great and we will be back!
(4)
Denetia L.
GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!!! The food was great! My bf had the chicken which had a great rub on it! I had the pulled pork. It was really good. The Brussels sprouts were shredded which is unique but turned out tasty!
(5)
Menka M.
I was so excited to try this restaurant especially after favorable review from the news paper.The excitement quickly faded once I got my carry out. I ordered the smoked chicken Greek salad and my husband ordered the beef brisket with the side of Brussels sprout and a side of coleslaw. The brisket was dry, and tough. The portion was not worth the $17. There were 3 slices of beef. The Brussels sprout were great, probably the best part of the meal. The salad...it was nothing to brag about and lacked some of the basics of what I would classify as a Greek salad, such as black olives and beets. The dressing tasted like Nikki's Greek. The Z' s BBQ sauce tasted like an open pit base. Overall I thought it was overpriced and not up to the quality I am accustomed to. I prefer Bad Brads or Lazy Bones. Both places have better prices and better smomed BBQ
(3)
Kris B.
Great place to get some AWESOME BBQ! Get the 6 pack, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Welton B.
Had a great meal here! Food was great service was good also.
(4)
Gia D.
Totally worth the wait for this joint to open!! Brisket was outta this world with a lovely smoke ring and great flavor! Ribs stand alone just fine without sauce and are far better than Slow's or any other BBQ place in town. Cheese Curds... oh my god... amazing and sinful. Sauces were delicious but not overwhelming. Hostess was super friendly and Kat (who has the best hair ever, btw) makes a mean Jalapenofest and Cosmo! It was nice to have a bartender who actually knows their stuff and cares about the customer experience! We'll definitely be back... probably sooner than later! ;-D
(5)
Erin D.
I have been here a few times & have yet to have a bad meal. Highly recommend the Brussels sprouts with almonds as a side. The mac & cheese is also worth ordering. My new favorite is the Dagwood sandwich, yum! The only downfall is this place can get really crowded & the wait can be long, not unusual for downtown ferndale though. I look forward to my return!
(4)
Holly S.
Me and my boyfriend came to Zekes earlier this week to try some of their BBQ option and I'm so glad we did! We started off with the cheese curds- they were delicious as usual. Red flags went up in my head though because the last time we had cheese curds was at Vinsetta Garage and everything from the batter to the flavor ect was EXACTLY the same. Are cheese curds something a restaurant could order frozen from a catalog and cook to order? They were delicious nonetheless. We both had the 3 meat platters with 2 sides- I had ribs, beef brisket, and burnt ends and my sides were baked beans and Mac n cheese (corn bread is included too). The burnt ends were life changing. I've never in my life had such flavorful amazing burnt ends- next time I'm just ordering that, it was that good!! Brisket was delicious too but the ribs weren't that great. They were so heavily smoked that it turned to rib jerk and I didn't touch them after one bite. The mac n cheese was good but too spicy for my lame palette but everyone at home loved the leftovers of it and the baked beans were delicious. They had huge chunks of meat running through it which was delicious. Corn bread had great potential but was a little dry. I would recommend trying this place out for sure everything was great! Just don't come on a game day- the place is small and its LOUDDDDDD!!!
(4)
Megan F.
EVERYTHING IS GOOD!!!! A special shout-out for the smoked wings, reuben egg rolls, ribs (dry, St. Louis style), smoked beans, brussels sprouts, and plethora of ever-changing soup options. Major bonus: There's a solid beer and wine selection, and nearly every spirit you could imagine. Even Campari, for those renegades who enjoy an aperitif to prepare the stomach for a brutal onslaught of deliciousness. As if all that weren't enough, Zeke's gets an an extra gold star for its LDQ (Limited Douche Quotient), which is certainly a welcome addition to any downtown!
(5)
Licia D.
Great sauce, great food, great beer, great service!!!! The meat is oh so tender, the cheese curds were delicious! New fave spot for a chill time with friends and or family. Will most definitely be back for more
(5)
Chris G.
I tried their food at the Pig & Whiskey. I tried this crazy looking thing called the BBQ Parfait . . a layered mixture of their pulled pork, brisket, smoked beans, mac n cheese and the sriracha cole slaw. I was very impressed with everything in their. The flavor individually and all mixed up were both awesome. Highly recommend and I hope they have the parfait on their regular menu.
(4)
Jeff H.
Great food. Best ribs I've had since Pointe Barbeque on Detroit's east side closed many years ago. Jalapeno mac n cheese was great too. Very cold beer and great vibe. Cute and funny bartender (I think her name was Jesse). Will definitely work this place into our rotation.
(5)
Dustin P.
You know what's sad? A BBQ joint that try's to hard. The food is ok, the meat was over smoked and smoked too hot. The bark was bitter and unappealing, and I'm by no means a BBQ snob. The Brussels sprouts were very sweet and needed some acid or seasoning to balance it out. The sauce was very good and I liked the slaw. Im not a huge fan of trendy hipster BBQ, but I'm glad I tried it. I probably won't be back for a while. I'll give it another show after they settle into their groove a little bit.
(2)
Joe M.
Best baked beans I've ever had!
(5)
Giles C.
Food was pretty bland relative to other BBQ restaurants in the metro Detroit area. Better place to enjoy music than it is to enjoys a bite.
(2)
Lynn G.
Met a friend here and found a new favorite place!! The bbq was absolutely the best I have had! I ordered the Smoked Cuban sandwich and my boyfriend ordered the 3 Meat Combo, with smoked turkey, brisket, and ribs!! Delicious!! It was a great atmosphere and a great evening!!
(5)
Melissa P.
Stopped in on a Sunday evening because I was craving some ribs and knew this was new in the neighborhood. Menu items are moderately priced. The food was delicious. The pan fried brussel sprouts have a sweet flavor to them and the cornbread is delicious. I would definitely recommend this spot for some good BBQ. The only downside to this place is that they don't allow you to order carry out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which is a bit strange.
(4)
Michael M.
Fantastic all around. I wish I had this place in my neighborhood. Smoked wings were awesome and HUGE. The skin was perfectly crispy, came with maple bacon siracha sauce. I was worried Texas ruined brisket for me, but no worries there. It melted in my mouth. I enjoyed a few signature cocktails. Good TV placement easily covers whatever games are on - not over done like bw3. Can't wait to try everything on the menu, they have some creative appetizers.
(5)
S S.
Really, really good BBQ. We were seated right away at dinner time on a Sunday, so maybe the mad rush to the new BBQ place is slowing down. The 6-pack was delicious, perfect for sharing and getting to try out most of the meats. I had always wanted to try burnt ends and smoked wings, but brisket always wins for me, so it was my first time trying both of those. Cornbread was awesome, a million times better than cold white bread, ahem. The sides were interesting and new. The jalapeño Mac and cheese was much better than we expected, delicious. Everything was hot and fresh. The burnt ends had zero bark, not burnt, so that was disappointing for my first taste. I will have to try again. There wasn't a thick, sweet BBQ sauce. Zeke's sauce needs work.
(4)
Chris M.
So we went to Zeke's Rock 'n roll barbecue the staff was friendly the atmosphere was pleasant there egg roll appetizers were awesome. Compared to other barbecue joints in the area you get plenty of food for the price but I found the brisket a bit dry the rest of my food was awesome. And make sure you try the pineapple habanero barbecue sauce.
(3)
Scott R.
I will complete a more level headed review as soon as I pump my brakes. The bathroom was great!
(1)
Grant M.
The pulled pork and brisket were both good, however, the meat lacked the necessary smokeyness for me to give it a 4 star. Also, the sauces could be better - not a whole lot of flavor. The sides (mac n cheese, potato salad) were both good. As was the cornbread.
(3)
Joseph D.
Difficult ordering process when crowded . Especially when sitting at window bar seat because you have to order at bar and when you leave your seat to order in crowd your seat will be taken. And if your thinking you will just catch a waitress walking by , think again . I was told by three waitress that if I was not at a regular table that they could not take my order . So I after 40 minutes I abandoned the window seat Idea and had to fight thru the fray and bar seat grabbers who would not wait their turn to finally get my order taken by a refreshingly nice Female bartender. In the end the beef brisket I came for was terrible and dry and the most unimaginative and boring offering of a brisket sandwich I ever had , and even though their take on chili cheese fries was tasty , it was not enough to bring me back . Overall I will not return and would not suggest this place to anyone .
(1)
Karrie M.
Zeke's is one of the best new restaurants to open in the area. The food was absolutely fantastic & they have lots of vegetarian options for those of us who hang with meat eaters. I had the roasted Brussels sprouts, the jalapeño mac&cheese, the portobello burger, the fried green beans, and the bacon dip. Everything came out hot & delicious. The service was great & the vibe is fantastic. Do yourself a favor and put this place on your frequent flier list! You'll thank me.
(5)
Renee W.
The food I had this evening here was disgusting. The so called spicy chili tasted like some hormel out of a can and was a diarrhea color. The chips and salsa was a greasy mess. Chips dripped oil and the salsa looked like dried pico de gallo. My partners said their food was good. They are the smoked turkey and a burger. The only plus were the fries were served hot.
(1)
Sarah E.
This wasn't the best nor the worst of places. Service was sub par. The server didn't know the difference between pulled pork and pulled chicken. When we went they were out of at least 3 of the sides they served and it took over an hour for the food to come out. It wasn't correct the first time. No one apologized nor offered anytime to compensate.
(2)
Bob R.
2nd time back. Even better than the last time. The ribs were the best smoked ribs I've ever had. I think I saw the Mayor of Ferndale there eating them too, wasn't even using his hands, just swallowed them whole and spit out a bone.
(5)
Enrique B.
I sat at the bar and had the Four Horsemen sandwich. It was really good. I'll be back!
(4)
John K.
Our server Anthony was great. Very accommodating and very knowledgeable but that is where it stops. Was;t all that bad but just wasn't that good. The sauces need some fine tuning and some punch. 6 of us had meals that were uninspiring and left us thinking maybe we should have went down the street. I had the burnt ends (not burnt just chewy), the siracha slaw (oK), the baked beans (boring) and the mac n cheese (i am writing all mac n cheeses off my list - over done) which was just not that good. Jalapeño? No kick. We will give it time.
(2)
Mine P.
Our server Mandy was great!! My husband and I ordered the 6 pack to share, the burnt ends and pulled pork were my favorites the chicken was good too. The ribs were ok and sausage a little to spicy for me. We ordered the bbq pasta, fries and potato salad. Pasta and fries were good the potato salad I wasn't crazy about. We also had the cheese curds as an app, yummy!!! Overall I liked it and will be back!!
(4)
Ben H.
Loved it! Been a few times (this week!) and probably once more before it's over! Creative mouthwatering bbq while listening to anything from adolescents to agnostic front and a cold brew, how can 3 rights be wrong?! It's not. Go see for yourself!
(5)
Christen K.
Ok, I'm really not a huge fan of BBQ...I was a vegetarian for several years and meat is still not my favorite food group. Hubby wanted to try it and I heard they had soups and salads on the menu so I agreed. We were a group of four adults plus my son and the first thing hubby says is, "I heard the 6 pack is enough for 4 people". Sabotage. The 6 pack is 6 meats; pulled pork, ribs, chicken, burnt tips, brisket and sausage. It comes with 4 pieces of cornbread and three sides which for us was the jalapeño mac and cheese, sirachia coleslaw and brussel sprouts and on the waitresses recommendation we ordered the BBQ poutine fries as an appetizer. I was slightly annoyed. First, the BBQ poutine fries were amazing! Fries with gravy, cheese curds & pulled pork, omg. They did this right! The meats were good but I enjoyed the chicken most. I loved the pineapple habanero sauce! The house sauce was too sweet for me. Jalapeño mac and cheese could have been creamier as others have said but the flavor made up for it. The sirachia coleslaw was the biggest happy surprise. The cornbread was good but I thought the brussel sprouts were not the best I've had. However, two of my fellow diners loved them. Thank you Zeke's for a unique BBQ experience and welcome to Ferndale! I plan on going back next weekend!
(5)
Dane W.
Tried Zeke's out for the first time tonight and am happy to report that they have hit the nail on the head when it comes to barbeque! All of the meats were very flavorful, especially the ribs (moist and flavorful) and the chicken (crisp and well seasoned). The pineapple habanero sauce was great, and the sides were good as well. Service was good, we will definitely be back!
(5)
K g.
The service was really good as far as attentiveness, timing, etc. The pulled pork and sauces were great, as well as the blue cheese dip, which I had with veggies. The slaw has a vinegar based dressing, which I like, but could use some more flavor. The brussel sprouts side is very "meh." My companions enjoyed their ribs, one person said the portobello sandwich was bland, and the pulled pork sandwich looked very unexciting. There were literally a few thin strips of meat in it, and for $12, seemed like it should have been much more substantial. One thing I want to point out is that I had questions about ingredients in an appetizer, due to a food intolerance. I was told that the dish had no gluten in it, so my group ordered it for the table. When it arrived, there were breadcrumbs atop the dip. We asked for a separate dip without breadcrumbs on top, so I began eating the chips, which I were told were made from corn (tortilla chips), and the server comes back and says "the chips actually have flour in them too, and the spinach dip is made with a roux so it's not gluten free." Again, this was all after clarifying with her initially, when we ordered it, that everything was gluten free. She apologized profusely, etc., and provided a gluten free cheese dip with cold veggies too, on the house, but the whole incident was really disappointing. We had emphasized the need for gluten free, she confirmed, without saying she needed to double check, and everything was brought out as if it was fine, and I'm told AFTER the fact that none of it is gluten free. Thankfully the allergy is non-life threatening, but I expected better. Recommendations? Be SURE your server knows about food ingredients if you have allergies or food intolerance, or ask to talk to the chef, manager if you feel uncomfortable. This is standard advice anywhere, but I certainly learned my lesson at Zeke's.
(2)
Amanda C.
Horrible piss poor customer service . Even if the food was good, and it wasn't I wouldn't go back . They really need to re evaluate who they hire as employees . Too bad, good music.. But couldn't suffer through everything else .
(1)
Jennifer L.
There are so many issues with this place. Its hard to know where to start. Service- We went at 8pm on a Sunday night, (only been open about 2 weeks at this point) and we were seated immediately. Which I did not expect at all! But the place was very very busy. The bar and every other table seemed to be full. The great part, service was excellent. (The only reason I rated 2 stars, is because service was good.) Our server knew the menu, was polite, sincere, and quite attentive to the tables she was serving. --- The downside. 2 of the 3 side dishes we wanted were sold out. Bummer. So we ordered the Cheese Curds for an App. my husband and I split the meat combo. The Cheese curds came out and were amazing! It was a spicy ranch dipping sauce, and the curds were great. the downside, they got a little clumpy. But still delicious! This made me even more excited for the main course. The meat combo included Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked chicken, Ribs, burnt ends, hot links, and cornbread. This combo also comes with your choice of sides. We picked Smoked Beans (tastes like Bushes from a can with spices added), Jalapeno Mac, and Brussels sprouts. The meat, hardly had any spice or flavor at all. In fact, I think they oven roasted our dinner. I was thoroughly disappointed. The brisket was more like pot roast. It was good pot roast, horrible BBQ. The Links were over cooked, the burnt ends weren't even burnt. I thought maybe some BBQ sauce would help. Boy was I wrong. So so so wrong. Zekes BBQ sauce taste like Ketchup. In fact I had to try it twice to be sure it wasn't ketchup. The Carolina Vinegar, and the Honey Mustard were also both gross, not to mention runny. Like water coming out of the spout. Totally disappointed. Did I mention they have a pitiful tap list? Ugh. If your going have beer in Ferndale, be sure to have some Michigan beers, and a better selection than Bud Light, Labatt, and Coors on your tap list! With One Eyed Betty's a block away, you have to give people another reason than bad food and crappy beer to come and eat at your restaurant. We decided it would probably be 6 months to a year before we would give Zekes another shot. For now we will visit Lockharts, or Smoke Street.
(2)
Ziggy G.
The smoked corned beef was amazing. I wasn't a fan of the Zekewurst sausage, to many herbs and garlic in it for my taste; but it was cooked perfectly.
(5)
Chef R.
Really greasy fries. Cheese curds all stuck together and had more salt than cheese. Sides were terrible. Liquid smoke baked beans. The Mac and cheese was not edible, maybe fake jalapeño or jarred. Mashed veggies tasted alright, just very cold. The meats were average, not good or great. Service was friendly but inattentive. Brought wrong sides at first. Corrected. Bill came, charged for an extra entree we didn't order or receive. Credit card charged and voided 3x. We basically paid $125 so we could leave and go eat at the bar down the road. Was very disappointing and we were really looking forward to it. We will continue to eat at Lockharts, Yardbird or Slows.
(1)
C S.
I would typically give them a 2 based on the service but the food was tasty. Entering from the front (9 mile) is confusing and the staff allowed us to stand there until another patron told us to go to the back (I continued to see this happen to others during my visit). After we were seated, the waitress ran thru a list of things the were out of (pulled pork. Brisket and a few other items). We told the waitress that we didn't eat pork so it wasn't a big deal. I ordered the half chicken which was tasty and my husband the chicken wings with sauce. I asked for lemons for my iced tea and she brought them stuffed in a coffee cup... When we packed up our leftovers in to go boxes, my husband noticed pork in the sauce his wings were in. We asked the waitress and she said it wasn't but later, she went back to the kitchen and said "sorry" I didn't know. She did have the kitchen make us a plain order to go but find not offer to take the wings off our bill. By the time we left, the restaurant had printed new menus on plain white paper with the items they actually had since they were sold out of so many items.
(3)
Elliott B.
We went on a Friday night at 7:00pm. It was a little bit of a wait for a table but we were able to find a spot at the bar. We really enjoyed our food. It was delicious. Good crowd and good service, we'll return again.
(4)
Matt D.
Phenomenal. The best bbq in metro Detroit. Ordered the 6 meat plate. Everything was so tender and juicy. Great smokey flavors. Big portions. Loved the gravy on the poutine. The jalapeño mac-n-cheese was creamy and spicy. Service was wonderful. I will definitely be recommending this place.
(5)
Jimmy D.
Excellent BBQ'd meats! I had the pulled pork and brisket. I have dined at many BBQ places, and this place was exceptional! The sides were also delicious. I had the mac and cheese and the interesting & tasty brussel sprouts.
(5)
Dawn W.
We went on a Friday evening and the wait was not too long for a table. The atmosphere was fun and energetic. I was so pleased they had a good hard cider on tap (Blake's). We did not order an appetizer. I ordered the 2 meat combo (smoked turkey and beef brisket) with sriracha cole slaw and the veggie mash (mashed potatoes containing cooked vegetables). My fiance ordered the 3 meat combo ( ribs, burnt ends, and Zeke-wurst) with the jalapeno mac & cheese and the brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious and plentiful. My meat choices didn't even need any BBQ sauce because they were so good on their own. Both of us walked away with some serious leftovers! The only somewhat negative thing I shall comment on is the lack of space between the tables in our section. I felt so bad for the wait staff having to squeeze through such small spaces while balancing big trays of food. I am looking forward to another visit!
(4)
Nick C.
This might have to be my new go to dining place in Ferndale. Went here last week with my lady and we both enjoyed it immensely. We didn't have to wait for a table at all, unlike some 'trendy' Ferndale places. From our friendly server Jackie to the food on our plates, we had an all around great time. The BBQ poutine was very good, maybe a little too good since we found ourselves almost full from that appetizer by the time our meals arrived. Still, we indulged and were not disappointed. Three meat combo with brisket, ribs, and burnt ends was tasty, as were the smoked beans and brussel sprouts that came on the side. The girlfriend had the pulled pork and zekewurst, both of which were good. Like I said, it was an all around great experience. I can't wait to go back and try that monster burger or enjoy a night of live music. The only complaint or constructive thing I have to say is that the hostess stand is in the back of the restaurant if you enter from the 9 mile side, which was confusing since we didn't see a sign when we entered, but were instead waved back by one of the staff. Not a huge deal though. Nothing a simple sign won't fix.
I came on a late afternoon. I was promptly seated and given a high chair for my 6 month old. Now my husband and I came here a couple of days prior to peep the scene and decided not to dine in because it's bar scene. Nevertheless I figured what the hell I wanted BBQ and the place was empty at first. the staff were very attentive and friendly . I even chatted with a gentleman whom I believe to be the owner about kids-everyone loves babies !when my food came it was hot and I was shown the choice of the barbecue sauce sort of like it how it is at Famous Daves but this isn't your famous Daves when they say rock and roll they mean rock and roll. The walls are decorated with heavy metal album art. I got the pulled pork and substituted the fries for mac and cheese the mac and cheese was good so was the pulled pork they have a nice drink menu you although I decided to pass on the alcoholic beverages for the afternoon but if I was coming back I would get the BLT: a bourbon with lemonade, sounds delicious. So there we have it the staff was friendly and the food was good- I will come back but I will be doing a carry out
(4)
Donna Z.
Wow, really disappointed. Heard good things about the place, but they did not materialize. Server was great, but the bbq was decidedly mediocre, barley warn and oversalted. Carolina sauce was great.
(1)
Chris S.
Excellent food and service! Wait for a table was a little long but it was a Saturday and definitely well worth it! This place has become my fave bbq joint!
(5)
Lauren C.
Amazing. Food was great, staff was on top of things. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Carol G.
Had dinner here tonight, liked the vibe but was underwhelmed with the food. There are really only 3 BBQ sauces and the chicken and brisket dishes definitely needed a sauce since they were a bit dry. Roasted veggies were steamed and mushy, BBQ pasta side was spaghetti + red sauce. (I was hoping for shells and a white cheese sauce). Server was very friendly and attentive but the kitchen was backed up, so he had to keep apologizing. Might give it one more try.
(2)
Derah G.
As someone who has worked in hospitality for over ten years, trying a new place can be a challenge for me. The local Thai was closed, and this was within walking distance so we popped in. No host at the door; it's a seat yourself. We sat, and were approached almost immediately with smaller Super Bowl menus on an 8x10 sheet of paper. I have a very limited selection of food I enjoy, and assumed they would have chicken tenders. Once we realized that this item was not on the menu, we began to gather our coats and leave. The" hostess"stopped us, and proceeded to talk with a gentleman who seemed to be a manager or owner. He went into the back, and came back out informing us they could make them. We were blown away that they were willing to accommodate my picky pallet. We immediately sat back down, and proceeded to order. Our server was very courteous, and also knowledgable of the menu. Very friendly, and when we explained we had never been here, she was even more helpful instead of being annoyed by our newbie questions. I ordered my chicken strips, and he ordered the brisket sandwich. We also ordered one egg roll a piece, Reuben and veggie. Both of us were blown away by the quality of the food. My chicken tenders did take almost 30 minutes from when we sat down. Our server was more than apologetic, and explained the ticket never printed. Mistakes happen, and it was not her fault. I expected a little but longer wait due to the fact that I was specific in my food, but my partner was done eating when my chicken came. We will be returning on a night that the Super Bowl isn't on, and hopefully the ticket was just a fluke.
(4)
John C.
These guys have been working on this for a long time, they ve been honing their bbq skills for years and have put together a top notch crew of people who ve been around and in the business for years. I stopped in for dinner Thur, while it took me a few to get a drink and my food order it was shift change. The food was great pulled pork, Zekewurst, jalapeño mac n chz. Sure they may have a few kinks what new business doesn't.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Adam S.
Good Q, in an eclectic neighborhood. Being a musician, and a BBQ fan, I thought this is going to be great! (it was!) Tuesday 8/28/15 8:00pm The Downtown Ferndale area (West 9 Mile & Woodward) is a very hip Detroit suburb. I was afraid that I might not be able to eat here, but my recent growing in of my full, hipster want to be, beard, vintage looking music themed t-shirt and almost skinny jeans enabled me to sneak in relativity un-noticed. The place is adjacent to a Tattoo parlor, and a record store, and there is a guitar shop just down the street. What a cool little neighborhood. For my Cleveland, Ohio friends, it's like a combination of Coventry and Lakewood. Ferndale is described as an area that embraces the diversity of culture, class and creativity. So the place is cute, for lack of a better term. It comfortable, clean and well utilizes it's space. Most of the employees were a combination of hipsters and rockabilly types. Being a single diner this evening (away on business,) I was taken to the worst table in the place. This happens all the time when I am dining alone. and I don't know why, but it pisses me off!.... I asked that I be seated by on of the 2 open tables by the front window, and was seated there without an issue. This dining section is actually a store-front stage for their live entertainment. I like being on the stage, and ironically, was occupying the same space as the drummer would be, if a band were playing there........Indeed My server Jackie was quick to welcome me and he was patient and very helpful with the menu. Service was great, beverage refills were timely, and he was attentive, checking back often. OK, now the food, because that is what I came for, not the neighborhood, hipsters, and such. Zeke's Rock & Roll BBQ offers upscale BBQ. The menu is loaded with selections, and the pricing is reasonable. I had the 3 meat combo. It's a lot of food for only $19,00! The combo is served with a generous portion of fresh cornbread, and 2 side dishes. I couldn't resist the combo, because I wanted to try the burnt ends, ribs, and brisket. The burnt ends were good. They were different, because they were corned beef burnt ends. They were tender and juicy, and very tasty. I was expecting brisket burnt ends, but was pleasantly surprised. Next up were the ribs. They serve St. Louis style dry rubbed ribs, which I typically love! To me dry rubbed ribs are an art form, because they are not doctored with sauce. These were very good as well. Nice bark, great smoke, fall off the bone tender, good chew, and slightly juicy. The dry rub had a little sweet and a little spice to it. Lastly was the brisket. It was a nice size portion, especially for a 3 meat combo. The meat was tasty, and had the same dry rub bark as the ribs. The brisket was not the most tender or juiciest that I have had, but it had good smokiness and great flavor. I did eat around 8pm tonight, so maybe that explains why it wasn't as juicy as I like. Regardless, I will try it again, because it was very respectable brisket. The side dishes were very good, and unique. I had BBQ Pasta( pasta, pulled pork, onions, peppers and bacon in a tangy sauce) and pan fried Brussels sprouts, which were awesome! I would consider them a deconstructed Brussels spout dish. Extremely tasty! Other sides include roasted jalapeno mac & Cheese, Sriracha slaw, and more. The table has a variety of sauces as part of it's normal setting. In addition to ketchup, there are 5 house made sauces for you to enjoy. Cherry Bomb, a super sweet cherry based sauce with bits of cherries in it, ZBQ, Zeke's signature sauce, which was savory, tomato based, maybe a little vinegar in it, and a touch of spice. Mustard BBQ, Pineapple Habanero, which had great flavor before the bearable heat hit you, and Carolina Vinegar, which was presented as their hot sauce. It was different, but good. I personally loved the Cherry Bomb, and will ask to have my ribs finished with that sauce next time. I will be back, and I will remember to wear skinny jeans, rolled up, with a pair of drumsticks in my back pocket, no socks, wear a funky hat, and get a few more visible tattoos. Then I bet I won't get a crappy table! Just kidding..... Food Giants rating system; 5* = Freakin' Great. 4* = Really Darn Good. 3* = sure, why not, 2*= it's better than starving, 1* = A hungry homeless person, after one bite, wouldn't eat this, even if you gave it to them for free. (Although you should still offer it to them) No Stars = Ptomaine Tillie's foodborne pathogen Diner. (Yes the P is silent in Ptomaine) Food Quality: ****1/2 4.5 stars Portion Size: ***** Service: ***** Menu: **** Uniqueness: *** Atmosphere: *** Cleanliness: ****** Value: ****** Its great to be able to patronize an independent small business, that offers great food at a good value. Please support these types of businesses.
(4)Sohini G.
Came here for lunch. Overall good price for quality of food with a bunch of options. Things I recommend: salmon bbq was hands down the best meat on the table. Pulled pork was also pretty decent. Don't try: The rotisserie chicken. It was sold to us as moist but was actually very dry. Wouldn't get again. For sides...fries were good. Jalapeño Mac and cheese was essentially just plain Mac and cheese...but decent. Everything else was just okay. Drinks...Bloody Mary was kind of weak but only 5 bucks. They do have happy hour 2-5 on weekdays! Overall not the best bbq I've ever had...but good for the price and a nice ambiance!
(3)Minh S.
What is it about BBQ that makes my heart beat faster? Is it the anticipation of the soft meat pulling away from the bone? Is it the mystery of never knowing what sauces I will end up splattering all over my ribs? Is it WRITTEN IN THE STARS THAT WE ARE DESTINED TO FRATERNIZE??? I'D LIKE TO THINK SO! Sorry...I got a little out of hand. Before I get too excited, let's get down to business. PROS: +They serve Bloody Marys +Their sriacha slaw taste like Kimchi. Being Asian, this is a good thing for me. +Their BBQ Putine fries are bomb. Do yourself a favor and get it (You owe yourself 3 miles on the treadmill if you do!) +Brisket is bomb! +Cherry Sauce is BOMB! It's not on the table though, you have to ask for it! +Cinnamon Butter on Cornbread is to die for! +Staff is nice. +Full Bar CONS: -Bloody Marys not that good. -Tables are wobbly. -4 seater tables are too small for 4 people, especially with food on it. -Meat on ribs does not fall off the bone. This is a deal breaker for me. I do not like to work too much for my food, I'm not a caveman. -4 horsemen sub not all that. Honestly everything I've had here I've had better somewhere else. Famous daves does brisket better, and Iron Horse does bloody marys and Ribs MUCH MUCH better. But if you're in the area and dying for some meat in your mouth, feel free to give this place a try. You probably won't forget it.
(3)Gary R.
This is a great option for some alternative dining in downtown Ferndale. We had been by here many times and finally thought we'd give it a try. Glad we did! It won't be our last time either. Personally, after reading the Yelp reviews and looking at their menu, I was craving some smoked sausage and the Zekewurst spoke to me. I had to have it. Let me just say this - it is freakin awesome! Awesome. I got it coney style, topped with Zeke's chili. Get this, the chili had big chunks of tender brisket in it! Man, was that a good sandwich! Messy for sure but I didn't care one bit. I'd go back just for that. But there are so many other things on the menu, including vegetarian options. In a BBQ place? Yesss! Love that. My wife ordered the egg rolls and chose the jalapeño one and the veggie one. I tried to talk her into getting all 4 which is only $10 and includes a Reuben one and a bbq rib one. She declined. Good thing cause that's a lot of food as it turns out. I was hoping for a better beer selection so that's why I can't give it 5 stars. Where are the local craft beers? And please, miller lite and bud light on tap? That's absurd. Light beers don't belong in a BBQ joint. Not sure where the Rock N Roll part of their name comes from other than the hipster clientele, waitstaff and several album covers on the wall. But don't let that fool you. It's a very good place and worth checking out!
(4)Christine S.
I came here for lunch on a Sunday and wasn't really feeling a huge BBQ meal so I got the Greek Smoked Chicken Salad instead. The portion was HUGE! Greens, tomato, cucumbers, red onions, topped with feta cheese, and smoked pulled chicken and Greek dressing. It was simple but pretty tasty, the price was a little bit much for a salad but the portion I guess made up for it. The bad part about that is, I didn't finish but I couldn't take it home either..the dreaded soggy lettuce factor, meh! They also had brunch going on and I was torn on what to get. My cousins ended up getting the Pulled Pork Poutine..man it looked so delicious! And again, the portions were huge. The staff was super friendly and I would definitely come back to try the dinner menu.
(4)Jon G.
There are a few things I will never turn down in life. Some are inappropriate to write about on a public Yelp review. But in terms of food, I will never turn down pizza, nachos or BBQ. So when I had the chance to visit Zeke's this past winter I was excited. I was a big fan of the menu, particularly the pulled pork pasta which is not something I had ever seen before. It wasn't the best pasta, or pulled pork, but it was legit. I complimented the pasta with some spare ribs, which were cooked to perfection. Of course, my only baseline for perfection is what I've eaten before which is probably pretty mediocre - so if you are a rib snob, sorry for the let down. The ribs were good and the atmosphere was okay. It was a mix of a sports bar and a restaurant but lacked the aesthetics that say, that one famous BBQ joint in Detroit has. However, Zeke's is head and shoulders above Rub Pub BBQ which for the money, is the worst BBQ place in Metro-Detroit. You could do worse than Zeke's, but you should try Zeke's instead.
(3)Valerie G.
In a town where there are a lot of opinions about barbecue joints- this is one that I'll stand behind. We stopped by for an early dinner about 2 months after they opened and have been back a few time since. I like to let a place work their kinks out before I check it out. :) My husband, son and I ordered the 6 Pack so we wouldn't have to make too many decisions and could try it all! I loved the brisket - I know some folks love their meat with tons of fat on it. I do not. This had some but not enough to make me cringe. Taste was spot on too1 My husband loved the spicy Zekewurst. I don't know that I feel in love with any of their sauces, but there were certainly a couple that did the job. They also have a ghostpepper sauce you can request if you're feeling like punishing yourself. Importantly, their waitstaff is on point and that is always key. I plan to come back again and again.
(4)Christina G.
What a nice surprise!!! Another good BBQ place. Get the poutine with pulled pork!!!! Yummmmm. Pepper gravy, cheese curds, fries have great seasoning. Loved them. We ordered tray sampler. It was about $30 for a huge spread. I think we will be back. Not too soon. I don't want to get tired of it.
(4)Evie B.
Service was absolutely top notch/ the best!!! We were a party of 13/14 and our 1 waitress ran that table like boss! She was fast and organized. It was a weekday after lunch crowd, so that may have made a difference. So the service gets a 5 3-4 points for food depending on dish - Now having been here multiple times and I wish I would have posted reviews before but I've gotten behind- the food wasn't as great as previous visits. Anything that wasn't a BBQ entree was good- very good, but the BBQ MEATS were off- everything was a bit dry - brisket, ribs, pork...like really dry- the Mac was good but not as good as previous times- it was a bit mushy and clumped - the fries were awesome- the roasted veggies were good, but the schricha coleslaw was tooooooo talk and to much schricha. The BBQ pasta side- was wormy like looking noodles with a ton of BBQ sauce and a hint of pulled pork - yuck! Cornbread too dry. Again, this isn't what I recall, so it may have been an off day... Different chef? I will come back again as we have enjoyed this place previously.
(4)Mike D.
It was our annual end of summer dinner tonight which always takes is someplace new. Tonight was perhaps the best choose we have made in our 7 year history of doing this. I had heard a lot of buzz on Zeke's but I was not buying into it. For some reason I didn't believe that Ferndale could have a quality BBQ joint. I will be honest, when I walked in I was afraid that we made a bad decision. It is not like most of the BBQ joints in our area. It was on the small side and nothing screamed BBQ to me. The walls are decorated with punk rock album covers, again I didn't see the connection to BBQ. The good news is that I was wrong and they served up perhaps the best BBQ that I have had in Michigan. We opened up with the egg rolls. It was something unique and I'm always looking for those unique items to try on first visits. You had a couple of different options for the filling. We opted for the BBQ rib and the Ruben. The BBQ rib was good. Not 100% sure what else was in it other then rib meat but it was really good. The person responsible for the Ruben should be inducted in to the food hall of fame. That was one of the best things I have ever tasted. The corn beef and and Swiss cheese just worked so well in an egg roll. You have to try it when u go. All of their meats were just absolutely fantastic. And trust me because I'm pretty sure that I tried them all. Pulled pork had one of the best seasoning rubs I have had. Ribs were cooked perfectly and seasoned to perfection. The brisket was out of this world and not to fatty. The chicken wings were the size of my head, which is pretty damn big, and totally delicious. The zekewurst was the best smokes sausage I have ever had, oh and it had a kick to it. The burnt ends were by far the best I have ever had. Pretty sure it was the first time I had them and they were not covered in sauce when they got to my table and that really made my day. I can't say one bad thing about any of the meats that they serve. They were all cooked perfectly, seasoned very well and had the perfect amount of smoke to them. The sides were solid and unique. The Mac and cheese was good, not the best I have had but also not the worst I have had. Could have used a little more jalapeño flavor. The spicy Sriracha slaw was a total home run and should be tried by everyone. The BBQ pasta, which I assumed I would hate, was my favorite side. It had some kick to it and was very unique and super delicious. The sides are so important for a BBQ joint and these guys did an awesome job of creating unique flavors that make the meal even more enjoyable. The building was on the small side but was well laid out. We had an early dinner on a Monday so noise was not a problem. The service was very good and friendly. The owner came over to talk to us often and was very nice. I love BBQ and I'm pretty picky about my BBQ. My first love was slows and that was quickly overtaken by the Woodshop. The Woodshop held the top place for many years but now that honor looks to be going to Zeke's!!! It really was some of the best BBQ I have had and it had its own twist on things that sets it apart from the others. All BBQ lovers should check it out soon.
(5)Albert K.
I decided to try this place last week and overall, I was pleased with the experience. I ordered the smoked Cuban Sammy and my buddy tried the brisket and pulled pork combo. My sandwich was fine and they let me get the mac and cheese instead of fries for $1 more. I also got an order of cornbread for 75 cents. The mac and cheese was also solid, but nothing special. The cornbread was a bit of a let down. The portion I got was made up of two pieces that were equal t the size of order my friend received, but they were overcooked corner pieces and dry as hell. As for the atmosphere, I give it it 4 stars. You always get fantastic people watching in The Fab Ferndale. Case in point, I saw a guy with straight red hair with black polka. He looked like he had a giant lady bug resting on his head. The people aside, I have to admit the restaurant gives off a bit of a plastic vibe, as in it feels a bit contrived. My nitpicking aside, it fills a void in the food scene in Ferndale, and I will be sure to go back to see if it finds groove (a la Public House).
(3)William S.
What a nice surprise. I tried this place with my family last week. It was really tasty and good. We had a nice waitress as well. Although it was earlier in the day, the lunch menu was great. I had the Zekewurst. It was SPICEY and really tasty. I loved it. The fries were pretty decent too. My son had the cheese curds and said they were the best he ever had. My wife had the Breakfast nachos! It was HUGE!!! She raved about how great it was. I tasted it and I concur. This is a really cool place for some good food. Definitely worth it. Good homemade food done right !!!!!
(4)Marygrace A.
Delicious! They've only been open for a couple of months, but they know their BBQ. Two of us split a "6-pack" platter for $30 - comes with 6 types of meat and 3 sides. Healthy portions, and fast service at the bar, even when they were packed. Would definitely return.
(4)Dave H.
Had a lot of hopes for this place but it was mediocre at best. The place is quite dark, with black or dark, dark brown wood and paint on the interior so we sat on the back patio, which has a "spectacular view" of the parking lot. Service was okay, not very attentive in terms of timing or processing drink orders and the hostess seemed depressed as hell! Did dig the "anything kinda goes" attitude of the workers. Kinda reminded me of a rock club or machine shop, which explains the dress and ambiance. Ordered the homemade salsa and chips, which were excellent. Really liked the salsa. Also got the Four Horsemen, which was smoked brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork and bacon with jack cheese and sriracha aoli on a hoagie bun. Messy- decent bbq sub sandwich that came with fries. Also tried a piece or two of my buddy's brisket he ordered. TOO much dry rub and kinda dry, he didn't finish it. Decent beer selection. I like all the new spots opening in Ferndale, especially since B Dubs moved but this one still has some kinks to sort out I think.
(2)Daniel G.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a full meal, or a late night hangout, nothing in the area matches Zeke's. Authentic and unique approaches to BBQ, great vibe and good music. Everything on the menu is worth trying again and again.
(5)Vernon B.
JUST AWESOME BBQ! Great sides, a great drink selection and a great atmosphere as well. Can't decide what to eat? My advise is to go for the "6 Pack". 6 different meats pilled on tray, 3 sides and corn bread...PERFECTION!
(5)Marcie K.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The Union woodshop in Clarkston ought to be flattered at Zeke's effort, but shouldn't lose any sleep over potential competition. We happened in to Zeke's for lunch on a beautifully sunny Saturday. The place was mostly empty, but it was early. The decor is attractive, but there are too many TVs and the overhead music competes with the music blaring out of the kitchen (which are entirely different genres). As in previous reviews, they were out of the entree item that I wanted, and so I settled for a brisket sandwich. My wife also had the brisket - only the large entree portion. We both found the brisket very dry, and none of the unremarkable sauces on the table helped matters much. The side dishes were completely forgetable. Bland macaroni and cheese, and brussel sprouts that needed to be carmelized much better. The siracha slaw was good. We ordered an appetizer of fried green beans, which I would assume should be served with the ability to pick them up and dip them individually. These came out in a giant glopped together mass. There was no separating them. If you tried to take them apart, the batter just came off and you were left with a green bean that was completely bare and bland. At the end of our meal, the owner or manager, I'm not sure which, came over and asked us about our meal. I told him it was okay. He said, "Just okay?" I said, "Well, to be honest, the brisket was very dry and the green beans came out in a glopped together mass." he acknowledged our concerns and said, "okay thank you" and just left the table. I guess if it were me, I would've apologized or offered a check discount, or something. At any rate, it was expensive for an absolutely unremarkable experience. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever eaten, but I certainly won't be back. If you want great barbecue, head to Clarkston.
(2)Kevin O.
Some places have their off days...we went during the pig and whiskey so I think their attention was elsewhere that day (we went inside to avoid the heat). They definitely need to improve the mac and cheese and the cole slaw, but they are a local establishment and deserve our support. I'm a bit of a BBQ snob so my expectations are high, but I would be willing to give them another chance. Their corn bread is definitely on point.
(3)Michael M.
Hilariously busy, and totally hip. Have visited 2 times, and thoughly enjoyed both visits. The first trip, I went with Burnt Ends, which were delivered with an excellent Smashed Potato with Roasted veggies and Jalepeno Mac n Cheese (delicious, but not very creamy). The second time, I had Pulled Pork (a bit cold, but good) and Zekewurst (also served a bit cold) with Brussel Sprouts and BBQ Pasta. The BBQ pasta is extraordinary, and worth of a main dish itself. The Brussel Sprouts are even better. Smoked Chicken Wings are so good, it should put that "wing" place down the street out of business. Un-freaking-believable wings. My nephew knocked down BBQ Poutine Fries, and those were incredible. It's a new place. It needs a little time, but these guys hit the ground running like Road Runner and if it keeps up, they'll need a little more room to stretch their proverbial chops before long...
(4)Jason C.
Met up with a friend to have lunch in downtown Ferndale... and wanted some bbq... parking was simple for me on this day... I parked on the street and just happened to park in front of the restaurant... parking is also cheap - 25 cent is 30 minutes and you get 2 hour limit. There's also parking in the back of the restaurant. The friend was already there, so we got seated, waitress came and asked what we wanted to drink, we settled for water... after carefully reviewing the menu, we opted to go with the 6 pack - which includes brisket, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, burnt ends and ribs with 4 cornbread and three sides (we got mac-n-cheese, coleslaw, and mixed vegetables). I'm gonna dive right into the review of the food.... - Mac-n-Cheese: Velveeta boxed mac-n-cheese was a lot better then what they were serving. The dish had no taste, bland and all you tasted was the shells and the cheese... it needed a lot of seasoning... I would not order this dish again. - Cole Slaw: If you like the Carolina style, then you'll like this, more on the vinegary side, although the dish did lack some flavor. - Steam veggies: well, they are steam veggies... enough said. - Brisket: Dried, dried, dried... Yes, did I say they were dried? I needed lot of the bbq sauce to enjoy the brisket... but no matter how much sauce you put on them, it shouldn't have been that dry. - Chicken: we got 1/2 a chicken... The chicken it self was dried as well... neither of was really had any chicken, so I ended up taking it home.... - Burnt End: dried, dried, dried... yes they were dried and tough to eat... I gave up on them. - Pulled Pork: this was the only thing that was good.. moist, seasoned well and yes, it was moist and enjoyable. - Sausage: I also like the sausage.. it was bit on the dry side, but did enjoy it. - Ribs: as you might have guess, "dry" was the theme unfortunately... the ribs were too dried, again, sauce to the rescue. - corn bread: basic as they can be. As much as I wanted to give 3 starts on my first visit, I had to settle for 2 stars for now... The service was good though and I did enjoy the visit. I look forward to revisiting, I just hope the next time I'm there, the meats will be more on the juicy side and less dried.
(2)Tamara K.
Restaurant week drew us in as well as the convenient late night dining options. Had a Reuben egg roll and bacon jalapeño popper dip. Delicious!! Great beer selection!
(3)Stacy C.
Everything we tried was soooo good. We had brunch so of course we had to have a few drinks. We all tried something different and taste tested :)
(5)Anthony B.
Found this place on accident when shopping at the Rust Belt Market. Great Food, Amazing Atmosphere, and I couldn't ask for a friendlier wait staff. Always eating here when in Ferndale!!
(5)Rachel O.
We liked it. It's very good for lunch with a child. Low key and great service. The first time at any bbq place means trying as much as possible. They have a meat platter that let us do just that. The ribs were my favorite. Lean with a delicious rub. A very close second was the pulled pork. Lots of bark and another, sweeter dry spice mix. The chicken was tender, cooked perfectly. Very juicy. There was some sort of cubed beef with a layer of fat on it, I forget what it was but it was yummy. Especially with the char on the fatty side. Speaking of beef. The brisket also had a nice spice mix on it. It wasn't smoked long enough to get it super tender but it was still very good. The sausage has a taste that is altogether different from anything I've ever tasted before. Some sort of German taste. Give it a try! For sides, the jalapeño mac was pretty spectacular. The roasted veggies are also solid. Two thumbs up for a bbq place that offers real veggies on the menu! The siraccha slaw is also good. It's vinegar based. The corn bread was really good warm. But once it cool down it was a little hard to eat. The crust was a little over cooked. Still very yummy with real corn in the center. Sauces - My favorite was the pineapple habanero. The house sauce is good also. They also have mustard, ketchup, & a Carolina vinegar sauce. I am looking forward to going back and trying to sandwiches and salads. The people beside us got a couple sandwiches and they looked very good. As for the beer menu, it is pretty standard. Don't expect a lot of craft brews here. They do their best and there's a bigger selection in bottle but not on draft.
(4)Joe B.
I'm going to try and be really objective here and while it was a two star first impression the potential here is noteworthy. I think they need some time to get their kitchen and staff prepped for the rush on this place, but again, worth trying and trying again. We came in on a Sunday evening and it was packed, but with only a 20 minute wait for a two top. They cycle through tables quickly it seems. We ordered cocktails while we waited and with the bar running as it did, it took up a majority of that 20 minute window. The drink prices seem to be reasonable for well drinks and service was friendly even though it wasn't quick. All of their "custom" cocktails were on the sweeter side FYI....Ginger Jack with simple syrup and other drinks combining liqueurs of different sorts. Something a little stiffer would've been a nice option but they have a nicely stocked bar from what I could see Onto dinner. We were sat and a server came straight away letting us a know what they were out of. The list was short but distinguished so come early if you want your pick of all the choices. We started with the cheese curds with ranch. These were simple but simply tasty. Like I mentioned some of the other more interesting options were 86ed earlier. For the main, me and my special lady shared the Six Pack. 3 sides and 6 meats with four pieces of cornbread for $30 - a fair deal for sure. The meat comes stacked on those familiar tin cookie sheets you've seen elsewhere and there's the accompanying sauces at the table. I saw a Carolina, a Pineapple Habanero, Zeke's Q and another I can't recall. The Zeke's was empty so no-go there, the Carolina was way too thin and kind of splashed off the plate while the Pineapple Habanero was solid....sweet and hot and on the thicker side of the three they had available...I'm a fan! The meat was A-OK. The brisket had a nice smoke ring and it was pretty lean but maybe a little tough. The burnt ends were fatty and also a little tough. The chicken was cooked nicely and had some great juiciness and I liked the Zekewurst but it's heavy heavy on the garlic and spicy in it's own rite so be warned. Lastly, the spare ribs also had a nice smoke ring on them. The sides on the other hand left me wanting. Their Sriracha Slaw was spicy but could've used some sweetness....maybe a little honey or something to offset the one note flavor of the rooster sauce. The smoked beans seemed to be closer to a warm potato salad...it might have actually been warm potato salad but I didn't love it either way. Where I wanted them to shine with the Jalapeno Mac n' Cheese left me sad. The seashell pasta was fine but the cheese sauce was a little gritty and kind of flavorless with a touch of heat on the back end but not enough to call it Jalapeno Mac. The cornbread was nicely caramelized but also a little dry...throw some sauce on it though and problem solved. I'll definitely come back to try all of their menu but for now I'll let them get their balance. Service was very friendly and pretty on-point, at least at our table. You can tell that the staff really wants to please but might be a little overwhelmed during this opening month. I'm glad Zeke's is here and I hope they build the momentum and work out the kinks but it's worth a try and a second try for sure. 7/15 Update Fast forward a few months and I'm a little disheartened with Zeke's progress. We ate here over the slow weekend and the food was a tremendous let down. My girl had their Cuban which was OK enough but just didn't put up high marks on flavor. It was a little one note and bland. I'm wondering why they aren't using their BBQ Mustard in lieu of plain yellow. I had the three meat platter with Zekewurst, brisket and the ribs with sides of potato salad and coleslaw. The sausage was good but the brisket and the ribs were a little dry....actually the ribs were beyond dry and looked as though they had been sliced and then put under a heat lamp. The meat was tough and the skin on the outside was like rawhide from drying out. Additionally, it seems that they use the same rub on all their meats leaving everything tasting the same. The coleslaw was flavorless and terrible and the potato salad was flat without anything to make it unique. I had their Sunshine cocktail which was refreshing and service was great but I won't be back. This place is more expensive than Bad Brad's and the food nowhere near as good.
(3)Rachel W.
The best BBQ in the suburbs by far. I've been here twice, and every time has been an incredible experience. The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive; our server stopped by in a timely fashion and answered all of our questions. The atmosphere is very "Detroit", with lots of records on the walls, etc., and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll on the sound system. I also dig that they had Zeke Pride shirts :) I wish we hadn't been seated near a cold air vent, but next time we'll grab a seat by the window instead. But what about the food? It's awesome. The meats are uniformly flavorful and juicy. The sauces are pretty good, but the smoking and dry rub is so good that you barely need them. The brisket melts in your mouth, the pulled pork is tender and spicy, and the chicken wings have a great skin and a lot of meat. I loved the pan-fried brussels sprouts and the jalapeno mac n cheese, although the beans were a little samey after so much meat. The cornbread is on the sweet side--that's how I like my cornbread, although purists may not appreciate it. I'd like to see a more comprehensive beer list, which I hope will come with time--but I didn't have any trouble finding a beer I liked that went well with the food. I'd also like to see collard greens on the menu, as well as a wider selection of desserts. Altogether, I'm glad this place has supplanted A.J.'s.
(5)Regina S.
Welcome downhome BBQ to Fashionable Ferndale! I like Zeke's! We went in on the 1 week anniversary of their opening, and even with the weather outside acting all dookie, there was still a nice crowd at 8 pm. We were seated and our waitress, Eve, came over to take our orders. The menu is pretty vast, covering all meats that can be smoked. The entrees come with 2 sides and cornbread and range from $14 to around $23 or so. You can do combo platters too. I ordered the 2 meat combo pulled pork and corned beef. I got jalepeno mac and cheese (which is NOT hot at all) and the brussell sprouts.. my friend got the chicken and 4 bone ribs...she got the mac and cheese too and the roasted veggies.. They were out of beef brisket. (damn.) The ambience is decent, if a little loud. Think BBQ meets sports bar, maybe? There are 4 different house sauces; Carolina vinegar (loved), ZBQ house (sweet, liked it a lot) and there were 2 others I didn't try, one was pineapple habanero, and the other escapes me. The food came out really fast, which is always a good/bad thing for me. Yes, obvi the meat is done, but what about those sides? Well, per usual, the mac and cheese was OK..nothing really special. The brussell sprouts were the weirdest thing ever, they were, crumbled?? Like broccoli almost, and sweet, and with cashews!!! I don't really know how to explain it, but I couldn't stop eating it.. The pulled pork was great, but I wanted more. The corned beef was pretty ok, a tad tough on the one piece I got but you could tell it was and end piece. I don't know that I would get it again though, I am an old-fashioned boiled corned beef girl, I guess. The cornbread was AMAZING!! Literally melted in my mouth, I could've eaten half a pan of that by itself! My friend loved her ribs and sides, she didn't care much for the chicken being that it was all white meat and was kinda dry. Eve told us you can request dark meat though and she said she would do that next time. We had cake pops for dessert. I liked the key lime a lot, my friend thought they were all kind of dry. When we got the bill Eve explained they were supposed to come with a scoop of ice cream and she discounted them. Trial and error.. New business. I get that. Overall I thought it was pretty great, and a nice place. I'll definitely be back! /BBQ!
(4)Jessica A.
Woah! So good. I was shocked honestly, by how much I loved this place. Our waitress was great. Very friendly. Very good at her job. The vibe of the whole place is great. I ordered a southwestern salad without cheese and dressing on the side. It came out just as I ordered it, always a pleasant surprise, and exceeded my expectations. Boyfriend loved his food as well. We'll be back!
(4)Jim J.
Excellent BBQ we ordered 2 6 packs between 4 of us an I'm not talking beer it was a platter of BBQ heaven everyone loved it. I will definitely come back an bring everyone there. The atmosphere was great, good music, great crowd, staff was on point keep up the good work .
(5)Laura N.
Great BBQ, drink and service. Their late night menu is amazing also. Make sure to get a side of jalapeño mac and cheese with some of your bbq. Don't listen to the schmucks who keep comparing this to other BBQ spots like Slow's. It's a different style of BBQ and just isn't comparable to what they do. What they do, they do great so remember that when you're trying them out.
(5)Di Z.
Yay a new bbq joint in ferndale is always welcome. I wish I could have given this place a 3.5 stars as I don't think it's quite a 4 star level but 3 is a tad low. Place was packed on a Friday night. Got here before 7:30 and the wait for 4 was almost an hour. Luckily most people waiting stood by the bar and were able to grab drinks there. We started with some cheese curds at the bar. They were absolutely delicious fried goodness. Decent choices on tap (Axle, Rochester Mills, cider, Stella, Bud), it was $4 for a 16oz. I got the 2 meal combo which means you could pick 2 different types of meat for your entree which also comes with 2 sides and a corn bread. The ribs were decent nothing out of this world, I thought they were on the drier rare side. As for the pulled pork, thought it was very good. But both of the meat came out rather on the cold side, which means they were probably sitting in that kitchen for awhile. They had Zeke's sauces by the table (bbq, honey mustard, pineapple habanero, vinegar something?), the bbq one was really weak on flavor but big fan of the pineapple habanero if you like a heavier sauce with a kick to it. As for sides, I was a big fan of the brussel sprout side, they mashed it up into little pieces with nuts in them. Service was good overall, we didn't wait a particularly long time to get our food, our waiter came over periodically to check on us. Definitely no where near as good as Slows but a nice addition to the Ferndale neighborhood. I wouldn't mind going back again.
(3)Tim A.
Good food - great staff!! BBQ sauce on ribs is quite spicy ! Corn bread is void of much flavor but overall good experience! Did take out, but next time will dine in!
(4)Brent M.
I'm surprised this place isn't rated 5 stars by everyone! I went over the weekend for my second time and was beyond impressed. This place puts Famous Dave's to shame. Last time I went, I had the Zekewurst. Basically, it's spicy bratwurst. I loved it -- and I mean LOVED IT. When I returned with a couple friends, we got the 6 pack, which comes with 6 different meats (forget which ones) and 3 sides. The Zekewurst was still my favorite, but everything else was awesome too! For sides, we had veggie smash (mashed veggies mixed with mashed potatoes), smoked beans and roasted jalapeño mac and cheese. All sides were good but the Mac and cheese was definitely the best. And remember, you MUST try the pineapple habanero sauce they have. Absolutely amazing! I don't feel like I'm over exaggerating -- myself and my two friends stopped and said "oh my god..." after every bite because it was so damn good. We told everyone sitting around is how good it was, and even called the manager over just to tell him that it was amazing and we had absolutely nothing to complain about. Now I've never been to Slow's, so I can't compare... but I will say, even Slow's has some bad reviews. If you like BBQ, don't miss out on this place! Highly recommended!
(5)Tony B.
This is my first time at Zeke's. I can already say I'm not impressed. I was here for a little more than 10 minutes before I had a problem. The atmosphere is mediocre, at best. The beer menu, is short, (I'm a draft guy) & the beer did not taste full flavor. I went to the bar to get my drink, and was ignored for about 5 minutes before my ID was even checked. The bartender, who had already asked me what I wanted, obviously had her attention in other areas and was very rude when speaking to me, because she was also speaking to 3 or 4 other people at the same time. All in all, it's not the best. I'll probably never step foot in here again. The decor was boring and cheap. They did not put much work into the tables or the service. I'm a customer. Not a piece of shit.
(2)Zack K.
I can't for the life of me understand how someone could rate this place 5 stars. I'm giving it 2, and that's for their tortilla chips (and those alone). It doesn't matter what type of meat I ordered, it wasn't smoked long enough, and it wasn't cooked thoroughly enough. I understand that BBQ can be tricky at times, and sometimes you end up with bad cuts. That's when you rely on sauce. I don't know if the cooks have tried these sauces or not, but their signature sauce tasted like pachouli oil to me. I don't know how else to describe it, there's a VERY odd bite. The Mac and cheese is just bland. I was really excited to try this place, and after having it 3 separate times I am comfortable in saying I won't be returning. I cant imagine it will last long in the competitive west 9 mile circuit. Management should strongly consider packaging their chips for wholesale. They are really good, but not a good enough reason to go back
(2)Zach S.
Everything was good except the actual meat, which is kind of disappointing. Sides were great, staff was friendly...meat just wasn't up to par, even for a Midwest BBQ place. Best spots are still Red Smoke or Slows, but this place was ok. If they stepped up their actual BBQ game, this place would be great and the only joint worth visiting in the burbs.
(3)Sean H.
Big fan of this place. Great Drinks, food, and service. Never have had a negative experience there and hope that continues. Back patio is a great summer option.
(5)Bree B.
Tried a bit of everything at this restaurant with family and friends. My husband and friend are BBQ lovers so I stuck with the usual ribs. Meats: -Ribs are good. Great rub but the outer skin was a bit tough -Brisket is okay. Nice flavor, good consistency, and slightly overcooked and dry. -Pulled Pork horrible. Very dry and no flavor. -Zekewurst good. Unique flavor, has a kick of spice and worth a try. Sides: -Veggie Mash was good. Recommended. -Potato Salad was good. -Baked Beans was good. -Roasted Brussel Sprouts were so-so. Good taste but undercooked. -Mac & Cheese was sub-par. Appetizer -Reuben Eggroll, awesome -Rib Eggroll, good -black bean Eggroll, very good -jalapeño Eggroll, sub-par The atmosphere is good, server was nice, bar was cool with unique drinks.
(3)Kevin S.
Great service. Great meat. Horrible Mac &Cheese. I'd come again. A bit over priced but everything is these days. Did I mention how bad the Mac & cheese was?
(3)Jess B.
I went to Zeke's with a group of friends. There were 9 of us drinking and eating. Only 2 out of the group had been there before. I went with the pan fried brussel sprouts and pulled pork sandwich. The sandwich was good. Nothing over the top. I did not care for the brussel sprouts. They were overly peanuty and a little mushy. Our service was ok. Our server was very nice, however she was super slow. I can't blame her completely for being slow though. Some was on the bartender for being slow with the drinks and the manager for not getting her more help. She would "be right back" and would show up 10 minutes later. The atmosphere was inviting. The other customers were fun and we actually randomly interacted with some. I gave it Zeke's a 3 based on the trip only. I will return because I feel like I may have caught Zeke's on an off night. If I have better service and food, id be happy to bump up to a 4!
(3)Brooke W.
Five of us decided to come celebrate our friend's birthday. We expected to wait as it was a beautiful Saturday night. We waited about an hourish. We got our table and the nice server came over and took drink orders. The menu looked delicious and like it was copied from The Union Woodshop (not a bad thing). We all ordered a bunch of food (but not the ribs because they were out). I ordered the brisket and pulled pork with brussel sprouts and jalapeño Mac and cheese. We were excited and pretty hungry. Fast forward another 45-50 minutesish...we were freezing our asses off, starving, and thirsty. Kinda like jail. Should we leave? But we've already invested so much time! Blah blah blah. We didn't leave. Maybe we were too lazy? Maybe too weak? Maybe the scent of bacon hypnotized our common sense? Whatever the reason, we stayed long enough to experience the joyous vision of steaming metal trays of smoked meat be delivered to our table. After warming our hands and ordering more beverages, it was time to dive in! That first bite was glorious! I swear I heard angels singing. It was smokey and saucy and good. But when I went for my next bite of brisket and my fork could not penetrate the three inch thick layer of charred rub, I realized I had been dupped. This was not good BBQ. And it wasn't just the brisket. The mac resembled Kraft Shells & Cheese, and my Brussels sprouts were super sweet. I admit that I did not read the description of the sprouts very well, which may have warned me about the sweetness. My friends were equally disappointed. It was sad. Like when your mom promised you a dog for your birthday, but gave you a Pound Puppy instead. It's just not the same as the real thing. Overall, the food was lackluster and the service was sub par. I really wanted to like it. I just didn't and I cannot fathom a reason for ever going back.
(2)C F.
First visit. Seriously good Q. Ribs were perfectly tender. Good smoke ring. Pulled pork was tender and the bark was seasoned nicely. I sip the Cherry Bomb bbq sauce all day.
(4)Delilah M.
Most Yelp reviews baffle me. Especially when they are in an area like Ferndale. No offense to the young folks out there - but I find many of the reviews are based on aesthetic and not the actual food itself. So - this review is based on just that ... the food. The food is terrible. Sorry, not sorry. I went with a co-worker for lunch. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and a greek salad w/ chicken. First, the pulled pork had what appeared to be Lawry's season salt blanketed on top of it. Not a dusting - a blanket of season salt. The irony of this is that the actual pork at zero flavor. The ONLY think you could taste was this seasoning (mildly). I think we determined that the seasoning was a less flavorful version of Lawry's. We tried both the standard BBQ sauce and the Carolina, and again, nothing to write home about. The BBQ sauce was lacking both tangy-ness and sweetness - so I'm not sure what it was trying to accomplish. The Carolina sauce was thin and had no undertone of vinegar at all. Just bland all the way around. the greek salad was even more disappointing. The shredded chicken on the salad was also covered in the same seasoning as the pork. Subsequently there was a weird metallic taste to the chicken I did not find appealing. Double down - because the chicken was also served cold. I didn't think it was possible to have flavorless cucumbers or tomatoes, but again, this was my struggle. The feta on the salad was dry - like chalk board drive. Normally I am scrimping through my plate to make sure I have consumed every trace of cheese known to man - here my plate sat feta full. The service was good, our waitress nice. The décor and atmosphere are also nice. However, I like the décor and atmosphere at home - I go out for food. I'm sorry to say I would just tell people to pass if this was on their list. Bad food is awful, but bland food is just inexcusable.
(2)We Love F.
Ribs are not all that great. Very neat and clean though. The decor was a bit on the demonic side. Didn't care for that. Friendly wait staff.
(2)Irwin F.
We were disappointed. The decor and atmosphere are awesome but that is it. Our server seemed disinterested and our food was brought out auction style - aka "who had the brisket" which is poor. The pulled pork and brisket were solid but all of our sides lacked flavor. The mac and cheese was average and the potato salad needed something to kick it up in flavor. We never saw a manager walking around nor were thanked for our business. Bummer.
(2)Trey H.
Our experience at Zeke's was terrible. I lived in the south for 40 years and have never had a worse excuse for "pulled pork bbq". The meat was fatty, undercooked, and extremely bland. It had the texture of a roasted meat not smoked. We complained and the manager obviously did not care. We will never go back and live 1-2 miles away.
(1)Laura V.
I went there on Saturday 4/11 at around 1pm with a group of four people. We were seated immediately with a moderate crowd (looked like maybe we hit the end or beginning of lunch rush). Our waitress was hilarious, good natured and friendly. She dropped a couple things on the table a little heavily and we teased her about it, and she responded by teasing right back. Loved it! I apologize for not remembering her name! I tried the four eggrolls for $10 and made a meal out of it. They have a greek, veggie, BBQ and reuben. Let me just tell you. I am craving those egg rolls constantly now. Reuben and Greek were the best. Veggie was a bit spicy for me and the BBQ just needed one more ingredient in it to make it a bit tastier in my opinion. But that Reuben egg roll. Dear lord, I will just keep coming back for those. The BF got smoked Turkey and the steamed veggies which he really liked, but then he took a bite of one of my egg rolls and damned it to hell. So yeah... Keep on rockin' Zeke's. Cause I need a steady supply of that egg roll crack.
(5)Marisa W.
Great options for the gluten-free crowd, and they are more than accommodating. All of the meats are gluten-free, along with the ZBQ sauce and many of their sides. We tried Zeke's on Saturday and liked our food and server (Hailey) so much that we decided to bring the family the very next day. Kiara did an excellent job with our large group, making sure we all had drinks and our food was exceptional for the length of our visit. Both times, I ordered the 6-pack with my boyfriend. There was a great deal of delicious food to be completely satisfied then, as well as some left overs for later. All of the meat was wonderful, the side dishes were just as good. I've tried the brussel sprouts, veggie mash, slaw, and the potato salad, all of which we excellent. My only complaint, and reason this isn't 5-star, is the attitude of the hostess. Yesterday, we came in 45 minutes early to tell them that we had a large group coming in. We were trying to be as accommodating to a new, busy restaurant as we possibly could be. We understand that you cannot seat us until more people show up, but we wanted to give the restaurant a heads-up because they do not offer call-ahead/reservations. Luckily another woman stepped in, was very helpful at prepping the table and we were sitted at the time we told them we needed the tables. I just don't think a great, thriving restaurant has room for a hostess with a stand-off, not-my-problem attitude.
(4)Kim K.
Great service. Food was really yummy. Tried the sample plate. And the Poutine was amazing!!
(4)Gerard G.
Zekes is where it's at. Stopped in last night and ate on the patio and was really satisfied with the barbecue goodness that is Zekes. Located right in downtown Ferndale, it's the only choice for barbecue in the area. I put it right at Slows level, and I'm a huge fan of what Slows has going on. After living in Tennessee for some time, I've had my fair share of quality barbecue. I give Zekes the stamp of approval. The pricing was really reasonable as well-- two people can eat there for under $30 and the quantity and quality of food you get is more than worth it. Will definitely be revisiting Zekes and I suggest you give it a try if you haven't yet.
(5)Ryan M.
I was really, really looking forward to my meal at Zeke's. I love BBQ and I love Fried Cheese curds and a place that serves both is a winner in my book. Plus, I'm in need of a meal in Ferndale at least once a week, so I hoped to have a new spot to put in my rotation. But Zeke's just wasn't good. I had the fried cheese curds, which were not individual pieces. I believe they were supposed to be, but my order had all clumped together into 3 or 4 big clumps and a couple of smaller pieces. They weren't the worst cheese curds I've ever had, but the clumping was really a detractor. Moving on to my entree, I had the brisket sandwich. First of all, I found the hoagie roll to be too much bread. That's just a personal preference though, I prefer my BBQ sandwiches on a hamburger bun. Bread density not withstanding, Zeke's committed the greatest sin I can imagine. The brisket was dry, dry, dry. It was not tender, it was chewy, tough, and like eating leather. Beyond that, I didn't personally care for the rub that was on it. It tasted like it had been covered in a tomato sauce before cooking. Sorry Zeke's. I know you guys are new and it's tough to open a restaurant. I'm not totally writing you off, but it's going to be at least 6 months to a year before I come back. Hopefully you can find your footing because the space is really cool and the music was awesome.
(1)Amanda S.
Went here yesterday and got the 2 meat combo: pulled pork & burnt ends. Both meats were very juicy and I though much better than some of the other BBQ places I've tried around here (i.e. Lockhart's, RUB, etc). I had the mac & cheese and potato salad on the side--both were fair, but not super memorable. One negative for me was that it was very noisy--I had to shout to be heard from time to time. All things considered, I would go back!
(3)Heidi M.
I was at Zeke's last night and not impressed. The ceiling was dripping on us at our table and they were just like yeah we gotta get that fixed. Something they obviously knew about before sitting us there. No apology, no offer to move, not even an umbrella to borrow. The pulled pork came out cold. Their sauces are very watery, even the honey mustard. The cole slaw and potato salad were both very bland. The drinks served at the bar were good and had garnish, same drink orders at table... nothing. There was a hostess Nazi that tried to kick us out of our table after we were done eating, even though we were still drinking and hadn't received the bill. She was seriously a maniac running around in full panic mode. On the good side.. Smoked chicken wings were yummy. Mac n cheese had good flavor, even though it lacked creaminess. The bartenders were nice. They just opened a week or so ago, I will wait a month and try them again.
(2)Jason C.
The best word to describe this place is mediocre. The atmosphere is nice and our server was extremely attentive but the food was blah. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese. The brisket was dry and flavorless and the mac and cheese was not any better. Will not return unless the food improves.
(2)Kim D.
I stopped in tonight and it was packed, which is not surprising for a Friday night in downtown Ferndale. The wait was about 30 minutes, but it felt faster. I ordered the rib tips with the jalapeño mac & cheese and the potato salad. One friend ordered the 4 Ribs dinner, and another ordered the pulled pork. Everything was amazing! I would have preferred to have had mac & cheese without jalapeño, but it was tasty and it wasn't too hot for me. The potato salad was great...I could have eaten a huge bowl of it. I also really liked the cornbread and that is something I can normally do without. What I really want to talk about is something I didn't even order. My friend ordered the side of brussel sprouts on the recommendation of the waitress who called them "brussel sprouts for people who don't like brussel sprouts". I cannot stress enough just how much I loathe, and have always loathed, brussel sprouts. I legitimately haaaate them! I had a bite of my friend's and OMG...so freaking good! I would actually order them which is a minor miracle. We ended the meal with some Treat Dreams ice cream. Great food, good service...all in all I was pleased and I WILL go back (and I will order the brussel sprouts).
(4)Rob P.
this place is amazing!!! A friend and I dropped in for lunch the other day and waited about 4 mins before deciding to sit at the bar. We ordered drinks and check out the menu. My friend ordered the brisket and I got the pulled pork. We also got an order of cheese curds. I'd like to take a moment to discuss these cheese curds... I've have fried cheese curds before and they were excellent. these were 3x BETTER than any I'd had before. It was like someone took pure happiness, fried it and served it to me in a basket. *sigh* While we waited on our food my friend was told that they were out of brisket. Not a big deal. When you order something that slow cooks for almost half a day you've got to expect them to run out ever once in a while. He ordered the Juicy Lucy instead. Our food came out piled high on two metal trays. PERFECT way to serve BBQ. That way it's not falling off a plate and no one thinks you're eating like and animal. My pulled pork was perfect, juicy without being too fatty. Could be the best pulled pork I've ever had. I tried each of the sauces, dipping into each of them. Loved them all, even the vinegar based one was delicious and i usually can't stand vinegar based BBQ. The staff was great. I saw a ton of familiar faces and even some close friends. We even got into a heated discussion was a few of the bartenders about which Swedish punk bands were the best. Where else is that going to happen. We also loved ever song that came over the stereo. Hands down the best BBQ in metro Detroit. I'm working on rounding up folks to go tonight!
(5)B J.
Not bad, not great. The beer list is boring, the cheese curds were extremely salty, and the meat was underwhelming. I got the three meat entree (brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork). The burnt ends were super fatty. I think they gave me two other meats but it was hard to tell. I think (hope) it was chicken instead of pulled pork because it was super bland and dry. I don't even know what to say about the meat situation because it was so confusing. Pretty sure I just didn't get the right order. The sides were boring. The cole slaw was super bitter, the mac & cheese was just average. I would come back but my expectations are pretty low. Dickey's is better and cheaper, so if you don't want to hang out and/or drink beers, why bother with Zeke's?
(2)Lily G.
So excited there's a great bbq joint in the area. I shared the 6 meat with someone. We had leftovers, but we got to try almost everything (sadly, they were out of brisket so we got double the pulled pork). Chicken, burnt ends, and sausage were great. Unfortunately, the pulled pork and ribs needed more cooking time, but considering they just opened and the flavor was there, I can overlook it this time. As for the sides, the brussel sprouts were to die for (and my new favorite) except the waitress said there's bacon in it which we found no traces of. Sriracha cole slaw wasn't too spicy but a nice refreshing touch to the meal. Oh and the cornbread was fluffy and moist..SO good. The waitress was a doll and really helpful and attentive even though they were slammed. Definitely going back soon!
(4)Jamese F.
Average barbecue. I had the 2 meat sampler, the ribs were tough and the pulled pork was ok. The drink menu could use some expanding also. Decor is nice. I might try again, we'll see.
(3)Myrtle M.
I had some high hopes for Zeke's, but overall, it was a bit meh. The tatted up servers with wild and crazy hair and too cool for school 'tudes may add to the luster for some, but overall, they were a bit jerky and also too cool to give decent service. Oh, and if you like The Buzzcocks, you're in luck. Prepare to hear them on repeat. The chicken and pulled pork were quite tasty, but the burnt ends and ribs were loaded with extra rub that took away from the natural smoky flavor. The sauces were also less than impressive. We all passed around our sides to try, and the mac and cheese was probably our favorite. The rest, again, meh. I can't see a good reason to choose this place over the other far better BBQ joints in the area.
(2)Andrew S.
Top notch food, service, and prices. I've been several times and all of the food is killer. Ruben egg rolls, Zekewurst, brisket, and the wings can't be beat. The walls are lined with gig posters and record covers from local bands. A few TV's, but nothing distracting. Busch beer and Paddy's whiskey compliment the full bar. Feels like home away from home, right down the street.
(5)Erin O.
I love Zeke's. I have been waiting for it to open for a year, and it does not disappoint. It's good flavored BBQ with more inventive sauces than usual. And guys, the point of BBQ is to mix it all up, unless you're in Texas. Which you're not. It's the D. Put some pulled pork on your macaroni and cheese and enjoy the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The bar is the standout feature of Zeke's. Staffed by the most solid high-volume servers with experience in music venues, and patronized by the same, Zeke's is what Ferndale needed. Everything else in the walking distance area of Ferndale proper belongs to a particular demographic. Zeke's is welcoming and no-judgment. I have been in twice this week and both times knew a bunch of friendly faces AND struck up conversation with people around me outside of my usual crew. Add a sandwich unapproved by your doctor to that mix and you have a successful night out.
(5)Jim E.
I've eaten there several times and everything is good. The drinks are stiff. The BBQ is really great. The music and decor are just like I like it.
(5)Jen Z.
The food and service were excellent! Great prices and portions. The only downside was the tap selections. Ferndale (and Detroit) is a beer city. We have high expectations for our beer selection, and above all, a BBQ place needs to deliver. The Miller/Bud draft choices are old and tired. I want a variety of micro brew selections that perfectly pair with BBQ. Talk to your beer vendor and get some better taps!!!!
(4)jaime h.
Whoa. My brisket sandwich was insanity at its finest. Hands down best I've ever had. My second most favorite part of my first time experience here was the service, his name is Anthony and he was AWESOME. My food was so good I got another order to go :)
(5)Shelby M.
Waitress walked out in the middle of our meal. Didn't even receive water after asking multiple times. Didn't get what we ordered. Bill was messed up. Long story short don't come here.
(1)Tybithie H.
I had the pleasure of going to Zekes today. The food was awesome! I had a half slab of ribs, fries, and Zekes potato salad. The potato salad taste like my dad's potato salad. The ribs where very tender and the fries were excellent. I also like the ZBQ sauce which is the house sauce. The atmosphere is a bit busy and a little loud at times but it's cool. I also like the tray they serve the food on. The 6 pack beer cartons that hold the condiments and even the mechanic rags they use as napkins. Overall, a great experience and would definitely would come back and can't wait to come back.
(5)Olivia P.
My 4yo, Spouse and I went to try Zeke's out. we got the following: Chips and salsa app half rack w, fries and corn bread Grilled cheese fries and corn bread pulled chicken sandwich with siracha col slaw and jalapeno mac n cheese. Picky four year old ate half the grilled cheese, some fries and half corn bread. This child is very picky and usually this does not happen A+ Spouse said he z sauce perfectly paired with the ribs! he loves loves BBQ so this is huge! Pulled chicken is usually my option and this had flavor and was yummy with the sirach col slaw on top!!! Mac an cheese was flavorful with a small hint of spice but not anything to be scared to try if spice is not your thing. This place is solid and a good option.
(4)Jacqueline A.
My husband and I had a great experience. Our waitress was very attentive and provided some great recommendations. We really like the casual environment and our dinners were great!
(4)Cookie W.
Had lunch with friends during the Ferndale Restaurant week. 2 of us had the rib ends which were very fatty and tough. Neither one of us liked it. Wished we had tried the burnt ends. All agreed the sides were delish. Loved the brussel sprouts, while they are in a lot of liquid as someone posted, I did not find them soggy but very tasty. Friend that ordered the Grilled Portobella sandwich, said she would definitely order again. Potato Salad tasted homemade. The friend that ordered the Greek Salad was very happy with her selection too. Our server was not very knowledgeable when asked questions regarding the menu, but she may have been new. Drinks were priced well for it not being a happy hour.
(3)Sheri K.
New BBQ in Ferndale. Excited much? Yes! The smell of the smoker is amazing! We were 2 very hungry and indecisive persons dining on a Saturday afternoon. Of course teh 6 Pack was the only way to go. I could not believe how much food we got. I think it could easily feed 4 since we brought half home. The ribs were good, could have been a little more tender, but still good. My only suggestion? CAST IRON FOR YOUR CORNBREAD! Other than that, it was great and we will be back!
(4)Denetia L.
GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!!! The food was great! My bf had the chicken which had a great rub on it! I had the pulled pork. It was really good. The Brussels sprouts were shredded which is unique but turned out tasty!
(5)Menka M.
I was so excited to try this restaurant especially after favorable review from the news paper.The excitement quickly faded once I got my carry out. I ordered the smoked chicken Greek salad and my husband ordered the beef brisket with the side of Brussels sprout and a side of coleslaw. The brisket was dry, and tough. The portion was not worth the $17. There were 3 slices of beef. The Brussels sprout were great, probably the best part of the meal. The salad...it was nothing to brag about and lacked some of the basics of what I would classify as a Greek salad, such as black olives and beets. The dressing tasted like Nikki's Greek. The Z' s BBQ sauce tasted like an open pit base. Overall I thought it was overpriced and not up to the quality I am accustomed to. I prefer Bad Brads or Lazy Bones. Both places have better prices and better smomed BBQ
(3)Kris B.
Great place to get some AWESOME BBQ! Get the 6 pack, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Welton B.
Had a great meal here! Food was great service was good also.
(4)Gia D.
Totally worth the wait for this joint to open!! Brisket was outta this world with a lovely smoke ring and great flavor! Ribs stand alone just fine without sauce and are far better than Slow's or any other BBQ place in town. Cheese Curds... oh my god... amazing and sinful. Sauces were delicious but not overwhelming. Hostess was super friendly and Kat (who has the best hair ever, btw) makes a mean Jalapenofest and Cosmo! It was nice to have a bartender who actually knows their stuff and cares about the customer experience! We'll definitely be back... probably sooner than later! ;-D
(5)Erin D.
I have been here a few times & have yet to have a bad meal. Highly recommend the Brussels sprouts with almonds as a side. The mac & cheese is also worth ordering. My new favorite is the Dagwood sandwich, yum! The only downfall is this place can get really crowded & the wait can be long, not unusual for downtown ferndale though. I look forward to my return!
(4)Holly S.
Me and my boyfriend came to Zekes earlier this week to try some of their BBQ option and I'm so glad we did! We started off with the cheese curds- they were delicious as usual. Red flags went up in my head though because the last time we had cheese curds was at Vinsetta Garage and everything from the batter to the flavor ect was EXACTLY the same. Are cheese curds something a restaurant could order frozen from a catalog and cook to order? They were delicious nonetheless. We both had the 3 meat platters with 2 sides- I had ribs, beef brisket, and burnt ends and my sides were baked beans and Mac n cheese (corn bread is included too). The burnt ends were life changing. I've never in my life had such flavorful amazing burnt ends- next time I'm just ordering that, it was that good!! Brisket was delicious too but the ribs weren't that great. They were so heavily smoked that it turned to rib jerk and I didn't touch them after one bite. The mac n cheese was good but too spicy for my lame palette but everyone at home loved the leftovers of it and the baked beans were delicious. They had huge chunks of meat running through it which was delicious. Corn bread had great potential but was a little dry. I would recommend trying this place out for sure everything was great! Just don't come on a game day- the place is small and its LOUDDDDDD!!!
(4)Megan F.
EVERYTHING IS GOOD!!!! A special shout-out for the smoked wings, reuben egg rolls, ribs (dry, St. Louis style), smoked beans, brussels sprouts, and plethora of ever-changing soup options. Major bonus: There's a solid beer and wine selection, and nearly every spirit you could imagine. Even Campari, for those renegades who enjoy an aperitif to prepare the stomach for a brutal onslaught of deliciousness. As if all that weren't enough, Zeke's gets an an extra gold star for its LDQ (Limited Douche Quotient), which is certainly a welcome addition to any downtown!
(5)Licia D.
Great sauce, great food, great beer, great service!!!! The meat is oh so tender, the cheese curds were delicious! New fave spot for a chill time with friends and or family. Will most definitely be back for more
(5)Chris G.
I tried their food at the Pig & Whiskey. I tried this crazy looking thing called the BBQ Parfait . . a layered mixture of their pulled pork, brisket, smoked beans, mac n cheese and the sriracha cole slaw. I was very impressed with everything in their. The flavor individually and all mixed up were both awesome. Highly recommend and I hope they have the parfait on their regular menu.
(4)Jeff H.
Great food. Best ribs I've had since Pointe Barbeque on Detroit's east side closed many years ago. Jalapeno mac n cheese was great too. Very cold beer and great vibe. Cute and funny bartender (I think her name was Jesse). Will definitely work this place into our rotation.
(5)Dustin P.
You know what's sad? A BBQ joint that try's to hard. The food is ok, the meat was over smoked and smoked too hot. The bark was bitter and unappealing, and I'm by no means a BBQ snob. The Brussels sprouts were very sweet and needed some acid or seasoning to balance it out. The sauce was very good and I liked the slaw. Im not a huge fan of trendy hipster BBQ, but I'm glad I tried it. I probably won't be back for a while. I'll give it another show after they settle into their groove a little bit.
(2)Joe M.
Best baked beans I've ever had!
(5)Giles C.
Food was pretty bland relative to other BBQ restaurants in the metro Detroit area. Better place to enjoy music than it is to enjoys a bite.
(2)Lynn G.
Met a friend here and found a new favorite place!! The bbq was absolutely the best I have had! I ordered the Smoked Cuban sandwich and my boyfriend ordered the 3 Meat Combo, with smoked turkey, brisket, and ribs!! Delicious!! It was a great atmosphere and a great evening!!
(5)Melissa P.
Stopped in on a Sunday evening because I was craving some ribs and knew this was new in the neighborhood. Menu items are moderately priced. The food was delicious. The pan fried brussel sprouts have a sweet flavor to them and the cornbread is delicious. I would definitely recommend this spot for some good BBQ. The only downside to this place is that they don't allow you to order carry out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which is a bit strange.
(4)Michael M.
Fantastic all around. I wish I had this place in my neighborhood. Smoked wings were awesome and HUGE. The skin was perfectly crispy, came with maple bacon siracha sauce. I was worried Texas ruined brisket for me, but no worries there. It melted in my mouth. I enjoyed a few signature cocktails. Good TV placement easily covers whatever games are on - not over done like bw3. Can't wait to try everything on the menu, they have some creative appetizers.
(5)S S.
Really, really good BBQ. We were seated right away at dinner time on a Sunday, so maybe the mad rush to the new BBQ place is slowing down. The 6-pack was delicious, perfect for sharing and getting to try out most of the meats. I had always wanted to try burnt ends and smoked wings, but brisket always wins for me, so it was my first time trying both of those. Cornbread was awesome, a million times better than cold white bread, ahem. The sides were interesting and new. The jalapeño Mac and cheese was much better than we expected, delicious. Everything was hot and fresh. The burnt ends had zero bark, not burnt, so that was disappointing for my first taste. I will have to try again. There wasn't a thick, sweet BBQ sauce. Zeke's sauce needs work.
(4)Chris M.
So we went to Zeke's Rock 'n roll barbecue the staff was friendly the atmosphere was pleasant there egg roll appetizers were awesome. Compared to other barbecue joints in the area you get plenty of food for the price but I found the brisket a bit dry the rest of my food was awesome. And make sure you try the pineapple habanero barbecue sauce.
(3)Scott R.
I will complete a more level headed review as soon as I pump my brakes. The bathroom was great!
(1)Grant M.
The pulled pork and brisket were both good, however, the meat lacked the necessary smokeyness for me to give it a 4 star. Also, the sauces could be better - not a whole lot of flavor. The sides (mac n cheese, potato salad) were both good. As was the cornbread.
(3)Joseph D.
Difficult ordering process when crowded . Especially when sitting at window bar seat because you have to order at bar and when you leave your seat to order in crowd your seat will be taken. And if your thinking you will just catch a waitress walking by , think again . I was told by three waitress that if I was not at a regular table that they could not take my order . So I after 40 minutes I abandoned the window seat Idea and had to fight thru the fray and bar seat grabbers who would not wait their turn to finally get my order taken by a refreshingly nice Female bartender. In the end the beef brisket I came for was terrible and dry and the most unimaginative and boring offering of a brisket sandwich I ever had , and even though their take on chili cheese fries was tasty , it was not enough to bring me back . Overall I will not return and would not suggest this place to anyone .
(1)Karrie M.
Zeke's is one of the best new restaurants to open in the area. The food was absolutely fantastic & they have lots of vegetarian options for those of us who hang with meat eaters. I had the roasted Brussels sprouts, the jalapeño mac&cheese, the portobello burger, the fried green beans, and the bacon dip. Everything came out hot & delicious. The service was great & the vibe is fantastic. Do yourself a favor and put this place on your frequent flier list! You'll thank me.
(5)Renee W.
The food I had this evening here was disgusting. The so called spicy chili tasted like some hormel out of a can and was a diarrhea color. The chips and salsa was a greasy mess. Chips dripped oil and the salsa looked like dried pico de gallo. My partners said their food was good. They are the smoked turkey and a burger. The only plus were the fries were served hot.
(1)Sarah E.
This wasn't the best nor the worst of places. Service was sub par. The server didn't know the difference between pulled pork and pulled chicken. When we went they were out of at least 3 of the sides they served and it took over an hour for the food to come out. It wasn't correct the first time. No one apologized nor offered anytime to compensate.
(2)Bob R.
2nd time back. Even better than the last time. The ribs were the best smoked ribs I've ever had. I think I saw the Mayor of Ferndale there eating them too, wasn't even using his hands, just swallowed them whole and spit out a bone.
(5)Enrique B.
I sat at the bar and had the Four Horsemen sandwich. It was really good. I'll be back!
(4)John K.
Our server Anthony was great. Very accommodating and very knowledgeable but that is where it stops. Was;t all that bad but just wasn't that good. The sauces need some fine tuning and some punch. 6 of us had meals that were uninspiring and left us thinking maybe we should have went down the street. I had the burnt ends (not burnt just chewy), the siracha slaw (oK), the baked beans (boring) and the mac n cheese (i am writing all mac n cheeses off my list - over done) which was just not that good. Jalapeño? No kick. We will give it time.
(2)Mine P.
Our server Mandy was great!! My husband and I ordered the 6 pack to share, the burnt ends and pulled pork were my favorites the chicken was good too. The ribs were ok and sausage a little to spicy for me. We ordered the bbq pasta, fries and potato salad. Pasta and fries were good the potato salad I wasn't crazy about. We also had the cheese curds as an app, yummy!!! Overall I liked it and will be back!!
(4)Ben H.
Loved it! Been a few times (this week!) and probably once more before it's over! Creative mouthwatering bbq while listening to anything from adolescents to agnostic front and a cold brew, how can 3 rights be wrong?! It's not. Go see for yourself!
(5)Christen K.
Ok, I'm really not a huge fan of BBQ...I was a vegetarian for several years and meat is still not my favorite food group. Hubby wanted to try it and I heard they had soups and salads on the menu so I agreed. We were a group of four adults plus my son and the first thing hubby says is, "I heard the 6 pack is enough for 4 people". Sabotage. The 6 pack is 6 meats; pulled pork, ribs, chicken, burnt tips, brisket and sausage. It comes with 4 pieces of cornbread and three sides which for us was the jalapeño mac and cheese, sirachia coleslaw and brussel sprouts and on the waitresses recommendation we ordered the BBQ poutine fries as an appetizer. I was slightly annoyed. First, the BBQ poutine fries were amazing! Fries with gravy, cheese curds & pulled pork, omg. They did this right! The meats were good but I enjoyed the chicken most. I loved the pineapple habanero sauce! The house sauce was too sweet for me. Jalapeño mac and cheese could have been creamier as others have said but the flavor made up for it. The sirachia coleslaw was the biggest happy surprise. The cornbread was good but I thought the brussel sprouts were not the best I've had. However, two of my fellow diners loved them. Thank you Zeke's for a unique BBQ experience and welcome to Ferndale! I plan on going back next weekend!
(5)Dane W.
Tried Zeke's out for the first time tonight and am happy to report that they have hit the nail on the head when it comes to barbeque! All of the meats were very flavorful, especially the ribs (moist and flavorful) and the chicken (crisp and well seasoned). The pineapple habanero sauce was great, and the sides were good as well. Service was good, we will definitely be back!
(5)K g.
The service was really good as far as attentiveness, timing, etc. The pulled pork and sauces were great, as well as the blue cheese dip, which I had with veggies. The slaw has a vinegar based dressing, which I like, but could use some more flavor. The brussel sprouts side is very "meh." My companions enjoyed their ribs, one person said the portobello sandwich was bland, and the pulled pork sandwich looked very unexciting. There were literally a few thin strips of meat in it, and for $12, seemed like it should have been much more substantial. One thing I want to point out is that I had questions about ingredients in an appetizer, due to a food intolerance. I was told that the dish had no gluten in it, so my group ordered it for the table. When it arrived, there were breadcrumbs atop the dip. We asked for a separate dip without breadcrumbs on top, so I began eating the chips, which I were told were made from corn (tortilla chips), and the server comes back and says "the chips actually have flour in them too, and the spinach dip is made with a roux so it's not gluten free." Again, this was all after clarifying with her initially, when we ordered it, that everything was gluten free. She apologized profusely, etc., and provided a gluten free cheese dip with cold veggies too, on the house, but the whole incident was really disappointing. We had emphasized the need for gluten free, she confirmed, without saying she needed to double check, and everything was brought out as if it was fine, and I'm told AFTER the fact that none of it is gluten free. Thankfully the allergy is non-life threatening, but I expected better. Recommendations? Be SURE your server knows about food ingredients if you have allergies or food intolerance, or ask to talk to the chef, manager if you feel uncomfortable. This is standard advice anywhere, but I certainly learned my lesson at Zeke's.
(2)Amanda C.
Horrible piss poor customer service . Even if the food was good, and it wasn't I wouldn't go back . They really need to re evaluate who they hire as employees . Too bad, good music.. But couldn't suffer through everything else .
(1)Jennifer L.
There are so many issues with this place. Its hard to know where to start. Service- We went at 8pm on a Sunday night, (only been open about 2 weeks at this point) and we were seated immediately. Which I did not expect at all! But the place was very very busy. The bar and every other table seemed to be full. The great part, service was excellent. (The only reason I rated 2 stars, is because service was good.) Our server knew the menu, was polite, sincere, and quite attentive to the tables she was serving. --- The downside. 2 of the 3 side dishes we wanted were sold out. Bummer. So we ordered the Cheese Curds for an App. my husband and I split the meat combo. The Cheese curds came out and were amazing! It was a spicy ranch dipping sauce, and the curds were great. the downside, they got a little clumpy. But still delicious! This made me even more excited for the main course. The meat combo included Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked chicken, Ribs, burnt ends, hot links, and cornbread. This combo also comes with your choice of sides. We picked Smoked Beans (tastes like Bushes from a can with spices added), Jalapeno Mac, and Brussels sprouts. The meat, hardly had any spice or flavor at all. In fact, I think they oven roasted our dinner. I was thoroughly disappointed. The brisket was more like pot roast. It was good pot roast, horrible BBQ. The Links were over cooked, the burnt ends weren't even burnt. I thought maybe some BBQ sauce would help. Boy was I wrong. So so so wrong. Zekes BBQ sauce taste like Ketchup. In fact I had to try it twice to be sure it wasn't ketchup. The Carolina Vinegar, and the Honey Mustard were also both gross, not to mention runny. Like water coming out of the spout. Totally disappointed. Did I mention they have a pitiful tap list? Ugh. If your going have beer in Ferndale, be sure to have some Michigan beers, and a better selection than Bud Light, Labatt, and Coors on your tap list! With One Eyed Betty's a block away, you have to give people another reason than bad food and crappy beer to come and eat at your restaurant. We decided it would probably be 6 months to a year before we would give Zekes another shot. For now we will visit Lockharts, or Smoke Street.
(2)Ziggy G.
The smoked corned beef was amazing. I wasn't a fan of the Zekewurst sausage, to many herbs and garlic in it for my taste; but it was cooked perfectly.
(5)Chef R.
Really greasy fries. Cheese curds all stuck together and had more salt than cheese. Sides were terrible. Liquid smoke baked beans. The Mac and cheese was not edible, maybe fake jalapeño or jarred. Mashed veggies tasted alright, just very cold. The meats were average, not good or great. Service was friendly but inattentive. Brought wrong sides at first. Corrected. Bill came, charged for an extra entree we didn't order or receive. Credit card charged and voided 3x. We basically paid $125 so we could leave and go eat at the bar down the road. Was very disappointing and we were really looking forward to it. We will continue to eat at Lockharts, Yardbird or Slows.
(1)C S.
I would typically give them a 2 based on the service but the food was tasty. Entering from the front (9 mile) is confusing and the staff allowed us to stand there until another patron told us to go to the back (I continued to see this happen to others during my visit). After we were seated, the waitress ran thru a list of things the were out of (pulled pork. Brisket and a few other items). We told the waitress that we didn't eat pork so it wasn't a big deal. I ordered the half chicken which was tasty and my husband the chicken wings with sauce. I asked for lemons for my iced tea and she brought them stuffed in a coffee cup... When we packed up our leftovers in to go boxes, my husband noticed pork in the sauce his wings were in. We asked the waitress and she said it wasn't but later, she went back to the kitchen and said "sorry" I didn't know. She did have the kitchen make us a plain order to go but find not offer to take the wings off our bill. By the time we left, the restaurant had printed new menus on plain white paper with the items they actually had since they were sold out of so many items.
(3)Elliott B.
We went on a Friday night at 7:00pm. It was a little bit of a wait for a table but we were able to find a spot at the bar. We really enjoyed our food. It was delicious. Good crowd and good service, we'll return again.
(4)Matt D.
Phenomenal. The best bbq in metro Detroit. Ordered the 6 meat plate. Everything was so tender and juicy. Great smokey flavors. Big portions. Loved the gravy on the poutine. The jalapeño mac-n-cheese was creamy and spicy. Service was wonderful. I will definitely be recommending this place.
(5)Jimmy D.
Excellent BBQ'd meats! I had the pulled pork and brisket. I have dined at many BBQ places, and this place was exceptional! The sides were also delicious. I had the mac and cheese and the interesting & tasty brussel sprouts.
(5)Dawn W.
We went on a Friday evening and the wait was not too long for a table. The atmosphere was fun and energetic. I was so pleased they had a good hard cider on tap (Blake's). We did not order an appetizer. I ordered the 2 meat combo (smoked turkey and beef brisket) with sriracha cole slaw and the veggie mash (mashed potatoes containing cooked vegetables). My fiance ordered the 3 meat combo ( ribs, burnt ends, and Zeke-wurst) with the jalapeno mac & cheese and the brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious and plentiful. My meat choices didn't even need any BBQ sauce because they were so good on their own. Both of us walked away with some serious leftovers! The only somewhat negative thing I shall comment on is the lack of space between the tables in our section. I felt so bad for the wait staff having to squeeze through such small spaces while balancing big trays of food. I am looking forward to another visit!
(4)Nick C.
This might have to be my new go to dining place in Ferndale. Went here last week with my lady and we both enjoyed it immensely. We didn't have to wait for a table at all, unlike some 'trendy' Ferndale places. From our friendly server Jackie to the food on our plates, we had an all around great time. The BBQ poutine was very good, maybe a little too good since we found ourselves almost full from that appetizer by the time our meals arrived. Still, we indulged and were not disappointed. Three meat combo with brisket, ribs, and burnt ends was tasty, as were the smoked beans and brussel sprouts that came on the side. The girlfriend had the pulled pork and zekewurst, both of which were good. Like I said, it was an all around great experience. I can't wait to go back and try that monster burger or enjoy a night of live music. The only complaint or constructive thing I have to say is that the hostess stand is in the back of the restaurant if you enter from the 9 mile side, which was confusing since we didn't see a sign when we entered, but were instead waved back by one of the staff. Not a huge deal though. Nothing a simple sign won't fix.
(5)Robert M.
Will admit my eyes got real big when I seen BBQ walking down the street in Ferndale on a Saturday night. I'm all was up for trying a new BBQ place, it's my favorite food category. It was a 25 minute wait, no big deal beer at the bar for my fiancé and I. When seated we had a great seat at the window, I'm ready and looking forward to what this place had to offer. When I got the menu (if that's what they call it) is when my excitement turned to how disappointing. What we got was a letter size Xerox piece of paper. On the top it did say they can only offer this limited menu, granted this place has been open now for about two weeks. The worst thing of all of it is not the Xerox limit menu, but that the menu only contained one BBQ item and that was pulled pork. Where is the Ribs, or the Brisket. How are u going to have "Rock and Roll BBQ" on the sign but not have a array of BBQ items. Granted I get it your new, but 2 weeks into it I think it's fair to say you should be offering what your advertising as, especially on a Saturday night. Needless to say we left without ordering and took our BBQ cravings to another of the same category where I got the 3 meat combo.
(1)Darice L.
I came on a late afternoon. I was promptly seated and given a high chair for my 6 month old. Now my husband and I came here a couple of days prior to peep the scene and decided not to dine in because it's bar scene. Nevertheless I figured what the hell I wanted BBQ and the place was empty at first. the staff were very attentive and friendly . I even chatted with a gentleman whom I believe to be the owner about kids-everyone loves babies !when my food came it was hot and I was shown the choice of the barbecue sauce sort of like it how it is at Famous Daves but this isn't your famous Daves when they say rock and roll they mean rock and roll. The walls are decorated with heavy metal album art. I got the pulled pork and substituted the fries for mac and cheese the mac and cheese was good so was the pulled pork they have a nice drink menu you although I decided to pass on the alcoholic beverages for the afternoon but if I was coming back I would get the BLT: a bourbon with lemonade, sounds delicious. So there we have it the staff was friendly and the food was good- I will come back but I will be doing a carry out
(4)Donna Z.
Wow, really disappointed. Heard good things about the place, but they did not materialize. Server was great, but the bbq was decidedly mediocre, barley warn and oversalted. Carolina sauce was great.
(1)Chris S.
Excellent food and service! Wait for a table was a little long but it was a Saturday and definitely well worth it! This place has become my fave bbq joint!
(5)Lauren C.
Amazing. Food was great, staff was on top of things. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Carol G.
Had dinner here tonight, liked the vibe but was underwhelmed with the food. There are really only 3 BBQ sauces and the chicken and brisket dishes definitely needed a sauce since they were a bit dry. Roasted veggies were steamed and mushy, BBQ pasta side was spaghetti + red sauce. (I was hoping for shells and a white cheese sauce). Server was very friendly and attentive but the kitchen was backed up, so he had to keep apologizing. Might give it one more try.
(2)Derah G.
As someone who has worked in hospitality for over ten years, trying a new place can be a challenge for me. The local Thai was closed, and this was within walking distance so we popped in. No host at the door; it's a seat yourself. We sat, and were approached almost immediately with smaller Super Bowl menus on an 8x10 sheet of paper. I have a very limited selection of food I enjoy, and assumed they would have chicken tenders. Once we realized that this item was not on the menu, we began to gather our coats and leave. The" hostess"stopped us, and proceeded to talk with a gentleman who seemed to be a manager or owner. He went into the back, and came back out informing us they could make them. We were blown away that they were willing to accommodate my picky pallet. We immediately sat back down, and proceeded to order. Our server was very courteous, and also knowledgable of the menu. Very friendly, and when we explained we had never been here, she was even more helpful instead of being annoyed by our newbie questions. I ordered my chicken strips, and he ordered the brisket sandwich. We also ordered one egg roll a piece, Reuben and veggie. Both of us were blown away by the quality of the food. My chicken tenders did take almost 30 minutes from when we sat down. Our server was more than apologetic, and explained the ticket never printed. Mistakes happen, and it was not her fault. I expected a little but longer wait due to the fact that I was specific in my food, but my partner was done eating when my chicken came. We will be returning on a night that the Super Bowl isn't on, and hopefully the ticket was just a fluke.
(4)John C.
These guys have been working on this for a long time, they ve been honing their bbq skills for years and have put together a top notch crew of people who ve been around and in the business for years. I stopped in for dinner Thur, while it took me a few to get a drink and my food order it was shift change. The food was great pulled pork, Zekewurst, jalapeño mac n chz. Sure they may have a few kinks what new business doesn't.
(5)