Famous Dave's has a reputation for consistent, high quality food with amazing flavors and great service.
But did you know, each location takes personal pride in supporting the community they serve in? Famous Dave's Detroit gives back to the community through sponsorships, donations and fundraisers.
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Famous Dave's may be nationally recognized, but we're Detroit focused.
Famous Dave's BBQ Awards tan banner with red accents that says

We source the thickest cuts of meat and trim them up, just like we do for competition.

Then, our Pitmasters hand-apply our fresh dry rubs before slow-smoking them in a live-wood smoker stoked with genuine hickory logs. To lock in that deep-down smokiness, each tender cut is finished on the grill, creating our famous char-grilled sweetness on the outside. Our tender, juicy ribs and chicken are amazing straight from the grill or topped with one of our award-winning sauces. It's the best darn BBQ you'll taste in SE Michigan!

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Michigan BBQ Specials:
SPECIAL
23.99
PER BUCKET
To Go Special Rib Tip Bucket

Our smoky BBQ Rib Tip Bucket is sure to satisfy your hungry crew. 2 pounds of our Southside Rib Tips and 1 pound of Famous Fries. While you're here, pick up a bottle of your favorite award-winning sauce! Menu
The Best Never Rest
Barbeque's Living Legend

Famous Dave is the most awarded Pitmaster in history — a true originator blessed with a great sense of taste and a passion to create only the best of the best. Even among BBQ champions, Dave is recognized as the authority on the art of cooking with smoke and flame.

Dave's passion for ribs began as a young boy in Chicago. His father would bring home the best tasting ribs, slow-smoked by street vendors using 55-gallon drums. They were legendary ribs smoked just like the champion Pitmasters did way down in the Deep South. And thus, his story begins.

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What Makes Great BBQ?
You hand rub each slab with spices, then slow smoke'm in a pit of smoldering hickory like the champion Pitmasters in the Deep South. These ribs are so good right out of the smoker—try 'em without the sauce—just order your bones naked! - Famous Dave

Dry Rubs vs. Wet Rubs vs. Sauces: What Are The Differences?

Dry rub, wet rub, and bbq sauces are all different options for your grillables.In the BBQ business, we love our options. Even our toppings have options! Your BBQ meats get their flavor from the type of meat, the cut of it, and the cooking technique used, such as smoking, slow-cooking, searing, and more. Another aspect that adds the second punch to the one-two combo of flavor is what you put on it. 

From BBQ dry rubs to the marinades or wet rubs to the sauces, there are many approaches to adding additional flavor to your meal. Most people don’t know the difference between these three toppings. Let’s explore each so you can be the grill king, no matter if you are the cook or you prefer your meal at a restaurant. 

BBQ Dry Rubs

Sometimes simply called a “rub,” BBQ Rubs refer to rubbing dry spices onto meat before you cook it. This technique seasons and flavors the meat and seals the juices inside the cut. Adding a dry rub to your meat gives you a crispy outside and a delectable inside. 

Dry rubs start with a base of salt, sugar, and paprika. From this foundation, you can add any herb, spice, or blend to create different nuances in your flavoring. Get the best out of your dry rub by cooking in dry heat such as smoking, grilling, or pan-frying. 

BBQ Wet Rubs or Marinades

Many people have heard of marinades, but experienced grillers often call these wet rubs. Similar to dry rubs, marinades add flavor and help tenderize meat during the prep stage before cooking. 

The difference comes with the addition of liquid to the spice blend. The juices and acids in the marinade help to break the meat down, preparing it to absorb the flavor. The meat will soak in the mixture for several hours so all the flavor trickles inside the meat. Meats such as chicken or pork that dry out easily benefit from wet rubs. Marinades are best for limited cooking time, but longer prep time is available.

BBQ Sauces

After you finish the cooking, then look for the sauces. Sauces add flavoring just when and where you need it. If used during the cooking process, sauces would end up acting like marinades. 

Get Dry Rub and Marinated Meats Flavored to Perfection at Famous Dave’s

There you have it, the most important info on dry rubs, wet rubs (or marinades), and sauces. Go out and try it on your own when you have a grilling night. Here at Famous Dave’s, we believe in our smoking and cooking process. Our food stands on its own. To take your flavoring to the next level, try out one of our signature sauces including:

  • Rich & Sassy® Mild
  • Buffalo 
  • Devil’s Spit® 
  • Wilbur’s Revenge® 
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Best Ribs
"Dougfest" 2013
Best BBQ
2006 - 2017
Best Cuisine
"Taste-Fest" 2015
Best Vendor
"Taste of the Town" 2015
855-586-2708