Woodpile BBQ

Woodpile got its start as a Clawson barbecue shack, and its Madison Heights spot on 11 Mile carries the same smoked, low-and-slow spirit into a sit-down setting. It’s fast-casual: order at the counter, then find a table. Sit at the bar, though, and it’s full service. That’s what we did. Inside it’s quaint and cute, all wood and smoke-shack vibes.

The wings were really tasty, and the two-meat combo with sides was delicious from end to end. Everything we ate was good, and the value is real. One of us ordered a beer, the other a glass of Prosecco, and the Prosecco came with a show. Our bartender popped the bottle, the cork launched, ricocheted off a ceiling rafter and bounced across the dining room. A beat of shock, then the whole bar laughing. No one was harmed. The bartender’s ego took a small bruise.

There’s a patio for nice-weather nights. Woodpile is the kind of place you hit when you want serious barbecue without a reservation or a fuss, and it makes a great case for eating your way around Madison Heights. Just maybe don’t sit directly under the rafters when someone orders bubbles.