Satchel's and Red Rock chosen by readers as best BBQ in Washtenaw County
Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com
The competition was intense and the opinions flew in the comments section. Some alleged that "there is no good BBQ in this town," while others lobbied hard for their personal favorites. In the end, Satchel's took a commanding lead and held it, eventually winning with 31 percent of the vote. Impressively, Red Rock Downtown BBQ—whose grand opening took place just a little over a month ago—grabbed 26 percent of the vote for a solid second-place finish.
Now that we have chosen our local winners, we'll get to see how they stack up against the best BBQ across the rest of Michigan. Entertainment reporter John Gonzalez from our partner site MLive will be traveling all around the state next week, eating barbecue and taking notes.
Gonzo released his schedule yesterday. He will be hitting Washtenaw County next Friday evening, dropping by Satchel's (3035 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor) at 6:30 p.m. and Red Rock Downtown BBQ (207 W Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti) at 7:30 p.m.
We'll be live-blogging the festivities via Twitter and Instagram, but we'd also love to see you out there in person. Stop by to ask Gonzo questions, or just come watch the barbecue magic happen.
Comments
brimble
Sun, Jun 3, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
Satchel's is worth a go, but 'Gonzo' should be sure to have a point of reference by moving from Texas to Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. 'Course then he might be disappointed by the local entries....
bedrog
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 : 11:21 a.m.
I'm a fan of satchels from it's opening. the only thing that would make it sort of comparable ( although as a respectable runner up) to the best of the best in the epicenter of BBQ ( texas' 'salt lick"/ and 'stubbs'/ franklin's) would be to add as a standard side some really good pickles or a vinegar slaw to offset the sweetness of most of the sauces available..
Elijah Shalis
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.
The BBQ at Satchell's is very good but the sides are awful and it is very expensive.
Tom Smith
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
Agreed with bedrog -- the baked beans and collard greens are very good. And expensive? Yeah, compared to McDonald's. For good barbecue, it's dirt cheap.
bedrog
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
awful sides? obviously alot of folks disagree. satchels baked beans are one of its draws for me.
Mikey
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
great job to Hugh and his team at Satchel's! much deserved recognition.
AAProgressive
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
I've drove by Satchel's many times without ever even knowing it was there. I guess i'll check it out.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
I've never actually tried Satchel's, but every time I drive past it the smell makes my mouth water. I'll have to get in there and actually try it some day with my kids. The only problem I have is that my son is allergic to hickory, which is used in most BBQ sauces. Oh well, I guess I'll feed him a Benadryl or three. (That's sarcasm, people. I'm not a sadist!)
Brad
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
I'm 3-for-3 at Satchel's and will definitely be going back. I may try Red Rock if I'm dining in that direction. Actually I have an "honorable mention" - I had a brisket plate special a couple of months ago at the Creekside Grill and it was both plentiful and flavorful.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
Driving around the state and sampling BBQ sounds like a great time. Enjoy yourself Mr. Gonzalez,.
Billy
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
I must say I've tried everything on the menu at Satchel's now....and it's ALL beyond good. The house sauces they have add just the right variety to whatever you're eating. I highly recommend any BBQ lovers check them out if they haven't yet. Also, their portions are quite filling.