Craving BBQ that actually lives up to the hype? There’s one place that will silence the noise—Bad Brads BBQ. Located at 20300 Farmington Road, Livonia, Michigan this spot is all about bold flavors, smoky goodness, and a menu that’s as exciting as it is delicious. Bad Brads isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a barbecue experience. Let’s dig into what makes this joint a must-visit.
A BBQ Menu That Means Business
Bad Brads BBQ doesn’t mess around when it comes to their menu. Whether you’re a rib lover, a brisket enthusiast, or someone wanting to try it all, they’ve got you covered. Their BBQ platters are the stuff of legends. Choose from one meat to four types of meat, and pair them with two sides for the ultimate plate of smoky heaven. Pulled pork? Check. Sliced brisket? Oh yeah. Mexican-style pork sausage? Absolutely.
And if you’re feeling extra hungry (or just indecisive), go for the Big Pig Gig. This family-style feast serves four or more people and includes ribs, chicken, four meats of your choice, and five large sides. It’s like Thanksgiving but with barbecue—and no awkward family arguments.
Appetizers That Steal the Show
Who says appetizers can’t be the star of the meal? At Bad Brads BBQ, they just might be. Start with their Pig Candy, thick-cut bacon marinated in sugar with a smoky chipotle kick. Or dive into their BBQ Nachos, loaded with pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, and smoked bacon and drizzled with sweet BBQ sauce and ranch. If you’re into wings, their smoke-fried wings are dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, and finished in the fryer for that perfect crispy bite.
For those who believe variety is the spice of life, the BBQ Trio offers a little bit of everything: chicken wings, ribs, and pig candy. It’s like a sampler platter but way cooler.
Sandwiches That Mean Business
Bad Brads doesn’t do boring sandwiches. Their creations are stacked high with flavor and personality. The Eddie Cheddar is a brisket lover’s dream—warm shaved brisket topped with cheddar cheese and horseradish sauce on a baguette. Try the Hammer, piled with pulled pork, coleslaw, pickles, and their signature 3- 2- 1 sauce for something tangy and sweet.
If you’re feeling adventurous (and hungry), go for the Bad Brads BBQ Burger. This beast is topped with brisket, cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and sweet BBQ sauce. It’s not just a burger; it’s a statement.
Wood-Fired Pizzas? Yes, Please
Barbecue isn’t the only thing Bad Brads does well—they’ve also mastered wood-fired pizzas cooked at 750 degrees. The Carnivore pizza has chopped brisket, smoked sausage, pepperoni, tomato sauce, and their house blend cheese. Or build your own pizza from scratch if you’re feeling creative.
But let’s not overlook the Spicy Porkpie, featuring pulled pork, Mexican-style sausage, capicola ham, jalapeños, and smoked honey. It’s spicy and sweet in all the right ways.
Sides That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
At Bad Brads BBQ, sides aren’t just an afterthought—they’re part of the main event. From creamy mac & cheese to collard greens packed with flavor to house-made French fries that are perfectly crispy every time—there’s something for everyone. For those who can’t decide (and who could blame you?), go for the Side Sampler and pick three different options.
Feeling adventurous? Try their chili cheese grits or sweet potato mash for something unique yet comforting.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
If you somehow have room left after tackling ribs or burnt ends (yes, they have those, too), dessert at Bad Brads is worth sticking around for. Their Sugar Donuts come bite-sized with dipping sauces like chocolate and caramel—perfect for sharing (or not). And don’t miss out on their Banana Cream Pie, served in a homemade vanilla wafer pie shell that might just steal your heart.
Grab one of their “Detroit Style” Ice Cream Floats made with Faygo soda flavors like Rock & Rye or Vernors for something nostalgic yet fun.
Catering That Brings the Party to You
Hosting an event? Let Bad Brads BBQ handle the food while you take all the credit. Their catering menu brings all your barbecue favorites straight to your party table—ribs, chicken, brisket—you name it. Whether it’s a small gathering or a big celebration, they’ll ensure no one leaves hungry.
When to Go
Bad Brads BBQ in Livonia is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays). They serve lunch starting at 11:00 AM on weekdays and keep things smoking until 9:00 PM most nights (10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). Whether it’s lunch hour or dinner time—or somewhere in between—they’ve got your barbecue cravings covered.
Bad Brads BBQ is where great food meets great vibes. So whether you’re stopping by for ribs or taking home some pig candy to-go (highly recommended), this Livonia hotspot has everything you need to make any day better—one smoky bite at a time.
Sources: badbradsbbq.com, yelp.com, Bad Brads BBQ – Livonia Facebook Page
Header Image Source: badbradsbbq.com
