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A couple different people told me about this place, but the first recommendation sailed over my head and I never went. The second one made me want to try it. I went last night and had a great meal, very satisfied. This is about 15-20 miles one way from home, but a time or two a month would be worth the drive. The staff was great, very competent and courteous, and attentive but not to the point of being annoying. Except for the kitchen guy I saw a time or two carrying containers of meat from the smoker to the kitchen, all the ladies working there were cute. Yeah, I know, that doesn't affect the food, but it was pleasant :)
Having grown up in Florida, I have had a lot of BBQ, both good and bad. This meal didn't stack up to the very best in the South, but it certainly beat a lot of them, including some of the Texas brisket (that's what I had), where that's what they brag about. It certainly does beat 90% of what I've had in "The Nawth" part of the country. The serving size on the meat was good, the beans I got as a side could have been a little bit larger but the taste made me savor every bite and wish I had a spoon to get all that "juice" from the bottom of the small ramekin.
I was amazed at the tastes and quality of their home-made sauces. Four were put on the table and I specifically asked the waitress about the "heat" content. One was said to be challenging for some "non-hot" people (raising hand, that's me), so I let her remove that one immediately lest I make a mistake and use it. The other three were good, I tried them all, but my favorite was the Carolina vinegar-based type. One thing which turns some away from brisket is that sometimes it's very fatty. This had just enough to flavor it well, but not nearly enough that you wanted to trim every millimeter of it off, as some restaurants serve it without trimming at all.
The worst part of the experience was that since the front of the building butts up against the sidewalk and the back adjoins the river, all the parking was across the street. It's not an extremely busy road (State Road MI-60) but there was enough traffic that I had to hustle across at about 630pm and 8pm during a wet evening, heavy mist/light rain.
Should you get in this area, I'd recommend it for sure! Click the menu tab at the top of the page to see their offerings. There has to be something there you'd like. There was enough business there on a week night, I'd probably call ahead to make sure a table was available, particularly on the weekend. If it happened to be full and you had to wait outside, last night with the precipitation, I'd probably have gone...
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Having recently moved to the state, we’ve been on the hunt for good food places to check out. When this place was described to us as “bbq for picky bbq lovers”, we had to give it a try. We drove down from Portage, and will definitely be making the trip many more times. The food was phenomenal. Everything we ordered was excellent. The drinks were amazing- kudos to the bartender on that one. We had the six little pigs appetizer, both of us ordered the sampler meal, we had the Mac and cheese as well as the pinto beans, and key lime pie for dessert. It’s honestly hard to even say which thing was the stand out. This place is absolutely bbq done right. The sauces at the table were really good- especially the cherry bomb- but the meat itself was cooked so well that it didn’t even need sauce. I was especially impressed with the seasoning on the pulled pork- it wasn’t just the run of the mill salt and pepper, it had some complexity to it and was absolutely delicious. Same for the brisket and ribs- super tender and smoky. The key lime pie was also excellent- just tart/sweet enough without being too much after a heavy meal. Servings were huge, the bang for your buck is definitely there. Also, the service was great. They were attentive and friendly, food came out fast. The entire vibe of the place is also really cool- loved the record albums framed on the walls (especially jealous of the Joan Jett album!). 10/10...
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A Home Away From Home at Main Street Smokehouse.
Over the past year this place has become a cherished gathering place for my closest friends, family, and myself. The bond we've formed with the staff and owners is truly special, as they consistently treat us like an extension of their own family.
The food at Main Street Smokehouse is consistently exceptional, with the smoked meats always surpassing expectations. Every visit is a culinary delight, and we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the arrival of their weekly specials.
I am deeply grateful to Main Street Smokehouse for not only hosting my birthday celebrations but also going above and beyond to make my children's birthdays truly memorable. The thoughtful gestures during each event reflects the genuine care and consideration they extend to their guests.
The staff and owners' warm and welcoming demeanor create an inviting atmosphere that make us feel right at home. Their hospitality is unmatched, and the sense of being part of their extended family is something I treasure deeply.
For those seeking a dining experience that combines outstanding food with heartfelt hospitality, Main Street Smokehouse is a wonderful example. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a place where they can enjoy delicious meals in a warm and welcoming environment, surrounded by people who treat them...
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