Bitter Truth BBQ — Restaurant in Ypsilanti

I went to Bitter Truth with some friends. We used to go to Red Rock and enjoyed it, but wanted to try it after the renovations.

The menu is the same as Red Rocks, so much so that they still had the menu covers with the old “Red Rock” branding. The menu was also confusing - there are no sections labeled like appetizers, mains, sides etc. it’s just all over the place, and even featured a typo.

The restaurant is not that different inside from before. I’m shocked these renovations took so long?

But I can forgive those things. Our server Michael was great and accommodating. Food came out fast. Drinks came out slowly though.

We were sat by the wall and at one point saw an employee come upstairs with two bags of frozen Or-Ida brand waffle fries. The menu says handcut, but we were blatantly sold frozen fries for $5. And they tasted as such.

We ordered a BBQ-turie board for our table. For $27 it was a little pickled onion, five tiny pieces of STALE bread, a tiny bowl of fatty meats, and two pieces of parmesan rind. The pieces of parmesan were so tough my friend could not cut through it with a metal knife. We asked for fresher cheese and bread and they brought us a tiny container of pregrated cheese. And even staler bread.

I ordered the smash burger for my dinner and for $13 it is JUST the burger. The bread was good, but the meat was a little overcooked and dry. But it was the best thing I had eaten there that night. My friend got a plate of brisket and the portion looked really small to me. Also came with no sides. Just meat on a plate.

I will not come back here. I don’t know what this place is trying to do. It does not feel like a BBQ place when you walk in. The cocktails are too mid for it to feel like a cocktail-focused bbq place too (with the name “bitter truth” I wondered if it referred to bitters?). It feels like this place did renovations to make it look nicer so they could try to get away with overcharging for small portions, frozen fries,...

Sept 28 was my sons homecoming, we, as parents had called and made reservations a week before specifically stating it was for homecoming for a group of 6. No where on Facebook or online did it state that the Bitter truth was a 21 and over establishment. It talked about it being red rock rebranded as a restaurant and bar. No different than ANY other restaurant in town that serves food and drinks. We were told it didn't matter if there were reservations, the kids wouldn't be let in. We asked if a parent could join them so there would be a legal aged adult and told no again. We mentioned that nowhere online did it state 21 and over and were met with a "well it will be now" response. Thank goodness for bobcat Bonnies right across the street being willing to accommodate our group of kids on a short notice. I had really hoped that Bitter truth would help red rock have a fresh new start and hoped to enjoy it for many years down the road. I as one of the parents of this group will now NEVER step foot in this restaurant again and spitefully hope its a short lived venture

-update- it was indeed the 29th, I know when my kids homecoming was, it also was NOT under the name you stated, it was under my son's name. Also at no point did my husband try to intimate you nor is he that big. nor did you suggest bobcat Bonnie's to him, I did. this leads me to assume that this has happened to more than one family and I hold to my original review. I'm disappointed in the lack of professionalism and accountability in what I hoped would be an excellent place for our family to enjoy. good luck with your upcoming "brunches " and the families that will try to come...

My first visit to Bitter Truth BBQ was nothing short of fantastic. I went with a friend and had an absolutely stellar time—so much so that I’m already planning to return with more people.

From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was spot-on. The space strikes the perfect balance between stylish and inviting, making it an ideal spot to relax, enjoy great food, and savor expertly crafted cocktails.

Speaking of cocktails, Luke—the bartender extraordinaire and bar manager—elevated our experience with his custom engagement, thoughtful conversation, and, most importantly, personalized drinks that hit just the right notes. That level of hospitality and attention to detail truly made the night.

Food-wise, we enjoyed a fantastic charcuterie board, and the happy hour pricing on select menu items was an added bonus. The quality and flavors delivered far beyond expectations, reinforcing the fact that this place is much more than just barbecue.

Bitter Truth BBQ isn’t just a place I’ll return to—it’s a spot I’ll be bringing more friends to experience firsthand. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable night out...