OC Restaurant Quest: Mission BBQ in Northville, Sterling Hts, and Troy

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 28, 2023)

Troy, Northville, MI – If you like your BBQ served with a side of Red, White, and Blue then Mission BBQ could be just the spot for you.  A friend recently took me to lunch at what admittedly is a national chain, though there are only a few locations in Michigan – Grand Rapids, Northville, Sterling Heights, and Troy.

“As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes,” says the company’s website, “We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.”

The space is filled with photographs and flags, as well as items familiar to first responders and military personnel.  In the Northville location this also includes an engraved ax given to the Mission BBQ team for supporting the local fire department.  At noon the Star Spangled Banner is played.

On the tables there are bottles of vinegar as well as rolls of paper towel in case the meat should end up being messy.

Ordering is easy – online for carryout or walk up to the counter if dining in.  My friend opted for the brisket, which is inspired by the great cooks of Texas and comes either lean or moist depending on how much juicy fat the customer would prefer.  My friend aimed a little healthier for the lean cuts. There are a bunch of sauce choices, including: Memphis Belle, Smoky Mountain, KC Classic, Texas Twang, Alabama White, Georgia Mustard and more.

The side salad was fresh and crispy, and they also got a square of cornbread and some blueberry cobbler to finish the meal.

I had the smokehouse salmon, which was mildly seasoned North Atlantic salmon which I paired with mac and cheese and blueberry cobbler. This fall-apart tender cut was delicious, and who can go wrong with mac and cheese? Other meaty options include St. Louis style spare ribs, half a yard bird chicken, turkey, pulled chicken, pulled pork, or sausage. Other sides include baked beans and fresh cut fries that the menu points out are never frozen.

Mission BBQ donates profits to many organizations that “protect our lives, liberty, homes, and community.” This includes Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, the USO, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and more.

For locations, menu, and more info visit https://mission-bbq.com.

Oakland County Times is on a QUEST to enjoy every local restaurant in Oakland County.  This long-term project is a labor of love, supported by our friends at White Castle.  White Castle is a family-owned company that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make the Fortune Best Places to work list in 2022.  With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden french fries, fantastic slides like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is a by far our top choice for a fast food meal.  Check out their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.

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