If you drive down Leonard Street on the West Side of Grand Rapids, you might miss it. At first glance, it looks like a relic of the 1950s. A tiny, white-and-orange building that used to be an A&W root beer stand. But then the smell hits you. That heavy, sweet scent of apple wood and rendering fat. This is Two Scotts Barbecue Grand Rapids MI, and honestly, it’s probably the best barbecue I've ever had in the state.
I’m not the only one saying that. In 2025, Lovefood.com officially named it the best BBQ spot in all of Michigan. Not Detroit. Not Ann Arbor. Right here in GR.
The story is pretty simple. Two guys named Scott—Scott Hartmann and Scott Luecht—decided they wanted to do BBQ the "right" way. No gas. No shortcuts. Just real wood and a lot of patience. They opened up in 2015, and since then, they’ve basically rewritten the rules of what West Michigan barbecue should taste like.
The Brisket is the Boss
Most people judge a BBQ joint by the brisket. It’s the hardest meat to get right. If it’s too dry, it’s like chewing on a leather belt. If it’s too fatty, it’s a mess. At Two Scotts Barbecue Grand Rapids MI, the brisket is... well, it’s special. They use Angus beef, sliced thick. It’s got that dark, peppery bark on the outside and a smoke ring that looks painted on.
You’ve got to try the "Southern Belle" if you want the full experience. It’s sliced brisket topped with house-made pimento cheese, pickled collard greens, and a drizzle of hot honey on a ciabatta bun. It sounds like a lot, and it is. The heat from the honey hits the creaminess of the pimento cheese, and the brisket just ties it all together.
💡 You might also like: Why Floral Dresses for Women Still Own Your Wardrobe Every Single Season
But look, if you’re a purist, just get the meat. Half a pound of brisket, served with their house-made pickles.
What’s the Deal with "Dog Sauce"?
They have a whole sauce station, but everyone talks about the Dog Sauce. It’s mayonnaise-based. I know, some people get weird about mayo in BBQ, but it’s a game changer. It’s tangy, creamy, and weirdly perfect on the brisket or the smoked sausage. They also have a South Carolina Mustard and a "Verde" sauce that’s surprisingly bright for a smokehouse.
💡 You might also like: Why Drying Your Car With a Blower Is Actually Better Than a Microfiber
Don't Sleep on the Sides
Usually, sides are an afterthought. You get some soggy slaw or a scoop of bland beans. Not here.
- Homemade Tater Tots: These aren't the frozen bags from the grocery store. They grate the potatoes themselves. They’re salty, slightly spicy, and probably the most popular side they have.
- Pimento Mac & Cheese: It’s rich. Like, very rich. They use their own pimento cheese blend, and it’s consistently one of the best versions of mac in the city.
- Smoked Mushrooms: This is the curveball. Cremini and button mushrooms tossed in "Butt Rub" and smoked. If you’re a mushroom person, you’ll want a 32oz container of these.
The Root Beer Connection
Since they’re in an old root beer stand, it’s only right that they lean into it. They serve Northwoods Soda Company draft root beer and cream soda. It feels nostalgic. Sitting on the small patio with a pulled pork sandwich and a cold root beer is basically the peak West Michigan summer experience.
Real Talk: The "Sold Out" Problem
Here is the thing you need to know: they have limited hours. They open at 11:00 AM and usually close by 3:00 PM (except on Fridays when they stay open until 7:00 PM).
Because they smoke everything fresh daily, they will run out of meat. If you show up at 2:30 PM on a Saturday hoping for burnt ends, you’re probably going to be disappointed. The burnt ends—which they toss in a hot BBQ sauce—are usually the first things to go. People treat those things like gold.
The Vibe is "West Side"
It’s not a fancy place. The indoor seating is tight—mostly counter stools and a few tables. It’s loud, it’s busy, and the kitchen is right there in your face. But that’s the charm. It feels like a neighborhood spot because it is. They even get their bread from Nantucket Bakery right here in town.
✨ Don't miss: Blonde Hair with Hot Pink: Why This Color Combo Is Still Dominating Salons
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Two Scotts Barbecue Grand Rapids MI, do it right:
- Arrive early. 11:15 AM is the sweet spot. You beat the lunch rush and ensure the burnt ends are still available.
- Order the "Sloppy Scott." It’s burnt ends with sautéed onions and slaw on a brioche bun. It's messy, but worth every napkin.
- Check the Friday specials. They sometimes rotate in items like smoked pastrami or unique chili blends that aren't on the standard Tuesday-Thursday menu.
- Grab a bottle of sauce to go. They sell their House, Hot, and Dog sauces in bottles.
This place isn't trying to be a chain. It’s just two guys and a smoker making sure Grand Rapids has barbecue that can actually compete with the big names in Texas or the Carolinas. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a mandatory stop on the West Michigan food map.