Slows Bar BQ mac 'n cheese. Photo courtesy of Wattyz.Since I moved back to Detroit over three years ago—I have been on a quest—a quest to find the best mac ‘n cheese in metro Detroit. Why this infatuation with a cheese and pasta dish? I’m not exactly sure where it started but I was disgusted by the offerings in the UK. Canned mac ‘n cheese, need I say more?
So, off I went questing. From Downtown to Greektown, Corktown to Clarkston, Ann Arbor to Royal Oak and all points in between.
As with any food that has a million variations, mac ‘n cheese preference is personal. I like baked mac ‘n cheese with a crispy, cheese topping. I enjoy stronger cheese flavors. The blue box might be the “cheesiest” but it’s also one of the most non-food like substances in existence.
Here are my picks for the top 5 mac ‘n cheese dishes in Detroit:
Slows Bar BQ – This one of the most talked about mac ‘n cheese dishes in the region. Creamy underneath with a nice browned cheese topping. I also love that if you order the entrée version you get to pick two side items to go with it. That’s a heck of a lot of comfort food!
Union Woodshop mac 'n cheese.
Vinsetta Garage/Clarkston Union/Union Woodshop – The self-proclaimed “The most macked mac ‘n cheese” features sharp cheddar and pinconning cheese with the crunchiest of crunchy crusts. The complete dish is fabulous but if I could just order the crispy topping, I would!
Zingerman’s Roadhouse – They have 6 different concoctions of mac ‘n cheese on their menu. Technically, I would classify the Pimento Bacon Macaroni as a pasta dish with cheese. Since that cheese is their housemade Southern pimento cheese it takes it to a whole new level. And, Bacon!
Pimento Bacon Macaroni from Zingerman's Roadhouse.
Town Tavern/Roadside B & G – I don’t always want lobster in my mac ‘n cheese but when I do, this is the place to go. This is a very rich dish, indeed.
Roast – This one makes the list for two reasons. 1. It’s $3 at happy hour. 2. They use goat cheese, which brings a different, tangy flavor.
Honorable mention: The Rattlesnake Club gets this nod for the mere fact that they dust the top with crushed Better Made BBQ Potato Chips.
I know this list won’t sit right with everyone; we all have our own tastes. Mac ‘n cheese is personal, people! But… if I were asked where to go in Detroit for the finest of comfort foods I would send people to these places.
Also of note, Rub Pub and Red Smoke just didn’t do it for me. I have yet to try macaroni and cheese at some of the other BBQ joints in the area, most notably Lockhart’s and Bad Brad’s.
What is your favorite mac ‘n cheese in metro Detroit?
Photo credit: Slows Bar BQ mac 'n cheese by Wattyz
Full Disclosure: My big, big boss (KC Crain) has a stake in Vinsetta Garage. These opinions are my own and I was smitten with the mac ‘n cheese from Clarkston Union/Union Woodshop before I was employed at my current job and before Vinsetta Garage existed.