Last night I had the pleasure of visiting the Union Woodshop with my parents and Mr. Jimmy.
I never thought I could have delicious, authentic barbecue out of a restaurant in Clarkston, Michigan...never in one hundred years! However, this is the place to go for genuine Michigan barbecue. That's right, I'm starting a Michigan barbecue movement.
I don't even know where to start. Drinks? No...I can't remind you of my love for whiskey just yet...how about...the decor! Yes, the decor. Stunning. Kitschy without being tacky, warm and cozy without being crowded, and a throwback to art deco without being...well, art deco. It feels new and classic all at the same time. Really, I wouldn't leave, except for that they close...
Let's bring it back to the whiskey, now. I didn't even glance at the rest of their drink list. I stopped at the first one listed, dubbed the "Kid Rock and Rye". Hah! I see what you did there. It's Faygo Rock and Rye with a generous portion of Red Stag mixed in. Get it? Get it?! Faygo=Michigan=Kid Rock=Corporate Sponsor Red Stag?! I love when product placement is so hilariously presented to me. Am I mad? Hell no. This drink is delicious. If I had mixed Faygo with liquor at home it would be "klassy-with-a-K"; however, at this ridiculous, beautifully adorned restaurant, it is a revelation. Buyer beware: they pour their drinks on the heavy side.
After half of my drink, it was appetizer time...as I was, well, feeling a tad loopy. The prices are phenomenal on appetizers, about $3 for fried pickles and $4 for a side of bread with magical garlic-cream cheese-butter-STUFF. Very appropriate portion sizes as well. Bonus points!
We each ended up ordering a different type of meat, so we could share and try the different kinds the Woodshop makes. I was lucky enough to sample their brisket, pulled pork, hot links, hot dogs and chicken. Really, truly, all of the meats were fantastic...moist, flavorful, perfectly fatty...everything you could want from a meaty treat. The hot link had a similar flavor to beef jerky, just spicy enough to be enjoyable, too. The house-made hot dogs(!) mimicked the jerky note in the hot link, and had an amazing all-around beef flavor. These are what Hebrew National aspire to be (and I LOVE Hebrew Nationals). The brisket, pulled pork and chicken all were great alone, but were also incredibly perfect vessels for the homemade sauces. There is a 'cue sauce for everyone...Texas, Georgia and Alabama styles, ultra-spicy (by request only!) and a special Asian-inspired sauce. In all, I believe there were 8 sauces. What a selection!
Speaking of selection, a good plate of barbecue would be naked without side dishes. The menu boasts at least twelve different options. Hands down, the macaroni and cheese and cheesy potatoes are the two best sides. I swear, if everyone just ate their cheesy potatoes...there would be world peace. For real!
Surprisingly enough, I saved room for dessert. My mom ordered the butterscotch pudding, which featured sea salt at the bottom of the Mason jar dish. It made a flavor sensation, especially when paired with the real whipped cream topping. I had the freshly-baked brownie skillet, complete with their specialty liquid-nitrogen vanilla ice cream. What an amazing end to a meal. So comforting and homey.
I can't wait to visit the Union Woodshop again. Their menu also features wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads and a variety of burgers. They also feature an entire gluten-free menu. Not some namby-pamby few, select items...a whole menu! There is quite literally something for everyone, so next time you find yourself around Clarkston, give the Union Woodshop a try!
