Lockharts - Royal Oak, MI

When Lockharts BBQ first opened up I kept saying, "it's no Slows."  You kind of fall in love with Slow's wooden decor, basin bathroom sinks, tattooed bar friends, and overall hip feel…or that's just me.  What ends up happening is you start getting really tired of waiting an hour or so for a table and driving to Detroit to have some barbecue.  Ain't nobody got time for that!
        So, in came Lockharts, a young restaurant with a lot of potential.  One may think, "How can you eff up barbecue?" You totes can.  Lots of people do.  There are many O'shite BBQ places out there.  However, this is NOT one of them. Don't let the early evening emptiness fool you.  In fact, love it while you can, because around 6:30pm on a Friday you'll see a whole crowd of people standing around your seat like vultures waiting.  Reminds me trying to find parking at Eastern Michigan University. You always felt bad that you were stalking someone, but you wanted not to walk 5 miles, so you did it anyway.  Ok, tangent over.

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  Let me highlight the best deal in town…the happy hour.  When you go for happy hour make sure you ask for the happy hour menu.  You rarely get it when you walk in, but take one second and ask for it.  It's worth it.  You can get quite a bit of food for little money.  They are shareable items - mos def.  It's about 5 bucks for some pretty decently sized portions.  You can also get a 3 for $12 deal as well.  
       Good eats:  Pork Nachos (homemade chips, jalapeños, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and … pork. Can't go wrong there.), fried green beans and aioli, burnt ends, chicken wings, and frito pie, to name a few!
       I'm partial to the pork as evidenced by my photos.  I am a lover of the pig product.  You get a plate of pork and two sides for $12.  The pork is cooked just right. Tender and moist.  Juicy and delicious.  By the end of the plate you realize that you ate a small pig and yet you still want more.  That's how you know it's good.   But just like Slows, the meat is nothing without their sauces.  Try one or try them all!  If you haven't been yet, go in for a quiet meal around early happy hour and sample some cheap, delicious food. The staff is friendly, the food is goooood, and bonus, there is outdoor seating.    Get it!    

Lockhart's Website