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    American Char

    4.2 (97 reviews)
    InexpensiveBarbeque, Pizza
    Closed Closed

    American Char Photos

    Business Info

    AMERICAN CHAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - American Char

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    Reviews With Photos

    Michael Q.

    Legit. Worth the drive. Attitude, ambiance, a stripped down model, great sauces, and (of course) great barbecue. We're always curious about destination restaurants that "go hard" and got that swag. From the second you pull in, park, and see the carbonite freezer, you know you're in for an experience. Barbecue doesn't need all the bells and whistles. Simple trays, picnic tables, and some basic choices. Dad ordered the pulled pork sandwich and loved how tender the pork was. I got the sampler and enjoyed literally every cut. Unsurprisingly, the brisket was m'fave. Ribs were a close second. And yes, I did enjoy dunking the perfectly seasoned wings into the spicy sauce. GREAT smoky afterbite/taste with each cut and the sauces (try them all) complement the smoke well. And they have a pizza oven? We're intrigued. We look forward to our next Kessel Run, barbecue detour, and sampler platter.

    Mini sampler
    Smittenwith T.

    Food was great amazing! Chicken wings were awesome and the brisket was juicy. Pull pork was great. Sides of potato salad and mac and cheese were great. Just wished for a lighter side like salad or greens.

    Sampler
    Chris H.

    An old Western Saloon atmosphere in this small bump in the road village brings some big Bbq tastes. I ordered the Char Sampler ($28). This includes a tasting of Ribs, Wings, Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Pulled Chicken. It also included the sides pickles and Pickled Slaw. Everything was very pure tasting. Meaning you could taste the high quality meat in every bite. Everything is seasoned, but lightly. This lets the meat speak for itself. The portion size is generous, which makes this a great value. I also ordered a large side of Pork and Beans ($5), because I love bbq baked beans. I kinda consider myself a connoisseur of Baked Beans. Sadly I found myself not liking them. I didn't hate them, but I didn't finish them. It's possible it's because they are vinegar based, so that may be your thing. I also got myself some Cornbread ($3), which should come with a sampler. That being said it was excellent. Moist and very flavorful. The person I was with ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8) and some cornbread. She loved the sandwich and the cornbread. The only other slightly negative thing is the bbq sauce are only okay at best. I tried the Kansas City sauce and it was acceptable, I used it, but I didn't take any home for my leftovers. The person I was with tried the Carolina Mustard and wasn't a fan. The service is with a smile and tries to be efficient. They need a little work, but it's not by any means bad. Overall a 4 star review. Would I return? Absolutely, it's excellent bbq. If your in the area or are making the rounds of West Michigan bbq this should definitely be a stop.

    Chat Sampler with large mashed potatoes and corn bread
    Amanda V.

    There's not much in the town of Drenth, but it's worth a drive for some good BBQ! My husband and I did the Char Sampler which included a sampling of all the meats available along with pickles, slaw and a couple tortilla shells. We added on mashed potatoes and cornbread. It was delicious and we had quite a bit leftover. The staff were friendly. Atmosphere is casual and they offer indoor and outdoor seating. If you are on the area I recommend stopping in. You won't be disappointed!

    Smokers
    Kathy W.

    We have driven past for years and always wanted to try it but we were always there on Sunday or Monday when they were closed. Finally figured it out and went on a Saturday night and not disappointed. Just a fun place to eat in the middle of nowhere which is pretty cool in unusual. I told the owner 'it's the best restaurant in Drenthe which he replied is the only one! But it's a gem. Great BBQ in the middle of nowhere is how I would describe it. Well worth the trip if u want tasty fall off the bone chicken and ribs. Best pulled chicken I ever had. Loved the many varieties of sauces to try. Just a lovely place surrounded by fields and nature. Fun and friendly staff and owner. Just go..

    Sampler
    Kylie G.

    Love this place! One day, we randomly drove by and I bookmarked it to try. I am pleased to report that this place is excellent. Love the small town vibes. This place is surrounded by residential homes and farms. This is one of the best bbq places in west MI. The brisket was cooked to perfection. I love the charred ends and the sauces were delicious. The chicken was seasoned perfectly and the ribs were fall off the bone slap happy good. We will definitely be back for more!

    The best pickles I've ever had! You must get these as a side when eating here.
    Tiffany V.

    You know the food is going to be good when there is a line to order and the parking lot smells like amazing smoked meat. This place is so popular and the food is so good, that you just might miss out. We've gone before and they're out of something which is bad for us but good for them. The chicken wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The brisket has a perfect smoke ring, is tender and flavorful. The smoked pulled chicken, pulled pork and ribs are also top notch. They have multiple sauce options for you to choose from that are all made in house. I can't say enough about their homemade pickles! We were disappointed because we had ordered $100 in smoked meats and they didn't want to sell us an entire side of pickles (only the small amount that came with our meat is all we could get). After trying to cancel our order, the owner came out and apologized and gave us a large container of pickles. They do make their own pickles which the supply is limited of course, but we really wanted pickles to go with the large amount of meat we had just ordered. They also serve ice cream and make their own waffle cones and waffle bowls. There are plenty of seats inside as well as outdoor seating. You may have to wait for a table but I promise you will be glad you waited!

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing! High recommend to anyone in the area! Chef Len is truly talented and this place never disappoints.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food, great service! Very friendly place and great atmosphere! Would recommend to anyone looking for good bbq.

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Fabulous little BBQ joint. Tons of Bbq sauces to try, nicely done meats, great wood fired pizza, and quality wings.

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Brisket and wings was delicious. Ribs were a little tough. I ordered the platter but did not ever get the tortilla.

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Good food. Love the meat platter Wings are good as well. It's worth the drive out there.

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Absolutely Delish! Full brisket by myself every single time . Wings are a-ok. Sauces are exceptional, try them all!

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The chicken fajita pizza is outstanding. We will be back to explore more of the menu!

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    7 years ago

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    Page 2 of 3

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    Petrino's Pizzeria

    Petrino's Pizzeria

    4.1
    (34 reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $

    DATE & TIME OF VISIT: July 10, 2026 @ 7:40pm. They were not too busy (there was no wait line,…read morethere were a couple tables with people eating). AMBIANCE & CLEANLINESS: Cute shop in the center of a strip mall in Zeeland. They have a couple tables to sit at outside and many more inside. It has always looked clean the times we have been there. SERVICE: We normally get the Italian owner or his wife taking but they do have some younger staff as well and all have been very friendly and kind! We have no complaints about the service we receive every time we go here. FOOD: This is what we ordered.... Meal Deal -- Large one topping pizza, garlic knots, and a 2 liter of soda. Taste: Pizza - best we have had, fresh ingredients, perfect crust. Taste has always been so good! Garlic knots - OH My Gosh! These are SOOO GOOD!!! They don't skimp on the garlic parm sauce!!! Price: $30 (ish) OVERALL THOUGHTS: Paid $30(ish) for our family of four. Service is always great (especially from the owners!!) It's a decent sized place with plenty of room to sit and eat (if you don't want to take it home). We have never had a bad experience. WOULD I RETURN? Yes!!! (We have been almost weekly now for over 2 months!!!

    Came here during lunch one weekday. They have a handful of options in the display case to get pizza…read moreby the slice at lunch. My coworker and I just ended up ordering a pizza and splitting it! Prices seemed fair and the people working the counter were super nice. We got here around 11:40ish. No line when we walked in. Once we ordered at the counter we sat down in their dining area. They have maybe 8-10 tables in a big room you can dine at. They brought the pizza to us and we got our pizza probably within 10-15 minutes so it was quick. The pizza was good but I wish there was more cheese! I would probably order extra cheese next time. By the time we left, there was quite a line out the door! I think this is a pretty popular spot for lunch.

    Photos
    Large dine in side (7/10/2026).
    Large dine in side (7/10/2026).
    Pepperoni/mushroom pizza joint
    Pepperoni/mushroom pizza joint
    Exterior view (7/10/2026)

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    Exterior view (7/10/2026)

    American Char - bbq - Updated July 2026

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