Amazing pork barbecue, hot fries, and homemade soups - never disappoints, ever Staff is wonderful as well read more

I moved here from Texas and asked where a good barbecue place was? I was referred to US 31 barbecue. I was told that the sandwiches were kind of soggy but worth it. I was pretty disappointed, I ordered the combination of meats, but that was a waste of time because the slaw was so overpowering, you could hardly even taste the meat. They don't even offer barbecue sauce instead of slaw. And the bun was definitely soggy! I guess people like it because the nostalgia and they really have no idea what good barbecue taste like. I think the place should be called sloppy Joe's soggy bottom. They should not even call it barbecue. And the weight staff seem to be so bored with having to wait on me. Yeah I don't think I'll go back. read more

The pork sandwiches with the sweet cabbage slaw is well known in the area for being a nostolgic sandwich in the area. It is a good sandwich but they aren't very filling and are rather expensive for what you get. Pork is cheap, the cabbage slaw is cheap, the bun is cheap and they charge quite a bit. You pay for the nostalgia. If they were $3 a sandwich I would have given it 4 stars. read more

This is nothing short of false advertising. Or maybe they are in dire need of a rebrand? But either way, no BBQ is actually being served here. What you will find are some actually pretty decent pulled pork sandwiches. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed in my one and only attempt to give this place a try. read more

Food is not good. Several bad google reviews about toothpicks in the meat, no refills...all in all just a waste of time

I miss this place we went there when I was 10 years old growing up brought my kids there I am 62 now. Love this place so much great memories. Recommend everyone who passes here need to stop in read more

US 31 BBQ - American Near Me - Muskegon, Michigan

I grew up in Muskegon and ate my first US 31 BBQ pork sandwich in 1962 when they sponsored my buddy's (Bunny Donnegan) pee wee football team. I was hooked and every time I come back to Muskegon I pick up a box for take out or eat in a booth with one of their great milkshakes! I hope they stay open forever because I can't imagine coming back to Muskegon and not stopping there. As for those who complain about it being soggy??? That's what makes them so great and delicious!!! read more

US 31 BBQ - As Good As It Gets! - American Near Me - Muskegon, Michigan

I loved visiting as a child this was the first time back in town in over 10 years. The sandwiches are still just as tasty. My wife also had her first pork sandwich and loved it. read more

I love this place. It has always been a tradition that has held great memories, especially with people who have long since passed away. However, I now have some dietary restrictions and cannot have gluten. I asked on Facebook if their meat and relish were gluten free, and was told if I wanted, I could bring in my own bread. Great! However, gluten free bread is expensive and in my opinion just doesn't taste good. My mother in law ordered us all some take out and asked to get mine with no bun, the girl on the phone took the order with no issue. When my mother in law arrived to pick up the food, a different lady was upset and adamant that they do not serve their meat without a bun. My question is really just... why? We weren't asking to pay less for no bun. Why does my celiac disease mean that I cannot eat food that I love because someone won't leave the bun off? I can't just take the meat off the bun and eat it, unfortunately that is not how celiac works or else I would do this frequently. Very unimpressed by this "policy" that all employees clearly aren't aware of. Don't make it seem like you're friendly to those who are gluten free if you really aren't. Very disappointed, but still love your food from afar, even if your policy means I can never eat it again. read more

This place is a Muskegon institution, started in 1939. It's a small place with a long bar to eat at and 6 booths. They serve one sandwich BBQ with your choice of pork, beef, ham or all 3. Unusual sauce, unique to this place. No other sandwiches, burgers, entrees. They stick to the one meal. On the side you can also get chili or soup, fries or chips, pie, ice cream and drinks. Really reasonable prices. The BBQ seems to be love it or hate it. My husband and his family love it. It's not my favorite, but I will always stop here because it is family tradition. read more

See all

Not sure what I just ate, boiled meat on a cheap bun with pickled onions. Wouldn't call that Barbecue.

Pork sandwich was a little soggy, but had good flavor! Fries however were very disappointing-soggy and flavorless. Same goes for the vanilla milkshake. I would definitely go again, but would change my order. read more

Not a typical bbq restaurant, so you need to prepare your tastebuds before going. Specific bbq -ed meats with a specific sweet relish sauce as a sandwich only. It's good but it's not your normal bbq restaurant. Staff is friendly and the prices are cheaper than average. read more

Classic Muskegon eatery did not disappoint. It's been remodeled and is super cute on the inside with clean 60s lines and their classic white globe lighting. When they say BBQ, they don't mean BBQ sauce. They mean meat that's been barbequed, shaved thinly, covered with a tangy slaw and put between two soft white buns. You're options are beef, pork, ham or double the meats. No salad here folks- keep walking. They also offer thinly cut fries, pop, ice cream, pie and coffee- and thick as cloth napkins to wipe up any mess. It's old school perfect and so is the price. The waitress was very nice and since she had a 5 year old brother, recommended offerings to my picky toddler as well as brought him his drink in a cup with lid. Bathrooms are clean and newly remodeled. The only hang up I had was that I want to eat off of a plate like a grown-up and don't like all the excessive trash of trays of fries and tinfoil wraps. They do take credit cards now and I will definitely eat here again. read more

See all

Food came fast and hot, was very inexpensive and quite filling. Staff was very kind and attractive. Down home feel, pleasant and not overtly loud. read more

While in Muskegon for the weekend, we stopped at US 31 BBQ for dinner Saturday evening. On entering the establishment, we were a bit perplexed and more than a little hesitant due to all of the warning signs tapped to the walls ("no outside food or trash," "no meetings," "do not take a table unless your entire party is here," etc.), but we went ahead and sat down at a booth. A few minutes later, our waitress approached to take our drink orders, and after asking if we had been there before, explained that their barbeque sandwiches come two ways: dry or with a relish-based BBQ sauce. As others have noted in their reviews, the restaurant is pretty small, with just a handful of booths and swivel stools along the counter. The ambiance is classic 1950s diner, with a good selection of nostalgic photos on the walls and under the glass tabletops. Our kids especially enjoyed looking at the "where are our customers from" map on the wall. Our food was ready in a pretty reasonable period of time (perhaps because there was only one other family there, as well as one person at the counter). We had ordered a mix of barbeque pork and beef sandwiches, plus a couple of orders of fries and two bags of chips. Normally we are a BBQ loving family, however the unique relish-based sauce elicited an unusually large variety of opinions. Two of us thought it was good, one felt it was ok, and two really disliked it. Additionally my wife noted that the juicy sauce quickly rendered her sandwich bun a soggy mess, which, in her words, made eating the sandwich "just gross." However regardless of our feelings on the sauce, we all universally agreed the meat was both tender and flavourful. On finishing our barbeque sandwiches and fries, we flagged down our waitress again to order a selection of baklava, which all five of us really liked! I especially enjoyed the "Greeks on vacation" baklava with pineapple and coconut, which was as delicious as it was unique. However when we received our bill, we were in for a bit of a surprise, because apparently refills were not free on the lemonade, and we drank eleven of the small-sized but full-priced glasses of the stuff! All told, our bill for six sandwiches, two fries, two chips, five baklavas, and eleven lemonades was about $50, which felt pretty reasonable for dinner for five. Overall we found the restaurant to be pretty solidly middle-of-the road, with nothing exceptionally good or bad about it. As such, I rate US 31 BBQ as being Good, and would return. read more

Don't be fooled by the sign. It is NOT BBQ. Yes it is shredded pork. Yes it has a sauce on it. But it is not the definition of BBQ, if you did a Google on those letters. With that said. The portions are small and it doesn't really taste good. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!! The menu is on the lighter side of BBQ but nonetheless delicious! Smoked meats sliced thin and served with their world class relish, WOW!! You're not going to find the typical sloppy pulled pork sandwich here but keep an open mind and give these guys a try. I know you'll love it. read more

Awesome sandwiches, fries, shakes, and desserts. Stop here whenever I'm in downtown around lunch time.

The best things about this place was the service, it was cheap, and I received cold water. That's why they get two stars. This cabbage burger had no flavor and was extremely dry with a soggy bun. THIS IS NOT BBQ! It's sad I had to start dipping my burger in ketchup just to get some kind of flavor. If they were to compete in a BBQ competition with that they served me, they would be laughed at. The people claiming this place is delicious are just nostalgic. read more

The service was pretty bad today. All I was giving was an attitude the whole time. First of all, how do you not know what a malt is. Anyways, When I was giving my total I said "oh you raised your prices?" In a calm voice. The one woman gave me a snotty remark how they haven't raised prices in so many years. I was just like wow. I asked if there were extra sauce on my sandwiches, the person who handed me my food said "ya don't worry it was free" Seriously? I didn't drive 1 1/2 hours to be given an attitude!!!!! Y'all need to curb your attitudes!!! I've been coming here for years and have NEVER been treated like this before. read more

Oh the old school side of the road dinner. This place just screams Muskegon. I've met people that all they know or remember from Muskegon is this place, they make it a point to always stop on their road trips, even going out of their way to visit the town just for their tasty BBQs. I've always been a fan of the pork BBQ and their fries are perfect here. Did I mention the milk shakes? Made the good ol' fashioned way. I highly recommend this place. I don't think I can give it enough praise. read more

They don't take debit or credit cards. The atmosphere is old school cool. Food is defintely not what I'd describe as BBQ. The shakes are homemade and delicious. I had the pork/beef sandwich and fries. It was just all right. I'd recommend the shakes and fries. read more

After reading other reviews I thought I'd weigh in on this restaurant. The menu is one page, placed under the glass covering the tabletop. There are few options for sandwiches-pork, ham, beef or a combination of meats. The sandwiches came with barbecue sauce on them...it definitely has a pickle/mustard flavor to it (two things I don't care for). It also had a familiar barbecue tang which was pleasant. The buns were extremely soggy on the bottoms when we got our orders. I had to eat with a fork so as not to drop it all over myself. The drinks were surprisingly small. The cups look perfect for children under the age of 12 but not so good for adults. There is no option to get a larger cup. Dessert is limited to pie or a shake or malt. Didn't feel like staying longer so we skipped that. Our waitress took our order and never returned to ask how our food was. She only returned to drop the check on the table. I did hear another waitress ask the people behind us how their food was. They weren't crowded so that cannot be an excuse for not saying anything to us. Not planning to return here again. It just wasn't worth it. read more

This BBQ place is unable to serve meat without a bun. Seriously?!? Probably frozen pre-prepared food. Please go to a real BBQ restaurant. read more

I have to give 5 stars to this historical landmark in Muskegon! I went just the other day, and it tasted as good as when I was a kid, and my grandparents took me! Pork BBQ all day! When family comes in from out of town, US31 BBQ is a must! read more

Amazing experience, I was visiting muskegon and was told by locals about this family owned business that's been open for almost 80 years. I went in because who wouldn't want to try something that's been here for so long. I am so happy that I did, the food was amazing yes it's a small menu but I think its because of that I loved it that much more . I had the double meat sandwich and extra sauce. So simple yet packed with so much flavor. I cant wait to be back in town so I can visit this place again. Oh also the staff was so nice I think they are all family which made it feel even better being there, they even suggested other locations to try. read more

The pulled pork sandwich is whats getting the 5 stars. This sandwich is so amazing. Perfect little dive restaurant right in Muskegon. The building and the staff are eh, and ill say it one more time, the pork sandwich is perfect. A once in a lifetime must try. read more

There are reasons why some restaurants come and go and some stand the test of time. This place, established in 1939, is a testament to why some family restaurants have outlived others. The same family has run this place since the beginning and instead of trying to flow with new trends it has stayed true to its original recipes and offerings and it has paid off. It is a small place, 7 booths and 12 swivel chairs at the counter, but big on nostagia. You can sense upon walking in that this place is not trendy yet full of history. The menu is simple as are the selections. I ordered the two meat bbq of pork and ham along with fries and a bowl of chili. Fries hot and crisp. Chili is old school in that it is mildly spicy, deep brown/red no vegetables but full of beans and loose meat. A classic diner chili. I prefer some onions and cheese with it but it is very good as served. Hearty. Bbq sandwich is not your red bbq sauce type. Slow cooked in a smoker and marinated with a vinegarish seasoning. Then served on a soft bun and topped with a delicious sweet relish. Very tasty. I recommend this place for those who enjoy a throw back to stripped down diners of the past that have stayed true to their good food roots and see no reason to vary from it. read more

US 31 BBQ - Solid, bbq meal! - American Near Me - Muskegon, Michigan

This was a surprise. We noticed the large sign and stopped....right in downtown almost. Good BBQ. Small place, maybe 6 tables/booths. We left there very pleased that we had stopped. Pork sandwiches are good. Classic feel to the place. read more

This is a Muskegon landmark!!! There are those that say this isn't real BBQ, but must not understand that "real BBQ" is the seasoning and slow cooking of meats for hours until tender...not sloppy red sauce to cover up bad preparation. The relish/sauce is unique and adds a sweet Carolina style flavor to the sandwiches. I cook brisket, ribs, pork shoulder and almost anything else weekly on my pit in south Texas. I wouldn't ever compare the two, but US31 is definitely good BBQ. There's a reason this establishment has been in business since 1939. read more

THIS IS NOT BARBECUE. I expected brisket or ribs or pulled pork, what I was offered was terrible sloppy joe sandwiches made from lunch meat. read more

Not your typical bbq by any means, but delish nonetheless. Menu is pleasantly simple which gives the spotlight to the product they are known for. The cabbage based sauce is a refreshing adaptation to what is typically considered bbq sauce. You can tell by the way in which the staff speaks about their history, that there is love, pride and tradition in what they do. I will be back! read more

Perfect! Limited menu but you don't need more. Order the beef brisket or pulled pork sandwich and enjoy. Bringing kids? Great! Order the BBQ sauce on the side. Sit at the counter for a more authentic experience. read more

Place is the best! Been going since the 1970s and loving it every time! Pork BBQs are scrumptious!

US 31 BBQ is one of my favorite local restaurants in Muskegon..... love the pork or ham bbq with extra relish gotta use a fork to get every drop. read more

In regards to the poor reviews, you people are entitled to your own opinions, but let's get one thing straight: BBQ is the process of cooking meat, poultry, or fish over open flames or charcoal. That is EXACTLY how they cook their meat! The so called BBQ Sauce one chooses to use does not make it any more or any less a BBQ! Spreading BBQ sauce on chicken and tossing it in an oven doesn't make it BBQ Chicken, but cooking chicken outside on a grill without ANY sauce DOES constitute BBQ chicken... Adding the BBQ sauce is only to enhance the flavor. Think about Hotdogs and Hamburgers... You typically don't put BBQ sauce on them when you grill them, but the process of grilling them STILL means your BBQing them... As for US31 BBQ... 75 year anniversary is coming up in a few months... Keep up the good work on your awesome BBQ's!!! read more

Quintessential diner-style barbecue joint. Super secret bbq recipe, this place has been in business forever. Limited menu of beef and pork bbq on burger buns, good french fries and REAL milk shakes (made from milk and ice cream) among a few other choices. I've never had anything but the pork bbq - when I find a winner, I stick with it. Juicy, fantastically flavorful, and inexpensive: trifecta of perfection. Smallish interior with no ambiance which is how it's sposed to be. read more

I LOVE this place! I've been going since I was young. Beware - it's not your "typical" BBQ affair. They make a white/yellow cabbage based BBQ sauce - so not your typical red sauce. It's sweet and tangy - a perfect combination. The building is rather small, and it fills up quickly during the lunch rush. There's only about 5 booths, and then a dozen or so seats at the "bar". With a very limited menu, they are quick to get the food out fast. I always get the pork sandwich. It's sliced thin, but always has a generous amount. Note - they DO take credit/debit cards. ***TIP*** There are two ways to get your sandwich - regular or dry. Not everyone knows about the dry option - as it's not asked, you must request. From my experience, when you just order a pork bbq, it is slopped onto the bun, which makes the bun very soggy... very soggy. A lot of people enjoy this, however I opt to go for the DRY style. Meaning they drain any extra juice/water before putting it on the bun. This is definitely more my style - no soggy bun, so I get to enjoy all of the textures that I like. read more

The relish bbq sandwiches are the best on the planet. This is the one place I always go back to in Muskegon. It is an old school diner that has the original wait staff. The clientele is generally ederly because I guess they never took their kids or their kids all moved out of town. Stick to the basics, sandwiches, fries, soda. The pork is the best. read more