Located at The Little Fleet in Traverse City, Cordwood BBQ serves wood-fired barbecue, smoked meats, and globally inspired dishes. Known for brisket, pulled pork, and creative fusion flavors, it’s a go-to spot for BBQ in TC.

What’s Cooking

If you’re looking for BBQ in Traverse City, Cordwood BBQ is a solid place to start. You’ll find them at The Little Fleet serving up smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and fusion dishes like bao buns with Korean BBQ sauce.

Quick Hits: Get to Know Cordwood BBQ

What’s new this season?

We’ve been leaning even harder into the "fusion" side of our menu. This season, keep an eye out for our Asian-style bao buns—specifically the pulled pork and tofu options topped with a Korean BBQ sauce, coleslaw and fresh green onions.

Tell us something about the menu you are excited about.

We’ve perfected our smoked meats (brisket, pulled pork, and chicken) so they pair perfectly with the bright, tangy slaw and house-made sauces.

What’s playing on the truck?

Lately, it’s been a mix of classic blues and country to match the low-and-slow BBQ energy, and maybe some upbeat indie folk to keep the pace up during the lunch rush.

Go-to drink at The Little Fleet?

You can’t go wrong with a crisp, local craft beer or one of the seasonal margaritas from the bar—they cut right through the richness of the brisket.

Favorite local hike?

The Empire Bluff Trail is hard to beat for those Sleeping Bear Dunes views, but honestly, any quiet stretch along the Old Mission Peninsula is a win.

What local ingredients are you excited about?

Northern Michigan cherries, of course! They make their way into some of our sauces and garnishes.

Who is your chef or restaurant inspiration?

I’ve always admired the pitmasters who aren't afraid to break tradition- our owner and chef respects the heritage of wood-fired BBQ but isn't afraid to bring in flavors from across the globe.

What have you been doing since you moved your truck out of The Little Fleet in October?

It’s been a busy off-season at our new 8th Street location! We’ve been working on some fun truck upgrades, including a new ordering window and some fresh branding. We’ve also spent plenty of time testing new recipes and getting our catering menus ready for a big summer.

Do you have a favorite Little Fleet experience?

It’s always about that first warm Friday night of the season—the smell of the different trucks mixing in the air, the sound of the crowd, and that feeling of the TC community coming back together after the winter.

What's the best thing you ate recently?

My own home cooked meals! A blackened salmon with smoked butter asparagus.