Hogzilla BBQ Pit is a full service BBQ joint and catering company with locations in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Mi. I'd had my eye on the Battle Creek location for quite some time. My co-workers and I frequent the Mexican place next door for lunch. Each time we pulled into the parking lot I'd stare longingly at the roadside smoker that always seemed to be rolling.

Eventually, the temptation was too much. I set up a lunch date with co-workers and we all ventured to Hogzilla for some pit cooked BBQ. The unmistakable smell of authentic, pit cooked BBQ was in the air when we pulled into the parking lot. Like most BBQ joints, the interior was ultra casual. It's the type of place that serves everything on plastic ware. There were roughly a dozen tables inside and some additional exterior seating for the summer months.

I was surprised to learn that Hogzilla offered a lunch buffet. It's not very often you see a real BBQ buffet. I figured the buffet would allow me to sample a variety of what Hogzilla had to offer. It featured smoked pork shoulder that was "pull apart" tender, pork bites (chunks of pork shoulder heavily seasoned and smothered in sauce), pulled chicken, BBQ Spaghetti (noodles and smoked beef chunks tossed in a spicy tomato sauce) and various hot and cold sides. I added a 2 bone rib sampler for good measure.

2 Bone Rib Sampler w/ Hogzilla Original BBQ Sauce

Pulled Pork, Pork Bites & Smoked Chicken

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food on the buffet. The pork was moist and adequately smokey. The pork bites were peppery and loaded with flavor. The pulled chicken was pretty bland, but at least it was moist and tender. I also really enjoyed the mac & cheese and slaw. The highlight of the buffet was the spaghetti. The tender, smokey beef was a great accent to the tangy, spicy tomato sauce.

In 2014, The "Q" Review is on a mission to sample the best BBQ in the great state of Michigan. Each month, I'll feature a new Michigan BBQ restaurant in the hopes of finding truly great BBQ. It's my belief that great BBQ can be found all over this country and Michigan is no exception.

The tour kicks off this month with Hogzilla BBQ (Battle Creek). Additional stops will include West Texas BBQ (Jackson) and House of Pizza & BBQ (Hillsdale). To fill up the calender, I'll be soliciting suggestions from my readers. If you've got a favorite Michigan BBQ joint, let me know.

For now, enjoy a sneak preview of Hogzilla (below).