Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Q
12100 Challenger Pkwy, Orlando, FL, 32826
Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Q Menu
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Address :
12100 Challenger Pkwy
Orlando, FL, 32826 - Phone (407) 423-1212
- Website https://alafaya.bubbalous.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Melissa L.
First of all - everything on the menu is wonderful and the staff is always very friendly and attentive. I lived in Orlando for 8 years and every time my family would come to visit me we would have to eat there at least once. Since I've moved back home I have gone back to Orlando for visits and each time my family has asked me to pick up some Bubbalou's on the way home. Also, everytime we drive through central Florida on road trips we have to detour to Bubbalou's; this location specifically. Nevermind how big of a detour it may be : ) In short, we're die hards and defintely recommend this place for good BBQ and a great place to spend time with family and friends.
(5)Nathan R.
Bubbalou's Bodacious BarBQ knows how to do what they do. They have some great barbecue food here, ranging from pulled pork sandwiches, to baked chicken to macaroni and cheese. They also have some awesome sweet tea, which in my opinion, is a key ingredient to great barbecue food. The indoor seating area has a bunch of tables fashioned like picnic tables, which adds to the whole experience. Service is pretty quick and efficient, even at its busiest times during lunch when the place is filled with UCF students and Research Park lunch breakers. It is definitely a step above Sonny's, as well as a reasonable price, and I would definitely say its a must eat for any barbecue lover.
(4)Annie D.
I'm a callus, judgmental, stone-faced girl way out of her Philadelphia element here in Orlando... But deep down inside, near my heart, where the sweet girl with North Carolina roots lives, is a deep seeded lover of BBQ! Bubbalou's brought that little girl right out of her rough exterior and fed her fried catfish and mac & cheese slathered in hot sauce. All the while she used her free hand to steal some of her friend's pulled pork sandwich. This place smells as good as it tastes! They offer everything one could want to complete a messy excursion into delicious BBQ & Soul Food territory. Of all of the great places I had a chance to eat at during my time here in Orlando Bubbalou's is mos def on the list of places to hit up one last time before I catch the plane home.
(5)Jonathan D.
It was probably a mistake to come here after having just been in Memphis the weekend before. On the plus side, very friendly and helpful service, and the atmosphere is airy and pleasant. The food, on the other hand, was so-so, though I'd probably give them an overall two and a half stars if I could. I ordered the baby back ribs, and these just didn't compare to what I'd had in Memphis. They weren't really all that meaty, and weren't as flavorful or tender as they should have been. And they seemed like much smaller ribs than what I've usually seen. The baked beans and the cole slaw were just all right, while the green beans were mushy, watery and probably frozen. Either that, or they really need a new recipe for them. On the plus side, the peanut pie was quite tasty. So...if you really need a BBQ fix, this place would do in a pinch, but otherwise, it was just average. Pet peeve of mine: their BBQ sauces that are bottled and sitting at the table have preservatives in them. Not my favorite thing on a store shelf, but in a restaurant? Not good.
(2)Reed B.
I like Bubbalou's quite a bit... but I am not a big fan of this location. You can tell that this location was set up very differently than some of the others in Orlando. A bar and live music is more of a focus than the food is. Sandwiches come minus the sauce and you have a large selection of sauces on the table...all very yummy. The fries used to be great with special seasoning ...but that doesn't seem to happen at this location for some reason. You also have the less than stellar service that you find at most UCF area places. Oh- and the restrooms are a disaster. Overall - Food is good if you are craving BBQ, but you will get a much better overall experience at other Bubbalou's locations.
(3)Nieves R.
This was my first time coming here. I liked the theme and decorations, it really made me feel like I was in a barn. I went on a friday night and got to watch UCF football game. I had a yummy chicken quesadilla, and my boyfriend had the "big big pork". The food was not the best of the besst but it was still good. I'll be coming back soon.
(4)Mindi A.
Wow, not as good as Sonny's? I'm floored. I Love, love, love Bubbalou's and really miss it. Sonny's was OK, but Bubbalou's chicken and baked beans were my favorite of any BBQ joint I've ever been to. We even had my daughter's 1st birthday party there (and everyone loved it!!) The best part is that when all the Waterford Lakes restaurants are jammed on the weekend, you can usually get into Bubbalou's with little, if any, wait. Huge portions, reasonable prices, sloppy delicious meats and the best beans ever -- what's not to love?
(5)Ghost O.
I have eaten a lot of BBQ and tis place knows how to do it. The ribs are just nicely done with the great smoke taste. Fries are crispy and the chicken is perfect . A little strange to get in and out of the parking lot but that's ok. It is worth the trip even if it is a little high on the price.
(4)Ruth B.
My husband and I love this place. Whenever guests visit us from outside of FL, we bring them here. The food is fabulous. Great bbq at a reasonable price. You can't go wrong with their menu. Their meat is cooked to perfection...they have an awesome variety of bbq sauces. This is bbq done right. The big pig was nice enough to give me a free snow cone the first time we went there. They let me come behind the counter and learn how they make them. It made it such a fun experience! The portions are large, so you can share. We normally purchase a 4 meat combo between the two of us and split it. It's more than enough food to keep us full! I have to say the one thing I don't like is the corn bread. It's a bit dry unfortunately. Everything else makes up for it though! Their banana pudding and key lime pie are amazing as well! They have such a charming place that makes you want to hang out and enjoy the night a little longer. Their outdoor patio is large and there is always a group out there playing some corn game that is big here. lol
(5)Ted F.
Some pretty decent 'cue. I got the brisket big pig and it was even too much for me. While the meat and hot sauces were good, I'd say the sides are a bit lacking.
(4)Stephanie B.
The food was tasty, and overall a good deal as the portions were large. I got the pulled pork sandwich platter with beans and potatoes. The meat had a good flavor, but what is with the trend nowadays of not mixing the pork with the BBQ sauce before it gets to the bun/roll? I don't approve! I can't fault Bubbalou's too much because it's everywhere nowadays, but really, this trend needs to be reversed. Oh, and while mashed potatoes will suffice, what kind of BBQ place doesn't have potato salad?? Also, I was kind of disappointed with Bubbalou's because while the meals were decently priced, if you wanted anything extra, it got pricey very quickly. I was hankering for some cornbread, but I didn't really feel like shelling out $2.50 for it! Their desserts looked good too, but that was another $3.50 for a single slice of pie. So yea, 4 stars because it was delicious with a good atmosphere and good service, but I'm knocking a star for priciness and menu abnormalities.
(4)Matthew C.
Pretty good pulled turkey sandwich. Seems more of a bar scene. There on a Tuesday night and it was empty. Big place. Would like to go back when it's crowded.
(3)D M.
Pricey, but very good. I seem to always stay at the Hilton next door when I come to town, after I first discovered this place I never worry about eating before I get on the plane. I wait and then treat myself to a nice dinner at this establishment. The food is good, the staff is friendly, what else can you ask for?
(4)Erik S.
Went here for lunch with my co-workers. I love BBQ. I love everything about it and I was excited to try this place. The menu looks like an old school menu, the one with the letters you can change by sliding them through, I thought it was a nice touch since all the tables were picnic tables. Immediately I saw what I was going to try... the Porkasaurus! I mean come on, how can you not try something named Porkasaurus (see my likes on my profile if you want to know how much I love little piggies) I was a bit disappointed that my sandwich only came with one side, as there were quite a few I would have liked to try but I was limited to just one with this sandwich for the meal deal, and the price did not reflect just one side, the meal was just as much as the others on the menu that came with 2 sides. Food came out relatively quick, but it was underwhelming. Maybe I'm just picky, but the pulled pork seemed dry, and I expected more heat from this sandwich. There were plenty of BBQ sauces to choose from which I added to the sandwich, but even the hot didn't give me any tingly feelings on my tastebuds. I suppose I will have to give this place another try as maybe it was a bad day, but I would say the bbq was mediocre at best. The mac and cheese was good, just not enough of it. I'll go back another time and try again, hopefully it will be better.
(3)Sylvan F.
Outstanding experience. Pulled pork was very moist and had great smoke flavor. Restaurant was very busy but we got through very quickly. We also had the brisket and it was fantastic
(5)Tiffnye C.
Bubbalous... everything is good! They even have kool-aid which is cool! You must try the fried corn on the cob! My fav is the catfish :-)
(5)Zachary B.
Bubbalou's has the right atmosphere - large wooded tables, junk on the walls - the kind of place you'd think would become one of your favorite joints for BBQ. Well, I've tried to give them the benefit of the doubt three times, but no more - this place simply isn't good. The sides have always been OK, but the pork has always been disappointing - too dry, fatty and tasteless. Last time I went I left happy simply because I had the huge plate of ribs, and even poorly done ribs still equate to a good meal. Overall Bubbalou's isn't terrible, but expect to be disappointed time and time again.
(2)Chris D.
I wound up spending two weeks at the hotel that was right across the street and downwind of this place. The first night the wonderful smell had me walking across the street like a zombie to see what smelled so good. I wound up eating here about five times during those two weeks. The ribs were just OK in my book, but the BBQ Chicken was excellent, and I wound up getting that with a side of greens every time I went.
(4)Rob S.
this place is ok, but it's no 4R
(2)Princess F.
I've been eating here for years. The BBQ is fantastic & I'm not a huge BBQ fan. There are only a few places I'll eat it and this is one. If you've never been, there are drink specials on certain nights. I thought $1.50 martinis was kinda cool, though that's not the night I went. I thought it was a nice change from $12 martinis, though not necessary for me to continue to eat here. I've had several work meetings at this establishment & the atmosphere is good for relaxing my staff. There's plenty of room for a large or small group. I'm sure size is relative, but we've gone with between 18 & 30. The service for the numbers I brought in was excellent.
(5)Matthew R.
The brisket here is really quite good. It nicely smoked with a good crust and great flavor. It's some of the best I've had and whenever I come to Orlando I absolutely have to stop by. At $9 for a sandwich and two sides it's pretty reasonably priced as well. I usually just get fries and corn with are both fine, the collard greens are good as well. Beers are like $4 which is pretty reasonable. I was a little surprised this last time when I saw that they were serving pizza which I feel kind of cheapens the place but maybe it's amazing. All I know if you definitely need to try the brisket.
(4)Sydney G.
Not the best barbecue I've ever had. I ate here once and the food did not agree with my stomach. If I wanted to go get barbecue I'd probably just go to 4 rivers instead.
(2)Chris S.
Let me start by stating that I eat out more than 900 meals a year and have annually for almost a decade. Do the math and you'll see that I've had my fair share of restaurant food. I've also eaten at several hundred BBQ places in the US. Bubbalou's has been on our to-try list for several years after reading about it in a Best BBQ of Orlando article. While a fun place to eat, with good service and ample TVs the food doesn't rival the atmosphere. If you are comparing it to the rest of the BBQ in the greater UCF area, it falls short. 4 Rivers Smokehouse blows it out of the water and ever Smokey Bones, a large chain is much better. Bubbalou's BBQ is average, at best. In fact, many of the meats were below average. We dished out the cash to try a wide assortment of meats and ordered a four meat combo with three sides, most of which remained on my plate after 15 minutes, not because I wasn't hungry, but rather the meats were under-whelming. Let's start with the positives. The brisket was good. It was lean, did have flavor and if you simply ordered just this meat you'd probably be impressed. The same goes for the pulled pork. Meanwhile, as the list grew the disappointment widened. Smoked turkey is one of my favorite things to order a BBQ restaurant. It's usually mouth-watering and flavor is juicing out the meat. This, on the other hand, looked and tasted like packaged meat you'd buy at the grocery store. The smoked sausage, honestly I'm not sure what it was. Terrible. There's no better word to describe it. And, the pulled chicken was extremely tough and bland. At first sight, we were thrilled. There's an enormous amount of sides to choose from. Sadly, when we left, they were all still sitting on our plate. The mashed potatoes and gravy were very gooey, almost like when you eat saltwater taffy. The black eyed peas tasted canned and the Brunswick stew, well bland would have been an understatement. This was closer to Chef Boy Ardee. My friend ordered the mac and cheese which tasted like onions and the pasta was mushy. The baked beans tasted sour. The sweet potato was fine. None of these sides tasted homemade, like we thought they were and while the portions are large, the taste isn't. Meanwhile, their soft drink selection is a step up. There's unsweet and sweet tea and soft drinks as well as Cool-Aid and Lemonade. Their lemonade speaks volumes about the quality they pride themselves on here. It's Countrytime, a store bought mix. Any quality BBQ places makes their lemonade from scratch. We even tried dessert, which wasn't what we expected. When we asked they told us that the pecan pie wasn't on site, from scratch, but it didn't taste that way. Honestly, it tasted like something you'd buy at Publix or Costco, like a frozen pie. The banana pudding was mediocre. After spending $26 on this lunch, per person, we left feeling empty handed. I wouldn't return and if you have the choice between here and other options locally you'll find better meats, sides and desserts nearby. When we visit and local BBQ chain, we expect it to be at least average, this one needs work. The sides need improvement, the desserts need a new recipe and a few of the meats have growing to do. And, if you don't believe me, head over to 4 Rivers Smokehouse and try the same meats/desserts and sides you did here. There's a world of difference.
(3)Jacob K.
I would say Bubbalou's is a mixed bag. Great atmosphere with the look of an old garage with lots of signage and cool old stuff. However, I was here for the food. Cost $20 for a brisket sandwich, one side, and a drink, along with a kid's meal with a corn dog. Portions were small. Only 4 small pieces of brisket on the sandwich and what amounted to a small fry at any fast food restaurant. Brisket was ok but nothing special. Sauces were good from mild to "killer". But just not worth it for the price. Left hungry and unsatisfied. P.S. Have gone her multiple times before and have had decent experiences..but it now seems as if prices are going up and portions are just getting smaller.
(3)Jeff P.
While many Bar-B-Q establishments have come and gone throughout the Central Florida area, Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Q has been a mainstay for as long as I have lived in Orlando. I hadn't eaten at the East Orlando location in a fairly long time and was a bit surprised at the recent changes they had made to their menu. The addition of pizza selections looked a bit out of place and I wasn't quite ready to give them a try. The fried catfish, however, looked like it would hit just the right spot. This was some of the best fried catfish I have ever eaten. The batter was crispy and the fish was moist. The peppery taste to the fry was present but not overwhelming. The Jalapeno grits were fantastic and packed plenty of flavor. The only issues to be had were the same ones that I can remember from eating here so many years ago. The parking is still severely lacking and the corn bread muffins are a bit on the hockey puck side.
(4)Sidney C.
Great BBQ at great prices. Great flavor, atmosphere, good customer service. could improve on the price for the sauce to go.
(4)Donna S.
Well I wish I could say that the review was for the food, but, alas, we didn't get the chance to eat because we left the line after the counter gal spent more than 10 minutes dealing with one young man who was flirting with her!!! Um, hello? Did you not see the people behind him in line trying to place their order for what appeared to be rather pricey sandwiches --- $9.99 for a pulled pork sandwich with two sides served in Styrofoam???
(2)Mike R.
Hated it. Had pulled pork sandwich. Pork was as dry as a leather shoe. Sauce was cheap and bread was tasteless. Staff here has no interest in any of their customers. Will never go back here. It sucks.
(1)Mike O.
I stopped by the drive-thru for lunch recently and ordered a sliced pork sandwich with Mac n cheese and potato salad for my sides. The sliced pork was dry and rather bland tasting. I smothered it with mild BBQ sauce- which helped but isn't anything exciting either. The Mac n cheese was fine but was very greasy and oily for my taste. The potato salad tasted like something that was store bought- straight from a plastic tub- and did not taste good. Overall, I was disappointed and based on this visit, I will not visit again. The value is good but the food quality is lacking.
(2)Jessica J.
As someone who doesn't really like the taste of meat, but has a family that loves meat, I am always in search of a good restaurant that will satisfy all of us. This place has it both. Now, they don't have too many options for people who don't like meat, but they do have delicious pizza. I ordered the "Selfie" pizza which is basically just a personal 10" pizza with up to 3 toppings. I chose Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers, and Tomatoes as my choice, and it was absolutely fantastic. My family ordered a Ribs platter and said it was great too. The atmosphere is nice, and if you are looking for a sit down restaurant, you might not find it here. It is more of a "picnic" style and you order your food when you walk in. They do however have a section for those who want to be served, and that is where we sat as we wanted to look over the menu before making our decision. Overall, I would recommend this place.
(4)Cathryn G.
There is nothing I love more in life than a good bbq joint. Well this is pretty darn good. Now the really awesome thing is I ate at 4 Rivers down the road yesterday so I can make a pretty immediate comparison. The answer in my opinion is that they are both great, just different. First, 4 Rivers is a bit more trendy. This place is classic bbq. If you've been to Rudy's in TX the ambiance is similar. They bring your food to your table here and I felt like my food was fresher. Also, no crazy lines here. Second, they don't have quite as extensive soda selection here but they do have cheerwine in a glass bottle and in the fountain. Fried pickles are an appetizer here. Big portion. Only $2. Not my favorite crust on a fried pickle but they came out hot and fresh and because both the pickle and crust is thinner than 4R they held up better over time. The Mac n cheese is hands down superior to 4R. This is homemade and tastes like it. A bite reminds me of my childhood! Now, the bbq. Pulled Pork is my bbq of choice. I had a sandwich here because it came with 2 sides whereas a plate came with 3. Since I ordered the fried pickles 2 sides were plenty. So glad I ordered the sandwich because the roll it came on was so good! Soft, but toasted. Yum! The q here was more tender, juicier and had a better "smoke" here. I like 4R sauces better but my sauce if choice here was the mild.
(5)Jeff H.
Had the sliced pork sandwich fries and beans. Pork was so dry it was Allmost inedible even by drowning it with sauce which was too much vinegar and cayenne. No flavor. The beans had very dry pieces of leftover pork and ruined them as well. At least the fries were cooked to order and hot. I will not be back
(1)E e.
Still a great BBQ joint. Nicest people, quality & taste are still there.
(4)Kaila V.
First off, the decor of the place is awesome. Youre surrounded by pigs, you get to listen to country music and the atmosphere is fun and laid back. The service is also great! The staff is all smiles, friendly and polite. In regards to the food I ordered a half pound of pulled pork, mild garlic wings and a personal pizza. I must say, I've never been to a BBQ place with such great pizza! Everything was delicious and hot and i will be back for more!
(5)Bob S.
Look, if you are a Bar-B-Q joint and have multiple pork choices, you strat with five stars and have to earn your way lower; Bubbalou's did not. Ended up coming here for lunch on the last day of a business trip which I was really happy about since this place was adjacent to my hotel and I had to smell the meats smoking every time I walked in from and out to my car. So yeah, I was ready. There were 8 of us and the casual seating options allowed all of us to sit together. Not a single person disparaged the food and we had some finicky folks amongst us. The owner was really friendy and not just in the 'I have to make my rounds and check in so I can say I did' way. His demeanor fit the establishment, casual but real and earnest. I ordered the Big Big Pig with Sliced Pork, Collard Greens and a Sweet Potato. The sandwich itself come unadorned, but there is an ample selection of sauces from sweet and mild to hot in the picnic table baskets to dress it up just how you like. I was really pleased with the flavor of the collard greens (they weren't soupy like you sometimes find at chains like this) and the sweet potato was done perfectly! Despite the urging of my co-workers, I resusted the urge to pick up a hot pink on black Bubbalou tank top, but I remain an unabashed fan all the same!!
(5)Dean L.
Was staying at the hotel next door so thought I'd give it a try. First impression - typical BBQ decor but plenty of servers & lots of space. Went two days running (guess that's a recommendation in itself) - enjoyed the baby back ribs second visit more than the pulled pork day one. Ribs were perfectly cooked and the sauces were on the tables so I could add as much as I wanted. Beer selection was OK. I see lots of comments on the sides - my experience there was baked beans were excellent, potato salad was very good but I actually didn't like the Mac and Cheese so much. Maybe just me. Service was just ok - servers were friendly, food came quickly but beer refill required a reminder. Bottom line: excellent ribs, great baked beans, good pulled pork, decent service. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Gina B.
Last time I went there it was on an afternoon. I ordered a rib plate with a bake potatoes. My Ribs were over cooked and my potato was nasty!
(1)Scott W.
This place is not as good as it used to be. The pulled pork quality has gone down. The prices have gone up and the portions have shrunk. The Brunswick Stew is watery. This is the lowest level of acceptable BBQ I will go for in this town.
(3)Melissa C.
Ate here on Sunday night with daughter and her college friends. Didn't expect that it was a kind of sports related bar/restaurant. It had an indoor outdoor patio, it was great. You order first and pay then go to your table while they prepare your food then they'll bring your food to you. We had the BBQ sandwich with macaroni and cheese and buttered corn with fried pickles. Food was good. I would definitely give it another try.
(3)Jimmy I.
Try the Smoked and Grilled Garlic Wings. DELICIOUS!!! Strong mixed drinks and a pretty bartender. That always makes it a plus! :)
(4)Franklin F.
What can I say about this place? One thing that Bubbalou's has it it's favor is that it is right next to my hotel. I walk next door to get BBQ, chicken and now pizza. For a restaurant that is famous for BBQ, their pizzas are really good. Their pizzas have a distinct taste because of the sauce they use in addition to the herbs and other seasonings used on the crust. We use to travel a few miles away for pizza until we found out that Bubbalou's started selling it. The BBQ is rock solid. They have a 1, 2 and 3 meat combo that is a gut buster. The brisket, BBQ pork, ribs and a host of sides are all really good. I love the BBQ baked beans, corn and the jalapeño cheese grits. The grits are so good that I doubled up on them for my sides. They even have kool-aid and country time lemonade. This place is full of comfort food. You can't go wrong at Bubbalou's
(5)Erika D.
Pretty good BBQ. Not sure why I was charged $20 for a plate that said $15 on the menu, but it was really tasty, I'll let the error slide. The sauces are amazing. Try them all, they are all worth a shot. The decor was fun, very "redneck ingenuity". They have moonshine drinks, which are fun. The only negative is that the water they give you at the bar is tapwater and tastes like sulfur.
(3)Kate M.
What's the fuss about this place? I tried it, even though there's new BBQ in town that's consistently delicious. Ordered pulled pork and boyfriend had brisket. Both were drier than the Sahara. The redeeming quality was the interior decorating and the sauce we used to smother our food was pretty good. Won't be coming back, Bubbalou.
(2)Gabriela N.
Great atmosphere everyone really friendly and the food and side items are just so varied and very great tasting food. Pizza is actually the best compared to any place.
(5)Will N.
Best bbq I have ever had. Loved the good family atmosphere. The tvs really are an added bonus for Sunday football.
(5)Wesley W.
The only thing good here was their brisket, which I guess is why I came. Everything else was terrible, and to enjoy good BBQ you need great sides. Collard greens were average I hope not from a can. Mac and cheese was bland, corn was poorly prepared and bland from frozen corn. Sweet potato, $2.25 for a small average potato. Even the sweet tea was bad. Was so sweet even my sugar loving daughter had to cut it with unsweet. At least that we could fix. I would not come back again.
(2)Carlos L.
I had the grilled chicken, texas caviar, cole slaw, sweet potato tots. Everything was great -- even though nothing I ordered was BBQ--, I tried some of their sauces and they were pretty good. Beer selection seemed limited to whatever was in the 'tub'. The place is fairly big inside but most tables are benches, so seating is shared. The menu is hypnotizing, 2 giant boars plus the handouts. I did ask them if they could grill instead of fry the catfish, they didnt :( Wish i could give them 3 1/2 stars, it does not deserve the 4 but it shouldn't be punished by the A-OK.
(3)Dan S.
Went last night, and I had both kinds of ribs, the Brunswick Stew, Baked Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, Pizza and Wings. The Ribs and the Baked Beans were the only good thing. Both styles or ribs had a solid flavor, and were tender/juicy, and the baked beans had a tremendous flavor as well. The macorini and cheese taste worse than the stuff they sell in boxes at the grocery store, and the Brunswick Stew lacked any kind of flavor (tasted like salted water with stuff in it). The wings were burnt to holy hell, and only tasted like charr, and not like the terayaki/garlic flavor (both are very bold flavors, and neither cold be tasted at all). I know the sauce was on there, though, as you could smell it. The Pizza was sub-par as well, and I'm surprised as it has been getting good reviews on here from people. There was a lot of cheese, a decent flavored sauce, but they are very light on the toppings and the crust is bland. The service was ok. It took them 45 minutes to make my food when they didn't have anyone in the restaraunt, and the girl that took my order thought I was stupid for asking for things that were on their menu...that they didn't have...don't see how I'm supposed to know that. Bubbalous used to be my favorite place to go back when I ate awful food like Taco Bell on a regular basis, it was what I considered a good meal, but now that my taste buds have awakened to real food this place will no longer cut it. (Neither will 4Rivers though. That place is way over-hyped as well)
(2)Lauren M.
Went to bubbalous for the first time and had a great experience! I ate some hot garlic wings and a side of mac and cheese and both were great, the wings are without doubt some of the best that i've ever had. The staff was very pleasent and helpful seeing as it was my first time dining at bubbalous. I liked that they have a decent selection of beer at the front where you order but still have a full liquor bar if you're looking for something else. I was there on a Sunday and the atmosphere was fantastic with people watching football and getting so excited to be there. Price was just prefect for me, i spent exactly what i had intended to and enjoyed it very much! I would recommend bubbalous anytime!
(5)Andrew B.
I can count on one hand the things I'll miss about Orlando when I move up north. The cost of child care, the mild winter, taking my kid to Disney World every other weekend, Publix fried chicken, and Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Q. Their pulled pork sandwich is mouth-watering good and the baked beans are some of the best I've had.
(5)Fitz P.
Awful. I tried the two meat platter, which included the Memphis ribs and chicken. In a nutshell , the ribs was one of the worst I've had in a while. Even after adding a load of sauce to add some flavor. The chicken tasted like two days old leftover. Definitely not worth the price.
(1)R G.
Everything was so hot you could tell it was preheated before serving in the microwave. Ok to get a sandwich but I would not ever get a plate here again. Grits should not pour like water. Ribs were TOUGH!!! On a good day the other locations are good for a sandwich and this place is probably the same. In the future I will stick to just getting a sandwich here.
(1)Steve P.
Nice enough folks but don't stop for the food. I do smoked meats at home so I am maybe a little touchy, but...I had the mixed platter of ribs, pulled-pork, short ribs and BBQ chicken. The chicken was essentially inedible - cold, dry as sawdust and the only flavor came from the sauce - gave that one bite and let it be. Both ribs, short and BB back were also dry but had an added dose of what seemed in the end to taste like kerosene - fuel flavored - left those after a couple of bites - could not place the petroleum flavor. The pulled pork was not dry but needed sauce for ANY flavor. Do they use wood anywhere except in the tables? The best part of the meal were the slaw and greens - the black-eyed peas must have been salt brined. In all, I would rank it as the worst meal that I've had in the last 12 months. Ugly wow!
(1)Dean F.
Pulled pork: excellent BBQ sauces: excellent Collard Greens: excellent Potato Salad: good Sausage: poor Jalepeno Grits: awful Service: good Sausage has a mushy texture; not firm as one would expect. Grits were watery, under seasoned and undercooked. Pulled pork is worth the trip, though.
(3)Melanie A.
We use to order take out from them all the time. The food was always great! Love the pulled pork, ribs, Brunswick stew, beans and fried okra. The sauces are all good, I like to mix them. The best item on the menu though is their wings! They are crispy but not overly coated with breading. The brownies, pecan pie and cornbread are also delicious. I was not impressed with the turkey or beef, just too dry for my taste.
(4)Lydia C.
I am really disappointed in this place. I used to really love the food here but the last few times I have come here it has progressively gotten worse. Eating the ribs was like eating beef jerky and when the order was sent back the new plate was the same dry ribs with lots of sauce to cover them. The side of fries were requested well done and still came out under done and the cole slaw was extremely creamy. I love the bar here because of the live music and the atmosphere overall but the reason I come here is for the food and it is not worth the trip.
(1)Patti M.
The eats are consistently tasty, served quickly, and served by friendly people. I recommend the fried okra, black eyed peas, pulled pork, bbq chicken, and the ribs. They also have an awesome selection of beers. I like the partially open bar area. They often have live music there and it's worth checking out. If you're feeling lazy you can hit the drive thru window or have them deliver.
(4)Mitch G.
I would love to write a review of their food, which in the past has been pretty good, but I cannot. Three times in the last couple of months I have tried to go through their drive through. I wait at the speaker patientely for minutes, nobody comes on to take my order. I drive up to the window and wait, nobody is there either. This shouldn't be so difficult. Looks like it is time to switch bbq places. 4 Rivers just opened up down the road. Oh well.
(1)Gerald H.
I've been here twice in 10 days and ordered the four meat combo. By far the best selections are the brisket, chicken, pulled pork and baby rack ribs. Be warned there is a extra $2 charge for ribs! I would rate this place a little lower than places like Smokey Bones and Famous Dave's. Overall service was good.
(3)Eric G.
This is a pretty average BBQ place. Nice atmosphere, picnic tables with paper towel rolls. Okay prices, $8-12 for alot of food. My pro's for this place are lots of choices on meats and sauces but my negative is the bread and fries. I usually expect a nice roll or texas toast to come with pulled pork, but this was more like a sub roll from the grocery store.
(3)Danny L.
I like how the theme of this place is based around pigs. They're all over the walls and ceilings, along with several other interesting nic-nacs. It kind of makes the place fun to sit and eat. Don't let it fool you though, they do serve other types of meat instead of pork. Since I never been here before, I asked the cashier what she liked and so she recommended me the spiced pork (see picture). When you order it as a basket style, you get two sides of your choice so I chose french fries and coleslaw. The total price came out to around $8, which was OK since it's still under ten dollars for a lunch. I was a little disappointed with what I got though.The spiced pork sandwich was a little plain and boring (especially for $8). It was just a few slices of pork between two white buns. The pork meat itself tasted OK and had a smokey flavor to it, but it was a bit dry for my liking. Luckily, they had plenty of different types of BBQ sauces on the table to rescue the sandwich so the end result wasn't too bad. The coleslaw was good and so were the fries which made me happy. Too bad my meal ended quickly though. They should have thrown in more fries (and not make it look like I have more by hiding my cup of coleslaw under the bottom of the pile either!). Overall, I might come back to this place since the service was not bad and my food was OK. I ordered something I didn't like my first time so I'm going to try something else next time and perhaps add an extra star rating, or take one off.
(3)Lily R.
I really like the atmosphere here, with the pigs on the walls and hanging from the ceilings, as well as the picnic table seating. The bbq is pretty good..but not GREAT. Usually get a pulled pork sandwich which is pretty good, but usually needs a lot of sauce. The bread is also usually a little on the dry side. The mac and cheese is good and creamy, but nothing unusual. Portions are large. Unless I'm right there and really don't feel like driving, I'll usually just go to 4Rivers instead.
(3)Jay H.
Easily my favorite spot in Orlando. Along with their great happy hour on Friday afternoons, they have easily the best chicken wings in Orlando. I would recommend getting them grilled (the are smoked before they grill them) and with hot teriyaki sauce. Along with a friendly staff and multiple (25+) tvs, this is a great place to catch a game. Also, if you're looking to spend some time out and enjoy the weather, this is a great place to go as they have an outdoor patio that is quipped with multiple sets of corn hole.
(5)Erin S.
I just had a brisket sandwich for around 7 dollars. Seven dollars for just a sandwich is pretty pricey so, I was expecting a quality sandwich. What I received was three brisket pieces placed on regular hamburger bun. The beef was absolute delicious! The buns looked like something they just bought from the grocery store. Nothing was done to it whatsoever. For the same price at Sonny's, I could be getting the same sandwich on garlic bread, a drink, and a side of fries. Just saying.
(3)Rick S.
Finallly had a reason to go here, haven't been there for 4 years. I forgot the reason, but now I remember, I don't like their BBQ. Their prices are like this, pulled pork in a hoggie bun, frys, and baked beans $8.69, drinks $2.29. I Had $2.50 off coupon to bring it down some. I could barely believe what I saw, they actually sell pizza there now, they must be desperate for customers. I liked the hoggie roll size, but it actually fell apart on me. I did not like the BBQ it had a strange taste, maybe too much vinegar. Both the beans and sandwich had this. There were barely any beans, had a lot of liquid. There were flys flying around our food, as they have open area to eat. Also kind of hot in there. Not my kind of atmosphere to spend money. Only reason I went to this location was because I was on that side of town. I read that 4 Rivers is looking to open a store in Waterford lakes. They really need one over there. They had a yelp, urbanspoon, trip advisor, and another sticker on the door. I dont understand that whole sticker thing.
(2)Jeffrey D.
Good food, good atmosphere, good stuff. Huge portions for a low price for starters. I had the brisket, which I have rarely seen a restaurant cook brisket to perfection. Spiced just right and the sauce is awesome. Everyone else ordered the baby backs and we aren't talking about a paltry half rack, these were full racks. Ate blackeyed peas which were great, almost like my Grandma's. Order at the counter and they bring it too you, drinks on you own. Inside was not too crowded even though there was a bar in the midst of a college area. Overall, don't wear a shirt and tie, probably don't bring a (first) date, but absolutely bring an appetite. It's a great place to bring friends and maybe thrown beanbags in a game of bag toss.
(4)Dana F.
This place is awesome. I love it so much that I had my (very informal) rehearsal dinner for my wedding here. They have a huge open patio out front, and my bridal party and I had a great time. The service is fabulous! I am a BBQ aficionado and let me tell you, this is some of the best I've had. Their meals are reasonably priced and they offer a deliciously satisfying selection of sides. I am a HUGE fan of their macaroni and cheese. It is some of the best around. Their baked beans are cooked to perfection and just thinking of the cornbread is making me salivate!!! As far as the meats go - it's your average BBQ meats... pulled or sliced pork, smoked turkey, ribs, brisket, chicken, and even catfish. I've tried the porks, smoked turkey, ribs and brisket (yes I am a pig), and I give them all a 10/10. It's usually pretty quiet inside... I've never had to wait very long. Go check them out!
(5)Erick M.
Love this place! The owner is awesome and the food is great! If I lived in Orlando I would be here all the time. Try their pizzas they are delicious
(5)Brittany B.
I really love the atmosphere of Bubbalou's, but I may be one of the few people on here that isn't really impressed by their food. I've tried many different entrees and the only thing I found worthwhile was their ribs. Their sides are pretty good too, but I honestly can't see myself coming here solely for ribs and sides. My bottom line: come here for some decent ribs (although you can make your own a heck of a lot better with some Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce & some $2.49/lb ribs) if you want a nice laid back atmosphere and drinks you can serve yourself. Prices aren't bad!
(3)Kim W.
i really shouldn't be writing about bbq this close to dinner (MUST. FIND. RIBS.) but i really enjoyed my visit to bubbalou's with some friends a few weeks back. this is a counter-service place, but there are plenty of picnic tables inside and outside so you can enjoy your food.i went with the beef brisket sandwich basket, which came with two sides - i chose the mac & cheese and potato salad because, um, they're clearly the best sides. the girl who came to deliver our food seemed completely clueless (or just mute? not sure) and we were left to figure out which order was whose, but no big. i went crazy with the "memphis" style bbq sauce and dug in. the brisket was a little fatty for my taste, but otherwise really good. the potato salad had the perfect amount of tang and the mac & cheese was pretty fabulous as well. the only downside is that i live super close and spied a DRIVE-THRU on my way out, so...that could be dangerous.
(4)Michael P.
Cool atmosphere, super friendly waitresses. Pulled pork sandwich, mac & cheese, and baked beans were all quite tasty! Would definitely like to come back and try the ribs and other items!
(4)Tom G.
No weird flavored tea or 9 cheese mac . Its good old fashioned BBQ. Awesome sauces. Service is good, but the cooking staff can sure take their sweet time every now and then. I've had cold food before. They charge for water cups.......THEY CHARGE FOR WATER! Who does that?
(2)Anna M.
We have eaten here twice and I am not sure why they even have the name Bubbalou's. If you have ever eaten at the one in Altamonte then you are really going to be unhappy with the food at this location. They need to go and take lessons at the one in Altamonte. The food is very disappointing right down to the bun. The catfish sandwich was yuck. The fish was watery, no seasoning and they served it on a hamburger bun! The beans tasted like they were right out of a can. The only similarity we could find were the fries. Do yourself an favor and eat at the Bubbalou's in Altamonte on 436, you will be glad you did!
(2)Zachary W.
Bodacious BBQ was decent. The food tasted good and fresh- not knock your socks off but if you are in the mood for BBQ it will hit the spot!
(3)Jeremy T.
Was pointed to this place by a client while I was in town. During my travels I have been pointed to a lot of local BBQ places and definitely got an appreciation for good BBQ. My client had the pulled pork and I had the brisket. The sides were disappointing, too many things come out of the can in this place. The black eyed peas were dull and watery and the mac and cheese was more like a soup. While not the reason for my rating it will just remind me to try something else for a side. The brisket was very tender, a little fatty, but very tender. Brisket is easy to overcook and turn it to a leather consistency. My client's sandwich looked plentiful with a heaping mount of pulled pork. Also we split a order of fried pickles, those are very addicting, but the dip they served with them just did not go together, nothing wrong with the pickles by themselves. I would definitely go back, this is something you should not try to eat every day, but nothing wrong with going here every couple of weeks.
(4)Frank L.
The original on Lee Rd. is much better. Best BBQ place around UCF though.
(3)Sarah S.
Mmmm, I'm still dreaming about the spare ribs that I got here. They were pure nirvana for a fan of ribs, such as myself. I really liked the atmosphere here. It was very relaxed and most importantly, COOL. It was blazing hot outside, and there must have been 15 fans on the ceiling. I didn't have much time to spend here. I told the cashier that I had a plane to catch, and she made sure all 5 of us were out of the door within 30 minutes (we even ate appetizers). The collards were very flavorful, as was the Texas Caviar. The baked beans must have been 50% pork, delicious! I'm a big fan of their mustard BBQ sauce, and I love slathering Gator Bites in it. I wasn't very happy with the garlic bread, it lacked flavor and was all-around boring. I was also disappointed because this location doesn't have sweet potato pie :( . The ribs were amazing though, I'm getting hungry just thinking about them I'll always come here for delicious protein in a casual "pig-filled" environment.
(4)Real M.
I don't know what it is about this area, but everyone seems to be very polite and friendly and this place is no exception. I went here for lunch with a fairly large group and they have a lot of space for seating. You order at the desk and then sit and they bring the food to you. That being said, they still stop by throughout the meal and help out. Lots of TVs and a separate bar section as well. There is outdoor seating and it looks like they have a dance area at night. I had the Gator bites for an appetizer and they were pretty tasty. I've never had gator before so I can't really compare it to anything else. They have a bunch of different pork and other meat sandwich/baskets and everybody enjoyed their meal. I'm not a huge BBQ guy but this hit the spot for me. There are a bunch of sauces at the table you can use and I'll be honest I tried them all and they all rocked. Pretty good place overall and if I was from the area I have a feeling I would be there quite a bit.
(4)Alison H.
Pulled pork, potato salad and coleslaw was great.
(4)Jeff P.
Absolutely fantastic! Delicious brisket. Awesome sausage. Great pulled pork. Good chicken. Full bar. Different bbq sauce choices.
(4)Mike D.
Atmosphere: 4 stars Food: 2 stars To all the Bubbalou's aficionados, I'm sorry to bash your baby. I love the indoor/outdoor roadhouse feel of the place, and I love a good counter service place. But the barbecue just wasn't that good--plenty greasy (fine by me), but not much on the flavor. The white rolls our sandwiches were served on were entirely forgettable, and my coleslaw was more of a condiment than a side-dish. The sweet tea was relatively bland as well, and the service was pretty slow for what amounts to sandwich assembly. It really wasn't a terrible lunch, but I'll stick to Sonny's until I find something better.
(2)Edith O.
A terrific option for BBQ in the E.Orlando area. Its near UCF, so it has a fun atmosphere with a nice sized bar and an area set apart for live music. The pulled chicken sandwich is awesome. Huge chicken breast pieces with some of their sweet sauce on a sweet roll. The pulled pork is very good, along with their mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, and baked beans (with brisket/pork pieces). I've heard good things about the ribs, and they definitely looked good.
(4)Anna C.
Updated 1/10/10- Went back to Bubbalou's for lunch today. Didn't even eat, I wanted to order a small sandwhich off of the kid's menu-nowhere on their menu did it say the kids menu was only for ages XYZ. I always take that to mean that anyone can order at that establishment-well the girl running the register snapped at me that I couldn't, so I chose not to eat-I didn't need enough food for 2 people and the food is gross warmed up (in my opinion) so it was wasteful to order a regular, large sandwich and throw 3/4 of it away. My husband ordered and I ate one of his sides as my meal (macroni and it was awesome) but we won't be returning, not only was the cash register girl snippy, but when we walked in the other servers were all sitting around a laptop watching something on it and didn't even acknowledge us. Bummer, but there has to be better bbq somewhere in orlando. Best macaroni I've ever had, and I love the decor! The pinic tables for tables were a nice touch as well. The bbq itself was so so and the sauces reminded me of Famous Dave's so I wasn't blown away in that department. I also couldn't find a sauce that really made me say yum. The staff was fairly attentive, but a few of the waitresses had the "I'm too pretty to help you" attitude. Typical college girls. I thought the koolaide dispenser was really cool but the waitresses didn't know what flavor it was...that was disappointing. Even though I didn't have the greatest experience, I would come back again and try it out before crossing it off of my list. Iwant to try some of the yummy desserts and more sides!
(1)Jon Q.
Always find Bubba's to be Dry and over cooked. Hey but I'll keep trying. :-(
(2)Omie D.
These guys have GREAT food all around! The only thing that some people may not like is that there isn't really a waitstaff pretty much fill your own drinks and take care of yourself. I have no problem with this, but if you are looking for a typical restaurant experience...this isn't it!! If you want good food though, check them out!!
(4)Graham W.
Good stuff! This serves the UCF and Research Park crowds pretty heavy, so if you're there for a business lunch everyone in the area will be listening - take your confidential meetings elsewhere. I have been known to go on an off day and spout misinformation about what my company is currently working on. Eavesdroppers beware! Seriously, this is fine BBQ.
(4)Elle L.
My husband and I met some friends here for a small birthday gathering. Immediately I was in love with the interior. It felt like I was at a huge picnic. They don't have tables, only picnic benches. The music, although country, was old-school country and surprisingly I really dug it. I had the pulled pork. Unfortunately it was rather fatty, but pretty good. Everyone seemed to like their food. We went at dinner and instead of just getting the basket, I'd get the dinner. The dinner comes with garlic bread and cornbread, and BBQ just isn't the same without those two things. At least to me, anyway. Would definitely go back and try the brisket this time. The owner of this location gave the birthday boy some of his grade-A brisket. He paid a bit of special attention to us and told us if something wasn't quite right to send it back until we were happy. Good dude. And for those who like cornhole...well, it's the place to go.
(4)