I can't make this stuff up!

We, as an organization, try never to criticize local restaurants because some of the owners and most of the employees are friendly to the “Dead End Canal Yacht Club.” Personally, individually and separately we can express any opinion. If you read this drivel regularly then you are aware of the criticism of the Pukin' Pelican which is our favorite, least favorite place on the beach. LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP.

One of our post-season visitors came with a special request, “I have to go to that BBQ place on main street to see for myself.” He produced a ream of paper with horrible reviews with a smattering of favorite reviews mixed in. “Being in the restaurant biz, I place a lot of trust in TripAdvisor. Not so much in the glowing reviews but certainly for the slam reviews.”

“They're probably competitors,” I said. Boston Bob disagreed. “Didn't you tell me that 'Big Mike' the bartender at Boot Kickens replied to your 3 star rating by saying that you might get your Pabst Blue Ribbon draft in a warm glass from now on?”

“He was just kidding because I never ask for a frozen glass which they always offer,” I replied. But then I got to thinking that people must read those reviews and I perused my friend's printout. “I'm stunned,” I said, “what can be going on over there?”

The club members present mumbled....”hardly ever go there,....we stay to the sunset bar,....always went to see a few staff but, but they're gone now, too!”

“Let's go see this place and find out how they can get so many bad reviews,” my visitor said. He was promptly informed by Pensacola Slim that his host wouldn't go there under any circumstances and if he valued his host's (me) spare bedroom, “I shouldn't go there either.”

“Oh, come on now, it will be a real hoot!” He paused when he had an epiphany. Possibly brought on by the scowl on his hosts face. “Wait a sec, is this the place you boycott because they allegedly fired a book keeper who was sick?”

“You don't have to be concerned now, she's dead. So you go by yourself or with these others. I won't hold it against you but you might want to do it while your on the way to the airport,” I said with a false smile on my face. “And let me be clear, I never said they fired her because she had Cancer. They did fire her while she was taking Chemo.”

My visitor was gone a week when he e-mailed me with the message. “Most of the reviews were spot on. Confused, disorganized and shabby! I won't comment on TripAdvisor because it would be the same as offering a drowning man a glass of water. Thanks for everything."

It's all public record. You could understand the January 2015 poor reviews.....“Needs Management's Attention” Reviewed January 3, 2015 This restaurant has been under management for 4 wks so some hiccups should be expected. However, this place was very disappointing. I ordered a brisquetburger with mac & cheese on the side. the burger was ok, but the brisket was gray, cold, dry, and tough. I'm glad i didn't order the brisquet meal! to top it off, our very lackadaistical waiter offered us a burnt cigarette stub off the floor beside our table, saying " do you guys smoke? wanna a butt? We were floored that the waiter wouldn't discreetly remove it rather than offer it during our dinner!!
Very surprised this place is owned by the same people as the Parrot Key next door, which we highly recommend. The food is exceptional, the service fast and professional, and again, the food is exceptional!!! Also very well operated by General Manager Jim.Visited December 2014

Half of the 90 reviews are Average, Poor or Terrible. There were 14 Terrible reviews out of 90? What are the odds. Good luck!

“So darn disappointed!”

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Seating was quick and drinks arrived fast- a good start. 3 of us ordered the BBQ sampler and 1 had Grouper on a bun. And then we waited .... and waited Our food finally came and it was barely warm. BBQ should be sizzling hot. Fries were sent back and second batch was good. Ribs were tasty, but cold. Brisket was 50% fat, and being cold made it greasy. Pork tenderloin/roast was dry and inedible. It had the consistency of shoe leather. This place is over-hyped and a tourist trap. Avoid!

Visited April 2016

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

SaltySams, Public Relations Manager at Bootleggers Waterfront Barbeque, responded to this review, 1 week ago

I am so sorry to hear that the food you received was not what we are known for. We have worked very hard over the last few months to perfect our recipes and put out some great BBQ. The food you received during your visit is unacceptable. I would like to apologize on behalf of all of the staff here at Bootleggers for your visit and will be sure to speak with the chef about this visit. We hope that you will give us a second chance to serve you the BBQ we are becoming known for. Report response as inappropriate

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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