Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que

We’re definitely big barbecue lovers, and we’re always on the hunt for new barbecue joints. One of our favorite places to go is Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que. There are several around Orlando, and I’ve eaten at three: UCF area, Winter Park, and Altamonte Springs. You’ll know you’re at a Bubbalou’s by the collections of pink pigs. Who can resist adorable pink pigs? I can’t.

I usually eat at Bubbalou’s in Winter Park or the UCF area, but I heard beef ribs were on the menu at the Altamonte Springs location. My hub and I made a trip out there one Saturday afternoon just to try the beef ribs. He’s from Texas where beef ribs are the norm. Until he moved to Florida, he didn’t realize that the rest of America ate pork when they ordered ribs. He was a bit disappointed to find out the beef ribs were actually short ribs, a much tougher meat than the regular beef ribs. He still devoured them, leaving nothing in the basket but a small pile of bones.

My son and I are usually on the hunt for good barbecue. On our Friday jaunts we usually stop in at the original Bubbalou’s on Lee Road. He orders ribs or pulled pork, and I go for the same or sliced beef brisket. I love the sides at Bubbalou’s. I’m a big fan of fried okra, greens, black-eye peas, and grits with jalapeno peppers. Bubbalou’s offers plenty of sides, and these are a few of my favs. The sides are cooked southern style and are some of the best that I’ve had in Central Florida. Sometimes I just order a few sides, a huge sweet tea, and a slice of pecan or peanut butter pie. That’s a good lunch for sure.

The UCF and Altamonte Springs locations offer full service bars as well as inside and patio dinning. While I love the full service bar thing, I most often find myself sitting outside at Bubbalou’s on Lee Road, the original location. It’s smaller than the other two locations, but it has that true roadside appeal that I can’t resist. It’s usually packed, too.

Bubbalou’s smoked meats have a unique flavor that’s unlike other barbecue in the area. I don’t know how they do it, but the meat is always tender and flavorful. They also offer gator tail, lamb, catfish, livers and gizzard, plus killer sides and appetizers. (Read all about Bubbalou’s beginnings.) Bubbalou’s is reasonably priced, too. Portions are more than decent. I usually have leftovers for later. If you’re in search of good Florida barbecue, Bubbalou’s is the place to go.

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MENU SAMPLER (View the Bubbalou’s menu)

Beef Short Rib Basket (Altamonte Springs location)

Short ribs basket (about 4 ribs) cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and bathed in sauce. The onion rings and corn on the cob are also tasty.

Baby Back Ribs Basket

Rack of baby back ribs smoked until tender and lathered with finger-licking sauce. The beans are meaty and kind of sweet but extra good. I dip my fries in beans (much better than ketchup).

St Louis Ribs Basket

About 4 ribs coated in a rub then smoked. Still finger licking good but not as messy. The black eye peas and the sweet corn are delish! The garlic bread is a don’t care for me.

Fried Okra

Fresh okra coated in a cornmeal mix then deep-fried. It should be against the law to order barbecue without a side of fried okra.

Pulled Pork Dinner

Tender pulled pork with a delicate smoked flavor. I usually add sweet barbecue sauce on pulled pork, but it’s just as good without any sauce. The beans, mac and cheese, and slaw are wonderful sides.

Sliced Beef Brisket Basket

A big beefy sandwich. I top brisket with sauce, too, but it’s tender and delish without it. Don’t pass up the greens.

Pecan Pie

It’s not southern barbecue without a slice of pecan pie. Bring on the calories.

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Bubbalou’s Bodaciouis Barbecue

Bubbalous Bodacious B-B-Q

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que

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