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| - It's hard to find good bbq in Arizona. Why? because most folks here make better bbq at home than at restaurants! That being said, I am always on the lookout for a go-to bbq place and Bootleggers so far has my attention.
Let's start with the bad: and it's really just one thing - the chairs! omg are they uncomfortable! I am talking about those yellow/orange patio chairs in the dining room! From the moment I sat down till I left, the chairs were making me hate the experience. I am not disabled or elderly, but little stocky (6'1 250lbs), and the chair was pure torture. Those that get to sit on the booth side, are ok, but I will never dine there if I have to sit in that chair again. Just saying.
Now the good: everything else! The service was good, nothing memorable. I'll chalk it up to a busy Saturday night that our waiter, when asked if I want my entree (which really was an app on the menu) to arrive before or with the other entrees, did not listen to my response! Since I was treating the Nacho Flat as my entree, I asked that it come out with everyone else's food. Nope - came out way early and I was done with my meal before anyone else at my table received theirs. The waiter did not have the situational awareness to see what a mistake he had made. I'll give the place a pass on this, just this once. I still tipped over 20%, despite the rather egregious service error.
The food however, is really good. The Nacho Flat didn't feel like just a plate of nachos at a bar etc... it was a whole meal, with delicious meat and crispy chips.
But let me cut to the chase, as opposed to describing the menu items: the beef brisket and the pulled pork are fantastic! so whatever your order, as long as it has one of those items, you are in a for a great smokey bbq tastegasm.
The sides were pretty good too - the mashed potatoes with goat cheese, and cauliflower puree had a wonderful consistency and were flavorful. But this place is really about the brisket and the pulled pork. 'Nuff said.
Being slightly pricey - in line with most Old Town Scottsdale restaurants, Bootlegger's is not a place I can go to often, but when we really need to go out for bbq, this is usually the first on our list of options.
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