Papa Diesel’s BBQ — Restaurant in Apopka

We ordered the sampler of meats, minus the pulled pork, asked for extra brisket; the brisket on the platter was just two thick slices about the size of the palm of my hand (3x4 in), it was very fatty (marbled), but it was tasty with the spicy house sauce. No option for lean brisket I assume cause the menu does not specify.

The ribs: meh…they did come off the bone easily, but still the flavor just wasn’t there for me. Get the spicy house bbq and dip it.

The “jalapeño” sausage, had no hints of jalapeño. It tasted like a sausage i could have bought from the grocery store. Not sure if they smoked it or just put it in the oven.

The chicken drummets (not whole wings) were the best thing on the plate. These are the reason to go back to the place. Skin was crispy and the meat was juicy. Nice seasoning on the outside.

The baked beans were edible, were missing spice and that smoky bbq bean essence, added the spicy bbq sauce to it, and it was much better. Would like to have some chared brisket bits in there.

The corn muffin: Would order this every time! Like the chicken its the best thing on the menu!

The peach cobbler was not terrible but just not what I was anticipating. I wanted that nutmeg/cinnamon notes in the cobbler. Instead it had a bread like crust with caramelized sugar, it left me wanting for a more traditional cobbler.

Last but not least, the Mac N Cheese…..THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT….I know mac n cheese is always a dice roll at a restaurant….but THIS!?! I mean, if you put a black man face on an establishment you’d better have some traditional attempt at backyard, grandma’s kitchen type mac n cheese….i’m talking elbow pasta with sharp cheddar, milk, butter, salt, pepper, paprika, cheese crust on top, baked in the oven type stuff. This place served up some grainy, loose gravy of some type of cheese I could not identify with a spiral pasta. It was the most unappetizing looking mac n cheese I had ever seen and it tasted even worse. I was saddened cause I really wanted to like this place.

We spent $60 and I only could vouch for two things on the menu. I hope they find a better recipe for their mac n cheese cause honestly good bbq has to come with good sides. The mac n cheese ruined the whole thing for me. And the brisket needs lean cuts options. And the cobbler needs some nutmeg and cinnamon. Otherwise I don’t think I’ll...

Really really really disappointed in the poor customer service (or lack there of.) I'm going to post the photos of the Facebook posts because for the life of me, I can't quite understand how I should have interpreted the business responses differently. As a side note, I've bought their food for years and have bragged on them over and over again for having the best BBQ. I used to go every time they were in my apt complex and when I moved I used to go to lake Brantley because I liked them so much. One of the things I liked beyond the great food was the nice family vibe. So when I saw they opened their own location I was happy to see they were doing well. I've recommended them to so many people and will not ever again. I came in today because they had posted a 50 cent wing special. Had been begging my boyfriend to go with me so I was stoked to try the wings. Had always gotten the brisket. When I came I told the cashier I was getting the wing special and she replied that it was over I'm a monotone voice. I got several sorries and that it was just for lunch, but I told her that was not what was on the post and there should be a time-frame if that is the case. She apathetically said they would check with the "kitchen" ..she also said it was until the limited quantities ran out. So I asked if there were still wings. Yes. ...ok???? Meanwhile the owner is literally walking back and forth and can't be bothered. She came back and never re-acknowledged so I just said whatever and we paid full price. So I'm glad you made an extra 50cents per wing, but don't forget as a small business - marketing and word of mouth is more important. I will never recommend again, and while I'm just one person, that was still profit and business coming your way. So disappointed to see growth in a locally owned business not...

First time visit today after stopping by a couple times when they were closed. Here are my thoughts, starting with the ambiance:

Interior build out is great. I don't mind window ordering and the staff is very friendly. AC was quite cold, and I tend to like it on the cooler side. There's a bar area off to the left which I might have to try out in the future. Ventilation was very good. I did not smell like food after eating there -- this is under-appreciated for folks who want a lunch during the work day! Overall it seems to be exactly what it should be - a quick source for quality food that lets me eat and run.

Food

Pork was very very good. Smokey, tender and not dry. Could not ask for more there. Sauce was a choice of Sweet Baby Ray's, Alabama white and a cilantro garlic. SBR is my go-to but if I'm paying eat-out prices for well made BBQ I might expect some options beyond that. The white sauce was good and I did not try the garlic one.

Baked beans were on the sweet side for me but good quality. I won't say they were bad at all, just not my preference. If you like brown sugar and cinnamon in your beans, you'll love them. I'll try another side next time.

Brussel sprouts were great. Could have eaten 2x of those and been happy. Would definitely order again.

Misc

Other than plasticware, there was nothing available to self-serve. I had to ask for things like sweetener and extra sauce. I now can't remember if napkins were on the table but I would kinda prefer to see more stuff available to the diners, if for no other reason than why should I bother the staff if I can get this stuff myself?

I'll definitely go back and having some better/unique sauces would make this a 5-star joint. PDB did the hard part right -...