Florida Cracker Cook Shack — Restaurant in Brooksville

Response to owner: At no point did I express any issues with the pricing—that was never the problem. The real issue was the repeated lack of attention and being consistently pushed aside.

I initially contacted Florida Cracker on May 1st and made four separate calls because I was repeatedly told to call back due to them being too busy. It wasn’t until May 14th that I finally got in touch with the caterer at the Cook Shack, who gave me an estimate of roughly $800-900. When I asked about delivery, she informed me that it would need to go through the catering department and would be about $50 more—which was still perfectly fine with me.

Lisa reached out on May 16th and said she would provide an updated quote by the 17th. That didn’t happen. I followed up on the 19th, and she explained she was off but would be at the office getting her windshield replaced and would try to get the quote done then. On May 20th, she finally called with a quote—but it was for too much food. I explained that I was also ordering three dishes from another venue. She acknowledged this, we discussed appropriate quantities, and she promised a revised quote by May 22nd.

Again, I heard nothing. I followed up on May 26th, and she explained she had several large parties to handle, had been out of town, and would get me the revised quote first thing the morning of May 28th. That quote didn’t come until after 1 PM. When I finally received it, it was still incorrect.

At that point, I told her I would be taking my business elsewhere due to the repeated lack of professionalism and care. Again, I never once mentioned the cost as an issue. I have screenshots, emails, and call logs that clearly show the problem wasn’t pricing—it was the lack of attentiveness and consistent follow-through.

Original review: experience with Florida Crackers was very disappointing. I felt like I had to chase them just to give them my business. Despite clearly communicating what I needed, the quotes I received remained inaccurate. Every time I followed up, I was told the delays were because they were prioritizing larger parties—making it clear that my event wasn’t important to them.

When I reached out to Lisa directly, I was consistently met with a tone of annoyance and dismissiveness. It was only when I mentioned that I was considering taking my business elsewhere that she suddenly tried to sympathize. By then, it was too late.

The lack of professionalism, poor communication, and dismissive attitude left a very negative impression. I wouldn’t recommend this company based on how I...

Being in the restaurant/catering business for decades, I've probably tried BBQ at thousands of different restaurants, festivals, picnics, etc. and this place has some of the best I've ever tasted. Honestly.

BBQ is served without sauce (as I like it) but it didn't automatically come with a side of sauce either, which I found odd. I suppose you have to ask for it 🤷‍♂️ She asked if I had ever been there, and I said "no"...I wish she would have picked up on that and told me no sauce is served with it.

I ordered three entrées (kind of), as they don't offer any "Family" meals, which I also found surprising. One sliced pork, one shredded brisket, and one brisket Mac bowl for $9, which I figured to be entree size. It wasn't. It was a half-size takeout tray of mac/chz with about 3 oz. of brisket sprinkled on top. Delicious, just left me wanting more. A lot more...brisket.

Entrees came with a small (tiny?) square of cornbread that was moist and absolutely delicious, but it was gone in two bites.

And therein lies the ONLY problem I have with this establishment: portion sizes vs. price.

Sides of Mac and Cheese and collared greens (which were AMAZING) came in 4 or 5 oz. cups. Probably enough for one serving, but way too small for the price.

Brisket and sliced pork servings were tiny. The brisket provided was barely enough to make a sandwich (slider, really) on a small hamburger bun. The sliced pork was of similar proportion...five or six slices the size of half of a dollar bill.

Food is absolutely amazing. Ample parking. Restaurant is IMPECCABLY clean and maintained. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, polite, friendly and smartly dressed in uniforms. Decor is snappy, homey, colorful, with local advertising embedded in lacquered tabletops. It is apparent that whoever runs this restaurant is very good at their job.

All that being said, to pay over $40 for a to-go lunch for two men with "normal" appetites and an 80-year old woman who eats like a bird, and for all three to not get filled up, is disappointing.

But the food.....good lord is it delicious...

EDIT: I'm changing my vote for two reasons:

1. Based on photos left by other reviewers, my order was not indicative of the typical portion sizes. At all. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

2. Everything else was perfect. Did I mention the food...

Just moved from Tampa to brooksville and was very excited to try this place as the were reviews rave worthy. I came in around 5pm to give this place a try. I approached the lady who was very nice at the front counter. I asked which was better, the pork sandwich or the chicken sandwich after she recommended the chicken. She said the pork because she personally likes pork so I asked for that. The entire time I saw on the screen a brisket sloppy Joe, so I asked if she got that I wanted pork she said yes. Food comes out and it’s the sloppy Joe. I personally get embarrassed when I have to send food back so I ate it, it was decent but not what I ordered. Impressed with the business they built which is where my three stars came from. If I go back and the service is different my rating will change as well.

9/14 @2pm. I ordered here a second time and i didn’t think it could get worse then messing up my order as a whole but i asked for pulled pork with mac n cheese. i’m not very picky i swear but this is NOTHING but pig fat which i did not eat a bit it even looks disgusting. the mac n cheese alone is has no flavor replicating box mac n cheese. I am under the perception that the only reason this place has good reviews is cause it’s one of the only places around so there really isn’t competition people around here don’t know any better. drive toward tampa folks it’s worth it. don’t waste ur hard earned $ or time here unless you want mid...