MISSION BBQ — Restaurant in Lady Lake

This was my first visit to Mission BBQ. I was in the mood for a burger and their Smoked Half Pounder sounded good. The quality of the beef was pretty good. I'd guess it was an 85/15 or 90/10 because, while it wasn't chokingly dry, it wasn't run down your hands juicy. I wasn't asked how I'd like it cooked. It came out slightly pink in the middle, which is perfect for me. The shape of the burger was more round than flat making it too thick for me to fit it in my mouth. I didn't taste any seasoning, but flavor was good.

Unfortunately, the bread was so dry it crumbled apart. By the time I was half way through all of the bread had pretty much fallen to the plate. I prefer a bun that supports the burger from start to finish.

The atmosphere was fun and the service was outstanding. Everyone who entered received a hearty and welcome greeting. It's setup is to order at the register, wait for your name to be called, then you seat yourself. The stand where the condiments were located had a tool box where extra napkins, straws, packaged condiments, etc. could be found. I thought that was pretty cool.

A staff member circulated around and checked in on each customer asking is everything was good. She caught me with my mouth full after a couple bites (before the bun had disintegrated). I noticed her asking every patron if they were a military veteran and offering them a free desert if they said yes. I thought that was nice. But for some reason she didn't ask me that. I'm not a veteran and I wasn't offended, just puzzled. I guess I don't look like I served.

The lady at the table next to me said she was a teacher and she was offered a free desert. I guess I don't look like a teacher. Then I heard her ask a patron if they were a first responder and they were offered a free desert too. I used to be a first responder. So I felt kind passed over. I would've declined the desert anyway, but it would have been nice to be asked like the others and I'm not sure why I wasn't. I guess I don't look like a first responder either.

My experience and stale bun won't necessarily keep me from returning. But I won't order the burger again. The first time I try a BBQ joint I usually order the brisket because it seems like the perfect thing to judge the quality of the BBQ. So That's what I'll try next time. I was just really in the mood for a good...

If you're into over-the-top patriotism, this is definitely the place for you! The walls are adorned with pictures of customers and their relations adorned in military and first responder garb. But let's get to the important part. The food here is very good! I got ribs, and they were so good that I didn't hardly use any sauce at all, that's usually a rarity that I typically only experience when I myself make ribs. The sides are pretty hit-and-miss. Avoid the collard greens, but the mac-and-cheese, beans, and potato salad are all not to be missed. This place rides a fine line by being neck-deep in patriotism but does not engage in politicism AT ALL, which is kinda hard to do in the current climate, so that kind of impressed me. One thing I did find a bit odd... Apparently they have people stand every day at noon to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It's mandatory, obviously, but I just feel it's a bit of an odd choice that could potentially invite conflicts if people don't choose to take part. The service staff is very knowledgeable about the business and the food, and will patiently explain all the idiosyncrasies of their menu. Bottom line here is that I will eat here again, just probably...

I had the pleasure of having the Lady Lake location of Mission BBQ cater a dinner for 120 guests for a dinner I had to put together. From start to finish everything was fantastic! I worked with Felicia in catering who was so knowledgeable and helpful, not to mention patient with me. Debby and another lovely girl whose name is escaping me (please forgive me), were our awesome delivery and set up Ladies and couldn't have been more wonderful. They were right on time, explained everything, laid the food all out, help set up my place settings for me, asked if I needed anything else, and were just truly great. The food was all perfect!! Everyone loved it. I heard not one complaint and received numerous compliments from many who said it was the best meal they had been served at one of our functions. Guys, I can't thank you enough, truly! I've never catered anything in my life, never been responsible for doing so before, and for this having been my first time and for it having been such a success and so well received, I just can't possibly thank you enough. Truly, thank you! You've absolutely earned my family's loyalty for BBQ business from...