Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits — Restaurant in Lakeland

I came to this place because of the great reviews that I read. Therefore I am writing a review because I was extremely disappointed. When I walked in I loved the atmosphere. They have a great bar selection of whiskey and it seems to be the feature of the place. For the good reviews it was not so busy on a Friday evening and that was my first concern but I was hungry. I ordered way too much for one person because I like to try different things. I got the 2 meat platter with brisket and ribs with collars and Mac and then baked beans and a side of the onion rings. It was over priced but I was ok with it if the food was good. The food was absolutely terrible. One of the worst bbq places I have been to in my entire life. Every item i ordered was horrible and frankly embarrassing. Brisket: slow cooked in oven and maybe finished on an electric smoker. Was tender and tasteless unless you like over salted meat. Super fatty and hard to eat tasted like liquid smoke and way too much salt. Good Brisket needs no bbq sauce. Tried to use the sauce and it got worse. Ribs: super salty and hard to eat because of the massive amount of blinding salt. Not smokey but pulled from the bone easy. Sauce didn't help. Collard greens: tasted like they were flavored with black pepper and tobacco leaves. I felt like eating it was punishment for something in a past life. Super bland and sad. Baked beans: I had better baked beans in military mess halls. The lady told me they were really good with different meats in them. But its more like different fat chunks from different meats. Tasted like something you would get in a kids cafeteria or a soup kitchen for the homeless. Mac n cheese: Mac and cheese is one of my personal favorites. I usually love it unless it's out of a blue box. This Mac and cheese was so terrible. Its been a while since I ordered Mac and cheese and couldn't finish it. Tasted like cream cheese was the main cheese and it was a complete fail. To go: I got everything TO GO and everything came in Styrofoam containers including the onion rings that melted the box onto them because they came out nice and hot. I complained and asked for wax paper to but it was too late and the box melted to the food. They acted like I was being unreasonable for not wanting to eat food with melted Styrofoam on it. I didn't review the onion rings because they weren't edible unless I don't mind cancer, which I do. This was a waste of 40 bucks. Overall: there are many reviews saying it's the best around and that's just not true. Its definitely food and you can eat it. If you expect good BBQ here then you will be disappointed. If you don't know what good BBQ is or you eat lots of microwave meals or you get meals delivered to your door in a box from ups then you will probably like this place. If you like a well stocked bar this is the place for you. Have a few drinks and the food is probably great for you. This kitchen needs to be rescued. The people in charge need a reality check. Its a great place to tell people that you don't like to go and eat. The friendly staff will make them feel at home while serving the cafeteria level bbq...

This is one of those sad times where I don’t understand the big deal about this place. Even before I visited Mojo Fed the first time and still now so many people I talk to just rave about the place. But man, I just really don’t get it. I feel like I’m the outlier of an inside joke.

My first time at the Fed I had big expectations after hearing so much. And I wasn’t super impressed so I didn’t know if it was just a spoof, because that does happen. So later on I gave it another chance. And again, the food was just average to me. Come again a third time, not by my choice but that my party had never been there and wanted to try, and we all left clearly deciding we wouldn’t go back.

I’ve tried different dishes here too- brisket, pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and none of it was bad, by any means. The shrimp and grits are super heavy and don’t mix well. The pork is very dry when I’ve had it, and even the jalapeño corn bread is dry and way too spicy so you’re lacking your lips badly. Everything has been average at best and not worth spending the money when Lakeland really does have a lot of other great options. Even just the presentation of the food is lackluster- on ugly dark blue splattered plastic plates and bowls. One positive is I do think the fried pickle app is pretty good, and comes with a nice sauce.

My other complaint with Mojo Fed is how insanely loud it is. The building is super cool- including “federal” in the name is so spot on because the building feels like an old government (maybe it actually is?) building that’s very stately feeling, which is why I wish so badly I were more taken with the food. But, even though the place feels grand, it’s really just one giant room, so when even a few parties start to come in, the noise level is tremendous. I’m saying- I can’t even hear the person 2 seats down from me speaking at a moderately loud level. It’s so loud it’s hardly enjoyable.

Mojo Fed is very sadly one of those places I want to be better than it is. It’s not a terrible option but when you’re in downtown Lkld you can walk the block to a dozen other options that are better, and I myself will for sure be walking right past the Fed from now...

I've had plenty of BBQ in my 57 years on this planet. This was the worst BBQ I believe I have ever had. Fist of all, hostesses, not very friendly upon arrival. It's like they were put out because they had another customer. Place was fairly empty but was put on a wait anyway? Then they rushed us after we ordered. Appetizer came out before drinks. Hadn't even touched the appetizer and the entree came out. It's like they were telling us, "eat and get out asap". Not anywhere near closing time. Keep in mind, we were very friendly and polite. Now for the entree. The cooks either don't care or are not paying any attention. Served us dry pulled pork. I've never had dry pulled pork, anywhere. Served us the most fatty, disgusting brisket I have ever had. I sent back a plate of fat. I mentioned the issue to the server. Her response, "I'm sorry. Hope it's better next time". GTFO. Are you serious?! That's your response?! Next time?! Probably won't be a next time honey. We were not looking for any freebies. We are not scammers that complain to get comps. It's just astounding the level of service these days and how no one seems to give AF. I have never had brisket this bad. Had to ask for the manager to remedy the issue. She was accomodating but hesitant......to please the customer! Stick with the side orders here. Onion rings are great. But overall, very disappointed. Going out these days is way more of a gamble than it used to be. People just don't care about your experience anymore. And they don't learn what good service is. Everyone is so put out in doing their job. Sad times. It's too bad because I like this...