Firefly's BBQ — Restaurant in Marlborough

PLEASE EXCUSE MY PHOTOS AS THEY WILL NOT PORTRAY A FRESHLY CUT PIECE OF MEAT BECAUSE I ORDERED A TOGO MEAL AND I TOOK PHOTOS AFTER I ATE

First time visiting this establishment. Upon waking up to the doors you have the option to scan QR codes for menus and other amenities offered in case there is a line out the door. Thankfully it was 4:45pm on a rainy Thursday afternoon so that likely had s a play in the lack of patrons at that hour.

The menu isn't too big but they do have a decent handful of options to choose from. Since this was my first time I decided to purchase their 4 Meat Combo (comes with cornbread) because I wanted to get a good taste of the menu. I chose the Texas Brisket, Texas Sausage, Pulled Pork, St. Louis ribs, collard greens, and sweet potato pecan pudding.

I can't speak to the ambiance because I purchased my food to go since I live 5 minutes from Firefly's but it had a nice modernized western feel to it. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable too.

Texas Brisket was nicely seasoned, good bark, slight smoke taste and had a an appropriate amount of fat but it was slightly dry (could have been from my 5 minute commute but doubtful).

Texas Sausage might be my favorite of the bunch because it was nicely smoked and had a great seasoning to it. Chew was good and didn't have an overbearing fat content I've found in some sausages.

Pulled Pork was lightly seasoned and had a good amount of moisture left in it which was a pleasant surprise. Had a very slight smokiness to it which is fine because I'd prefer to let the taste of the pork meat sing rather than a seasoning or smokiness.

St. Louis ribs were quite good. The smoke was about perfect, they didn't fall apart but they did pull apart nicely, the rub was sweet and tangy with a slight hint of spice to them.

Collard greens were good. I can't say I've tried them in general but they were highly recommended. Best way I could describe it is eating steamed artichoke, which I love. Lightly salted and season. Not much else to it.

Sweet potato pecan pudding was amazing! Never have tried it before but I love pecan pie and sweet potato so it seemed like a no-brainer. Just get it, you won't be disappointed.

Corn bread came highly recommended too and it did not disappoint. They give you two portions of 2 pieces each (4 pieces total) with butter spread between them. The butter wasn't melted on mine but that's fine because it acted as a nice, fatty frosting. The consistency of the bread was like a dense thick brownie. Couldn't be happier about this because I'm not a fan of cornbread that crumbles as you eat it resulting in a mess on your plate.

St. Louis bbq sauce. My preference is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that had a lighter than molasses texture to it but not to the degree that it would run off whatever you spread it on. I believe the St Louis was the sauce I enjoyed the most but I can't be sure because I didn't label my sauce containers that I arranged at their sauce station. Each have their place with someone else and I can't say any of them weren't good.

All in all, would return again. Especially since burnt ends aren't offered as part of the Combo and I love me some quality burnt ends.

Thanks...

The first day we went after leaving 5 years in Marlborough was last saturday(pictures attach from that day)The female server was good.The food specially my burguer and the baby ribs and my son's burguer where awesome in taste.Could say they give very little fries compare to most restaurants and fries were not as hot as they should be.But overall experience with food and accuracy 9f order very good. After that saturday also went Tuesday night.I called and ask twice what time was the latest for dining in and the young male hostess or who answered the phone told me 9pm as kitchen closes at 9pm.So I ask again what was the latest time to order he said 9pm and ask him if he was sure about it and once more said yes.Got there around 8:56 pm the young male hostes was on his back while using his cel.He did not notice we where there to be sitted.So I interrupted and ask if we could sit anywhere and he said that kitchen is closed.So we sit on table and ask the waitress, she said sorry kitchen is closed.Thanks to God that waitress Michelle came to also apologize for kitchen being close and when I explained she agreed to to go back and ask the kitchen guys as we knew what we wanted and it was a son and mom date.Within that time a manager called Miranda came in a careless manner apologizing.We felt so embarrassed that we had to leave.On our way out server Michelle was coming with soda on hand like confussed.I explain she said no chance ...but when Michelle talk to manager she then agreed.While we were eating manager came to apologize as there were miscommunication between parties but also misinformation since the beginning on that phone call saying kitchen close at 9pm (which was true) but hostess should of said that for dining in people should be there at least 15 mins prior to 9pm and also put in in a better specified way on the Google maps as it could be confusing because it says they close at 10 and it should say they close at 9pm BUT BAR STAYS OPEN TILL 10.Another thing did not like was when look back the server, manager and Michelle where talking about me being there and even tho I could hear it all, the hostess was moving his head (like saying no, unbelievable, etc) while looking at me which I found it disrespectful and not profesional at all.In summary caring for customers is not their priority but I hope this review helps on correcting those little issues that can cause loosing from one to a few stars to a place that should be 5 because food is awesome and just need to improve. Well at the end when paying my bill manager agreed on giving a discount to make it better and gave me a little detail before I left. The best server experienced since went there both times has it with Michelle.She was all the time pending, very attentive, give the extra mile, she was great, showed care and willingness to help in that embarrassing moment...

The service:

Extremely disappointing dinning experience due to the table seating and lackluster customer service provided by our waitress. In an effort to maximize profit at the expense of customer satisfaction, they placed two person tables in the middle of the walkway- between anchored booth seating.

This made for a very uncomfortable atmosphere as you’re made to feel as though you’re encroaching on the dinning experience of the patrons at your elbows. My friend whom arrived before me requested a new table but was denied. My request was accommodated, but the new table remained in the isle with the benefit of not being between two full parties.

Unfortunately, passing patrons were forced to scooch by, some accidentally bumping because you’re literally seated in a walkway. We overhead another party seated at our vacated table comment their displeasure as well.

At one point, the dirty shoe of a toddler swung over our food because they were being carried by their parent passing by.

The waitress was friendly but unhelpful and made zero attempt at assisting us with the menu- or layout of the restaurant despite being informed we were first time patrons. By observing other patrons we learned of the self service BBQ sauce station and hot sauce wall rack.

The Redeemer:

The brisket was absolutely delicious. Thus far, it’s the best brisket I’ve had up North; Flavorful, juicy and tender- a bark of beauty. The cornbread was a stunner as well. Perfectly executed- buttery and moist while maintaining texture- truly top tier.

Although meaty and cooked competition style, the ribs fell short on flavor but perfectly paired with the spicy Bbq sauce. The sauce made the rib which was slightly disappointing given the spectacular flavor of the brisket.

The dirty rice and collard greens were mediocre. Dirty rice is to be Cajun inspired packing bursts of smoky flavors, herbs and undertones of heat, and typically has meat. Their dish was Zatarain’s cousin twice removed. Collard greens were texturally perfect but under seasoned; the specialty hot sauce was a nice accompaniment.

The catfish nuggets were seasoned nicely and cooked to perfection. The accompanying sauce was a perfect pairing.

The virgin piña colada was a massive disappointment. The one and only flavor was an overpowering bitter pineapple.

My table-mate enjoyed her meal highlighting the cucumber salad and pulled pork.

The Value:

The price matches the quality of ingredients and portions. After commuting an hour to the establishment, the abismal dine in experience was a tremendous let down and reflects my...