Shorty's True American Roadhouse — Restaurant in Ohio

I hate to do these or even complain this time of year!

My husband and I came here tonight as it has been one of our family's favorites for years. We've personally haven't been here in awhile but figured while we are out Christmas shopping we would stop by and enjoy some BBQ.

We were quickly sat and then patiently waited for our waiter. We were given our drinks by a lady that introduced herself as our waiters Mother. She briskly gave us our drinks and went on her way.

What happened tonight is not a reflection on the waiter but maybe the management style. The waiter that served us was extremely polite and apologetic. I choose not to list his name as it takes a team to run a business & he was truly trying his best.

Tonight I ordered their chicken sandwich and my husband ordered their brisket sandwich. And we had the onion rings as an appetizer. The onion rings were very blah with no flavor but a whole lot of grease.

We waited a little over an hour for our main courses to come out. We could hear the kitchen staff yelling that they didn't have any un-thawd chicken and had to cook a frozen piece. OK, understandable! We were told multiple times that our "food was coming up" and that due to the delay we would receive 10% off of our meal.

My husband and I were understanding about the situation and thanked the waiter. 10 minutes pass and still no food! Our waiter came back to the table and apologized once more and advised us that the chicken was all frozen and would take time to cook. We waited.

Finally our food came out and we were ready to eat by now. My side was not correct and a few bites into the chicken to find it wasn't cooked all the way. When the waiter came to check on us I informed him of the situation and he once again apologized and asked if he could get me something else. We declined and asked for our bill.

Such a disappointment! Yes, I didn't pay for my meal that I didn't get to eat and yes, we got 10% off. But we thought of this place highly in the past and now I'm not sure if we will return as the food has really changed. Everyone's experience is different. Please take this with a grain of salt and possibly just a...

Went to shortys today, midday- 330. 2 large tables and a few booths taken. Rest of restaurant mostly empty. We had a party of 12..of the 12, 2 were highchairs. The manager told me he could seat us on patio after they make a table for us which was fine, but then he adds we have to be gone and table cleaned by 5 pm as there is another party coming at 5. I said well, there's 12 of us and I'm not about to drop $300+ on dinner and have to rush thru it with anxiety to make sure I finish. I asked why we could sit inside as I was looking at at least 10 empty 4 top tables. And a wall of booths. He said oh, I'm leaving those for smaller parties. I said what smaller parties- there's no one else here. He said well, for when they do come. I said, So you're telling me you can't seat me? He said yeah after one of the parties over there finishes. So, we left. Walked right next door to Palacio Maya and they immediately put a table together. Not only was the service very excellent, the food was excellent and they went above and beyond. I think the manager at Shortys forgets he is in the service business. And to turn a table of 12 away was a bad move financially, but considering we live across the street minutes away- we won't be ever going back. Also, we left Maya and managed to be done by 5:10 and walked to our cars still imnshortys parking lot. The party they spoke about only filled one small part of the patio and there was SO much room left and a few other people at a fee tables around the room. They could have seated us. That's ok, I'll gladly give Maya our...

Very solid BBQ. The brisket is not the best I've had but it's pretty good. It satisfied the BBQ craving I've been having as a Texan recently transplanted to the Midwest. It could maybe use a more seasoned peppery rub but it's very well cooked and not at all dry. The chicken was great. The pork ribs were fantastic. They were moist and tender and the dry rub used made them super flavorful. No need for BBQ sauce, they can stand on their own. The pulled pork is a bit bland and dry. I know pulled pork is usually mixed with BBQ sauce so you don't notice those things but I like a pulled pork that stands on its own before you add the sauce. And speaking of the sauce, this is where Shorty's falls a little flat for me. I couldn't tell any difference between the sweet and the spicy sauce we were brought. The sauce was decent but not great. I think what I noticed immediacy was that it's too sweet. Now I like sweet BBQ sauce but there needs to be more tangy, smoky and peppery flavors to balance out the sweetness and that's just lacking a little bit in the sauce. The baked beans are mac and cheese are solid. The fresh green beans were a bit overcooked and tasted more like they came from a can, I would choose a different side option. I did wish they had fried okra as a side option, that would have been a treat.

Overall we really enjoyed the meal (we got the BBQ feast for two). These are pretty minor complaints from a Southern girl that is very particular about brisket. I'd recommend it to others and I'd eat...