Tubby's Q and Smokehouse — Restaurant in Zephyrhills

I walked in half-past 1pm on a Tuesday for a late lunch. The place was almost completely deserted except for the staff (this should have been my warning). I was greeted by a friendly waitress and offered a table. The atmosphere was clean and pleasant. I was told up-front that mac ’n’ cheese is only available on the weekend, as clearly stated on the menu. The waitress had to check on whether they had made any desserts for the day, and she expressed some difficulty exchanging a side for a dessert until I offered to pay any up-charge, which turned out to be $2.50. Customer wifi available with password on request. My food took about 7 minutes to plate after my order and came out warm, though not completely even—likely reheated in a microwave. Pulled pork was indeed wet and bland and required sauce for flavor. The brisket included a light smokey taste but did not have much fortitude either. Neither was overcooked, but neither was terribly impressive. The little Hawaiian roll on the edge of the tray (undoubtedly a King's, no substitute for fresh) was almost immediately stale, tough, and rubbery. The peach cobbler was okay with a little whipped cream on top. Green beans were boiled from a can and had no flavor at all. On the whole the food was edible but on par with pre-prepared portions at an a-la-carte restaurant like Morrison’s or Piccadilly. No spice, no character, and woefully bland. I truthfully had to stop eating half-way through the meal as the pulled pork was making me sick. The service was very friendly and my drink was comp’d for the dessert hassle (offered, not requested), but I would warn against visiting during the week at least until the cooks learn how to cook fresh and tasty food. If you want refrigerator leftovers from last weekend’s newbie BBQ with a restaurant price, have at it. Your mileage may vary on weekends. I’m not adventurous enough to try again.

Apologies to the kind staff for leaving a review like this. I see that you observe the comments and respond. Frankly, my mentioning it to you in person would not have changed my opinion on things, and it probably would have made the review worse. Take my advice and change your cooking habits. Make better food, then people will come. If you can’t do that on weekdays, don’t open. Your problems all stem from food quality. You’re doing everything else...

Waitress at first was a little indifferent, asked abruptly if we were dining in or carryout and I told her dine in. She then waved the cloth she was holding and told us to just sit anywhere. So my first impression wasn't impressive, but, as she waited on us she became friendly and opened up and checked on us a decent amount of times. Not too much or too little. My daughter and I were the only ones there at the time. She forgot to introduce herself in the beginning as well but I think it was more due to the fact it was awkward that I was the only customer at the moment. But that aside I was pleased with the service.

As for the food it was pretty good especially the ribs. The beans had an interesting taste to them, bits of green peppers were added to it, but was generally good. The coleslaw on the other hand was the only thing I didn't much like. But it's made so many different ways and people like it all different ways too. In my opinion it didnt have much taste and was a little too chunky with very little to no sauce so it was almost like eating a mini salad with a coleslaw taste to it. Wasn't horrible, but not something I'd order again. Their ribs on the other hand were delicious. The meat fell off the bone and were moist and flavorful. Definitely will get again. They offered two BBQ sauces, one hot and one mild, and they were excellent. Both sweet and smokey I couldn't get enough. It complimented the meat so well. The meal came with a bun which was very light and fluffy. It was just the right amount of food too. The only thing I wish they would do is offer wet naps for the customers who have to eat with their hands. I used a generous amount of napkins just to get all the grease off my hands, plus I have a child and you know how they eat.. Keep in mind as well that there are a couple things on the menu that they only offer on specific days. Fridays and Saturday like their mac n cheese and brisket.

I loved the atmosphere of the place, very comfortable and has a nice painting on the wall to look at. The price isn't too bad either. I paid $22 for a kids half rack with one side and an adult half rack for myself with two sides plus drinks.

Definitely...

Tubby and his wife, the owners, are extremely nice. There is a real sense of pride for their business. The building is very well kept and has been spotless every time I go in. Great food too, if you like smoked food/BBQ you found a new place.

They are only open a few days a week so the food you are getting is fresh and if you go later in their business day you run the risk that they may be out of some items.

The only critique I have out of my visits and the items I've tried are for two things...

The Mac and cheese. While it is homemade, cheesey, and creamy... it did lack flavor. I do understand the town has a lot of retired folks and you have to cater to your clientele; but let's face it, if they are coming in for a big plate of smoked meat they are probably not going to mind if the Mac and cheese has enough salt and pepper to give it some flavor. In an ironic twist, the potato salad is some of the best I've had in years, jam packed with flavor and something I could eat over and over and never tire of.

Aside from that the only other criticism I have is for the amount of brisket I got on the Pick 3 Meal. I chose the pulled pork which was AMAZING and a decent enough portion size. The ribs, receiving a 1/2 rack which was thick, meaty, and large enough to fill a standard entree sized Togo container themselves. And the brisket, which was three 1/4 inch pieces that were 3 1/2” - 4" long. This was a little disappointing as I am very much a brisket lover. Flavor wise the brisket was on point and delicious; I was just left wanting for more. Especially having had to pay an upcharge to have it included in the Pick Three Meal. I do understand brisket is a high ticket item, the portion size was just disappointing

Aside from those two things I have every intention of returning. This is some high quality fair for BBQ. My togo orders are always packed with great care and you can feel the pride Tubby puts into his craft and his place. Do yourself a favor and find...