Burke's Review

[Virtual Geezer]

I stopped by Burke's this afternoon about 3:45 to give them a try. I was looking for one thing and that was ribs. When I got there they were out of a few other items such as pulled pork and were waiting for it from the kitchen (no time frame was given) but they did have what I came for. The one gentleman placed a nice rack on the cutting board and my first thought was "man I would love to give that entire rack a try" but I thought better of that. I am not sure they even sell it that way.

The rack had a nice baked on crust that took some time to prepare. They must have used a nice rub on the meat as it looked delicious. There was lot of meat and very little fat. Once cut you could see that the meat close to the bone was cooked well and ready to fall off the bone.

As others have mentioned in another thread the sauce is added later and there are a few options. I chose to try the sweet and the other spicy. To tell you the truth I could not taste any sweetness in the sauce but it was spicy (not HOT) and had an excellent flavor.

The meat fell off the bone and there was a lot of meat. A touch of fat but totally unnoticeable. I think it added a little flavor while in the smoker. I do like things spicy and this hit the spot right on.

Regarding the sauce I felt it could have been a little thicker. I think it could have rendered down just a bit but still excellent. I used a spoon and garlic bread to dub up the excess that I had put on the ribs. It was that good. The sauce also had me licking my lips as the taste stayed with you for a while just like a sip of a good single malt scotch.

As far as sides I had the coleslaw, baked beans and macaroni and cheese. The coleslaw can be compared to that of KFC and was ok as I kind of like that type of slaw. Have had better at such places as Lighthouse. I did not find the baked beans spicy at all but then again I tried then after eating the spicy ribs. As for the macaroni and cheese all I can say is forget it. I think that was the worst thing I had. Little taste and very dry and not even sure if that was cheese I was eating. I have never had mac and cheese like that and next time I will look again at it closely to see if it was just soft opening blues or the way things are. But for now I would pass on the mac and cheese.

I sat outside and over all the ribs and sauce were great. That is what I stopped in for so I was satisfied. Side dishes may need some improvement but all in all I am sure to be back.

One side note and I did see a number of people coming in and leave without ordering. I think being out of so many items on the menu is a definitive negative at this time. Being that they have only been open for a day or so things behind the counter were not running smoothly but I am sure that will improve in time. I think the owner will need sometime to figure what items sell out faster than others and act accordingly.

All in all I was pleased and will be back but will give it some time to work it's way down the learning curve.

VG

[CatskillBill]

Thanks for the excellent review Old Geezer. I am a rib lover, and your description made my mouth water. We were talking at the pool today about Burke's and feel that we'll give them a try in a week or two after the bugs are worked out.

[CatskillBill]

Sorry, I meant Virtual Geezer not Old Geezer. Being "virtual" you could be 25 years old?

[graciegirl]

Sorry, I meant Virtual Geezer not Old Geezer. Being "virtual" you could be 25 years old?


Virtual looks like he is 25 but he is from Ohio and has all those nice genes.

He really shouldn't be hanging out near 466a with all of those children who live south of there, but I would NEVER call him OLD. He IS old enough to live in a 55 community, I am pretty sure.

Just teasin' John. ;)...and just teasin' folks who live south of 466a, I know there are some grown ups there too.

Excellent review!:BigApplause:

Ohio folks recognize good cookin'.

[Trayderjoe]

We've been wondering as to when Burke's was going to open and I am glad to hear that it has. I plan to go there in the near future, and am hopeful especially after reading about the ribs. I am neither a Sonny's fan or a Homewood fan (not knocking those who are) and was hoping for "a shot" at somewhere else! :thumbup:

[Trayderjoe]

Sorry, meant Oakwood. Working on some reservations at Homewood Suites.....LOL

[Biker B]

Where is Burke's?

[teachnmo]

It is on 466a east of The Villages. Use to be a nursery in the front.

[Aloha]

Got there at 12:45 today (Saturday) and they were out of Pulled Pork and most everything else that I wanted. So, I guess I will come back, but will not make a special trip. I know there were a lot of disappointed customers when they found out they were out of so many items. Some had stood in line for quite some time. People leaving told us that they were out of just about everything, so I didn't have to wait too long. I left.

[batman911]

Got there at 12:45 today (Saturday) and they were out of Pulled Pork and most everything else that I wanted. So, I guess I will come back, but will not make a special trip. I know there were a lot of disappointed customers when they found out they were out of so many items. Some had stood in line for quite some time. People leaving told us that they were out of just about everything, so I didn't have to wait too long. I left.

That could mean they are selling more than planned. Sometimes the best food places are packed and out of some really good stuff. If i enter any restaurant that is not crowded, I start to wonder how good the food will be.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Thanks for the review, VG!

Bill :)

[skyc6]

Got there at 12:45 today (Saturday) and they were out of Pulled Pork and most everything else that I wanted. So, I guess I will come back, but will not make a special trip. I know there were a lot of disappointed customers when they found out they were out of so many items. Some had stood in line for quite some time. People leaving told us that they were out of just about everything, so I didn't have to wait too long. I left.

I just got back and left without food. I know it is a new restaurant, but people were waiting in a line out the door. When we finally got into the building, we could see a back window where people were just coming up to the window and ordering take-out food, or were sitting and eating outside.
If we had known, we could have done that since we were planning on eating outside anyway. Pulled pork was all gone. I feel like the peole who were waiting in line 45 minutes lost out because the food was going out the take out window.

[aabuono]

We got there at about 4:00pm today and decided to pick up our dinner and take it home - I got the Briskit Platter and Sal got the Ribs Platter. The sides that we had (Collards and Sweet potato Casserole) were great. The Briskit was a little tough and the ribs were good, although Sal said 2 were perfect and the other 2 were under cooked. We got 2 different sauces, and they were just OK. We asked and were told that today was only day 3 and that they had run out of food on days 1 & 2. It sounds like the same thing happened today. I think we will go back, but will give them a little time to work out the "kinks"
Anne

[missypie]

Its got to be tough opening up a new restaurant. You want everything to be fresh so maybe they underestimated. Also i think sauce sweet, salty, hot or spicey is also a tough call.

I wish them luck and can't wait to get there and try them and hopefully become regulars!

[justjim]

Got there at 12:45 today (Saturday) and they were out of Pulled Pork and most everything else that I wanted. So, I guess I will come back, but will not make a special trip. I know there were a lot of disappointed customers when they found out they were out of so many items. Some had stood in line for quite some time. People leaving told us that they were out of just about everything, so I didn't have to wait too long. I left.

Sounds like they didn't "learn" from Friday as they were out of just about everything when we were there. Maybe they can only cook so much at a time on their wood fired pit? We left but called at 4:45 and was told they had pulled pork and gave them our order. When I went to pick it up at 5:15, I was told they didn't have the pulled pork but was expecting to maybe have some by 6:00. Obviously, start up problems and it will take time to "debug" their system. Will try again later.

[vj1213]

We also went today, it was about 2:30 as everyone said it has only been open 3 days so there are a lot of kinks to be worked out. When we first went in I heard them say they had ribs and sausage only, by the time we got to the front of the line there was also pulled pork. I had the pulled pork, my husband got the ribs. Unlike, VG's ribs that were fall off the bone tender...ours were a bit undercooked and tough. (As a matter of fact I saw 2 people who returned theirs while we were there) The pulled pork was alright, not great. The sides were pretty good. Personally I thought it was a little overpriced. My husband got the ribs which was 4 ribs, with 2 sides..I got a pulled pork sandwich with one side and 2 teas and it was $29. I do wish them the very best. I do like good barbecue, so I will probably try them again in the distant future when they have had the time to work thru all the kinks.
I just have to say VG's description certainly didn't describe the quality of food that we consumed.

[Virtual Geezer]

Virtual looks like he is 25 but he is from Ohio and has all those nice genes.

He really shouldn't be hanging out near 466a with all of those children who live south of there, but I would NEVER call him OLD. He IS old enough to live in a 55 community, I am pretty sure.

Just teasin' John. ;)...and just teasin' folks who live south of 466a, I know there are some grown ups there too.

Excellent review!:BigApplause:

Ohio folks recognize good cookin'.

25, I wish. Old enough to be on Medicare because of age. Ohio people know the business of the knife, fork and soup spoon. But then again I don't know of any pure BBQ's restaurants in my corner of Ohio.

Burke's has a good product as far as I am concerned but others may not agree as their taste buds don't agree with mine. I am betting Burke's have learned a lot in the past few days and now have to get the bugs worked out.

VG

[mayBavillager]

I stopped by Burke's this afternoon about 3:45 to give them a try. I was looking for one thing and that was ribs. When I got there they were out of a few other items such as pulled pork and were waiting for it from the kitchen (no time frame was given) but they did have what I came for. The one gentleman placed a nice rack on the cutting board and my first thought was "man I would love to give that entire rack a try" but I thought better of that. I am not sure they even sell it that way.

The rack had a nice baked on crust that took some time to prepare. They must have used a nice rub on the meat as it looked delicious. There was lot of meat and very little fat. Once cut you could see that the meat close to the bone was cooked well and ready to fall off the bone.

As others have mentioned in another thread the sauce is added later and there are a few options. I chose to try the sweet and the other spicy. To tell you the truth I could not taste any sweetness in the sauce but it was spicy (not HOT) and had an excellent flavor.

The meat fell off the bone and there was a lot of meat. A touch of fat but totally unnoticeable. I think it added a little flavor while in the smoker. I do like things spicy and this hit the spot right on.

Regarding the sauce I felt it could have been a little thicker. I think it could have rendered down just a bit but still excellent. I used a spoon and garlic bread to dub up the excess that I had put on the ribs. It was that good. The sauce also had me licking my lips as the taste stayed with you for a while just like a sip of a good single malt scotch.

As far as sides I had the coleslaw, baked beans and macaroni and cheese. The coleslaw can be compared to that of KFC and was ok as I kind of like that type of slaw. Have had better at such places as Lighthouse. I did not find the baked beans spicy at all but then again I tried then after eating the spicy ribs. As for the macaroni and cheese all I can say is forget it. I think that was the worst thing I had. Little taste and very dry and not even sure if that was cheese I was eating. I have never had mac and cheese like that and next time I will look again at it closely to see if it was just soft opening blues or the way things are. But for now I would pass on the mac and cheese.

I sat outside and over all the ribs and sauce were great. That is what I stopped in for so I was satisfied. Side dishes may need some improvement but all in all I am sure to be back.

One side note and I did see a number of people coming in and leave without ordering. I think being out of so many items on the menu is a definitive negative at this time. Being that they have only been open for a day or so things behind the counter were not running smoothly but I am sure that will improve in time. I think the owner will need sometime to figure what items sell out faster than others and act accordingly.

All in all I was pleased and will be back but will give it some time to work it's way down the learning curve.

VG
We were there around 5:30 tonight. There was a long line, but we decided to wait anyway. I decided to get the ribs, even though I read in their paper menu that was on a bookcase when you walked in the door, that they did not serve baby back ribs. Those are my favorite. Once we got up to the line to order I thought the ribs looked good so I tried them, along with 2 sides. Got the potato salad and cole slaw. Both were okay.... just okay, nothing exceptional. The ribs I got were also just okay. They were not the fall off the bone ribs that I wanted. Also, there was fat on them..... not too much though. When you order ribs you get 4 of them. They also seemed a little pink inside. Hope they were cooked well enough so I don't get sick. My husband got the 1/2 chicken and he was also not too thrilled with it. I tried it and it again was okay. Now after reading your comments, I wonder if I just got a bad batch of ribs that were not the fall off the bone good like yours were. Maybe I will try again... but not sure yet.

[Indydealmaker]

Four of us just returned from Burke's BBQ very satisfied.

Three had the spare ribs with no complaints. My beef sandwich was tender and flavorful. Baked beans were very good as were the fresh cut french fries. The baked apples were also a good decision.

I think the prices were very reasonable: two retro sodas, one order of ribs with two sides and my sandwich with two sides was $24.45.

There was a long line, but what the heck! This is a retirement community.

There are many improvements on the way which will include better signage and beer and wine. Patience is a virtue. It will all work out just fine for Burke's.

[doug11]

I was Talking to Tim the owner of Burkes and the reason they are running out of some items is that every meat is slow cooked in their oak fired smoker and it takes hours to get it right...to my knowledge no other BBQ cooks this way...i'm sure that they get the volume right in the near future...
BTW take home some of their Kettle Korn...it is really good and it is made on site. they also have vintage soda pop made with real cane sugar...

[mac9]

what are their hours of operation?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

what are their hours of operation?

Couldn't find their hours noted anywhere.............so I gave them a ring a few days ago. (352) 787-4227

Monday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday closed

They're going to see how the "staying open til 9:30" on Sat. and Sun. goes. The young lady on the phone said they're going to try it to see how it works out. Might wind up being just til 8:30.

Bill :)

[Trish Crocker]

Virtual looks like he is 25 but he is from Ohio and has all those nice genes.

He really shouldn't be hanging out near 466a with all of those children who live south of there, but I would NEVER call him OLD. He IS old enough to live in a 55 community, I am pretty sure.

Just teasin' John. ;)...and just teasin' folks who live south of 466a, I know there are some grown ups there too.

Excellent review!:BigApplause:

Ohio folks recognize good cookin'.

I don't wanna be a grown-up!!

[jebartle]

Ribs good $10.00 (I'm posting price because you won't know until check out), Chicken (they were out at 4:00pm), pulled pork sandwich (good) w/drink and side $8.50, $6.00 sandwich and 2.50 for drink and side), drinks $2.00...I still like Oakwood the best.

[travelguy]

I think that we will wait until the snow-birds leave. Then there will be enough food to go around.

[donnar216]

We didn't find anything to recommend Burkes.

We first encountered a gentleman who was serving sausage samples, I asked "What is especially good". Reply, "I don't eat this stuff." End of conversation.

No menus, no signs and no customer service. We didn't know pricing until we got to the register. $10 for meat, 2 sides and bread. Sodas were extra. No liquor license.

Ribs were ok, a little fatty. Sweet potato had chunks of brown sugar, cole slaw was ok, Texas Toast awful.

[buzzy]

It sounds as though, despite their efforts, maybe they misjudged their target market. I still want to try them out, but waiting for the opening kinks to smooth out.

[rockaway]

Went to Burkes yesterday. Not good. At 3pm they only had ribs and sausage.

Worse than Speckled Butter Bean and thats saying a lot. The ribs were ok but everything else was really bad. Just to explain one thing the corn bread was so dry I don't no what held it together. The bottom of the wedge had a black coating that could not be cut or bitten through. It was as if the coating of the baking pan had transferred to the bread.

Never again!!

[Shimpy]

We didn't find anything to recommend Burkes.

No menus, no signs and no customer service. We didn't know pricing until we got to the register..


How can they stay in business through the summer? Looks like they will charge you based on what they think the traffic will bear. We were going to try them but after hearing that they constantly run out of food, have no menu and prices, I think we'll wait until I hear better reviews.

[Indydealmaker]

Burke's is a small family owned restaurant. Give them time to get their stuff together. I expect it to be up and down for a while. . . kind of like most of The Villages country club restaurants are 100% of the time.

Prices are very AFFORDABLE. Surely a meal of spare ribs, and two sides and a drink for $12 is not too high.

Food we ate was quite good.

Staff was friendly and went out of their way to please. But, then again, we smiled and left our senior grumpy faces at home.

[Virtual Geezer]

No menus, ..............

??????????????

Gee, they had a box full of them right next to the door before you walked in. Once inside they had another box on a shelve to the left. I have on right in front of me now.

VG

[Skip]

??????????????

Gee, they had a box full of them right next to the door before you walked in. Once inside they had another box on a shelve to the left. I have on right in front of me now.

VG

They must hide them somewhere because TODAY there were no menus, posted, printed or otherwise. It's Mystery Cafe.

Skip

[Janet & Carl]

My husband and I went to Burkes today for lunch. Where do I begin??
The outside eating area is very nice, covered picnic tables and clean.
Read the outside menu and remember your order (no prices posted)
Inside of the restaurant was clean
No menu posted on the inside or prices
I ordered ribs, collard greens, baked sweet potato and corn bread
Hubby ordered pulled pork, cole slaw, apples and corn bread
You may take a chair pad with you outside to place on the picnic bench
I'm ready to enjoy my ribs when I noticed the layer of fat and the ribs could have cooked longer. :sad: I decided to return the ribs since we just paid $26.00 for lunch and I really wanted ribs. The manager exchanged the ribs for the pulled pork. :o The collard greens tasted like they had vinegar on them. :sad: The corn bread weighed a ton and did not have a good taste. :sad: My baked potato was wonderful. :o
This is only my opinion.
Janet

[gmcneill]

Our lunch experience yesterday was ok overall.

Best: pulled pork; iced tea; and EVERY ONE of their staff!!

Worst: corn bread (dry&hard; couldn't eat most of it)

Palatable: ribs; collards; baked beans

Funniest: my wife asked if they had a vegetable only platter with bread. The answer was no, but they could throw together 4 selections for her for $6.50, wi no bread. The thing is, their vegetable side dishes are $1.50 each. (vegetable portions seem to be a bit on the smallish side for the price)

Rating: it is not a "I have to go back soon!!" restaurant.
(We will eat there again but, disappointingly, are in no rush to do so.)

[JohnFromMaine]

On their second day open my neighbor got a pulled pork sandwich for lunch and complained as there was next to no meat on it. They begrudgingly added a tiny bit more. A good pulled pork sandwich should have 4 ounces of meat on it. He also mentioned that the sides were very skimpy.

I went for ribs the third night they were open at 4:50 p.m. and was unapologetically told that there would be no ribs until 6:00 p.m. I left.

From what I've read here I wont try them again for another couple weeks. They clearly have to get their act together. Oakwood Smokehouse is still the best bet.

[Bogie Shooter]

On their second day open my neighbor got a pulled pork sandwich for lunch and complained as there was next to no meat on it. They begrudgingly added a tiny bit more. A good pulled pork sandwich should have 4 ounces of meat on it. He also mentioned that the sides were very skimpy.

I went for ribs the third night they were open at 4:50 p.m. and was unapologetically told that there would be no ribs until 6:00 p.m. I left.

From what I've read here I wont try them again for another couple weeks. They clearly have to get their act together. Oakwood Smokehouse is still the best bet.

Really? Really??
BTW How do you think Oakwood was on their second day open?

[Skip]

Really? Really??
BTW How do you think Oakwood was on their second day open?

I was at Oakwood on their FIRST day and everything worked fine. They even had menus AND prices. What a novel idea!

Can't wait for T. Weston's to open.

Skip

[travelguy]

what is t. weston's?

[justjim]

When Oakwood opened on 441/27 near or in Lady Lake they had been in business for several years in Leesburg. Burke's obviously does not have the experience and it shows. They are using the wood fired pit method. "What folks do not realize is that to gain speed or VOLUME you lose something else----it seems everyone wants high volume, faster production.". This is message is right on the front of their menu. This explains to some degree their "start up" problems and why they have been unable to handle the large volume of customers. We have been there twice and both times they were out of pulled pork. I see others have had the same issue of no food prepared. Staff are really trying....... But if you dont have the advertised product when a customer is there to purchase-----you have unhappy customers. Most are willing to overlook the "bugs" of a start up restaurant but not for long.

[renielarson]

As we watched Burke's being built we thought perhaps they got their design idea from 4Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Garden. Menu | 4 Rivers (http://4rsmokehouse.com/menu)

The set up is similar with the outdoor eating area and picnic tables. Hoping that 4Rivers was Burke's inspiration, we also hoped the food would be of the same caliber.

4Rivers's prices are cheaper than Burke's and the amount of food is at least double if not triple that of Burke's. At 4Rivers you get enough food to fill up on then take the leftovers home for another meal. At 4Rivers, the meat is cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious plus the sides are so good, too.

My ribs at Burke's were overcooked, dry, and had little meat on them. My husband's sausage was good but bbq flavor wasn't there. Our sides were so-so with the apples and sweet potato casserole being the best. The collards had an odd flavor to us and the baked beans were too saucy for our liking.

4Rivers has been in business 4 years and now has 2 other locations. Burke's has been in business just a short while. I haven't lost hope with Burke's yet because they are in their infancy. But it would be in Burke's best interest to take a trip to Winter Garden and give 4Rivers a try. It would be a good learning experience for them and hopefully would improve their business.

[keithwand]

4 Rivers; Mmmm.
We lived in Winter Park/ Orlando before moving here last June.
They are the best and have long waits to prove it.
They would be an addition here so email them and tell them to come to Brownwood.

[JohnFromMaine]

When Oakwood opened on 441/27 near or in Lady Lake they had been in business for several years in Leesburg. Burke's obviously does not have the experience and it shows. They are using the wood fired pit method. "What folks do not realize is that to gain speed or VOLUME you lose something else----it seems everyone wants high volume, faster production.". This is message is right on the front of their menu. This explains to some degree their "start up" problems and why they have been unable to handle the large volume of customers. We have been there twice and both times they were out of pulled pork. I see others have had the same issue of no food prepared. Staff are really trying....... But if you dont have the advertised product when a customer is there to purchase-----you have unhappy customers. Most are willing to overlook the "bugs" of a start up restaurant but not for long.

This is why I'm waiting a few weeks before giving them a second chance. I happen to love pork ribs and look forward to trying them. :mmmm:

[coffeebean]

I've read here on TOTV that Burke's does not offer pork baby back ribs. Has anyone asked them why? For me...BBQ is all about baby backs.

[salferg]

I stopped by Burke's this afternoon about 3:45 to give them a try. I was looking for one thing and that was ribs. When I got there they were out of a few other items such as pulled pork and were waiting for it from the kitchen (no time frame was given) but they did have what I came for. The one gentleman placed a nice rack on the cutting board and my first thought was "man I would love to give that entire rack a try" but I thought better of that. I am not sure they even sell it that way.

The rack had a nice baked on crust that took some time to prepare. They must have used a nice rub on the meat as it looked delicious. There was lot of meat and very little fat. Once cut you could see that the meat close to the bone was cooked well and ready to fall off the bone.

As others have mentioned in another thread the sauce is added later and there are a few options. I chose to try the sweet and the other spicy. To tell you the truth I could not taste any sweetness in the sauce but it was spicy (not HOT) and had an excellent flavor.

The meat fell off the bone and there was a lot of meat. A touch of fat but totally unnoticeable. I think it added a little flavor while in the smoker. I do like things spicy and this hit the spot right on.

Regarding the sauce I felt it could have been a little thicker. I think it could have rendered down just a bit but still excellent. I used a spoon and garlic bread to dub up the excess that I had put on the ribs. It was that good. The sauce also had me licking my lips as the taste stayed with you for a while just like a sip of a good single malt scotch.

As far as sides I had the coleslaw, baked beans and macaroni and cheese. The coleslaw can be compared to that of KFC and was ok as I kind of like that type of slaw. Have had better at such places as Lighthouse. I did not find the baked beans spicy at all but then again I tried then after eating the spicy ribs. As for the macaroni and cheese all I can say is forget it. I think that was the worst thing I had. Little taste and very dry and not even sure if that was cheese I was eating. I have never had mac and cheese like that and next time I will look again at it closely to see if it was just soft opening blues or the way things are. But for now I would pass on the mac and cheese.

I sat outside and over all the ribs and sauce were great. That is what I stopped in for so I was satisfied. Side dishes may need some improvement but all in all I am sure to be back.

One side note and I did see a number of people coming in and leave without ordering. I think being out of so many items on the menu is a definitive negative at this time. Being that they have only been open for a day or so things behind the counter were not running smoothly but I am sure that will improve in time. I think the owner will need sometime to figure what items sell out faster than others and act accordingly.

All in all I was pleased and will be back but will give it some time to work it's way down the learning curve.

VG
If you want really good ribs and delicious brisket, try Texas Stockyards.

[Shimpy]

I can't understand why someone would invest lots of money into a restaurant without enough knowledge of how to run that restaurant. Running out of food is completely unacceptable. I mean, a BBQ place that doesn't have ribs???? That's like Kentucky Fried Chicken running out of chicken. I also question mainly outdoor seating which is great now but forget it during most of the year when the temps and humidity will chase most people indoors for A/C.

[Indydealmaker]

I can't understand why someone would invest lots of money into a restaurant without enough knowledge of how to run that restaurant. Running out of food is completely unacceptable. I mean, a BBQ place that doesn't have ribs???? That's like Kentucky Fried Chicken running out of chicken. I also question mainly outdoor seating which is great now but forget it during most of the year when the temps and humidity will chase most people indoors for A/C.

As a matter of fact: KFC are "famous" for running out of chicken, particularly the extra crispy.

[hoopsterdad]

i realize how far away it is, but dined at southern soul in st. simon's island, ga. might have been the best meal i ever had. it you have the pleasure of dining there, any of the places we have local will be very ordinary. triple d nailed southern soul. the brisket and sausage were outstanding, the four or five sauces at the table were great. the brunswick stew and hoppin john, which is black eyed peas and rice with some spicy sausage, were also great. about an hour up i95 from jacksonville. going that way, worth the stop.

[Villageshooter]

I can't understand why someone would invest lots of money into a restaurant without enough knowledge of how to run that restaurant. Running out of food is completely unacceptable. I mean, a BBQ place that doesn't have ribs???? That's like Kentucky Fried Chicken running out of chicken. I also question mainly outdoor seating which is great now but forget it during most of the year when the temps and humidity will chase most people indoors for A/C.
This is exactly the reason we had franchises it takes a great skill and a lot of knowledge to be able to accomplish with these people are trying to pull off and they do not have it! It does not make them bad people it just makes them people that don't know what they're doing That's okay but they eventually will look around and Say what happened to all of our customers why don't they come back? It happens all the time look at those reality TV shows where the guy goes in and just about as a fit with what they are doing in a restaurant and most of those are close to going under It's just the way it is!

[PaPaLarry]

They have a website!!(Through Facebook I think) Maybe they need to be notified to read all the negative , so they can fix it fast, while snowbirds are still here. Hopefully they would want to know

[travelguy]

the absolute best place for bbq (rids/pulled port. etc) is Sully's located on CR 44 in Lisbon FL. Just a short drive and is sorta behind the Lake Square Mall.

[JoeC1947]

As a matter of fact: KFC are "famous" for running out of chicken, particularly the extra crispy.

Wow! First Burger King runs out of Whoppers and now KFC running out of chicken! At this rate we won't be able to get any fast food soon. That's a good thing.

[Potsie]

This is exactly the reason we had franchises it takes a great skill and a lot of knowledge to be able to accomplish with these people are trying to pull off and they do not have it! It does not make them bad people it just makes them people that don't know what they're doing That's okay but they eventually will look around and Say what happened to all of our customers why don't they come back? It happens all the time look at those reality TV shows where the guy goes in and just about as a fit with what they are doing in a restaurant and most of those are close to going under It's just the way it is!

It makes me wonder if these people realize that they can purchase/hire a restaurant business consultant, much like you see on tv(restaurant impossible, etc). These folks are around to help inexperienced people succeed in, arguably, one of the toughest business out there. It would be the best 100k investment they put into their business. jmho

[travelguy]

stoppe in to pickup a menu on my way home; spoke to some customers who enjoyed their meals and recommended it

[graciegirl]

It makes me wonder if these people realize that they can purchase/hire a restaurant business consultant, much like you see on tv(restaurant impossible, etc). These folks are around to help inexperienced people succeed in, arguably, one of the toughest business out there. It would be the best 100k investment they put into their business. jmho

100k is a lot. I think they need to slow cook their stuff in the oven and then put it on the smoker for the last hour to get the flavor. Whatever Oakwood does.

[graciegirl]

This is exactly the reason we had franchises it takes a great skill and a lot of knowledge to be able to accomplish with these people are trying to pull off and they do not have it! It does not make them bad people it just makes them people that don't know what they're doing That's okay but they eventually will look around and Say what happened to all of our customers why don't they come back? It happens all the time look at those reality TV shows where the guy goes in and just about as a fit with what they are doing in a restaurant and most of those are close to going under It's just the way it is!

I agree.

[Finfan]

If you want really good ribs and delicious brisket, try Texas Stockyards.

It is very good have not been to Burke's yet going to give it some time but Texas Stockyard is GREAT!!!!

[pbeinetti]

My wife and I went the second day they opened. The food was excellent -- we both had pulled pork sandwiches. LOTS of meat. I had the sweet potatoes with pecans, and that was excellent. I've heard some people here, and friends, say they won't go back because they were out of some items. I think we should cut them some slack. This is a family owned business that's just getting started. They will improve. I had a small start up business, and I can tell you that it took me a good 6 months to get the kinks out. Thank goodness that I had some loyal customers who understood that things would improve over time. Let's all give them the benefit of the doubt. We need more family owned restaurants around here -- fewer chains.

[coffeebean]

We were there around 5:30 tonight. There was a long line, but we decided to wait anyway. I decided to get the ribs, even though I read in their paper menu that was on a bookcase when you walked in the door, that they did not serve baby back ribs. Those are my favorite. Once we got up to the line to order I thought the ribs looked good so I tried them, along with 2 sides. Got the potato salad and cole slaw. Both were okay.... just okay, nothing exceptional. The ribs I got were also just okay. They were not the fall off the bone ribs that I wanted. Also, there was fat on them..... not too much though. When you order ribs you get 4 of them. They also seemed a little pink inside. Hope they were cooked well enough so I don't get sick. My husband got the 1/2 chicken and he was also not too thrilled with it. I tried it and it again was okay. Now after reading your comments, I wonder if I just got a bad batch of ribs that were not the fall off the bone good like yours were. Maybe I will try again... but not sure yet.

I was chatting with one of the guys who works in Burke's nursery. He explained to me that the ribs are smoked all the way through and not boiled at all. That is why they will always be pink inside. When ribs are boiled first, they turn brown on the inside. Sounds like Burke's doesn't take the easy way out by boiling the ribs.

[coffeebean]

On their second day open my neighbor got a pulled pork sandwich for lunch and complained as there was next to no meat on it. They begrudgingly added a tiny bit more. A good pulled pork sandwich should have 4 ounces of meat on it. He also mentioned that the sides were very skimpy.

I went for ribs the third night they were open at 4:50 p.m. and was unapologetically told that there would be no ribs until 6:00 p.m. I left.

From what I've read here I wont try them again for another couple weeks. They clearly have to get their act together. Oakwood Smokehouse is still the best bet.

Does Oakwood have baby back ribs? They are my favorite. Must say, though, Cody's has excellent fall off the bone baby backs.

[Walker]

I Love Oakwood! My favorite place for baby back ribs is Woodys in Wildwood, 301 and the turnpike. I haven't been to Texas stockyards or Burkes yet, so judgement is reserved. Waiting for the birds to fly north...

[Richard1366]

They have three sauces, one is mustard based, and the other 2 are about the same color and apparently have a vinegar base and are somewhat spicy. My wife likes a milder sauce and when I explained that to one of the employees he didn't seem to get it.

[Finfan]

Tried it out and not a real big fan. We will try again in couple of months but ribs were not done sides were so so the wait in line was awful and the lady at the table next to us kept flashing my boyfriend (that is not the restaurant's fault but what an experience). The mustard sauce is very mustard not like King's Sauce which is the best mustard sauce. Texas Stockyards is the best.

[Shirleevee]

Tried it out and not a real big fan. We will try again in couple of months but ribs were not done sides were so so the wait in line was awful and the lady at the table next to us kept flashing my boyfriend (that is not the restaurant's fault but what an experience). The mustard sauce is very mustard not like King's Sauce which is the best mustard sauce. Texas Stockyards is the best.

The ribs were undercooked and tough......Oakwood does not have to worry about the competition........

[DandyGirl]

i realize how far away it is, but dined at southern soul in st. simon's island, ga. might have been the best meal i ever had. it you have the pleasure of dining there, any of the places we have local will be very ordinary. triple d nailed southern soul. the brisket and sausage were outstanding, the four or five sauces at the table were great. the brunswick stew and hoppin john, which is black eyed peas and rice with some spicy sausage, were also great. about an hour up i95 from jacksonville. going that way, worth the stop.

Is that a new place on St. Simon's Island? Lived there a couple of years 2004-2006 and enjoyed a lot of good food at Barbara Jean's, 4th of May, etc. but don't recall Southern Soul.

[coffeebean]

We ate at Burke's for the first time yesterday. My pork ribs were so tender, they were served off the bones (although the bones were there). The meat was very moist and delicious. Hubby's pulled pork was a bit dry but extra BBQ sauce fixed that up just fine.

I like a sweeter BBQ sauce so I added a bit of Stevia sugar substitute to sweeten it up. It was just right after I added the sweetener. Neither of us tried the mustard based sauce.

The biscuits were flakey and delicious. Burke's serves real butter too.

The sweet potato casserole with the crunchy pecan topping was really good.....more like mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping.

The stewed Granny Smith apples were too soft and not sweet enough for me. I added a bit of Stevia sugar substitute and the taste was so much better. Still a bit soft with the texture though.

Burke's has Coca Cola, not Pepsi, so hubby was happy about that.

We are going back.

[villagerjack]

We ate at Burke's for the first time yesterday. My pork ribs were so tender, they were served off the bones (although the bones were there). The meat was very moist and delicious. Hubby's pulled pork was a bit dry but extra BBQ sauce fixed that up just fine.

I like a sweeter BBQ sauce so I added a bit of Stevia sugar substitute to sweeten it up. It was just right after I added the sweetener. Neither of us tried the mustard based sauce.

The biscuits were flakey and delicious. Burke's serves real butter too.

The sweet potato casserole with the crunchy pecan topping was really good.....more like mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping.

The stewed Granny Smith apples were too soft and not sweet enough for me. I added a bit of Stevia sugar substitute and the taste was so much better. Still a bit soft with the texture though.

Burke's has Coca Cola, not Pepsi, so hubby was happy about that.

We are going back.


Great, pan to try Burkes next week. I like that outside seating.

[Shimpy]

Great, pan to try Burkes next week. I like that outside seating.

Come July, August and Sept. that outside seating will cost them more customers than they can afford.

[dlhummell]

went there today for lunch. sucks! way over priced! food is bland like a hospital cafeteria! portions are small. nothing was unique at all. ive been here since 1978 and this is by far the worst bbq place I have ever been too. food cart bbq is better.

[simpkinp]

I think a new place should be given a little slack. These Mom and Pop places have a lot invested and sometimes need a break in period. A little positive and constructive feedback can be of a lot of help to these little places. Non chain restaurants go under quickly, so give them a little time and try them again, but please tell them what you like and what they could do better so just maybe they will survive.

[Aloha]

I guess I am used to large portions, so when you get a sample size and yet are charged the full price, it makes you think a little, especially when the food is nothing to write home about. I suspect things will improve there. If not, good luck to all.

[travelguy]

Sully's in Lisbon....absolutely the best and worth the 45 minute drive!

[justjim]

I think a new place should be given a little slack. These Mom and Pop places have a lot invested and sometimes need a break in period. A little positive and constructive feedback can be of a lot of help to these little places. Non chain restaurants go under quickly, so give them a little time and try them again, but please tell them what you like and what they could do better so just maybe they will survive.

We were by Burke's yesterday (about noon) on the way to Leesburg. Parking lot only a few cars---guess the word on the street regarding their "startup problems" has spread over TV. I don't understand why they don't have baby back ribs? Apparently, the slow pit cooking is not too popular. We plan to try their pulled pork----maybe they will have some when we make our third visit!

[southguy66]

Went to Burkes for lunch today, only to find it's closed on Mondays. Why would a new resturant be closed on Mondays during the height of the season? Not a very good way to built up your business.

[justjim]

I noticed their sign Friday on the way to Leesburg-----closed Sunday and Monday. Maybe the Burke's are independently wealthy??

[Shimpy]

I noticed their sign Friday on the way to Leesburg-----closed Sunday and Monday. Maybe the Burke's are independently wealthy??

Went to Burkes for lunch today, only to find it's closed on Mondays. Why would a new resturant be closed on Mondays during the height of the season? Not a very good way to built up your business.

Just as I've said before they apparently have no business sense. My biggest complaint is most of the seating is outside. WHO in the summer wants to set outside to eat?

[Mack184]

I noticed their sign Friday on the way to Leesburg-----closed Sunday and Monday. Maybe the Burke's are independently wealthy??
Don't know about Monday, but maybe the owners are Christians and like Chick-Fil-A they are closed on Sunday to honor the Lord's day.

[wendyquat]

Just as I've said before they apparently have no business sense. My biggest complaint is most of the seating is outside. WHO in the summer wants to set outside to eat?

Nor would I have wanted to sit out there the past couple of days!:cold:

[Indydealmaker]

The Villages has to rate as the worst market for mom n pop restaurants. Nobody cuts anybody any slack. Give em a chance to get their **** together.

They plan on heating the outdoor area and ceiling fans will make the outside seating quite comfortable in August.

[jblum315]

The Villages has to rate as the worst market for mom n pop restaurants. Nobody cuts anybody any slack. Give em a chance to get their **** together.

They plan on heating the outdoor area and ceiling fans will make the outside seating quite comfortable in August.

I agree. Give them a chance. Franchise restaurants open with a plan and all details in place and all prepared to serve a standard mediocre meal. Mr. Burke is trying to do something different

[Shimpy]

They plan on heating the outdoor area and ceiling fans will make the outside seating quite comfortable in August.

Ceiling fans in the 90 temps with high humidity will make it feel like eating under a blow dryer. I ride a motorcycle in the summer and even at 70mph it is HOT!

[wendyquat]

Steve, as usual, you are correct! This is a local family trying to "make it" and we should give them every chance! We passed by there almost daily and I somehow feel a kinship with these guys. It looked like they were working so hard to get things "just right" before opening! Lets form a "fan club" and support them as much as we can! I'm in!

[travelguy]

Ceiling fans in the 90 temps with high humidity will make it feel like eating under a blow dryer. I ride a motorcycle in the summer and even at 70mph it is HOT!


cmon everybody...give these folks a break.
they probably want monday off also because they did not do enough business on that day. and also good barbecue takes time to cook. and sunday is sunday.
and maybe they are tired.
:024:

[LndLocked]

Not only should they be open 7 days a week ... they should be open 24/7/365. It goes without saying that they should serve EXACTLY the type / cut of meat and style of sauce I want!!

To heck with just having a plush inclosed and temperature controlled dining area ... I want them to carry me from my car to a easy boy recliner, give me a shoulder massage while they hand feed me and then gently carry me back to my car while rubbing my tummy to aid in digestion.

:icon_wink:

[rn1tv]

OK, tried their food several times. Tonight, ordered beef brisket (advertised on their web site as being so tender, you don't need teeth) for pickup with extra BBQ sauce. Well, glad I have my teeth...beef was so tough and dry and no extra BBQ sauce included with the order.Collards and apples are good but potato salad is very bland. Tired of giving Burkes a chance...love good BBQ but cannot find it here...very disappointed as I was so hopeful.

[simpkinp]

Maybe give them some constructive feedback? After all, they really do not want to lose their investment in this place, it might be everything they have. Let them know. I will try it soon. I usually go to sonny's for a sandwich. I prefer oak wood for ribs, but I don't leave the bubble for a little lunch. BTW, had bad ribs at Oakwood once, did not hold it against them. Better to eat at home in month of March, very busy time

[Happinow]

Haven't been to Burkes as yet to eat but when they first opened went on to get a menu. Seems somewhat limited. Not a fan of the cafeteria style or the little room to eat in doors. Seems they missed a lot on seating. In the cooler days we want to eat indoors and on the hot days air conditioning feels great. I think they totally missed the boat on seating. If you combine poor seating and not so great food it seems like a recipe for not much success. From experience, they need to be open 6 days a week. That's the sacrifice you make when starting a new business. Having been a small business owner, I really do wish them great success. It isn't easy running your own business. I will get there to try the food.

[Aloha]

One thing that does not help a new restaurant is to serve small servings, yet charge full price. Bread sandwiches, with a little bit of meat will normally not bring customers back.

They should all visit Red's Restaurant in Hernando to see how it should be done...

Red's Restaurant - Hernando | Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/244/1504693/restaurant/Ocala/Reds-Restaurant-Hernando)

[SoccerCoach]

I have tried Burk's, was not impressed. Food was luke warm. I also have read all of the posts regarding Burks on this forum. It is very difficult to start a business with little or no knowledge of "how to". Somebody did not investigate fully, just what it takes to start and be successful. People on this forum seem correct to point to the outside dining area as a negative, and some other aspects as well. However, if they are learning from bad judgement and mistakes, fine, they're not bad people. They need time to learn, make corrections where needed and develope. They have a great investment, I hope they are successful.

[Shimpy]

They should all visit Red's Restaurant in Hernando to see how it should be done...

Red's Restaurant - Hernando | Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/244/1504693/restaurant/Ocala/Reds-Restaurant-Hernando)

You let the cat out of the bag by mentioning Reds. It's too busy now. Hopefully most Villagers won't want to drive 40 minutes for breakfast or lunch. There is no other place to compare with Reds.

[LittleDog]

They need a visit from Robert Irvine from the show "Restaurant Impossible".

John

[rdhdleo]

Burke's is a small family owned restaurant. Give them time to get their stuff together. I expect it to be up and down for a while. . . kind of like most of The Villages country club restaurants are 100% of the time.

Prices are very AFFORDABLE. Surely a meal of spare ribs, and two sides and a drink for $12 is not too high.

Food we ate was quite good.

Staff was friendly and went out of their way to please. But, then again, we smiled and left our senior grumpy faces at home.

You are right on! We went for lunch today about noon. I got the rib platter , very meaty and fall off the bone just a tiny bit of fat hubbys pulled pork was a huge portion and excellent as was his sausage. Cornbread was very dense and somewhat sweet and oh so good. Scalloped potatoes just ok as was corn. Hubbys baked beans were awesome and he had okra also. There was no line , staff was very friendly and there were prices on everything! They also now serve wine and beer. We left stuffed very good and well priced we'll be back again!

[Bill32]

I don't consider myself a BBQ expert but like it and have eaten at all of the local places. Oakwood was our favorite but find Texas and Burkes different enough for us to cycle between them all. We don't care for Sonny's ribs but like the pulled pork. Texas's ribs are larger, Oakwood medium and Burkes a little smaller, different cuts all three.
At Burkes this week we had the Ribs and the pulled pork dinners with sides. Everything was all very good. I pass there often during the week in the afternoon so it's very convenient to pull in and get a quick lunch for under $10 and get on my way. The chicken is also fall of the bone........ If you're watching your weight don't try the homemade deserts............UMMMMMMM

[simpkinp]

I went there to lunch with ladies from my neighborhood and was very impressed. I had a really nice pulled pork sandwich with a side and drink for $8. I couldn't even eat it all. Fast and friendly service. The cole slaw is very good.

[Arubagirl2000]

We went there with another couple several wks ago. My husband loved the ribs. The rest of us were not impressed with the pulled pork sandwiches we had, and chicken salad.There was barely any chicken on the salad. The bbq sauce was very thing and runny. Fat in the pulled pork.

We did not know that our neighbors had just been there recently, and they said they would never go back again. They reported pulled pork very dry. Sauce very runny.

That is just our opinion. We all decided we liked Texas Stockyard much better.

[Bill32]

I'm getting to think we can put BBQ tastes along with pizza..........................Very very subjective.....;)

[BarryRX]

I don't consider myself a BBQ expert but like it and have eaten at all of the local places. Oakwood was our favorite but find Texas and Burkes different enough for us to cycle between them all. We don't care for Sonny's ribs but like the pulled pork. Texas's ribs are larger, Oakwood medium and Burkes a little smaller, different cuts all three.
At Burkes this week we had the Ribs and the pulled pork dinners with sides. Everything was all very good. I pass there often during the week in the afternoon so it's very convenient to pull in and get a quick lunch for under $10 and get on my way. The chicken is also fall of the bone........ If you're watching your weight don't try the homemade deserts............UMMMMMMM

Bill, I agree 100%. Between burks, Texas, and oakwood, I can get three very different but equally good experiences. I find that sitting outside at burkes with a beer and some good BBQ and watching a summer storm is almost transcendent.

[kinky]

Burke's BBQ serves very tasty food and the staff are all very friendly and helpful people. Try their desserts, they are wonderful.

[Bill32]

I feel that Oakwood still by far gets most of the BBQ crowd. Wednesday I passed buy them both around 6 pm. Burks had 4 or 5 cars in the lot Oakwood was packed.....

[MicheleE]

Went tonight for the first and last time. Sorry to report that my ribs (my favorite food) were horrible - couldn't even get the meat off the bone. One thing I must say is that Suzie (the manager) was wonderful - she bent over backwards to make make it right! Even gave me some chicken to replace the ribs that I could not eat. The chicken was dried out. Overall, I don't think their food compares to Oakwood but to each his own!

[thelegges]

we like oakwood but always like to try new things

[Shirleevee]

Went tonight for the first and last time. Sorry to report that my ribs (my favorite food) were horrible - couldn't even get the meat off the bone. One thing I must say is that Suzie (the manager) was wonderful - she bent over backwards to make make it right! Even gave me some chicken to replace the ribs that I could not eat. The chicken was dried out. Overall, I don't think their food compares to Oakwood but to each his own!

The same thing happened to me. Oakwood has no worries, still my favorite ribs!

[kellyjam]

The same thing happened to me. Oakwood has no worries, still my favorite ribs!
Agreed, I think Oakwood's baby backs are out of this world as well as their price for them.



The Bronx/Stamford CT/New City,NY /Coral Springs Fl,/ Hampton Bays L.I.

[rp001]

A few weeks back my wife and I had lunch there. I am a rib fanatic..The food looked good, a little dry though. The ribs were not to my liking as they had been cooked way too long, the bone was falling apart and the meat was dry. An older gentleman stopped by and asked what I thought of the food. I told him what was described here and he said the ribs had been put on the fire way too early that day and they were just getting the bugs out of their process. I'll give it another try later.

An interesting side note. The guy told me he was the owner's father and owned all the adjacent land. He also stated that a very large portion had been sold to the villages and was scheduled for development as part of the villages. No build out in sight.

[travelguy]

we had a fine dinner there last friday evening. my wife had pulled pork (the portion was huge and would have served two), and i had ribs. our sides were gumbo, baked beans, cole slaw, and sweet potato casserole. all of the sides were great, and my ribs were meaty, moist, and delicious. and the tea was not instant tea...refreshing!
we will be back.

[mrfixit]

An interesting side note.
The guy told me he was THE OWNERS FATHER and owned all the adjacent land.

He also stated that a very large portion had been sold to the villages and was scheduled for development as part of the villages. No build out in sight.

Horray for J.C. I am glad he was able to make the deal.
He is a wonderful man. Just talking to him is a treat in itself.
I relish the wisdom of our elders. ( OK..he is not that much older than me)