Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse

Bootleggers has the best burger I've ever eaten anywhere!! The quality meat, whiskey onions, smoked bacon and special sauce make this burger. Not to mention the soft and delicious pretzel bun! In addition, the apple pie moonshine is to die for. I will going back again to try other things on their menu!!

Great food for meat lovers. Rustic as my friend put it. The cocktails were quite unique and enjoyable. Service was timely and fabulous. Loved it!!

Completely understaffed, one chef in the kitchen...I think our server was hiding from us out of embarrassment over the hour and a half wait for our food so therefore we had no drinks either. Keep our drinks full and bring a basket of chips to the table and all would have been good. Very bad day for Bootleggers and not a manager in sight.

Unlike some reviewers, I'm not a connoisseur of barbecue, but I enjoy it when I can. I had read about *the* local Phoenix hotspot for barbecue, but it sounded too hectic and I just wanted some decent food with normal table service. So I did a little more research and found Bootleggers. It was a bit of a hike from the airport hotel where I was staying, but worth the 20-minute drive. Service was a bit slow but the server was good. I was disappointed that there were no combo barbecue selections (except for a sampler made for at least 2, and I was dining alone). I would have liked a half-brisket, half-hot link option, but I went with the server's recommendation and got the brisket with a side of mac and cheese. The brisket was delicious, nice and juicy, a bit fatty but I've had fattier. There was no sauce served with it, but it didn't need it. The standard fixin's included a roll and cole slaw, which were fine, nothing special. The mac and cheese was good but a little bland. I enjoyed draft Hop Knot IPA from the local Four Peaks Brewing Company, and there were some other good selections from the beer list. Prices were quite reasonable. Overall, a decent experience, and I would return next time I am in Phoenix.

The food was not worth the price. I ordered the smoked turkey, which had a nice smoky flavor but was dry and offered only a small portion for $15. The coleslaw was creamy but overly drenched in sauce—it was practically drinkable. Others in my group tried the brisket, burger, and pork chop, and I didn't hear anyone express how good their meals were. One visit is enough for me.