This is the end of an era. The people who kept this place running during Covid, then treated like we were a burden. Thanks Kiki for keeping this going as long as you did with their disregard of your 11 years! read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Death of a neighborhood place. - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Always thought of this place as a "bar". We came here for a seminar meeting with dinner provided. The server was attentive, the food was excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a nice place very roomie, in a strip mall(corner), plenty of parking.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The seminar was in the back private room which is very nice, bright, plenty of comfortable seating with TV.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

RIP Bootleggers. They've been out of basic bar & food items for months. So much so that they've posted a notice on the door that they are operating on a limited menu. $2 HH Coors Lights are now $5 and $10 (off happy hour). It seems like an obvious last gasp for cash before closing. read more

Pretty good food although a bit over priced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice environment but pretty empty at dinner time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I think the neighborhood has moved on from this location with other options now open. I'd come more of prices were more reasonable. read more

I don't usually leave mediocre reviews, just stellar or super bad but felt compelled. This could have easily be a 1 star review except for three things: *Our server was awesome! He was attentive, friendly, and just all around awesome. I wish I could remember his name to leave it here. * The pork belly taco was amazing! The green pork taco was a close 2nd. And for $3 they were a deliciously great deal. * The Old Fashioned cocktail was pretty darned good. We also ordered the deviled eggs. They were pretty to look at but I think they were also pretty old. The egg consistency was weird and they made our tongue tingle in the way things that have soured do. We took one bite and sent them back. The brisket nachos were dry, with hardly any cheese. I think they were pre-made and then just warmed up. No salsa, sour cream or anything to make them a bit more robust. We asked for some BBQ sauce to help with the dryness. The sauce was clearly some cheap bottled sauce. Not delicious and very surprising for a BBQ restaurant! The corn on the cob was fine. I'd order again but nothing to rave over. The menu pricing is steep for BBQ especially given that the sides that come with the entrees are coleslaw and a tortilla. If a pulled pork bbq sandwich costs $25 then you should get 2 sides of your choosing. They do have an all day happy hour menu with lower prices for the summer, which is what we ordered from. It was a disappointing experience. read more

I dont give places low scores wantonly, but I feel like I should warn people who are lured in by the good reviews. Here's the rundown of the food I recieved (ordered on UberEats): -Brisket: Best thing here; actually pretty good -Ribs: 2/3 good, 1/3 burnt to where it made knocking sound against table -Pulled pork: average -Bbq beans: not sweet at all and runny -Coleslaw: completely spoiled (maybe it had been sitting out a long time in heat? Not sure. -Turkey: very dry -Sausages: good flavor but dry -Mashed cauliflower: weird taste unlike most cauliflower -Roasted corn: good (but it is hard to mess up being literally a cooked ear of corn, lol) -seasonal cobbler: just look at the photo of this sad little guy, lol read more

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Recently enjoyed a fun weeknight dinner at Bootleggers. The food was wonderful -- we shared a large beet salad and the brisket plate, which was moist and flavorful, served with tortillas and coleslaw. Thenc9bbler for dessert was excellent down to the last crumb. Service was top-notch from Eduardo who was also hosting and bartending that nite. He was prompt and friendly and had good suggestions. Highly recommend. read more

I visited Bootleggers on a Sunday at around 7:45. At this time there was only 1 other couple in the restraunt sitting at the bar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restraunt was very clean and had a nice modern looking bar setup.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I sat down at a table ad ordered the capote classic burger. It took about 10 minutes for it to arrive. The burger was delicious. It had some type of mayo based sauce on it and the bun was toasted perfectly. It also came with some kettle chips. I'll be honest the burger tasted great but the 20$ price tag was a little high. I can see paying 15 but 20 is a little excessive. On a side note the waitress/bartender was wonderful. I left my credit card there and didn't realize it until a few minutes before close but she was nice enough to allow me to come back slightly after close to pick it up. [[HIGHLIGHT]]All in all the burger was great. The service and atmosphere was great as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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RIP Bootleggers... I've been a frequent customer for over 10 years and I've seen some changes during that time, but it's as if they're now ready to close the doors. 1. The best bartender in Phoenix Lexi is gone again. She helped bring in the business and helped keep customers at the bar. 2. [[HIGHLIGHT]]No more live music on Friday nights. WTF?!?![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 3. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Crappy 90's country music playing in the background now? Totally ruins the vibe. WTF?!? And I like country music sometimes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 4. The food seems to be smaller portions and the quality is lacking. Unfortunately, I won't be returning anytime soon after my depressing visit last night... It's time for new ownership or at the very least new management to bring Bootleggers back... read more

How about on a Friday night you don't turn the lights up to bright? OMG. Awful. Entertainment and dinner.... ( always great).... But PLEASE..... turn off the brights. read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - French dip - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Fernanda welcomed us with open arms! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The energy at Bootleggers was fresh & fun with high frequency of vibes & spirits from the staff & bar-goers alike.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will definitely be back. read more

Loved this place. Meat was delicious and had so much flavor. The nachos were a must for the table and not one chip was left behind. I wanted to try the dumplings but also wanted to try the pork belly tacos which were fantastic. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We went on a Monday evening and it was pretty empty which was surprising but I am guessing because of the location.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I didn't realize there were two different locations. This one however was perfect for my group. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor was rustic and modern and loved all the old garage shop lamps and exposed brick.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A must try if you are in the area! read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We haven't been here I awhile. The last time we came the food was good and the dining room was busy. All of that has changed! Dining room was empty besides us and one other couple. The food was an expensive disappointment! The meat was dry, coleslaw bland and the BBQ sauce was bland and chunky! We got some wings and they had a pasty bbq sauce just plopped on top. Not a good dining experience. Cross it off the list! read more

worse food, worse pricing and had serious health department violations in July 2025 google it, this is no lie. Pulled pork, right from costco...turkey sandwich....no comment, fries...awful and a brownie for dessert was $14.50 which is a total rip off. Guy Fieri seems to be crazy to endorse this place. read more

The bar staff was terrific. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Live music on Friday.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Open for lunch. Nice custom cocktail menu, but a bit pricey. Highlight is the food. Shocked how good everything was. We had the deviled eggs, wedge salad and smoked meat platter. Outstanding flavors, perfect prep. If you're gluten free ask for corn tortillas. The corn appetizer looked amazing too but I was too full. read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Nice big bar with 16 seats, some high tops, some tables and booths. Decent ambiance & decor. Good selection of local beer & spirits. - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Stopped by this hidden gem on our way to our resort in Scottsdale and what a find it was! The service was great and Lexi was an amazing server. The food was fantastic and ask Lexi for her extra spicy Bloody Mary. We had the smoked jalapeño poppers, a Cobb salad and the Snitch burger. All were top notch and delicious. We may have to stop by on our way back to the airport ! read more

THIS. PLACE. IS. AMAZING. First of all... they have a summer happy hour special ALL DAY EVERY DAY. 1/2 off all draft, $5 wines and well drinks. I mean come on... 2nd... their happy hour food menu is also to die for. They have 4 tacos to choose from and seriously they are all dripping delicious, good amount of meat, great heat and spice but just so fresh and tasty. I got 6 of all of them and wish I got 2 more. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place needs more love and more patrons to come in because I was the only one here for my entire lunch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] COME AND ENJOY IT people!! Service was great! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is cool country rock bar vice. Very nice, chill, delicious place to be.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And again... happy hour ALL DAY EVERY DAY for the summer... read more

We came here a little over a year ago and really enjoyed it, so we were excited to come back and bring friends for some bbq on the 4th. Unfortunately, this time was a big letdown. The food was extremely mediocre and way overpriced for the quality. What really stood out--in a bad way--were the drinks. My wife and friend's wife both ordered margaritas, and what came out was basically a glass of simple syrup with a splash of tequila and a lime wedge. Our replacement drinks were not much better. Truly some of the worst cocktails we've seen served at a restaurant. Our server was friendly and attentive, but it didn't make up for the disappointment. We felt embarrassed for recommending this place to our friends and will not been going back. read more

I was in the mood for prime rib and took a chance coming in for our first time. The ambiance was great - not too loud. Our server Kiki (hope I spelled this right) was amazing - spot-on recommendation with my drink. The prime rib was fantastic and my husband enjoyed the smoked mussels. Bootleggers has made it on to our date night rotation. read more

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Both our burgers were fantastic! Fries and sweet potato fries also excellent. Joe took great care of us also!

The food is good, that's why we went for dinner at 6:30 on a Saturday night. We waited and waited, then we got water. We waited and waited and were finally able to get our drink order in, and we ordered our food (which I never do but I could tell we needed to as the delay was imminent). Then we waited and waited and waited 1.5 hours for our food. The server ignored us (Natali), never came by to ask how our meal was after waiting an eternity. The "manager" in the red jeans was completely avoiding any sort of hospitable moment to say, hey, you're food will be out asap, so sorry, ANYTHING. It was more like the customers were a nuisance rather than guests. I will never darken your doorways again. Pathetic, and no accountability taken. You're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays now, and I suspect you'll be closed permanently soon. read more

Not sure if we were more disappointed in the food or the service. Seems they are a bit understaffed, but took way too long to order, get food and get out. Food was not cooked to ordered temp and toppings that were asked to be left off, were on. Overall the quality of the meals, won't be calling us back here. Not sure which show this was featured on, that made me bookmark it, but I assume it was a while ago. read more

Stopped by for dinner on Saturday night. Our experience at Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse was beyond disappointing. From the start, the service was a mess. The manager took our name and number for the waitlist but somehow lost it. We had to go back inside to check on our table after seeing another family--who arrived after us--get seated first. Once we finally got a table, we waited 30 minutes just for water. Our waitress was literally cleaning a table behind us but never acknowledged us. When we finally placed our order, the food was a letdown. The smoked jalapeño poppers were soft and barely warm, and the boot dumplings were terrible. The kitchen sink guacamole was the only decent thing we ate. To make things worse, I ordered an Old Flapper, but they were missing "an ingredient" and just told me they couldn't make it--no alternative offered. Our waitress didn't even come back to ask if I wanted to order something else. The overall service was horrible, and the manager did absolutely nothing to make things right. With so many great places around, I would not recommend wasting your time or money here. read more

Excellent happy hour with a great variety of cocktails, tacos and more. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is comfortable and the service is attentive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely go again! read more

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Oh gosh !! I am enjoying some pork belly tacos and the level of deliciousness it is incredible!! Super tasty, nice and warm ! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Soooo clean and customer service is always very nice and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Yumm city !! Love their brisket nachos and these tacos too !! read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Pork Belly Taco - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Called the night before and was told the kitchen was closing ... it was at 8 pm ... Called the next day and we were happy to know their kitchen is open until 9. First impression it was more a bar lounge feel. The dinner side was almost too dark. Gentlemen who assist us with order was very nice and helpful. We ordered prime rib, mashed potatoes, broccoli Mac and cheese balls, and seasoned fries. To be honest i only liked the Mashed potatoes and seasoned fries. Everything else was okay. Over all 3 stars read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Delicious flights - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I've been to Bootleggers for dinner- happy hour and, tonight I ordered for delivery. Last I was there for dinner, I had the French dip. The meat was very fatty. The au jus sauce delicious. For Happy Hour- the mussels are your best deal and imo the largest portion for the price. Do not order the $11 deviled eggs because, you get 1.5 eggs. The portion is ridiculously small. It's almost embarrassing to serve 1.5 halved eggs in a plate for that price. Maybe, the eggs should be charged by $2 a piece so, you aren't shocked by the portion. 2 people have to decide whom gets the .5. Embarrassing. Large jumbo shrimp are $2 a piece Happy Hour elsewhere with a fancy presentation. The "Snitch" is what I ordered for delivery. Grub Hub delivered and the meal did not arrive very hot. The fries were soggy and the coleslaw - not bad. The coleslaw tasted fresh and was light- good with a hamburger. However, a $28.00 Hamburg should be pretty exceptional. I'd rate as good/average, not the best. The meat was unseasoned and the bbq sauce was very basic. The Snitch- not overwhelmed but, not underwhelmed. The atmosphere is very relaxing. Dim lights- take your glasses/ readers. Sometimes, they have live music. Sometimes, people bring their crying babies. I wouldn't recommend for Happy Hour because, unhappy kids have no where to play or be entertained. Since the location is in my neighborhood, I'll return and keep trying different menu items. read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - The Snitch Hamburger - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Dimly lit, chill, quaint, cool little place.good to take a client out for some food and/or drinks. Good to go on a date night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not the best for kids, leave them home with a sitter lol[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not a ton of seating, but that's part of what makes this place neat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Price is kinda high, more than we are used to. So that's why we only go when my father in law takes us out, or if we go on a date night. Service was good. Not bad, not exceptional. Overall we like this place and we actually do recommend it to others! read more

This place is out of this world... I wish that we had it closer to our home, but it is worth the drive. The bacon board is freaking out of this world, the deviled eggs are spectacular, and the prime rib is to die, for they have live music and when they don't have live music their house music is just so much fun to listen to. You would think that this would be an adult only restaurant/bar but it's a perfect place to bring your family for an incredible meal at affordable prices. read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The service was excellent! The staff were all friendly and made sure we were happy with everything. The food was very tasty and there was plenty of it! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The seating was nice and the atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - The Turkey Breast entree with the goat cheese mashed potatoes, tortillas, and bbq sauce - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Weird experience. Ordered a drink. Bar brings it then 5 minutes later brings another drink and takes the original drink. We sent back the second drink because it was full of pepper! The waitress was nice enough creating a pleasant experience. The food was pretty good but very pricey! read more

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I visit Boots every couple months for happy hour with former work colleagues. Bootleggers has a young, cheerful vibe and the waitstaff have always made me feel genuinely welcome even though I'm an old guy. They have a great sounding audio system and an eclectic play list that is a real treat for anyone who loves good music. Low lighting enhances the experience. My top spot to visit for a cold beer at the end of a hot day. read more

Talk about an amazing meal! First time here at Bootleggers and first resturant on our trip to AZ. The Boot Dumplings were awesome! The Pork Belly and Shimp pair very well together in the dumplind and the Mango Chipotle / Beet Coulis work very well with them. I highly recommend the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich if you're as big of a fan as I am. The bun was toasted perfectly and held in all the flavors from the pulled pork, slaw and BBQ sauce. I will definitely be coming back here on my next trip to AZ! Thanks for a great experience! read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich - Slow Smoked Pork with Pecan and Oak Wood, Cole Slaw, BBQ Sauce, Spiced Aioli, Bun - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Omg this totally slayed!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got a cheese burger with the house chips and they slayed so so so much. We also got the mac and cheese balls and they were amazingly slay. We also got the bacon board and it was yummy yum yum. The guacamole was also very very very yummy. The water was the best and better than other waters. The service was nice and the people were kind. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was nice and quiet but not the feeling of abandonment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not a lot of people which is sad but this place totally slayed 10/10.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I'm rating this restaurant a 3 for the food. The food for the most part is always good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The mood and atmosphere here continues to deteriorate and at this rate I don't know how they are still open. It's like a funeral home in there![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Like...hello...owners!!! What is going on?! We want to support and love our local businesses but this has to change! I've called twice to speak to an owner or GM at the Scottsdale location and all I get on the phone are the same personalities that exhibit the same daunting demeanor. Someone send help...they don't seem to be ok‍ read more

Appetizers were so yummy, my favorite appetizer was the Mac and cheese bites. I thought they would be small because they were called "bites" but they were huge!!! The bacon board had so many types of bacon. I had no room for my burger at the end, but the burger was great! Our food came out really fast after we ordered.The service was amazing and the server was so nice to us. 5/5 would recommend so very much!!!!!! read more

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Bootleggers is legit. Great place for locals and those looking for a longtime staple. I recommend sitting at the bar. Service, food and beer selection is great. I went with the sriracha smoked wings. Great choice if you love wings. The pickled veggies was a great touch. #DukeOfEats read more

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse - Sriracha Smoked Wings - Smokehouse Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Stopped by @bootleggerssmokehouse in Phoenix this past weekend for some appetizers and drinks. We ordered the Smoked Wings, fried Mac N Cheese balls, Deep Fried Ice cream for dessert along with a few cocktails. The food was delicious and the drinks were tasty. Will be back to check out their BBQ on the next visit! * Smoked Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. * Fried Mac N Cheese Balls- Pasta, Bechamel Creamy Cheese Sauce, and Panko Crumbs. * Fried Ice Cream- Cinnamon Sugar Coated Tortilla Bowl Filled with Deep Fried Ice Cream and Topped with Chocolate Syrup. * The Flapper Cocktail- House Infused Strawberry Moonshine, Orgeat Syrup, Mint, Lemon, and Bubbles. read more

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Very disappointing. When they first opened, the standards were very high. After a few years, the prices increased and the portions decreased (Chipotle effect). This restaurant has odd hours and the service is slow and uncaring. Sad to see the decay of a once promising neighborhood business. read more

The service was slow as molasses even though only a few tables were occupied. We got a wide selection of meats between all of us at the table. Most was too dry, the turkey especially, also the brisket. read more