11/03/09

This passes for barbeque?

by daveshaw77

I had already tried most of the other barbeque places in Ft. Lauderdale, and wanted to experience something different. Lesson learned. The ambiance was pleasant, our waitress was friendly, and the orange cake was unique and excellent. Having said that, it was hands down the worst entree I have ever had dining out. The brisket can best be described as cold, grey, thinly cut deli meat topped with a tasteless, canned red sauce. The beans had an overpowering onion flavor, and were poorly seasoned. If trapped under a rock, I'd rather eat my own leg.

• Pros: Has a roof.
• Cons: The food.

08/17/09

Under new management and owner

by CSMobileUser3

they have cleaned it up, great drinking hole upstairs , truths Bimini bread and conch chowder

01/06/09

Good food, horrible, horrible service!!

by SFloridaLocal

Living in South Florida for most of my life, I was suprised to find out that there was such amazing food right around the corner from me that I had never tried! But by the end of my visit I realized why I had never heard much about the place. THE SERVICE WAS HORRIBLE!

A former bartender myself I am not dillusional and I completely understand what is to be expected of a server/bartender. Unfortunately our server/bartender didn't get the same memo. Apparently the people who work at Ernies BBQ are allowed to drink on the job! Our waitress was rude, nasty, and seemed to be intoxicated. She couldn't remember a thing we asked for, and I am pretty sure she forgot to put in my tables order. When we asked (after 20 minutes!!) where our food was, she replied in a rude tone of voice, "I'll get it when I'm ready." Then proceeded to stumble down the stairs and retreive our order.

I am not a picky customer in any way and feel terribly guilty about posting this, but the service at Ernies BBQ is horrendous and this review serves as a warning for all who visit!

On a good note, the ribs were excellent, and they had a VERY unique and delicious BBQ sauce!

• Pros: BBQ, Scenery, Upstairs area
• Cons: SERVICE

11/23/08

Ernies is Discusting!

by peacebeautyandhope

At the request of our friends, who had a dire need for barbecue, we went to Ernies. Ernies boasts they have been in that location since 1957. From the decor, you can tell they are right! The tables and chairs look like they are falling apart and the place looks dirty! We sat with an open mind and ordered our appetizers. Nothing too hard, we ordered the fried combo- Mozz sticks, fried mushrooms, and zucchini sticks. When they arrived, we were shocked to find out our fried mushrooms were spoiled! We told the waitress, who said she had to tell the manager. Then she led me to believe that half the cost would be taken off our check and she brought more mozz sticks. Our main meal arrived. We stuck with bbq ribs. Figured that is what they do, so we ate bbq ribs and chicken. The food was tasteless! My ribs seemed like they were boiled meat without seasoning. The bbq sauce was on the side and it was horrific! It seems they only have one bbq sauce and they make it. It is like tomato juice, hot sauce, and chopped onion- and it looks and tastes like that! The bbq comes with overboiled tasteless corn. When we received our bill for near $100 we almost fell to the floor! None of us ate our food, and we felt like we had been taken for a ride! The manager never came to our table and nothing was taken off our check for the appetizer. When the waitress was questioned about that, she just put the check on the table and said I misunderstood and walked away! You live and learn. Anyone who said Ernies serves good food are ignorant locals who never had good barbecue to begin with! Save yourself, your stomach, and your money! Eat anyplace else!

• Pros: no pros
• Cons: all cons

05/24/08

Yum-o

by JodeeD

I have been going to Ernie's since I was a kid. I'm now in my 30's and we go there or order in at least once a month. The BBQ beef and all the conch (salad, fritters and chowder) are delicious!

Editorial Review by Christy Buena

by Contributor

Known for its chowder, the restaurant serves all American fare including hamburgers and cheesesteak sandwiches and offers outdoor dining.

10/06/06

THE Best Conch Chowder EVER anywhere.

by askahomeopath

I first went to Ernie's when I was 18. I got the conch chowder. That conch chowder has remained the best I have ever had since and I am now 56. I wish I lived down there to get it all the time or if they would sell it frozen and shipped. Wonderful stuff!

Alva Irish

08/15/06

terrible ribs!

by ruthiemaynot

The ribs here are on my top 5 list as worst ribs ever! The meat has no flavor; the sauce taste like Open Pit grocery store sauce. Also ordered the conch fritters and what a disappointment. Luckily the corn on the cob and cole slaw was not too bad. I will not be returning to Ernie's 'Bar-b-que. :(

03/09/06

Should be part of your Ft Lauderdale visit

by ohiojohn

Ernies is a place from the old Lauderdale days of the 60s~80's. A day where students came to Ft Lauderdale for fun, and didn'y have to impress everyone. The barbeque, and Conch Chowder is excellent. Get the Half Pork or Beef Sandwich, and a bowl of Chowder for $8.95. Good servings, Great Taste, Great Price. Possibly the best Conch Chowder that I have ever had, at least top two. The place is nothing fancy, but a friendly atmosphere.

• Pros: Conch Chowder, Pulled/Sliced Pork, Pulled/Sliced Beef
• Cons: Its 1200 M. From Ohio

07/22/05

A little history

by kn671x

I grew up in Lauderdale and Ernie's was part of it. When the old man Ernie owned the place and for years afterward you could read Ernie's tirades he had painted on the wall. He hated the goverment and the whole money system. Anyway his food was great and the beer was cold, I always had a bowl of chowder w/Sherry, and a Bar-B-Q sandwich. Though I no longer live in Lauderdale I always stop at Ernie's. It's tradition! Last time I was there all of Ernie's stuff was painted over, that was a sin.

• Pros: food, service, beer
• Cons: parking, parking, parking