Smokey Bones, Clearwater, FL

Date: 01/25/2010
Time: Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: 2893 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female

Immediate Impression:
I've been here before, but its been awhile...I am slightly concerned about the new menus and the new uniforms...hmmm

Service:
AWFUL!!! When we first sat, one of the 3 bartenders was quick to get our drink order, but it went downhill from there. It took forever to order our food, when the food came out the busser wasn't sure who it belonged to, we had to interrupt a conversation to get butter, and they walked by our empty dishes for a good 20 minutes - even after I stacked them in a nice neat pile!! However, our bill and our change came really quick!

Also, I don't mind if employees sit at the bar, especially if they are NOT in uniform, but then don't embarrass yourself. It seems the guest to our right was one of the managers of the restaurant, he and a good cross section of the staff, including the Kitchen Manager, were making fools of themselves.

Menu/Food:
I went here for the ribs and their donuts, but the donuts aren't even on the menu anymore, and the ribs are on the last page. They seem to be focusing more on their appetizers and drinks - which I will start with.

We were offered 2-4-1 Top Shelf Margaritas - DON'T DO IT!!! The were disgusting, way to much sour mix and the tequila is nasty. Not sure what they used but it should be well liquor. Plus their 2-4-1 is a rip-off, one 10oz drink costs $8.75.

My guest and I decided to split our meal since we weren't starving - we ordered the Pretzel Rod appetizer, their corn bread appetizer, and the double trouble (1/3 Rack of Baby Back Ribs w/original glaze and 1/3 Rack of St. Louis Ribs w/Smoked Mesquite Rub), side of broccoli, and a side of mash potatoes.

The only item which was somewhat good was the corn bread appetizer, and even that was mushy.

Honestly, everything was undercooked and tough. It seemed like they cooked it 2/3 of the way so that you could go home and finish the cooking. The broccoli was hard, the mashed potatoes were tasteless, the St. Louis Ribs were tough and the rub was ridiculously salty and I think they used hot sauce, the baby backs were tough yet rubbery!

I was completely and utterly disappointed!

Price:
Reasonable, but after eating I wish I could get my money back.

Final thought:
Completely unhappy with my experience there, will not return, and I suggest, if the thought crosses your mind, change it quickly. You only get to eat so many meals, don't waste one here!