Bootleg Bar-B-Q image

Bootleg Bar-B-Q

Restaurant Family restaurant Catering service Barbecue restaurant Chicken wings restaurant Wedding service Southern us restaurant

Outpost of a long-running local eatery featuring hickory pit-roasted pork & scratch-made sides. People often mention good, time, sandwich, sauce, beans, brisket, baked, order, cheese, wings,


Address

9704 Old Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40291, United States

Website

www.bootlegbbq.com

Contact

+1 502-239-2722

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11:30 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday: 11:30 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 11:30 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 11:30 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 11:30 am to 8 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11:30 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (20) time (15) sandwich (14) sauce (12) beans (12) brisket (10) baked (10) order (9) cheese (9) wings (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 D H. 1 year ago on Google
    Very well cooked food. I got the Cajun pork sandwich and was not disappointed. Enjiyer the nostalgia of the environment. The only criticism, is I would suggest asking for light sauce on any of the meats in order to get a taste of the smokiness.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jordan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Tried this place for lunch for the first time. Great food! The flavor is something you need to try yourself. Pretty good! Only bummer is the wings, you need to order 3 hours in advance. And the baby back ribs don’t have a whole lot of meat on them. But will be back for sure.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food! Must try the wings, they are only available to order in advance though . Great to order for family gatherings.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abbee 2 years ago on Google
    Near and dear picked this out because he wanted to try the mutton. Spoiler! It was really good! We called ahead to make sure they had outdoor dining and if it was dog friendly. Yes to both!! They have a very nice outdoor dining area. The young lady that took my order was very friendly and answered all my questions. It didn't take long for them to bring out our order. I ordered the Big Nasty with brisket on a whim. I had never seen anything like it and was really glad I did. The other winners were the mutton, Kentucky burgoo and the cactus salad. Everything was good but those are on the definitely want that again. We're looking forward to coming back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith P. 1 year ago on Google
    Been going here for at least 15 years. Best BBQ in town for sure. Not a close 2nd. Next party you host, order 100 smoked wings, everyone will love you. Better call a day ahead of time though. Oddly enough, first time I ever saw this sign 🤣😂😅.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Janet B. 2 years ago on Google
    Its was ok not worth the $18.00 the ribs were just ok the potatoe salad & baked beans had way too much onion the best thing was the little cup of mild bbq sauce Disappointment!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hermina W. 1 year ago on Google
    Tried this place for the first time on Mother’s Day with the family. I had a taste for brisket and was sorely disappointed in what I received. The sandwich came already sauced which indicates to me there was something to hide! After biting in to the sandwich I couldn’t taste any of the pit or smoked flavor I was hoping for and always enjoy when I eat brisket. My sides were Mac & cheese and baked beans. The noodles were way too mushy and tasteless. The baked beans were slightly better but rather runny. The baby back ribs were virtually meatless and not very filling for my teen daughter. My husband didn’t eat very much of his brisket sandwich either and left his sides. The red beans and rice wasn’t tasty at all but the green beans were so so. Told management and they asserted it’s the same food they’ve served since 1991. Didn’t ask for our money back but reassured them we won’t return!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin F. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is always delicious. They cater, offer carry out, and now opened a dine in option. You can get all the regular BBQ food, but they also offer vegetarian options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon T. 4 months ago on Google
    Great BBQ. Nice staff. Clean. Not too pricey.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Holly W. 3 months ago on Google New
    I would of put a sign on the door to run!!! Do not stop! Do not eat here! The teenage staff is so disrespectful and frankly inappropriate. My family was treated so poorly by the management and every single staff person...pointing fingers and gawking from the kitchen. The management made excuses for the staff to treat customers poorly. My kids thought that they spit in our food for how we were so poorly treated. My kids thought they were racist by how they were nice to all the white people and ignored us and how they whispered and pointed. I wouldn't recommend going here. Don't waste your time or money.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rhonda H. 1 year ago on Google
    For more than 30 years, Bootleg Bar-B-Q has established itself as a true Kentucky original with lean and tender pit-smoked barbecue, made-from-scratch side dishes, desserts, sauces, and Louisville’s best wings. The foundations of Bootleg’s signature “Bootleg-style” offerings are rooted in old-fashioned cooking techniques and “from the farm” family recipes handed down through the generations, drawing heavily from Kentucky’s rich tradition of smoked & cured meats and home-style country cooking. Locals and travelers alike often stop by for a generous helping of down-home hospitality and BBQ that’s “So Good It Oughta Be Illegal! They came from a humble beginning with a outdoor kitchen area in a small wooden building in And then expanded to a sit down restaurant . Their barbecue sauce is award Winning with its unique flavors And slight lip burn. Great sides and home made desserts Their food is definitely great and they have earned a reputation of A valued business in our community My local favorite I love their unique barbecue sauce and smoked meats Catering too
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Daniel C. 1 year ago on Google
    Live close by so have been here a handful of times. I usually end up spending quite a bit and leaving hungry. Normally get the ribs and find they have a great taste but there is very little meat on them. The sides are small too which makes the price for them a bit on the high side. 3 stars for the taste, would give 5 sides if they'd give you better portions.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tyler B. 2 years ago on Google
    Unfortunately we came out and they were still shut down to indoor dining.... With plastic hanging everywhere. Completely disproportional. Due to covid sensitivity. It's a shame I really use to enjoy this place. Plenty of other barbecue places, popping up around Louisville.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jennifer W. 4 months ago on Google
    Always loved Bootleg especially the sides. Today was very disappointing. The green beans were bland and even the potato salad tasted different and was definitely not as good. I will no longer be choosing Bootleg as my go to BBQ place.

  • 5/5 adam b. 1 year ago on Google
    Local. Friendly staff. Great pricing. good serving size. Plenty of seating. Many great food options. Every time I've been there, the staff remember us and greet us with smiles. Tried something new each time I've been there and am not disappointed. Several times I've eaten there and had enough to bring home for a second meal. Bonus!

  • 5/5 Anita H. 2 years ago on Google
    Bootleg is hands down an all time favorite of mine and probably everyone else's. The food is always delicious, unbelievably priced and it's consistent; you can't say that, unfortunately, for most eateries. I had the pulled pork sandwich and my friend had the brisket sandwich. He also ordered twice baked potatoes and oh!!! my!!! I would highly recommend trying them. Next time I'm getting the bread pudding with honey and bourbon. Yum!

  • 5/5 Lynn L. 1 year ago on Google
    Oh my goodness, gotta love me some Bootleg BBQ, I said to my momma and at that moment, her voice took on a sound of excitement..."would you like some Bootleg momma?".... Pleasantly surprised to see a complete makeover of this restaurant located just north of Mt Washington, Ky off Bardstown Rd. Ordered pulled chicken BBQ, potato salad, a slice of butter cream pie and bread pudding. Last night, momma and myself enjoyed your delightful food, leading to a pleasant visit. Thank you!

  • 3/5 Jess E. 7 months ago on Google
    Really had high hopes for this place. Unfortunately it reminded me of school cafeteria food. The "twice baked potatoes" was a scoop of mashed potatoes covered in liquid cheese and bacon bits. The "shredded chicken" didn't have much flavor and really wasn't shredded. Had to ask for BBQ sauce. At a BBQ restaurant. The girl at the counter seemed annoyed that I had even asked and gave me one small cup. Most legit BBQ places, have multiple sauces on the table. Unfortunately the food wasn't great, I didn't even eat most of it. Service also wasn't great.

  • 3/5 Cy M. 5 months ago on Google
    Stopped here for lunch while I was out riding the Louisville Loop on a bicycle. It is a short ride off the trail. I ordered the brisket sandwich with chips and a sweet tea. The brisket sandwich was very disappointing. It looked and tasted more like a shredded pulled pork sandwich. It was edible, but not very flavorful. It was drowning in barbecue sauce. The chips were just your typical store bought kettle chips. The sweet tea was good. Wood not go back, too many other good bar-b-q places to stop at.

  • 5/5 E J C. 11 months ago on Google
    Best pulled port (wet = meaning with sauce) I have had in a long long time!! The atmosphere is amazing. Very cool rustic feel. Everything we had was delicious. Well done. Even with two little league teams at the same time the service was spot on !

  • 2/5 Bruce M. 1 year ago on Google
    Passing through Kentucky & Bootleggers BBQ was recommended. We had a brisket sandwich & a pulled pork plate. It came out drenched in sauce which was weird. They had 3 different sauces choices but you couldn’t try them because the meat was drenched in one of the sauces. The mac & cheese had mushy pasta. The baked beans & coleslaw were good though!! The service wasn’t good, she took our order but didn’t recommend anything even after we told her we never been there before. This was our first time trying Kentucky BBQ, we were disappointed. Where we come from if the meat is drenched in sauce, the BBQ is usually lacking something and can’t stand on its own. We love BBQ sauce but as a condiment.

  • 5/5 Weston A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great ribs. Fall off the bone. The mild sauce was underwhelming but quality of the meat was good. Was unaware the dining room was close as I arrived but ordered at the front and got my food within 5-10 minutes. Really impressed!

  • 5/5 Josh B. 9 months ago on Google
    this is my second time there, the first time there was probably three or four years ago. I remember we went because my wife wanted to smoke chicken wings. We had to pre-order them and if you want them, you better pre-order them. We waited in line. We picked up our order and I thought how good can they be. Well, I remember we ate those wings as we drove down the road and I thought this is amazing! Fast forward to just a few days ago and for Father’s Day my father-in-law one of those wings. I was going to be in Louisville anyway, so I went ahead and picked them up. I did not remember exactly what they tasted like, but I did remember thinking they were really good. Well, they didn’t disappoint and they were excellent! I cannot wait until the next time I can go and pick up more of these things. We also had the blackberry cobbler which did not disappoint at all. It tasted exactly like you wanted it to. If you’re looking for some good wings and cobbler, bootleg barbecue is the place to be. I have to make myself try the other items now.

  • 3/5 Dustin M. 1 year ago on Google
    Got carryout, so this is only a review on the food experience and not the full restaurant experience. Got home and one of the buns had a green mold spot larger than quarter sized. The green beans didn't have much seasoning but were fine. The baked beans were pretty good, but the meat and sauce were just standard and not outstanding. With so many other great BBQ places around in the area...I wish my food and experience was better here since they are closer to me.

  • 5/5 Melani B. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was simple, hot and flavorful. Counter service and a quick wait. Twice baked potatoes came with molten cheese. The wood paneling inside gives a warm rustic feel.

  • 4/5 Steven M. 1 year ago on Google
    I had the brisket sandwich with Mac and cheese and baked beans. The beans were amazing! the Mac and cheese was a little bland and runny. The sandwich was good. Solid 4 out of 5. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 is I would have preferred a variety of sauces to chose from. Atmosphere was good, I went on a Tuesday for lunch so I didn't expect it to be packed but the outdoor dining space is for carry out only. I found that the lack of service outside was a little strange.

  • 4/5 George Butler J. 1 year ago on Google
    Brisket bbq sandwich with Mac n cheese and mashed taters with gravy **** Pork sandwich with mac n cheese and potato salad **** Excellent customer service Support local businesses!!!

  • 4/5 T. J. H. 1 year ago on Google
    Came for the mutton and burgu and can’t say I was disappointed. Never tried bbq mutton before and don’t have anything to compare it to but it was darn tasty. More places need to have it on menu. Burgo was good and Mac and cheese was creamy. Bread pudding was amazing. The only thing missing is I didn’t taste much smoke in the meat.

  • 5/5 Kevin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Bootleg barbecue was very good. The baked beans were delicious. The mashed potatoes were outstanding and the pulled pork was good too. The restaurant was very clean, great atmosphere, and the people were friendly.

  • 4/5 Shari M. 1 year ago on Google
    This was our first visit and we were not disappointed. The parking lot even smelled good! Walked in to counter ordering but a friendly greeting and helpful team member to guide ordering. The lobby wasn't too busy but clean and our food was out quickly. Nice portions and everything was delicious. The brisket YUMMY! Others in our group tried pork and chicken all with positive reviews. We will be back!


Call +1 502-239-2722 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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