I grew up in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines in the 80s. Back then Le Tub was great bar to go to – not only did it have a great atmosphere but they didn’t card me and I was only 17. We didn’t go there for the food – we went for rum & cokes and a great view of the Intracoastal at night. Yes, we occasionally ordered food and the burgers were good, but what people fail to understand is that Le Tub was (and is) primarily a bar.

I now live in Massachusetts but occasionally visit South Florida. A few years back, I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard about the all the publicity GQ and Oprah had generated. This funky little former gas station nestled among the trees and foliage had garnered some huge attention for its burgers. I can completely understand the locals for being real upset (they lost their watering hole) as well as the tourists’ frustration (“this is the best burger in America?!?”). It seems the owner is caught in the middle, a victim of his own success.

My advice to tourists and burger-hounds is to understand that this is a small local bar that just happens to serve a really good burger. This is not fine dining by any stretch of the imagination. Most of the seating is actually located outside.

Go into Le Tub expecting the worse (possibly surly service, long wait times, overpriced menu items, limited parking, and no credit cards) but hoping for the best (an awesome char-grilled burger, real good fries, and cold beer). Bring cash and your patience. To avoid crowds, try off-hours (like 3 in the afternoon during the week) or off-season (July anyone?).

My most recent visit was January 2008. I went at 3pm on a Wednesday and had no wait. It took about 15 minutes for my $11 cheeseburger to arrive. Yes, it was charred on the outside and almost rare on the inside. Yes, it was a big, sloppy mess. But it was awesome.

BOTTOM LINE:
If you temper your expectations with some reality, you will probably have a good time.

Address, directions, and menu available at: www.theletub.com