Mo-Betta is one of the best-known curbside barbecue spots in Tallahassee. Sitting at the corner of Apalachee Parkway and Capital Circle Southeast, it has been up and running for more than 10 years.
The best way to describe Mo-Betta is pointing out its Southern style with outdoor picnic styled seating, a hospitable staff, and the air around it filled with the aroma of smoked barbecue. They bring a calming and inviting touch to the area considering they share a space with a Shell gas station.
But that doesn’t stop customers from walking up to the red and yellow food truck and placing an order.
With a broad menu of pork, chicken and beef, it is accommodating for those who want to enjoy barbecue but do not eat pork. I had the 1/3 pound beef brisket dinner which came with two sides, a small container of sauce, and a slice of buttered toast. For the sides I chose potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and a cup of sweet tea.
The brisket was delicious. Although a little fatty for my liking, it was seasoned and cooked well and went especially well with the side of sauce that comes with it. The sauce has a kick to it, with a sweet and tangy flair. It also packs a little heat but is not spicy.
The piece of toast had a weird taste to it, so I did not care for it. The potato salad, mustard-based, was OK — not the best I ever had but I would eat it again. As for the macaroni, I was not too impressed. It tasted as if it came from a box, with the cheese tasting powder-based, it was not homemade. However, the sweet tea was everything I needed it to be, sweet and cold.
The prices are a bit steep, with no meal on the menu less than $8. My meal was about $15, but for that price I did not walk away feeling hungry.
This may not be in budget when trying to feed a family. I would not consider Mo-Betta to be my favorite barbecue spot. However, I would eat there again, possibly ordering something else on the menu.
Due to COVID-19, it has temporarily closed from taking orders face-to-face, but you can place an order via GrubHub and have it delivered.