Rob T.
Yelp
As pretentious as it sounds, Bubi's has become a bit of a paradox. They very proudly put right in their menu how, 30 years ago,they bucked major trends and re-invented the hamburger with their amazing revolutionary garlic sauce. Way to go, Bubi's. You really did create something new and unique. But if you're trying to sound like the type of place that's bold and different then you've got to keep re-inventing yourself. It doesn't really sound like you've done anything new and different since that big, bold step 30 years ago.
Which is why I am only occasionally in the mood for Bubi's. It offers something different, yes. But it's always the same. So, if I find myself in fear of a vampire attack, I'll go eat there and reek of garlic for an indefinite period of time, afterwards.
I'm sure there are items on the menu that aren't smothered in their garlic sauce. I haven't found them, yet. And while I'm not complaining about the taste of the sauce (it is quite delicious), I am tired of the fact that it overpowers any other flavor that your food was meant to have. Which means that, no matter what you order, the food all kinda tastes the same. Which, to me, makes for a frustrating dining experience. If I'm ordering the same thing every time (which is something I am known to do at certain places that I frequent - they will actually call out: "Your usual, Rob?" as I walk in!) then I can't complain. But it does disenchant me a bit that I have tried something different every time I go into Bubi's in the vain hope that I will find some degree of variance in flavor but still just get a great big wallop of garlicky goodness. Which is why it loses a few stars in its rating.
Having said all that, I will add that Bubi's does offer some of the best service you will find in Windsor. Excellent waitstaff - friendly, attentive and efficient. You even have to compliment the cooks for their sensitivity. Bubi's has a weird kitchen set-up (which is something else that should maybe have changed after 30 years). If you're sitting on the second floor then you can hear anything being said in the kitchen as clear as day. Having worked in a kitchen or two, I know that cooks and chefs can say the most horrid of things. But they seem to be aware that their voices project into the dining area and never say anything legitimately offensive. They're still very smarmy and sarcastic, of course. But that's part of working in a kitchen!
But as good as your staff might be - that's just window dressings. Restaurants should be all about the food, first. In fact, I'll put up with a bit of bad service if the food is worth it. But there is a fundamental flaw to Bubi's menu that they need to fix. It might even be as simple as telling the waitstaff to place a greater emphasis on making the garlic sauce optional.
By no means do I think this place is terrible. But, because it is so married to its sauce, I'm only in the mood for it from time to time...