The aim of this work is to provide more insight into the general modeling criteria for simulating pseudo-2D bubbling fluidized beds. For this purpose, two experimental-based problems are studied. First, a fluidized bed with a high-speed central jet problem is analyzed. A qualitative study of the first bubble indicates that the bubble shape prediction is highly sensitive to the frictional model adopted. The most accurate results in terms of bubble shape and detachment time are given by a frictional model that relates the strain-rate fluctuations with the granular temperature. Second, a uniformly fluidized bed problem in bubbling regime is considered. For this case, the drag models and boundary conditions for the particulate phase are investigated. Time-averaged solid phase velocity profiles are compared with the results of the literature where it is found that no-slip conditions (or partial slip with a high specularity coefficient) are more appropriate than slip conditions at the walls for these regimes. Regarding the drag force, although none of the models presented could match the experimental velocity predictions for low gas velocities at the lower region of the bed, the Di Felice model produces the most accurate results for the whole range of regimes considered.