San Diego Bar B Q

Believe it or not there is finally a good, I mean great BBQ in San Diego. I had heard about Phil's in Hillcrest but it took a while to get in there. Boy it was worth the wait. The ribs are phenomenal and just fall off the bone. And the sauce is nice and tangy. I did not try the pork sandwich but it looked great and was very popular.

Only negative is that parking is a bit of a hassle.

Phil had a place in Ohio before moving to San Diego. The Pork sandwich is great. The pork is burnt a little on the grill and put on the roll with sauce and cole slaw. The owner is a great guy that was put through hell by some people in the area because they said the smell bothered them. He was closed for a year while trying toget permits from the air quaility commision. He spent $175,000 on a catalitic converter to remove the smoke and smell.

Please tell us the address and phone number! We're going there weekend after next.

Is there any Roadfooder's who have been to other San Diego area BBQ joints? Phil's BBQ is on our list to try next.

I have heard many opinions about certain establishments, but I would like to find the diamond in the rough if possible.

Kansas City Barbecue: Downtown. This place seems to be more famous because Top Gun was filmed there as opposed to having excellent 'Cue. I was not impressed with the ribs, chicken or beans, but the brisket was solid. I might give it one more try, but the last trip was not up to snuff for me.

Abbey's Real Texas BBQ: Kearny Mesa. I thought this place was solid, as I had the 3 meat plate, and chose pulled pork, brisket and sausage. The meats were all very tasty, not fatty and perfectly smoked. The sides were all sub-par, save for the fries. It was also a little more pricey then I would have liked considering we were served on plastic plates and we ate in the restaurant. I would return though as this is VERY convenient from home.

BBQ House: Ocean Beach. Definately an unlikely find amongst the surf shops, bars and ecclectic crowd of OB, but a decent place. Have only had pork ribs here and they were decent, but I would like to try some of the sandwiches they offer.

Other's around town I have NOT tried include Jim's Old South Barbecue in Encinitas, The Barbecue Pit in National City.

Doe anyone know of any places they would recommend? I have found my taste prefence to be Texas or Kansas City style. Having recently moved to SD from Denver and having family in Omaha, I was a big fan of Bennett's and some smaller places in Denver and of Famous Dave's in Omaha.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jim's Old South Barbecue in Encinitas produces a very dry product. I have been there 5 times and each time the meat seemed if it was a leftover from the day before. The only item I did like was the tri tip. The BBQ pit in National city is OK. The brisket is good but I am not fond of the very watery and weak flavored sauce.

Markolenski,

Thanks for the quick reply. Although I did not mention it specifically, I had been told by a good friend that he did not have a good experience at Jim's either time he was there. Since your prespective is a little different from his, but still critical, I will probably see for myself and try to come to my own conclusion.

The fact that you endorsed their Brisket makes me more hopeful of The Barbecue Pit. Thanks again for the reply.

I love everything about Phil's BBQ-the ribs are so good it's almost sinful.