89265 Thu Apr 27 21:12:52 -0700 2006 83 3 California 0 491053 Anyone heard of Big Jim's Old South Barbeque? It looks good? Any other reccomendations? Thanks Thu Apr 27 21:12:52 -0700 2006 0 Young_chower 1 491060 Big Jim's looks good, but it's pretty disappointing. San Diego doesn't have any good barbecue options, honestly. Not compared to the real thing (i.e. Texas). Thu Apr 27 22:57:44 -0700 2006 491053 0 Js 2 491115 Ah yes - one of the oft-repeated SD Chowhound topics: San Diego sucks for BBQ. Too bad Buddha isn't around to tell us why. :) I don't know, JS - some people might not think that Texas BBQ is good, or is BBQ, but that is a general food topics discussion, I suppose. imsofull points out Joey's Smokin BBQ. Gayle asked about this place back in December and a poster named "Melissa" gave them a good mark. Have other Chowhounds tried this place? This week's Thursday insert in the Union Tribune North County (their annual Shilling Around, I mean "Dining Around", magazine), says that in addition to the Carlsbad (La Costa) and Carmel Valley (Torrey Hills) sites, Joey's will soon be opening a third site in Poway. Sun Apr 30 14:04:41 -0700 2006 491060 0 RB Hound 3 491116 What about Kansas City BBQ? I've never been to SD, but among KC ex-pats craving cue, they seem to think it's OK. Or maybe it's that they can watch sports there... Link: http://www.kcbbq.net Sun Apr 30 14:21:38 -0700 2006 491115 0 pepper anne 4 491118 KC's is a wretched tourist trap with tough, inedible meats. The only reason they're still around is their convenient location. Sun Apr 30 15:02:59 -0700 2006 491116 0 Steve Green 5 491121 thanks. I'm PO'ed they take the KC name in vain. Sun Apr 30 18:00:35 -0700 2006 491118 0 pepper anne 4 2560434 If you like par boiled ribs you'll love KC bbq. Yuck. BIg JIm's sucked and is out of business. JOey's is edible but you won't crave it. As much as I dislike the fact that Phil does not smoke, he does make the best q in town by a long shot. Thu May 10 21:27:41 -0700 2007 491116 49292 SeanT 3 491124 Not sure how anyone could claim that Texas BBQ isn't BBQ considering that Texas is one of the ancestral homes to this style of cooking. BBQ has a few homes in the US: St. Louis, Alabama, Kansas City. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone knowledgeable on the topic that wouldn't include Texas in that list. San Diego's best BBQ is merely OK compared to what you find in Texas. I too was skeptical about that claim until I actually visited Texas and ate the best damned BBQ I've ever had. Before I had traveled there, Phil's was my favorite in San Diego. Phil's has tasty food, but I have to mark them down on two major areas: sauce, and smoke. Their meat does not taste smoked, and their sauce is too sweet. Sauce in Texas is sweet too - but it tends to be spicier than Phil's, and not as sugary. The sweetness seems to have a bit more depth. However, the meat is so delicious from the smoke that sauce is only needed as an accent - if at all. One place I went out there, Rudy's, completely redefined BBQ for me. Had brisket, hot links, and turkey breast. Brisket was tender and juicy (first time I've had bona fide juicy BBQ brisket), and the turkey was as well. Think about that - smoked turkey breast that was totally juicy, yet smoky as well. I think it's hard to pull off the real deal in SD because there's just not enough customers for it. The meat has to sit around too long, and it dries out. Most places out here also don't make good sauce. I'm open to trying BBQ out here. Pretty much any place I hear about I'll go and try - and I'm always disappointed. Nothing here lives up to what you find in the great homes of real BBQ. Sun Apr 30 19:00:01 -0700 2006 491115 0 JS 4 491127 Wow, JS, you really took a leap when you thought I was saying that San Diego BBQ was better than Texas. :) I agree with everything you said. I was joking that fans of Carolina-style BBQ (generally featuring pulled pork) often don't consider the brisket style BBQ of Texas (or its relative in Kansas City) "real" BBQ. It's an amusing ongoing war between BBQ aficianados. Once you get in third-order BBQ restaurants like those in San Diego, it is rare you find anything that specializes in any particular style, anyhow - it ends up being a mishmash to accomodate as many people as possible. Sun Apr 30 22:03:18 -0700 2006 491124 0 RB Hound 5 491132 Don't get me wrong, RBH. I wasn't thinking you preferred San Diego over Texas. I just thought (mistakenly, my bad) that you were dissing Texas 'cue. Jokes are hard to convey on the internet sometimes. There was a study done recently where they found that people misinterpret others' comments in emails something like 70% of the time. It would be nice if San Diego had a really great BBQ place. Mon May 01 09:49:03 -0700 2006 491127 0 JS 4 2560438 Rudy's does a great brisket especially if you don't get the lean . Not a big fan of Rudys sauce with the giant chunks of black pepper. P.S. Rudy's ribs are not so good, but the brisket is great. Thu May 10 21:31:03 -0700 2007 491124 49292 SeanT 5 2714462 Where is this Rudy's BBQ located? Mon Jul 02 16:26:05 -0700 2007 2560438 109314 francessofia 6 2714702 Texas: http://www.rudys.com/ Mon Jul 02 18:05:10 -0700 2007 2714462 57971 mikec 3 491128 I've tried the Joey's in Carmel Valley for take out - I liked it, but I am very much not an expert. I had a sampling of the sweet ribs, dry rubbed and wet. I didn't care for the dry as much as the wet and sweet - which I thought were very good. I also got a 1/2 of the beef brisket - it was just okay. I've been meaning to get takeout from them again - and I'm excited if the Poway location does open. I think enough people are fans of good ribs and the associated foods - we could use more but I've never been to Phil's and that Big Jim's was just okay the one time we went. Sun Apr 30 22:36:08 -0700 2006 491115 0 Scott 3 491129 I have tried Joey's BBQ and for starters, I am not a BBQ expert and it is not my first choice for food, although I had a good bit of it when I lived in S. Carolina. re: Joey's, we had the brisket with coleslaw and beans. I thought the meat was on the tough and drier side. Using the sauce helped for flavor. Coleslaw and beans were average. My take on it--expensive for what you get and not that great overall. My husband liked it better than me and ate the leftovers. Sun Apr 30 23:17:43 -0700 2006 491115 0 daantaat 2 3217628 Hey guys. There is good barbecue in San Diego you just have to know where to find it. There's this small outfit named Coop's West Texas Barbecue that smokes some of the best meat I've ever tasted. What he does is smoke meats, vaccum seal it, and freeze it. He calls it "Barbecue in a Bag". All you do is heat it up in the microwave or the oven in its concealed pakage. I was amazed at the quality of the taste. I have'nt tasted anything like it. I ran into him at a barber shop in Southeast San Diego where he was sampling his chicken and ribs and boy was I impressed. He has a website up it's coopsbbq.com. I would recommend him to president. Tue Dec 18 02:44:31 -0800 2007 491060 150807 bradrick 1 491077 Phils is pretty darn good! Fri Apr 28 12:20:35 -0700 2006 491053 0 SD Eater 1 491102 Big Jim's is a Big Disappointment. All fluff and no substance. I would say hands down the best BBQ is Phil's in Hillcrest. In North County, Joeys Smokin BBQ is pretty good also Sat Apr 29 07:30:48 -0700 2006 491053 0 imsofull 1 491141 I am a fan of Phils, but I also like HUFFMANS. Huffmans lacks the ambiance of Phils, it is all take out and everything is stacked on white bread. They also have fried chicken. The chicken is not started until you order it. Mon May 01 13:14:47 -0700 2006 491053 0 David 1 491142 I am a fan of Phils, but I also like HUFFMANS. Huffmans lacks the ambiance of Phils, it is all take out and everything is stacked on white bread. They also have fried chicken. The chicken is not started until you order it. Mon May 01 13:14:58 -0700 2006 491053 0 David 1 2225168 Phil's Barbeque has the best chicken and ribs ever. Thu Jan 25 08:07:25 -0800 2007 491053 69103 chitowngirl 1 2225372 Technically speaking, Phil's isn't true BBQ. They'll be the first to admit it. At their current location in Hillcrest they pre-cook the meat in the kitchen and it's finished on the front grill. That's not BBQ. They can't cook true BBQ there because the people living in the area complained quite loudly about all the smoke. I hear they are planning on moving to a new location where they can cook BBQ the way it's supposed to be cooked. Thu Jan 25 08:52:28 -0800 2007 491053 50069 toliver 2 2563737 Is Phil's open? I never been...! Fri May 11 23:04:56 -0700 2007 2225372 19116 stangoldsmith 1 2225720 Way back in the late 70s to 80s, there used to be a great Texas bbq joint, in of all places, La Jolla. It was called Clay's and the proprietor was a black guy from Texas who happened to be Jewish. Thu Jan 25 10:14:17 -0800 2007 491053 65763 Encinitan 2 2557282 OMG!!!! Clay's!!! I did'nt think I would ever hear that name again! That place was GREAT! I was just a teenager then, and my dad would take the whole family there, it was right on La Jolla Blvd. My dad is from Abiline TX. and that is the only place he ever found here in San Diego that compared to home. Please please please....someone tell me what happened to that man. Did he relocate? (I would drive three hours in each direction to find that man's resurant). If anyone knows where he his, can you please post? Many thanks in advance. Thu May 10 00:58:02 -0700 2007 2225720 97599 gabriel1475 1 2225763 HUFFMANS Thu Jan 25 10:24:03 -0800 2007 491053 21396 normalheightsfoodie 2 2226661 I'll second Huffman's, it's the best in SD, though the bar is pretty low. Back in the 80's and early 90's there was a place on Ash called Gellarosa Ranch. The BBQ there was head and shoulders above anything we have today. Too bad the old lady retired and it's now a parking lot. Thu Jan 25 13:35:44 -0800 2007 2225763 43141 rotie77 2 2646993 Huffmans is inedible and way too high priced. I see talk about The BBQ Pit on Fletcher Pkwy which is pretty good. There used to be a location in PB also. For western style BBQ, I prefer Wrangler BBQ in El Cajon. It's right off the El Cajon Blvd exit as you enter EC. Smoked overnight,decent sides and anbience that will take you back to the late 50's/early 60's (Formica tables,knotty pine and deer heads on the wall) Has reamined the same since I started going there back in the mid 70's. Link: http://www.wranglerfamilybarbecue.com/ Sun Jun 10 13:59:03 -0700 2007 2225763 104392 motes 3 2714753 impossible to count the number bbq beef sandwiches that I've eaten there Mon Jul 02 18:20:59 -0700 2007 2646993 31795 ibstatguy 1 2558267 FWIW, Big Jim's is closed, so we don't have Big Jim to kick around anymore... ;-) Thu May 10 10:12:06 -0700 2007 491053 57971 mikec 1 2561634 Wasn't there somewhere near El Cajon that people were talking about on here? I hesitate to say it but I went to the new chain of Dave's Famous BBQ in Vista. Never again. Yikes! I have been to Austin about 7 times in the past year and love Rudy's. There are also many small BBQ joints, one is out of a person's home, you pull up to their double wide and order! Different from Oakland BBQ but both are good. We need a good BBQ place. -Stan http://www.sandiegofoodblog.com Fri May 11 10:05:20 -0700 2007 491053 19116 stangoldsmith 2 2561658 Stan, I think there is, or used to be, a BBQ place in Fletcher Hills. It was supposed to have been related to Huffman's. Fri May 11 10:11:19 -0700 2007 2561634 10506 DiningDiva 2 2562068 Do you have specific complaints about Famous Dave's in Vista? Fri May 11 11:44:21 -0700 2007 2561634 57971 mikec 3 2562374 I happened to drop into Famous daves before they officially opened to get a menu and taste the sauce. Such was my luck that they were having their last training day. We had just eaten at Philly Franks in San Marcos so we were stuffed. However i wanted to taste their sauce at Daves so we stopped by. Long story short they let us order three entres , an appetizer and dessert. I actually liked two of the sauces, devils spit(most like rudys minus the huge chunks of black pepper) and the sassy sauce. I ordered the st. louis ribs (real ribs not sissy back ribs) MY buddy got the brisket, I think his girlfriend got a caesar salad,. Ribs were ok but could not taste any smoke and no outer crust. Brisket was flavorless with no i repeat no not even minimal smoke ring. Salad was, well salad. The app was rib tips and very similar experience to the Ribs. The sides were pretty good. I recall a decent potato salad and some very good beans. I would eat the beans again in a heartbeat. The best part of the deal other than this was FREEEEE, was the bread pudding. It was flat out goood. I would eat there again in a pinch but the only memorable food items were the beans and bread pudding. Fri May 11 13:15:38 -0700 2007 2562068 49292 SeanT 4 2562438 From other Famous Dave's I've been to (Fresno last week and multiple places in Minnesota/South Dakota, including their original in South Minneapolis), their brisket is definitely their weakest offering. Ribs usually had a meager smoke ring (typically under 1/16", but at least they had a smoke ring, unlike, say, Phil's or "Smokin'" (not) Joey's). But execution in a national chain like FD's probably depends upon the fastidiousness of the local owner/manager. I thought the Fresno FD's was decent and as good as other ones I've been to in their "home" territory. Fri May 11 13:33:25 -0700 2007 2562374 57971 mikec 3 2563730 Well the baby back ribs I had were just OK. I mean, it was somewhat bland, the meat was a little overcooked and stuck to the bone a bit. Not a lot of sauce and the sauce was too sickly sweet, too much molasses or something, and too chemically, couldn't taste any down home spirit in them. Their muffins were too sweet too and tasted like they were full of chemicals, like those blueberry muffins you get in plastic at 7-11. And their rotisserie chicken was way too salty, though the chicken was cooked nicely. We got takeout but the place was jam packed, I heard someone say 1.5 hour wait. It was your typical chain joint, which for me is not a plus usually, though their staff were friendly. My big complaint!: Their little "FIRE!" BBQ sauce (sorry forget the name right now but it's their hottest one (with warnings on the pack/bottle!)) they give you in the packets by the door tastd like little more than Arby's BBQ sauce in the packet. I mean there's a picture of HELL on the packet but it tasted more like a sweet trip to the taffy factory instead! I am tired of being promised hot spicy food and getting nothing! (Sorry for the rant!). My father in law defended them saying it might be hot for people in Ohio, where they probably also have Famous Dave's. Hey, I did eat the leftovers.... Fri May 11 22:56:23 -0700 2007 2562068 19116 stangoldsmith 4 2587436 "I am tired of being promised hot spicy food and getting nothing!" Serious. Go to Ba Ren, when they say spicy they mean it. Sun May 20 22:46:30 -0700 2007 2563730 10809 Josh 2 2562286 There's the Barbeque Pit on Fletcher Parkway, and alot of people swear by it. I haven't been there in years, so I can't speak for the quality, but I remember liking it when I went. Fri May 11 12:33:11 -0700 2007 2561634 11001 phee 3 2563772 We went there once (the BBQ Pit) and really liked it, but on subsequent visits the meat has been a little dried out. I also don't like their sauce - waay too much clove. I thought it might have been a fluke the first time, but it's not. The odd thing is they run out of stuff all the time, they were out of pork ribs on our first visit, so we tried the brisket, chicken, hot links and beef ribs (we had leftovers!)and they've been out of beef ribs and chicken on subsequent visits. Fri May 11 23:55:21 -0700 2007 2562286 11803 Alice Q 4 2588166 From a BBQ perspective, although Joey's claims to "slow smoke" nearly everthing on their menu, I couldn't find any evidence of it. No smoke ring, no smoke flavor, not even smoke wafting from their restaurant (at least Phil's has that going for, and against, it...). I'd rate it pretty equivalent to Phil's: a decent eat, but it's not going to satisfy real BBQ afficionados of any strain. Mon May 21 09:16:19 -0700 2007 2587039 57971 mikec 4 2605330 That place is a little odd, and I totally agree about the sauce! Not good. But the meat was prepared fairly well, I thought. Also, kinda like we were in a time travel...transported out of SoCal altogether! Sat May 26 21:38:50 -0700 2007 2563772 80528 DBrooks 3 3301872 My family has been going to The Barbeque Pit in National City (Plaza Blvd) since it opened. My great-grandfather took my mother, and they both took me. I love their BBQ, and am surprised that it's not mentioned more. The inside of the restaurant takes you back to 1950. I'd say it's way better than Sonny Bryan's (in Texas), but that doesn't say much. I've never been to Phil's, so I can't compare. Wed Jan 16 12:51:47 -0800 2008 2562286 23422 ekomega 4 3302917 There are various Barbecue Pit's around. They were old and seedy in 1975 (worn formica tables and scratched up correlware straight out of the 50's). I assume they're related, including ones on University near 30th and also in El Cajon in addition to the one in National City. There at least used to be one on Garnet in PB near Cass, I went to that one about weekly in the late 70's, and there was also one on Balboa near 163, but that one closed about five years ago. They've been solid when I've gone. Not great, but solid. Meat was good, sauce was good, sides were industrial standard potato salad/macaroni salad/beans. I haven't been to one since the Balboa location closed. Wed Jan 16 17:02:05 -0800 2008 3301872 57971 mikec 5 3303015 There is one in El Cajon, Fletcher Parkway. Seedy and always crowded. Occasional coupons in the PennySaver. Wed Jan 16 17:36:20 -0800 2008 3302917 12123 Cathy 1 2587110 Now by no means am I a BBQ guru but I used to enjoy the Barbeque Burrito down at The BBQ House on Newport in Ocean Beach. It is BBQ chicken or pork, baked beans, cole slaw wrapped in a giant flour tortilla. You can get the sauce spicy or mild. Sun May 20 19:35:10 -0700 2007 491053 95967 BigBelt 1 2604388 I've never been to Big Jim's in North County but I do love the old German butcher shop named Specialty Meats at 1945 E. EL Norte Parkway in Escondido. Not only are they the best specialty butcher shop in North County but on the weekends they also slow smoke a whole range of meats. They do it right mesquite smoking the ribs & meats for 8 hours so that it's as tender and flavorful as can be. The only hitch is they don't sell individual portions and you have to buy a whole slab of ribs or what not. Still, just invite some friends over and eat the whole thing enjoying it with a fresh local wine. It's great. Sat May 26 11:29:50 -0700 2007 491053 101252 oerdin 1 2605235 I don't know if it's the BEST in San Diego, but there is a good new little place in Santee called KB's. It is supposed to be Memphis Style and the whole place is decorated with Elvis memorabilia. The pork ribs were excellent, but they also have baby backs and beef ribs. We had the cole slaw which was very good-not too sweet or mayonnaise-laden like some places. I didn't eat the cornbread, but my companion said it was dry. He also loved the beans. I had the garlic rosemary fries and they were good, but not served hot enough. The place has only been open a week or so and the owner said they are getting feedback from customers right now about what they like and don't like. It's at 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. between Hungry Howie's and a taco shop. Closed Mondays. Sat May 26 20:26:43 -0700 2007 491053 97785 marymbs 2 2647054 Thanks for the tip, Mary! Right in my own backyard, so we'll be checking it out - maybe this week. Sun Jun 10 14:32:51 -0700 2007 2605235 11001 phee 1 2656001 There's a relatively new place that opened up in 4S Rancho Bernardo area called "Brett's BBQ-If it's not smoked, it's not barbeque". (www.brettsbbq.com) With a name like that I thought they had the right idea for 'good bbq'. We tried them at work during lunch the other week - I got the pulled bbq pork sandwich - pretty darn good. I may go back and try the ribs as I'm getting pretty good doing them myself at home. Anyone else try Bretts? Erik Wed Jun 13 09:32:48 -0700 2007 491053 105011 Erik Tracy 2 2717366 I tried the baby back ribs at Brett's. I didn't like the sauce/marinade. It was too spicy for my taste. My fav place is Famous Dave's in Vista. I love the sampler: Dave's Sampler Platter Barbeque spareribs, chicken wings, chicken tenders, catfish fingers and onion strings. Tue Jul 03 14:40:49 -0700 2007 2656001 93977 surfer1966 2 2725179 Also tried the pulled pork sandwich today. It's good. Definitely smoked (unlike Phil's), the pork was a little dried out, but the BBQ sauce helped. BBQ sauce is fairly vinegary, more like a Texas style BBQ sauce, but oddly spiced for that (a fairly dark brown). Didn't find the sauce terribly spicy at all. Generous serving of pulled pork on a large hamburger bun for $7.50. Side of potato salad was OK, above average industrial (Phil's has them beat there). Aside from the sandwiches, everything else seemed a tad expensive: $14-$15 for a half-rack of baby back or spareribs plate, $20 for the sampler. All in all, if I lived in that area, it's a place I'd go to somewhat regularly. I don't think it's worth making a trip for, though. It's not convenient to get to. Fri Jul 06 13:43:36 -0700 2007 2656001 57971 mikec 1 2657708 I still like Love's BBQ in Chula Vista. There used to a bunch more around town but just one remains...as far as I know. They have a pretty good menu with other items if someone in your group isn't in the mood for bbq. Their clam chowder is pretty good...it might come from a can but i like it. Rich Wed Jun 13 16:28:58 -0700 2007 491053 100523 sd4life 1 2775524 West Coast BBQ opened up last month in the Ross shopping center on Lake Murray Blvd, where the Russian place used to be. Wasn't terrible...portions were decent, and unlike Phil's, I definitely detected a smoke ring on the baby backs. The chicken was tasty but dry, and the beef brisket quite good. Evidently the same family owned a couple of joints on Mission Gorge Road years ago, and recently got back in the game. Maybe Dining Diva remembers them?? Mon Jul 23 13:03:17 -0700 2007 491053 80528 DBrooks 2 2775593 Bekkers. It is still on Mission Gorge but has done only catering for many years. In same mall with the Jack in the Box.(Go up Mission Gorge from the 8- to the right where it splits to Friars and keep going.) Mon Jul 23 13:20:00 -0700 2007 2775524 12123 Cathy 3 2775729 Got it--by the storage place. Thanks! Mon Jul 23 13:45:59 -0700 2007 2775593 80528 DBrooks 1 3169641 No one has mentioned FAT IVORS in Valley Center. It's the best! The original one burned down, but they finally rebuilt. They pride themselves in their smoking. I haven't been in a while as it's quite a hike, but if someone goes please post a review. Fat Ivor's Rib Rack. 27959 Valley Center Rd Valley Center, CA 92082 Phone: (760) 749-0600 Fri Nov 30 18:20:29 -0800 2007 491053 146889 BevInSD 2 3169754 It's coming, Bev.... Also, I always buy "meat by the side of the road" there for Christmas and Easter...smoked there, but sold by the VC Optimists... Fri Nov 30 19:35:33 -0800 2007 3169641 12123 Cathy 1 3288454 anyone been to Lightnin Jack's in Clairemont? I saw it but know nothing about it. Sat Jan 12 11:32:52 -0800 2008 491053 91897 MrKrispy 2 3294961 It's even less authentic than Phil's. No evidence of smoking whatsoever, and not even evidence of finishing over wood like Phil's. I like their BBQ sauce better than Phil's, and they're a little less expensive than Phil's. Mon Jan 14 14:58:24 -0800 2008 3288454 57971 mikec 3 3298048 well over the weekend we happened to be in the area and tried it out. It was similar to Joeys, as it had a wide range of plate/sandwhich/sides. I got no smoke flavorings either, more like it was slow roasted in an oven. The meats were tender and juicy. I actually thought it was more expensive than Phils: the pulled pork was about $6 but half the size of the broham. Same with the brisket sandwich. Plus the sandwiches don't come with anything else. Some sides are $1.70. I got sweet potato fries that were $4 (just enough for one adult and a child). They do serve beer, I got a Stone IPA on draft, $3.75 for 12oz. Tue Jan 15 12:19:10 -0800 2008 3294961 91897 MrKrispy 1 3291885 Phil's in Point Loma, its the best around and nothins ever gonna keep it down. Sun Jan 13 17:49:24 -0800 2008 491053 157199 milojon 2 3300136 Phil's tastes good but it isn't real BBQ. They parbroil their ribs then put them on a smoker for 10 minutes then call it BBQ. Real BBQ has smoke rings and gets smoked for a good 8-10 hours. That just isn't Phil's. Wed Jan 16 02:08:39 -0800 2008 3291885 101252 oerdin 3 3301536 Is that what the new location of Phils in Point Loma does too? I have never been there, but hoped that the new location would bring changes in its preparation from the Hillcrest location. Wed Jan 16 11:29:00 -0800 2008 3300136 154504 SirSpamalot 3 3303707 that sucks, but i still love it nonetheless. what's a good place with REAL BBQ ribs? Wed Jan 16 21:50:40 -0800 2008 3300136 157199 milojon 4 3306452 I don't think there's any consensus. Places worth trying that slow smoke their meats: Abby's Real Texas BBQ (on Miramar behind the Denny's), Barnes BBQ (Memphis style - Lemon Grove), The Wrangler (Texas style - El Cajon), West Coast BBQ (Texas style on Lake Murray Blvd). Thu Jan 17 16:54:57 -0800 2008 3303707 57971 mikec 1 3295027 In the North County, I like Enzo's BBQ at College and Oceanside Blvd. Really like their ribs and pulled pork. Great beans and slaw too. I haven't been too impressed with their other sides. Mon Jan 14 15:20:30 -0800 2008 491053 10862 Kuisine 1 3297517 I have to second the BBQ House on Newport in Ocean Beach. The sliced pork sandwich is moist and tender and just the right amount of flavor. You can order whatever type of sauce you want (sweet, hot, etc.). My husband likes the hot links there and the BBQ Beef. Tue Jan 15 10:21:50 -0800 2008 491053 133818 LisaSD 2 3301877 I also like the BBQ House, but I don't think they smoke the meat very much (same problem as Phil's). It is good, though. Wed Jan 16 12:52:38 -0800 2008 3297517 23422 ekomega 3 3758974 If you are in Escondido on East Valley Parkway, there is a sign in one of the strip malls that Big Earnie's will be opening a BBQ place close to the East Valley Pkwy Post Office. Also, I didn't try it, but there is a BBQ stand at the Saturday Scripps Ranch farmer's market from 9-1 pm, approximately 2 miles east of the 15 on Scripps Poway Parkway, called Jackson & Sons Smoked Meats. He and his son sold sandwiches, ribs and prime rib and recommended calling before making the trip in case he had a catering job 619.887.4423 Sat Jun 07 12:23:16 -0700 2008 3301877 198467 germaneator 1 4363067 Hey guys im new here but just to let you guys in on a little secret i am from Texas and Rudy's is a horrible BBQ place. i mean if you want generic for Texas then its the perfect place. But a little looking around and you can find places that make Rudy's look worse then SD BBQ. Just a heads up if you ever find yourself in Aggieland (College Station, TX) be on the look out for C&J's BBQ or look them up they have a few local awards and beat Rudy's in a taste test hands down. As far as good BBQ in SD they dont have a clue how to do it. It's either drowning in sauce or its so tuff that you cant cut it with a chain saw. but as long as im stationed here i will continue to search. Tue Jan 27 13:51:20 -0800 2009 491053 261011 wrangler3028 2 4366184 Right on, Wrangler! Crusty, smoky, and *moist* -- that's the essence of good Texas barbecue. And not drowned in sauce. With few exceptions, the farther away you get from Texas and the South, the more unreal the Q. Chicago has great Mexican food in the neighborhoods and along the avenues. Why can't California have great barbecue? Wed Jan 28 11:48:32 -0800 2009 4363067 77350 sbritchky 1 4363677 I lived in Texas for 6 years while I was in graduate school. I'd never had real bbq before that. And I didn't learn how to make it myself until I left. (After all, it's just so easy to get down there, that why would you ever make it yourself?). Best way to get good BBQ outside of the major BBQ centers is to buy yourself an inexpensive smoker and a good BBQ book. I'd recommend "Smoke and Spice" as a good starting point. Tue Jan 27 17:06:22 -0800 2009 491053 111371 greglor 1 4779347 I grew up in the South and many of you are correct when you say that San Diego can't compare with Southern BBQ. The main difference that I've seen is that in San Diego, BBQ is treated as "upper-scale," whereas in the South it's more of a common-place food. Texas has some great BBQ, without the fancy restaurants and high prices. I have been to most of the BBQ places in San Diego, and without badmouthing many of them, I can say that the best BBQ comes from the places that look like a BBQ place and not a fancy restaurant. The best that I've had in San Diego: 1. Barnes BBQ (the best by far). 2. Abbey's Texas BBQ in Clairemont-Mesa is pretty good. They have two locations, but the other one is a different owner. There are many BBQ places in San Diego that appeal to the "regular" folk and not people who are experienced Q'ers. I think that that is a reason as to why there are very few good BBQ places here. The "average" person thinks that it is good, but real Q'ers know what to look for and are a little more picky. I hate to badmouth restaurants by name, because they have a living to make, but there are some in San Diego that should not be categorized as true BBQ. I can say that Barnes is great BBQ. Tue Jun 16 16:38:25 -0700 2009 491053 1084262 TH1029 2 4779403 Hi TH1029, Thanks for your thoughtful and well explained response. Would please post addresses and contact info for the places that you like? I am San Diego adjacent, i.e. in Rosarito, Baja, Mexico, and I have to plan out how I can satisfy my cravings when I am in "El Norte". Tue Jun 16 16:58:51 -0700 2009 4779347 13369 Gypsy Jan 3 4779444 I am really no BBQ expert but the few times I went to Barnes BBQ I really liked their food: http://barnesbarbque.com/ Tue Jun 16 17:12:45 -0700 2009 4779403 13239 honkman 4 4779594 Thank you, honkman! Tue Jun 16 18:05:07 -0700 2009 4779444 13369 Gypsy Jan 1 4779685 Although the three reviewed BBQ restaurants in last Thursday's Reader review can't really be recommended, the first half of the article regarding "what is Q" is a highly recommended tutorial read. Naomi Wise hits the nail on the head when explaining the difference in method of grilling and Q, and why San Diego is a general disappointment in this restaurant category. She even shines the light on the highly over-rated, populist Phil's - revealing that "Phil's is not a real Q but a mesquite grill, finishing pre-cooked UN-SMOKED meats over direct heat." It may hit the spot for you and your taste buds, but it is not real Q. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/jun/10/smoking-or-non/ Tue Jun 16 18:43:12 -0700 2009 491053 180283 foodiechick 1 4848794 After reading Wise's recent bbq smackdown in the READER and all the comments here and there about Barnes BBQ (Lemon Grove) I thought, Hallelujah! Real BBQ in SD! How the hell did I miss Barnes??!! Well. I finally made a trip to Lemon Grove. Barnes was totally disappointing for this native Texan who also loves and knows NC BBQ (both east and west), KC and Memphis BBQ. Barnes was none of the above. When the plates arrived swimming in sauce that's a sure sign its hiding something, and it was: tiny bits of pork shoulder and tasteless brisket. The beans were tasty (albeit overly sweet). We liked the cabbagey coleslaw, and the ribs were good enough but not worth a long drive. (We ordered them with sauce-on-the-side.) Mostly we were just plain sad. We wanted it to be so good. On the way home we stopped at taco truck Mariscos German Beyer on Imperial/23rd and had a few fish tacos to cheer us up and they did. Sat Jul 11 07:20:34 -0700 2009 491053 154091 pickypicky 2 4850490 Bummer. Spent lots of time starting my career in Texas so I sympathize. Somebody whose foodie chops (including BBQ) I trust recently pointed me in the direction of West Coast Catering in La Mesa. Don't know when I'll get a chance to make it out there but here is the info: http://www.westcoastcater.com/index.html Sun Jul 12 00:22:18 -0700 2009 4848794 180283 foodiechick 3 4850700 Thanks! I"ll save the info if I get brave enough to try again. Going home to TX in Aug and that may do me for the year. Sun Jul 12 06:33:28 -0700 2009 4850490 154091 pickypicky 4 4850799 West Coast BBQ has been mentioned on this board before, usually pretty favorably. It's located in a strip mall at Lake Murray Bvld & El Paso in La Mesa, next door to a Ross Dress for Less. They're not too far from where I live so by default they've become our go-to spot of BBQ. We like them a lot. I've eaten my way through a number of their menu items. It's all pretty good, but mostly now we stick to either the brisket, pulled pork or pork ribs. Sauce generally comes on the side, or you can specify that's how you'd like it. Meat has been unfailingly tender, brisket and pulled pork usually have a smoke ring, though it's not always well defined. As opposed to Phil's which combi-cooks their ribs and then finishes them on a charbroiler, West Coast does smoke their meat. Sides are hit or miss. Like the baked beans, cole slaw is okay, potato salad so-so. They've been in business in SD in some iteration since 1956. It probably won't satisfy Texans, North Carolinans, Tennesseeans, Kansas Citites, and everyone else who grew up with the real deal, but for San Diego it's pretty good, definitely better than Phil's...and Phil only lives a few miles away from this place ;-) Sun Jul 12 07:29:13 -0700 2009 4850700 10506 DiningDiva 2 4851912 The only decent Texas style brisket BBQ I have found is up in Oceanside is Lone Star where they actually slow smoke the brisket. The pork ribs are pretty good too. And yes they serve it with onions, pickles and white bread if you want. The real way. Don't waste your time on the sides though. Sun Jul 12 16:34:49 -0700 2009 4848794 246363 hairycover 3 4853253 location, please! Mon Jul 13 07:23:15 -0700 2009 4851912 154091 pickypicky 4 4853295 Lonestar BBQ (760) 231-1200 406 N Coast Hwy, #1 Oceanside, CA I actually liked the mashed potatoes with the corn in it as a side dish. Mon Jul 13 07:34:35 -0700 2009 4853253 143892 chris2269