We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 1,920 San Diego Restaurants »

Phil's BBQ

3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110-5129
619-226-6333
Ranked #7 of 1,920 restaurants in San Diego
4.5 of 5 stars 437 Reviews
Price range: S$0 - S$26
Cuisines: Barbecue
Good for: Child-friendly, Groups, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Takeout, Delivery, After-hours
Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Groups, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Takeout, Delivery, After-hours
Update restaurant details
Write a Review

437 reviews from our community

87% Recommend
    268
    113
    43
    6
    7
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
San Diego, California
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

While the wait to get in to Phil's can be very long with lines stretching around the building, there is a good reason why! Phil's is quit simply the best BBQ in San Diego and maybe on the west coast. We typically order the ribs, but their chicken and pulled pork sandwiches are wonderful as well. For side dishes they... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Susan V for San Diego
San Diego, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

The flavor is delicious and the meat is cooked perfectly-we like the coleslaw also! It is the only place in SD that I wait in line to eat dinner with my family and it is worth it. This place makes us smile:)!

Was this review helpful? Yes
san diego
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Never have eaten inside the restaurant, but it is my GO TO place for big gatherings at my home for take out....usually use it 4-5 times a year, always perfection. Sometimes with their servers, sometimes now, but my guests just RAVE over their outstanding, always fabulous ribs and chicken

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by tankstress for San Diego
Lakewood, California
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

The BBQ sauce is so good. Sweet and Spicy. I got the chicken and rib combo. The meat is moist and has a little char. This place is very crowded. Try to go at an off peak time. The staff was very friendly.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Nattravels for San Diego
San Diego, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

It is a big place and always crowded. Be prepared for a long wait, or send a friend ahead on the weekend to save your place in line. It is one of two best BBQ's in San Diego. It is in the same strip mall as Ricardo's Tailoring, were all the top men's clothiers send their customers for alternations.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by SanDiegoGuy1 for San Diego
San Diego
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Best BBQ in San Diego. Warning about the crowds, always a long line, even late on weeknights.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by PAengineer for San Diego
San Diego
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

We have been patrons since Phil's was located in Mission Hills. The sauce has too much vinegar for my preference but the food is still good. The wait can be up to two hours on the weekend.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by qqq266 for San Diego
San Diego, California
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

The food is great, the best ribs anywere in san diego. The price is fair for what you get and you must try el toro sandwich. One of the best restaurants in San Diego California.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Orcutt, California
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012 via mobile

Enjoy the delicious bar b que well worth any wait. Served in the large rustic restaurant or available to take out, the offerings are available with traditiional comfort food side dishes and always generous portions, extra napkins are standard issue!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by thawsout for San Diego
San Diego, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012

large serving, delicious, the fries are raw fries and fresh, ribs couldn't be better.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Thomas M for San Diego

Travellers who viewed Phil's BBQ also viewed

Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
4.5 of 5 stars 95 Reviews
San Diego, CA
Kono\
4.5 of 5 stars 147 Reviews
San Diego, CA
 
Trellises Garden Grille
4.5 of 5 stars 168 Reviews
San Diego, CA
Hodad\
4.5 of 5 stars 294 Reviews
San Diego, CA
 

Been to Phil's BBQ? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Phil's BBQ, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing