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Phil's BBQ
Categories: Restaurants Barbeque Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Event Planning & Services Caterers Barbeque, Venues & Event Spaces, Caterers [Edit]
3750 Sports Arena Blvd(at Hancock St)
San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood: Midway
(619) 226-6333
Announcement
Call or email us to reserve Phil's Event Center for all of your "Grads and Dads" parties! 619-814-0056 or emailus@philsbbq.net.
- Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
3897 reviews for Phil's BBQ
Review Highlights
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"The baby back ribs are mouth-wateringly tender." In 741 reviews -
"The onion rings were by far the best I've ever had." In 939 reviews -
"Very tender, fall off the bone pork ribs." In 172 reviews
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3896 reviews in English
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Review from Jessie L.
Spring Valley, CA
5/20/2012
seriously, it was like the light from heaven shone on my visit!! I've seen the line wrapped around the building and have always been curious. So we finally went and there was NO LINE. I'm either schizophrenic or the BBQ was just that good, but you could seriously hear angels singing. Frickin' angels. I'll wait in the line. Hell, I'll take out the trash...just give me more Phil's!!
p.s. heard a rumor about a santee location? please, please, PRETTY PLEASE!!! -
Review from Rose C.
New York, NY
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Expect long lines and don't be scared of it. It'll move along and you'll most likely still be deciding what to order up until when you get to the cash register anyway, lol.
I come here for the BABY BACK RIBS. They're always tender, wet, and so freakin good! You'll think that a half rack for yourself will be enough but it usually isn't and if it too much, you can have your leftovers in 2 hours so WHY NOT? Go for the full rack and you won't regret it.
Beef ribs: they're bigger than your face and that's for sure. I'm not a fan of these. They're usually really dry and I always get pieces of the meat stuck in-between my teeth.
Chicken: I'll skip on this. They give you big pieces but it's so dry and there's never enough bbq sauce to go around so I never get to finish my chicken. such a waste.
Sides:
Fries - they're usually pretty inconsistent. I've had some really great fries there before and some really bad ones. When they get it right, it's usually really good and I just can't stop eating them.
Macaroni Salad - I always have to get this. Has just the right amount of mayo so you don't feel gross after eating 4 spoonfuls of it.
Cole Slaw - am I the only one who thinks KFC still has the best cole slaw??
This is a must stop if you're in the San Diego area. -
Review from Anju J.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wanted to check out what all the hype is about and totally worth it!
Didn't mind waiting in line for ~30 mins on a Saturday night..
The best BBQ chicken I have ever had, same goes for the Onion rings and Coleslaw.
Reasonably priced! Casssual attire..What more can you ask for?
Also I like the strict rules they had- no table holding etc, hate it when people do that
Great service! Will definitely go again.
Thanks Yelp! -
Review from Melissa S.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/18/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I swear I called in my order less than 10 minutes prior to getting there.
Strike one: Girl answers, asked for my number, *silence on her end* but I hear someone repeating someone's order, 619.... what was the number again? WTH?! (mind you I was not driving, and enunciated my number slowly (there are a lot of 8s))
Made my way to the to go line, what's up with people who are in the other line being in the way. EXCUSE ME, don't block the to-go line.
Strike 2: Anyway, made my way inside and told the girl my name, and then she asked for my number, and then asked if it was under another name. No...
She takes a new order.
Get the buzzer, wait, *buzz* ask for ranch, "next time it's 50 cents" Um ok. I would have paid the 50 cents. Is their ranch made in house? Just curious...
Would not wait longer than 20 minutes if you're eating there.
Stingy when it comes to the BBQ sauce for to go orders.
I like to make my own take on "carne asada fries" but with phil's bbq: meat + fries + ranch = fatty, but good. :)
They have Ballast Point Pale Ale on tap.
Still good stuff, but not OMGaaahmouthgasm good.
BRISKET, make it happen!
*drum roll* Strike 3: HAIR IN THE COLE SLAW! I think i'd be less disgusted if it were a bug.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/24/2008
The ribs are good, meaty and delicious.
I wish they had brisket..because I really like brisket.
The… Read more »
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Review from Pobzz C.
Brea, CA
5/19/2012
Very good, about $40 for 2. "21" minute wait sign was more like 35 mins before eating at 4p on Sunday. VERY friendly & helpful staff. Rice oil used for frying, parking was easy, bar out front while waiting in line was nice.
No cornbread! Sweet tea machine better than none.
Save room, Whoopie pies are good! -
Review from Val L.
Newark, NJ
5/19/2012
OVERRATED. perhaps they have become lax since gaining popularity, but this place is definitely not anything special. sauce was overpowering and onion rings were mediocre. you can definitely do better with homemade.
pricing was reasonable. -
Review from Eugene B.
La Mirada, CA
5/17/2012
I came here on a wednesday night I believe and it was PACKED. But the line was very quick and I got my food right away. I got ribs and fries because I believe Phil's is known for that but I was a bit disappointed. I didn't want phils to be one of those overly hyped places that don't have much to show for but it was. The ribs were okay and the fries was okay, but for a widely known restaurant, okay food is not what I was expecting.
Come here if you want to have the experience but its not worth a second trip. -
Review from Andrew R.
La Mesa, CA
5/18/2012
I could go to Phil's at least once a week. The food is awesome no matter what you order. I'm a sandwich guy, so that's usually what I get. The onion rings are beasts!!
Took the fam here over the holidays and my little sis ate more than I had ever seen her eat before. Check Phil's out. The line may be intimidating, but if you're in good company the time will pass before you know it. You can also check their website live stream to see how long the line currently is. -
Review from Patricia Y.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/15/2012
Is it just me but does Phil's.. seem.. not as good? Something about the BBQ (sauce) is not the same.. there are times when it seems to leave almost a medicinal after taste?
and DAMN YOU FOOD NETWORK FOR THE OVERHYPE. (AGAIN!!!)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/8/2012
Every time someone visits me in San Diego, they always ask to go to Phil's..
The food is pretty good… Read more »
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Review from Ed F.
5/15/2012
I want to eat the Toro Sandwich right now! We loved this place on our vacation and we were lucky enough to go when it wasn't super busy. This place is awesome and if you can try it please do so!
The BBQ sauce was amazing, the family got some of the combo plates and I just got the sandwich. Everything we got was awesome and I really look forward to going back to SD and hitting this place up again! -
Review from Ryan F.
Alhambra, CA
5/11/2012
TERRIBLE.
They let solicitors harrass you in the line (which is also always ridiculously long). And these solicitors aren't even trying to steal your money for a good cause. Arts for the youth. Seriously? We have kids starving all over the world and they consider this a "good cause.".
Anyway the food is good, but it no way worth the 45 minute wait and greasy salesmen trying to steal your money.
Shame on you Phil's, and no I'm not going to "talk to one of our BBQrew before leaving a review" so you can try and control what's supposed to be a honest place of discussion.
My friend has a policy to never wait in line for food to then wait for food, and she's definitely right with respect to this place. -
Review from Antonio L.
Las Vegas, NV
5/14/2012
Went here recently and had almost everything they offer. Overall, it is very good, but some things were great, while others were so so. Definitely not the best meal on the entire western US, or one of the 10 best restaurants in the US, or any of the other ludicrous superlatives that have been lavished on it. It IS, however, very good BBQ.
The baby back ribs were tasty..they had a nice smoky flavor with the sauce which is tangy and sweet. The beef sandwich was also very good...the beef was sliced into small pieces and they had a very good meaty, sweet flavor, and it was very generous. The sandwich had a ton of meat falling out of it. The pulled pork sandwich was also very good, and similar to the beef sandwich. Nice texture and consistency, a ton of meat, and a good compliment to the sauce. The "famous" onion rings are pretty damn good also. They have a very good onion taste to them, unlike some other rings that you cannot even tell have onion in them. The battering is thick and delicious as well.
The baked beans were pretty mediocre...they tasted like a can of cheap beans. The vegetables were also pretty sorry...they just tasted like plain vegetables, no seasoning or anything. The chicken tickler, which is basically just hunks of bbq breast meat with sauce were ok, but not that great. They are a little dry, which you might not notice since they are slathered with sauce, but that does not change the fact that they are otherwise a rather large and thick hunk of somewhat dry breast meat.
Overall, it was very good. Nothing was throw away gross or anything, although some parts were less than stellar. The fact that you are guaranteed a semi long wait to sit down also knocks it down a bit. We waited 1 hour to order and sit down while standing in line. Honestly, as I said, this lowers my rating a bit, because while it is definitely very good BBQ, it is not worth standing in line for an hour. Also, the inside is pretty disorganized, with some staff telling you to find your own table, others are telling you they will get you one, and being told not to take this table or that one for whatever reason. There is a take out line, which supposedly takes like 10 minutes, which is a better option if you want to take it home and eat it. -
Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Believe the hype.
Phil's BBQ has all that Western barbecue kitsch, has a line clear around the corner, and yet I can't help but start drooling when I think of their succulent ribs. Came here around 7PM on a Friday night and had about a 60 minute wait. However, once you're in the door it takes less than 10 minutes to order your food, take a seat, and pig out on a tasty bbq meal. The boyfriend and I decided to split two dinners-- a full rack of beef ribs (5 large bones) and a full rack of baby back pork ribs (about 10-12 bones). This came with a full order of fresh cut fries, an ear of corn, and a small side of cole slaw. Since we were famished, we ordered a small onion ring on the side, too.
SO MUCH FOOD. At only $52, this could have easily fed 3-4 people...! Great value on very good food. The ribs fell off the bone, were moist, and saucy. I'm not terribly crazy about their dry-rub, but their sauce is sweet and thick. All the sides were great, but it really is all about the meat here. The beef was good, but I think the baby backs were a little better. I will need to come back to try their tri-tip sandwich that my friends keep talking about. Phil's easily gets a solid 4 stars in my book, but it's their insanely efficient and friendly staff that bump the experience up to 5 stars.
There was this one server named Zach who was seriously the human version of a hummingbird. Incredibly fast, checked in about 10 times during our visit, and grabbed anything and everything we needed from waters, extra bbq and ranch sauce, to-go containers, and even bringing up our food. He was even sweet enough to offer coffee and make sure that we were all set. I dine out 3-5 times a week and I have been to many fine dining establishments where the servers don't even give you the time of day, so this was quite a pleasant treat.
Don't let the long line scare you away. Phil's is definitely worth waiting for at least once-- oh, and they LOVE Yelpers, too. -
Review from Ryan A.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012
I love going to Phil's BBQ! This place is soooo good. Really great service, they employees all do their work well. The food is amazing and really reasonably priced.
My favorite is the BBQ Broham. I get a side of the 'sweet baked beans' and get the coleslaw on the side. There is so much meat that I usually take the extra home and have it on some bread for lunch the next day. And for only 6.95 its such a great deal.
I'm pretty sure everyone in SD has tasted this goodness. If you are visiting SD from out of town, make sure you come here for at least one meal! The line can get really long, but it's work the wait. -
Review from Cutiebunny T.
Simi Valley, CA
5/18/2012
Big portion! I can't finish my meal. Staff was great! too bad waiting line is always long.
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Review from P B.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012
The only reason I cannot give it 5 stars is because its unbearable to eat at this place. I only order it to go now, and luckily I live nearby. If you have to come from far and eat in the restaurant, be prepared to stand in line for over an hour. Brutal. But, the food is obviously top-shelf if so many people are willing to wait that long. If you can do to-go, its a win-win. No hassle with the mob and you still get your bomb grub.
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Review from Maria M.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is incredible! Well worth the wait although I prefer to get there late when the crowd has lessened. My favorite thing at Phil's is the Broham sandwich...it's amazingly good! the servers and everyone at Phil's are always nice and courteous.
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Review from Joshua S.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Best BBQ ever.
Phils, mmm fills me up!1 Previous Review:
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7/4/2011
M m mm Phils, fills me up!
It's Southern Californian style BBQ
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Review from Morie W.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2012
(In response to Ryan F's comment) On behalf of everyone at T3 Triple Threat Youth Mentors we apologize for any inconvenience our fundraising efforts may have caused during your visit. Our only intent is to raise funds to continue to enrich the lives of youth in need through the arts- which our 501 (c) (3) organization has done for the last nine years. 100% of funds raised directly benefit our program.
We thank Phil and all of our contributors for their support. Give your heart to the arts- AND Phil's B.B.Q!
To learn more about this incredible organization please visit http://www.t3triplethr... -
Review from Loves T.
Updated - 5/16/2012
I was contacted within 20 minutes by the management to address my previous negative review. My family and I were compensated for our poor service. I was hesitant to go back but my mom wanted Phil's for Mother's day, which was 3 months after my complaint. I was pleasantly surprised that they kept their word and treated us well. Special shout out to manager Jorge and busser Zach. Zach was not aware that we were special customers but he busted his butt waiting on us and all of the tables around him. In all of the years I have been coming to Phil's I have never seen a guy with that much hustle. Food was excellent as usual. That one bad experience was just a fluke.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/26/2012
While I love the food and I don't mind waiting in line or over an hour and a half but I do mind… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany T.
Arcadia, CA
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Phil's BBQ was just okay. Now before you start throwing BBQ sauce at me and calling me crazy, I'd just like to say that while I can see why people like this place, people just overhype the food way too much.
Upon arrival, we were not too surprised to see that the line had extended way past the entrance of the restaurant, and looked more like a line to a Six Flag's roller coaster ride rather than to a BBQ joint. The staff was totally cool, and were passing out free samples of their famous onion rings, which was a great way to keep the hungry people in line happy.
I wish I could gush over the food like most people here, but to be honest, I didn't fall in love at first bite. The baby back ribs were tender, but there were some pieces that were sort of dry and grainy. The sauce was pretty tasty--sweet and tangy, just the way I like it. But as for the actual meat, it was fall-off-the-bone but I had a hard time finishing up certain pieces.
For my side dishes, I also got the macaroni salad and the corn. Sorry to say, but I liked the sides better than the actual ribs. The macaroni salad was small, but it was delicious and refreshing. The corn was sweet, but tasted even better after I brushed on some butter and sprinkled on some cajun seasoning. You can thank me for the suggestion next time you try this!
Even though you'll most likely be met with long lines every time you come here, the line has a tendency to move fast, and there is plenty of room to accomodate all the famished patrons. I don't know if this would be my first choice of restaurants to dine at next time I visit SD, but if I'm ever craving BBQ, I'd give this place another shot. -
Review from Keridwyn R.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2012
I finally ate here. It was awesome, but with all the epic reviews and my friends fawning over it, I was a little underwhelmed. Maybe I had too high of expectations.
The line wasn't too long, at about 7:30 on a Wednesday night, we waited maybe 20 minutes from getting in line to ordering. Our food did come out super fast though, boyfriend barely sat down before his food was ready.
He got his usual, the baby back rib tickler and the broham (yeah, both). If you don't know, the tickler comes with fries, slaw, and two onion rings, no substitutions. It's quite a bit of food and boyfriend always loves it. The fries are really good, especially dipped in barbecue sauce instead of catsup. He got a "fry" that was basically a chunk of potato about as big as my wrist and it was hilarious.
The broham is a pulled pork sandwich that has cole slaw on it. Pro tip: ask for the slaw on the side and you'll get more.
I got a small caesar salad to start (not the best I've had but really big for being a $4 "small". I got the "Chick-less" dinner, which consists of chunks of white meat chicken in the barbecue sauce, along with either 2 small sides or one large. I got 7 large chunks of chicken and a baked potato with sour cream and cheese.
I was not expecting the cheese to be a slice of Kraft cheese, but it was. That was weird.
Potatoes are potatoes, but this one wasn't too dry or anything. The chicken was really good, not dry, nice and flavorful, but the sauce left something to be desired for me. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it was SO tangy that after a few pieces, my tongue was sick of it.
And I LOVE sour, tart, tangy candies and foods. This was kind of a turn off.
Overall, it was good, and I'm glad I finally ate here, but it wasn't anywhere near as mind-blowingly good as yelp and Man v. Food led me to believe. -
Review from Michael M.
Gardena, CA
5/2/2012
Does this place need another 5 star review? Basically the best baby back ribs you can have in southern California. The line is sometimes unreasonably long.
You should order in advance and pick it up. And take it home. It'll still be just as good. Or you can just go to the bar, and there is bar seating that usually takes about 15 minutes to get.
One last tip, just get the baby back ribs and some sides. Don't get their beef ribs. Don't get their chicken, even though you like bbq chicken, even if you feel like eating some chicken that day. They just specialize in baby back ribs and they are amazing. -
Review from Naomi c.
Fullerton, CA
5/15/2012
yummy bbq
big portions~
-ribs are delcious
-fries & onion rings-legit
-coleslaw good
-macaroni salad.. ok...(wouldnt probably get it again)
price is affordable.
**a good time to go is early, right when it opens i believe 11:00am.
lines go by pretty quick~not too many people.**
-also they are trying to open one in o.c.~ so thats a plus!
enjoy -
Review from Brittany C.
Loma Linda, CA
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
A line worth the wait. Got the baby back rib tickler and it was perfect. Not too much not too little. The heaters weren't working in the enclosed patio so that was a bumber since it was late and chilly. But I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the hand washing trough next to the soda machines. Wish they had more desserts. All in all it's a must try while in SD.
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Review from Adena B.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2012
Are you kidding me, Phil's?!
I'll be sitting in my office typing away like a good little worker monkey when I find myself fantasizing about their pork ribs slathered in that mouth-watering BBQ sauce. That's when I have to hold back the tears because I'm MILES away from this amazing establishment.
If you haven't gone, seriously... SERIOUSLY: go! -
Review from Allen T.
Kingman, KS
5/17/2012
I decided to try this place because it was on Man vs Food. We were standing in line, and to my surprise, Adam Richman was right next to me. He was there shooting for his new show "Best Sandwich in America". Phil's "El Toro" sandwich was being featured for it, so I had to try it. Their BBQ sauce was outstanding as well as their potato salad and the sandwich itself. If you watch the show, my daughter is the little girl that they close up on who is holding a sign. I am the goofball in the backwards hat. (They made me turn it around so I'm not showing the logo.)
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Review from Steph B.
La Mesa, CA
5/14/2012
I love Phil's BBQ especially the onion rings. I order half a basket because the full one is huge and usually doesn't get finished. I would not recommend going during the weekend there is usually an hour wait. I usually go around 3-4pm week days. I would recommend the "El Torro" sandwich it is perfection.
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Review from Briana S.
La Mesa, CA
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of our FAVORITE places in San Diego! My husband and I look forward to it all week!
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Review from Kailey S.
5/2/2012
Typical bbq place. I usually get the ribs because they are so delicious. The meat falls off the bones and the sauce is sweet and tangy. Prices are pretty reasonably. Onion rings are a must have. Occasionally they give them out when the line is really really long.
Only downside is that so many people know it is so good that there is usually a wait. -
Review from Jeanie A.
San Diego, CA
4/28/2012
5 stars, hands down.
Food is great.
Service was fabulous.
Even though you wait a long time, everything is efficient and accessible.
Keeping this brief, just take my word for it.
GO TRY THIS PLACE!!!
Tonight I ordered a half rack of baby back ribs, along side corn on the cob and onion rings. Going to go back and try the tri-tip sandwich since that's starred on Man Vs. Food. :) My friends also ordered ribs and sides like fries, potato salad, cole slaw, and macaroni salad. This place can be a bit pricey, but they're big on their portion sizes and you'll definitely leave with a full stomach.
Also, even though the wait time in line takes forever, the staff makes an effort to keep all of their customers happy. I really appreciated the staff for making friendly conversation with me. They were very approachable.
Hell yeah, Phil's BBQ!! -
Review from Janel S.
4/23/2012
4.5 stars and over 3800 reviews...you do the math! I'm not one to enjoy waiting for anything, but it's BBQ baby back ribs and it's 4.5 stars out of over 3800 reviews!!!! Top ten in America!! After weighting the pros and cons of waiting, from one foodie to another, you just know you must be crazy to pass up this opportunity!!!
I waited. 1 hour and 15 minutes long. That's a lot better than their usual 2 hour wait. The line wrapped around the restaurant! It must be that good right? We were starving after a long day at Seaworld, but we had to have food that was going to put that cherry on top of our perfect day. And a cherry on top this place was!
I'll cut to the chase because with all these reviews telling you the same thing I'm going to tell you, then you gotta convince yourself to check it out after the 4th review you've read.
Dinner for two:
$30.00-Get the full rack with the two sides and add their famous onion rings on the side. Small size. That should be MORE than enough for two if your appetite isn't huge.
If its not enough, ask the awesomely nice waiters if you can order extra. They'll let you order again without having to stand outside in the long line again.
All I can say is it was AMAZING! The ribs were tender and just separated from the bone just as easy as a one night stand. It was sinfully delicious, and if I could, I'd get it pregnant or sew my rear end shut so we'd never part. (I ordered another full rack to take home since I couldn't do either one of those options) -
Review from Jennifer W.
Chula Vista, CA
4/30/2012
I've lived in San Diego for the majority of my life but my dislike of crowds prevented me from trying Phil's BBQ.
After reading several of the less-than-5-stars reviews, I can understand their complaints. However, I am a member of the 5-star-crowd and I wil explain why:
Upon arrival, there was an estimated 21 minute wait to order. Big deal, I've waited longer at other places. Besides, standing in line gives the illusion of progress, rather than standing around waiting to hear your name called.
Once at the ordering counter, we quickly placed an order as we had 21 minutes to decide. My boyfriend ordered the beefy ribs and chicken dinner, while I foolishly ordered a pulled pork sandwich because I thought it would be small. HA. HA. HA.
Seating is a free-for-all, and I have a feeling that arriving closer to the traditional lunch hour would be quite frustrating. However, we came a bit before noon so we quickly found a table. I've seen come critical remarks about the soda fountain, calling it confusing. All I have to say is if you're confused over walking up to a soda fountain and serving yourself, then Welcome to America, I hope you enjoy your stay here.
So, so far we have encountered an ordering and seating system more akin to fast food than restaurant fare. If that turns you off, then by all means pass up Phil's. There is no table service, and no-frills. Do I care? No. I just paid $6.95 for the World's Largest and Most Delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich, and all I can think about is "THIS IS DELICIOUS".
I have had a variety of beef ribs in my life and I typically go for the baby back because they're easier for me to eat. Not the beefy ribs here. My boyfriend handed me a rib to try and the meat fell off the bone and into my mouth. Holy smokes, that was juicy, tender, AND tasty! I would likely order that for myself on my next visit to Phil's. I also had a taste of the chicken breast which was a bit dry but still good. But come on, chicken? Please pass the ribs.
As for the sides, we split a large order of onion rings (big mistake, a small would have been better for two) and my boyfriend ate his whole corn on the cob with his dinner. The onion rings are excellent and I miss them already.
So yes, and excellent meal and I do believe the food is a good value for the price. Best barbecue I've had in San Diego and I am looking forward to more! -
Review from Kathleen C.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2012
This place is amazing! Great food, great vibes, great people, and all around a great place to eat! I came here with a big group, and we happen to come on a busy night [there was a performer next door at the sports arena], but the line was surprisingly fast for how long it was; it was no more than 20 minutes tops. After we all ordered, we were surrounded by amazing .. what would you call them .. servers? We were tended well to, and I was surprised since this isn't the type of place where you have a server per table. All the staff were extremely nice; not a single one looked like they were not having fun doing what they do. The food, which should be the main focus, was delicious! I highly recommend the beefy ribs [tender meat that practically melts off the bone with their signature bbq sauce].
I can't wait until the next time I come! -
Review from Douglas C.
San Diego, CA
4/26/2012
A different experience is in store for you. The long lines move surprisingly quick. You order your food while standing in line, pay for it, then pick up when your number is called.
The self-service was unexpected. Waite staff moves fluently around the restaurant, but is only concerned with making sure tables are ready for the next guests.
Onion Rings were great as were the fries. The "ribs" were dry, tuff and untasty., may have been an off day or maybe they weren't fresh. Totally unexpected, as this is their signature dish. Other members of our party got burgers or chicken and were very satisfied. Confusion at the soda bar was a little scary, they should add a second soda bar.
Have turned down 2 invites to dine here again. May try it again. -
Review from Angela S.
West Hollywood, CA
5/1/2012
One of the best food experiences of my life. We came on Sunday night to celebrate my birthday - there was a huge line out the door so we ate at the bar. The bartenders were incredibly friendly and welcoming - it felt like a home away from home. Hubby and I shared small order of onion rings & we both loved our sides - I had baked potato and my loverboy had corn on the cob. The baby back ribs were to.die. for.
Anyone who can't give this place 5 stars needs to become vegetarian as this was a meat lover's paradise.
Besides the wonderfully friendly staff - we loved the hand washing station!!! :) -
Review from Emma-Louise H.
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
The. Best. Meal. Of our entire. USA. Trip. Very rarely am I compelled to wish for more than five stars, but I was completely overwhelmed by my instantaneous love for this place. And that's not even influenced by bias, as there's a huge sign outside shouting 'Thank You Yelpers!' Well, Yelp has helped make this place one of the Top 10 Restaurants in the whole of the USA, but it never needed our aid in this. Phil's RULES.
My fiancé and I were looking for things to do for the rest of our holiday around San Diego, Portland and Seattle. Yeah, we wanted to do cultural things, and yup, we wanted to be cool... but we also realised something. We're greedy gluttons and we facking well love food. So what did we do? We Wikipedia'd all the episodes of Man V Food to see where our dear friend Adam had headed in all of the cities we were visiting to eat ridiculous things. Right away we made a mental note to check out Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, but there were nearer things to attend to. Phil's BBQ in San Diego. The tri-tip sandwich.
We headed out to what kind of looked like an industrial estate - the area couldn't be further removed from Little Italy where we were staying or Gaslamp, as rather than nestled amongst little boutiques and indie restaurants, it's out there near Target, In N Out and a whole bunch of other chains. Considering where it is, the fact that it was stuffed to the gills on a weekday, early afternoon, was a sign and a half. And it knows its audience. A mat outside known as a Tweet Spot? A fun photo booth? The word barbecue painted all over the beams in many different languages, dialects and slangs? Gosh, this place is fun.
The ordering system is spot on too. You're greeted by a friendly host who talks you through what to do. Go up to the counter where uniformed experts are hard at work, place your food order, take your cups for soft drinks and find yourself a seat. Anywhere you like. You'll be given a pager and you'll squeal with excitement when it beeps, because this is food worth waiting for. The tri-tip sandwich on a keiser roll is an all-round winner. The bread is soft with a delicately crisp outer crust, the BBQ sauce is everything it promises to be and more... sweet, tangy, rich and deep, and the meat. Oh, the meat. Soft as butter, tender and yielding, and quite simply some of the best beef I've ever had. We shared this alongside what we thought would be a little taster dish - the chicken tickler, which actually came with four generously portioned hunks of juicy chicken, marinated and barbecued to perfection with more of that superb sauce, perfect fries and colossal onion rings that live up to the name. I made my onion rings last the whole meal, they were that good. Even the coleslaw is worth shouting about!
I know I'm filling this whole review with hyperbole, but I genuinely think Phil's is worth going back to San Diego for. Last night I watched a documentary about a sushi genius where I learned that three Michelin stars are awarded to a place you think it's worth visiting a country for. Well, perhaps Michelin is a wee bit posh for a BBQ joint, but I'd give Phil's the award. Utterly epic. -
Review from Jenn T.
What is there to say about Phil's that hasn't been said in 3800+ reviews...? Nothing.
But I'll try anyways.
First things first, I don't like bbq...I don't like bbq sauce and I don't really even like meat. So going to Phil's was a really big stretch for me. I waited in line (in the rain) for about an hour with a friend to order our food, so by the time I got there I was expecting A LOT.
I ordered the combo with the beef ribs and bbq chicken with fries and baked beans.
Good lord, it was amazing. As I said before, I don't like bbq sauce, but the bbq sauce was amazing. The beef ribs were literally falling off the bone and they were so tender and moist and they come with sooooooo much meat. As for the bbq chicken, contrary to some other reviews, I loved it. I didn't think it was dry at all, it was honestly delicious. Fries were great as were the baked beans.
The atmosphere was comfortable and inviting and the service was great too, everyone was so friendly. I have nothing but good things to say about Phil's and I recommend it to everyone, I can't wait to go back to San Diego so I can stop here -
Review from Ed M.
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
First time finally trying the world famous Phil's BBQ. As always this place had a line going out the door towards the parking lot. When there's that many people there you have to consider Phil's must be doing something right. Luckily for me I came late and the party I met already was inside and had ordered me a plate. As I got in the place was packed. I had a dish of what appeared to be 3 short ribs and a side of fries with coleslaw. The ribs themselves were tasty...not overly burnt but cooked right with some tangy bbq sauce. The fries had a smoky flavor to them too. The coleslaw is what you'd expect it to be. The service seemed friendly. As far as forks and spoons you are to help yourself to them off on the side along with your drink. I want to try the may other bbq options here next trip.
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Review from Mei W.
I came to this restaurant during my trip to San Diego. I thought this place was mediocre and a bit overrated. I stood in line for a good 30 minutes; which was anticipated from hearsay. We were served free samples of onion rings while standing in line - kudos for that. I tried their ribs and it didn't have that 'smokey' taste that I expected. I couldn't tell if the ribs were actually smoked in the smoker because frankly they tasted baked. The side dishes were good - cole slaw and corn.
I definitely had better ribs at a famous rib joint in Sacramento called Lucille's. Nobody can compare to the succulent and flavorful ribs there!
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