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The Barbecue Pit
Categories: Restaurants Barbeque Event Planning & Services Caterers Barbeque, Caterers [Edit]
920 E Plaza Blvd(between Highland Ave & L Ave)
National City, CA 91950
(619) 477-2244
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for The Barbecue Pit
Review Highlights
"I get the beef sandwich plate with coleslaw and beans."
(in 3 reviews)
"This place has perfected split pea soup."
(in 3 reviews)
"The potato salad was AMAZING."
(in 10 reviews)
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56 reviews in English
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Review from J F.
Otay, CA
1/29/2012
I used to eat here all the time, at least once per week when I used to work down Plaza Blvd. Sad thing is I had to stop coming here because of the poor customer service because of the ghetto employees working here. I had the rudest customer service experience exactly 2 years ago and it wasn't until now that I finally had the courage to return and see for myself if anything had changed in the last two years.
I don't know why I never contacted the manager, but I should have. I had attempted to write an e-mail but they had no e-mail address for me to contact. It's in the past now, but I'm glad I never jumped on Yelp after that day and wrote a nasty 1 star review because I really do like the food here. Luckily, I have not seen that woman with the ugly attitude on my recent visits--hopefully she got fired.
Call me weird, but I enjoy the cafeteria style order counter, salad bar and the décor of the place. After all, I despise ordering from my table and having to wait my waiter to take my order or get me more water etc. Getting to choose where you sit and being able to see the food while looking at the order menu is always more appetizing and satisfying.
The beef ribs are decent here, but I prefer the roast beef or ham dinner plate. And as for the sandwiches, you can't go wrong with any of them since they are all tasty but do tend to be a little pricey. The BBQ sauce here is always consistent and tastes exactly the same each time and has a thicker more smokier flavor than other places around town. I actually prefer Barbecue Pit's sauce over Phil's since Phil's is intensely sweet.
My favorite sides are the green salad and potato salad, but I have been known to order the corn on the cob, baked beans, and French fries from time to time. I honestly don't think I've ever ordered the macaroni salad before so I'll be sure to order that next time. The cups of soup are no big deal and I only order the split pea soup if I'm starving hungry and really want to get full.
You must try some of the pies they make here!!! -
Review from Ace D.
4/11/2011 8 photos
Anyone in the South Bay will tell you that one of their favorite barbecue places in the area is probably going to be "The Barbecue Pit". I have been coming as a little critter and trying barbecue sauce for the first time.
This unique place still perks up as an old fashioned cafeteria style. The place hasn't changed a bit, despite the higher prices off their analog menu. Once you walk in, you'll notice the busts of bulls and deer. (Shh, those stuffed animals would scare me back in the day!).
You'll also notice the aroma of freshly carved baked ham, roast beef and the fine scent of BBQ sauce being warmed off the stove. Just stand in line or observe the menu on what to decide.
I usually order the Ham Sandwich Platter which always go best with steak fries and barbecued beans. Sometimes I'll order the coleslaw but I find myself taking a bite from someone's plate.
What makes this place unique is that the carver is in front waiting to slice you freshly pieces of delicious meats. He slaps that puppy right between some buns and "wa-la" stirs up a masterpiece!
Insistently you need to get extra BBQ sauces (remember they are served warm) and dabble one on your plate. Some like the buns, some like to pick away from the juicy cravings. If you skip on the carbs (buns) just go all protein with their platter combo.
Nothing like a fresh ham sandwich with the perfect zest of cloves, smoked and "juicified" like no other. It don't matter if you haven't come here in years; The Barbecue Pit has consistency that the next generation will be able to relate to excellence upon perfection of good ole' home styled meals.
Before you go home, be sure to order a ham bone for your large dog. Not only will he or she love it, but they will sure be glad that you treated them to the finer things in life.
The fat: National City's finest for BBQ!
The skinny: Great location, lots of room and friendly service.Listed in: Gift Certificates @ The Last…
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Review from David H.
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a good old fashioned cafeteria. Kind of reminds me of Furr's Cafeteria. It's all decked out western style. You walk up and order your food off the board. You see the dessert items like jello, puddings, pies, cottage cheese. It's like you stepped back into a time warp.
I usually order the beef plate and you get to order two side items. I got the macaroni salad and BBQ beans and comes with two bread rolls. They cut your order right in front of you. The gentleman has some good knife work while carving it up. Such an artist!
This is good old fashioned cafeteria food from back in the day. The beef is very tender and delicious. I really like the macaroni salad, it's not too vinegary like some of the salads you get at the supermarket. It's more home style. I've had the potato salad before too and it's really good. The BBQ beans are nice. The BBQ sauce seems to have a little more kick to it lately. Is that a hint of cinnamon in the sauce? I don't know, but it's all good. -
Review from Jessica I.
San Diego, CA
10/4/2011
The food was pretty good, but not fab-o. I had split pea soup, but I like that out of can, so it's real hard to mess that up for me. The little sandwhich I had was ok, though kind of expensive for how small it actually is. (However, that being said, the place is pretty cheap. But the little roll for 5 bucks makes me think of the foot-long I could get for the same amount at Subway.) To make your little sammy better, there is a side bar with fixings (though no tomatoes). Beware of the horseradish sauce - a little goes a long way! Try to cut it with the uber-sweet BBQ sauce they give on the side. The interior could use a revamp, but I guess it serves its purpose. It's unlikely I'd return simply because BBQ joints in cafeteria-style modes do not strike my fancy.
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Review from Lena P.
San Diego, CA
2/22/2011
I came here with a friend since it was a Monday and Phil's was closed. We both have passed by this place many times but never tried the food until now. Maybe they had an off night or we ordered the wrong things to eat but I'm not coming here again.
Our order -
* Beef ribs: the meat was very tough. My friend and I had trouble trying to bite off the meat. Uhm, I think there's something wrong with that if you have trouble eating your food.
*Quarter chicken: the chicken was dry. Wasn't tasteful
*Side orders: fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, and baked beans. Nothing special about it.
Service -
The service was fairly quick but at the same time, it wasn't busy. I like how the order taker told us that the ribs didn't have much meat on it. I liked her honesty haha. The rest of the workers seemed friendly also.
Overall, no more check-ins for me :| -
Review from Randy B.
Chula Vista, CA
1/17/2012
it is said that barbecue is best in the midwest or back east and i have found this to NOT BE TRUE, i visit texas about twice a year and have had barbecue at many places there in the past 6 yrs and found none to compare to national citiy's own barbecue pit,it has been a staple in town since the 40's i was born in the 50's and have had many great meals there it is a great enviorment and many locals eat there on a daily basis there food is all cooked in a real pit giving it that unmatched unmistakeable barbecue pit flavor there meats are to die for and there sides are many and very tasty still reasonably priced for the times there menu is large and has many varities and combos to choose from they have daily specials which are also very reasonable if your looking for some great barbecue and a friendly dining experience then the barbecue pit is a must especially if you have company from out of town especially if there from the midwest or back east whear they think there barbecue is unmatched anywhere in the states!,to date no matter what time of day trust me you will not be dissapointed or leave hungry or dissatisified if you drop by this iconic barbecue pit for lunch dinner or just a great snack and its right here on the west coast!!!,best barbecue in the states if you ask me!!,
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Review from david s.
San Diego, CA
9/22/2011
Food was pretty good, horseradish was WAY too hot. Even in small portions I was crying. Lots of tables had trash and not cleaned.. hate lazyness ..
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Review from Monica T.
National City, CA
9/12/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I like the sandwich plate special. Perfect combo! Sandwich, side and drink. I've been coming here since I was a little girl.... and I KEEP coming back!! :)
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Review from Steven M.
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to spend a fair amount of time in the South Bay and would frequent this establishment about once every two weeks. I also enjoyed eating at the Kearny Mesa location on Balboa which was a staple for BBQ up there for many years.
After a long hiatus from this location and establishment I ventured in about a week or so go and ordered my old favorite, a number 16 which is a BBQ chicken sandwich and two sides.
Now, either I got bigger (which I did) or the portion got smaller (it did) because the sandwich was about the size of a $.39 cheeseburger at a fast food place (that will go unnamed). I mean come on, this sandwich was 4 bites and it was done. The chicken sandwich used to come on a decent size bun with about a 3/4" stack of white meat chicken. Now, it was like a slider...but you got only one.
The food? Absolutely delicious.
The portions? Horrible.
Will I be going back here anytime soon? You figure that one out. -
Review from Christopher V.
Chula Vista, CA
11/5/2010 2 photos
This is the wrong place for you if you want to order something like "braised Canadian wild boar shank and New England sweet potato hash with Brazilian fennel", but you can have something called a beef sandwich.
This place gets a bonus star for being stuck in time, in a charming way. This is simple food done right.
I had said beef sandwich and it was delicious, with a generous portion of meat for the price. I loved the fact that the BBQ sauce was served on the side, because when you try a new place you really don't know how the sauce will suit your specific taste. It seems that no one can agree on what constitutes great sauce.
The fries were fresh and hot, and the cole slaw was tasty (well, tasty for cole slaw, I mean it's cole slaw!).
The place hasn't been remodeled in decades but is in good repair and clean. Food is ordered from a counter, cafeteria style, where you get a preview of desserts you probably wouldn't enjoy. Yes, Jell-O is a choice, and the rest appear to be trucked in from somewhere. Oh, well, I never order dessert.
Other bonuses: You can buy meat by the pound to enjoy at home, and where else can you get a ham bone for $1.99 (when available)? -
Review from Juje J.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've eaten here before and usually I love the ribs, but for the first time unfortunately, I have to say, the Ribs weren't that great.
A friend of mine from Oceanside came down for a visit and I treated her and another friend to some BBQ Ribs (both Pork and Beef).
The Pork Ribs were fine as always, but the Beef Ribs just didn't quite make the cut...I don't know if it was the selection of meat that they had or the way it was cooked but these ribs were not tender. As a matter of fact, they were a little on the tough side.
Don't get me wrong...I've had Beef Ribs here before, but this one time, the ribs were just not right and I felt like I let my friends down after boasting about how good the ribs were over at the Barbecue Pit...which is why I'm only giving then 3 Stars.
I'll eat here again cause this really isn't such a bad place to eat...The food is good and the prices are pretty cheap. Who knows...maybe I'll give The Barbecue Pit a second review in the near future because this restaurant deserve a second chance. -
Review from Rodney M.
San Diego, CA
7/3/2010
3.5
I go for the beef ribs. I use to make beef ribs when I lived in Ohio and they are always short and tough. It took alot of marinade to make them "tender." These beef ribs are big, delicious, and tender. The fries are always cooked just right and I devour them with the BBQ sauce. -
Review from Lauren C.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2008
My dad and I have recently decided that we like Barbecue Pit ham better than Honeybaked. Mind you, they are two completely different beasts. Barbecue Pit ham is more uniformly textured, smokier, and more succulent than Honeybaked. It also manages to cost more. The rest of our family doesn't share our preference, but since we usually pick up the holiday hams, their preference doesn't really matter.
I also love Barbecue Pit's sauce. For me, it's the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet. Even when my family loved Honeybaked unanimously, we'd still swing by Barbecue Pit for the sauce.
My five stars is just for the ham and the sauce. The only other thing I'd recommend at Barbecue Pit is that you avoid the fries and the beans.Listed in: San Dieg-oh my god this tastes…
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Review from Rommel A.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2010 12 Check-ins Here
People don't give this place a chance because everyone loves Phil's BBQ. I think Phil's is good and all, but I've stopped going over the years because it's always overcrowded and I don't enjoy their food as much as I used to.
The Barbeque Pit makes me feel like I'm at home even with long lines at certain times. I love almost everything on the menu. Nowadays, I only order #10 which is a beef sandwich plate (i.e. w/two sides). I hated the BBQ sauce at first, but grew into loving it. It's quite different from Phil's BBQ. Both places are great, but at least I can breathe at The Barbeque Pit! -
Review from Robert A.
National City, CA
2/11/2010
Orignally Im from the south so Ive had a chance to sample some great "cue"in my time.The Barbecue Pit in no way ,shape, or form could compete with the calibur of bbq found there nor do I think it would be fair to judge The BBQ Pit based on that criteria.We are in CA. and not the deep South so I will base it on CA. standards of BBQ.
The decor of this restaurant is interesting and reminds me of circa 1970!
I ordered a combo plate which offers a choice of pork or beef ribs(I selected the pork ribs),slow roasted beef,ham,and my choice of sides.I selected the baked beans and slaw.Everything was quite good!
Some people have complained about the sauce but I liked it! I found it to be unique and different! The baked beans were really good but the dinner roll I had seemed cheap and ordinary.My meal was really hearty and filling so I had no desire or room to sample dessert.
Is this the best BBQ I ever had? Not even close! Would I eat here again? Yes! I enjoyed my meal! -
Review from Josh G.
Chula Vista, CA
12/28/2008
BBQ pit is pretty sweet I guess. My mom/grandparents used to bring me here as a kid and I didn't come here for years until recently. I haven't had anything here that was bad, but definitely doesn't strike me as fantastic. The ham is hot and moist, and the steak sandwiches are pretty dank as well. The sauce is delicious. The side orders accompany the feast pretty nicely. THey have salad with a salad bar, macaroni salad, beans, coleslaw, all kinds of tasty stuff.
As stated previously in other reviews, there is a ton of seating, and I've never seen it more than a 1/4 full, but all the better. Doesn't take long to get food, and you can watch them slice everything up for you right there. Sometimes you can be accosted by an old militaryt veteran and his wife, but other than that this place is pretty chill, if you don't mind the retirement home's field trips here (sarcasm). But really the majority of everyone who goes here are at least 50. Prices are reasonable for a bbq joint, and this is definitely a prime choice for some relaxing after a round of frisbee golf. They also take large orders for catering and shit, and since its such a large restaurant it would probly work for having a party there or something. SHould ask them if we could rent a section of it and bring a keg! -
Review from Melissa G.
Bonita, CA
4/15/2010
I went here last night to get some last minute dinner for the family. I ordered two pounds of BBQ Beef. It came with sauce. The beef by itself I have to say wasn't super moist but it wasn't jerky either. It needed the sauce I guess is what I'm trying to say.
A little under 11 dollars for 1 pound of meat to go. The beans were good. So was the macaroni salad. The sauce is on the sweet side. It wasn't bad.
The dining room is large enough for family seating and large parties. The place is decent. It's nothing special, but most BBQ dives aren't. The service wasn't the best. They were very annoyed that I wanted two pounds of beef. The girl went to the back and I guess checked if they had more beef... like they aren't going to keep more than one pound of beef cooked around there?
She came back a minute later and shook her head at the guy that was cutting the beef behind the counter. Anyway, she then looked at me and said "Is there anything ELSE you need?" ... O_O um.. yeah, better service.
Besides that it was fast and easy. It wasn't bad but it wasn't fantastic. It wasn't SUPER pricey but it wasn't by any means cheap either. Its convenient since it's close to my house and so I go there.
All together... it was meh but I gave it three stars for being less gas than going to Point Loma. -
Review from Quay A.
1/16/2009
We wanted to try someplace different (BBQ wise) so hopped on Yelp and checked out what people had been saying. Glad we did because I rarely end up in National City and enjoyed my meal.
Positives:
Great service, told them what we were interested in and they made recommendations.
Plenty of options for seating, it is very open so it seems empty even when it is half full.
Liked the BBQ Beans - don't be expecting bush's canned, they make their beans.
Don't expect brisket! They do slow roasted beef, tender and you don't even need a knife.
Sell pig and beef bones for the doggie - walked out with two bags of beef bones (20) for $2.50.
Negatives:
The sauce, while good, gets a bit overwhelming by the end - all that cinnamon & nutmeg (Z said it reminded him of mulling spice LOL).
You come up to the big order board, place your order and they cut your meat right their and put it on a tray for you, slide around to the cashier and then head to the table of your choice. They have a spot off to the side to self serve dressing, butter and other condiments. Spent $24 dollars, fed two people and came home with leftovers. The beef dinner (#1) is 1/3lb of beef, the big beef dinner (#8) is a 1/2lb of beef; each comes with two sides and rolls. They will give you extra BBQ sauce at not cost. Didn't try the chicken this time and I will be checking that out for sure. -
Review from Jen R.
1/28/2010
I can't keep track of all the BBQ places I've eaten at, but this joint has to be one one that I can't say is bad nor can I say is super great. It's really their food that's keeping them afloat.
The menu is pretty much laid out for you with an array of choices to select from. The prices are reasonable and fairly portioned. I've only eaten here once and wouldn't mind visiting the place again. I'm just not a fan of their location spot. The atmosphere also feels like you've stepped into the late 70's early 80's cafeteria like scene. Sit where you please. If I'm in the area, I'd most likely stop by for a quick bite and go. That's about it. -
Review from Lewis G.
San Diego, CA
9/21/2010 1 photo
DANK BBQ
dank ribs, dank sandwiches, dank salad, dank sides. everything is good here and its cheap. -
Review from Mark P.
Temecula, CA
4/29/2010
I too am going to rate The Barbecue Pit on California terms, not on Southern terms. (Why can't I find amazing BBQ in CA?)
The dining room is large, old school, but kind of fun for a BBQ joint. Service was good - you walk up to the counter, order, they put together your plate then you pay and find a table.
I got the beef sandwich and the meat was good (really good by CA standards). The potato salad was AMAZING!! Their beans were AMAZING!! The sales rep I was with had the 1/4 chicken and a salad and she said it was great.
I would recommend this place and will go back when in the area. -
Review from Big P.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
4/8/2010
For the price, it's pretty good. I took my coworkers here on a Thursday and got the chicken special with the beef. I spent about $10 which was a bit on the higher side for lunch. I wasnt disappointed but I wasn't incredibly impressed. Compared to places like Lucille's BBQ, it takes a back seat. But i would go back to try something else. My coworkers loved it and wanted to go back.
For the price, it's pretty good. I took my coworkers here on a Thursday and got the chicken special with the beef. I spent about $10 which was a bit on the higher side for lunch. I wasnt disappointed but I wasn't incredibly impressed. Compared to places like Lucille's BBQ, it takes a back seat. But i would go back to try something else. My coworkers loved it and wanted to go back. -
Review from Sunsarae B.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2010
So my co-workers and I randomly started talking about this place today so I decided to grab it for dinner tonight. I haven't been to this place in about 4ish years and I was kind of reminded why.
I got the hot link sandwich plate for myself, BBQ beef ribs plate for the hubby and a beef sandwich just because. The side items (beans and potato salad) were yummy but nothing to write home about. The links were sliced thin and had a slight hint of spice to it; but the beef ribs were disappointingly overcooked and tough and the beef sandwich was just bleh. The BBQ sauce is ridiculously sweet as well, so if you're looking for something savory, you won't find it here.
I think I'll stick to Phil's or make it myself. -
Review from Carlos Z.
San Diego, CA
8/21/2007
I gotta change the pace here.. This place will out do Huffmans anyday.
Their sloppy Joes is a must have here. They dont serve it everyday so its best if you call in first to see if they have it that day. If not, there Pork, beef, ham, or link sandwiches are very good. And if you cant make up your mind.. They have a combo plate that has all of the above. Its doesnt compare to Phils.. But its just as good as them.. depends on what type of BBQ flavor your going for.
One other thing.. for some reason, there Cherry Coke taste really great.. refill please -
Review from Wes D.
Whittier, CA
10/6/2009
A friend recommended this place as having good Que and, always on the lookout for good BBQ, I decided to check it out.
First thing I noticed was the whole cafeteria theme of the place that went out of fashion sometime around 1972, which is approximately when the place was last remodeled.
I went ahead and ordered my standard BBQ fare - 1/4 white meat chicken, salad, etc. The chicken was pretty dry, the sauce was spicy but lacked flavor, the roll was very industrial - almost like the cheap rolls you get with a chicken dinner at Vons, and the salad wasn't particularly fresh.
Was it horrible? No. Would I go back? Not unless I couldn't find anything else to eat.... -
Review from Ruben L.
3/26/2008
Let me preface this review by saying I am comparing this place to bbq from across the nation (Memphis, St. Louis, Texas, and the Carolinas).
The other evening my wife had planned to grab some breakfast at Big Daddy's, only to be surprised that they were closed early (or for good?). Not having a back up plan, we drove around National City looking for a place to eat, and happened upon The Barbecue Pit. BBQ in a predominantly Filipino area? We weren't quite sure what to expect.
As we went in, we were greeted by the pleasant smell of bbq. As we looked over the menu, we saw your typical bbq fare. What was missing though was pulled pork (which I was told is served Saturdays at their other location). Ok, no pulled pork, I guess I can get by. I ended up getting their beef sandwich (one of their more popular items) and my wife got the chicken.
The person helping us was SUPER friendly. When she asked us about the side dishes, she let us try them before we chose. I went with Beans and fries, while my wife did potato salad and beans.
When we got our orders, we were underwhelmed. My beef sandwich, even doused with sauce, was rather bland and flavorless. My wife's chicken (also doused with sauce) was rather dry and flavorless. I imagine you can find better bbq in the area, I just don't know where that might be. I hear Brians American eatery and Phils have it going on.
BBQ lovers, feel free to pass on this place. True I didn't try the ribs, but if it's anything like they're beef or chicken I'll pass. The only reason this place is not a one star is because of the friendly and helpful cashier. -
Review from Shannan M.
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2011
I was just reviewing all the bbq joints I visted during my recent trip to Austin, TX and realized I had yet to talk about my local favorite...The Barbecue Pit! Myyy bad. I've been eating here since before I could walk. 20+ years. It's a family favorite and tastes like home to me. I've never had anything bad here. Ever. Their bbq sauce is absolutely perfect and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. Their meat is cooked to perfection. I hold every other bbq I eat to the BBQ pit standard. I usually order the beef sandwich with potato salad, my two favorite things. AND I always get the jello for dessert. Is it better than any jello i've ever had? probably not. And is it strange that such a place has that as a dessert option? probably. But, i've had it almost every time I've gone since I was a little girl and the tradition continues.
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Review from Abigail J.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2010
This place cannot compare to Phil's, but it'll do if you need that quick BBQ fix & don't feel like going anywhere past the I-8.
Best part? The chicken. 'Nuff said. -
Review from Daniel B.
Bonita, CA
6/29/2008
It's passable, but not my taste. i had lunch here last week, and found the hot link to be pretty much anything but. i think my biggest problem is the bbq sauce: chock full of cinnamon and maybe nutmeg? i was on the losing side of an argument that there was some allspice in there, but i still think there is a little. it's like christmas on a pig... and though that sounds just shy of heaven with a cherry on top, it was not jiving for me. no punch at the end! i ended up cover the plate in hot sauce, and it was pretty good then. but the preperation is excellent, and the prices are reasonable. so when your way down in south bay, i'm not complaining.
no wait, i am complaining. there's no pulled pork! AH! -
Review from priscella n.
Chula Vista, CA
10/2/2008
They have one of the best barbecue sauces. It's sweet and spicy, and that's the kind of sauce I love. Wow, I've been coming here since I can remember. Every time I walk in, it brings back memories of my childhood. Besides their great sauce, they have Delicious ribs! And their roast beef sandwiches, mmmm. Love their fries, love their baked beans.
The only thing i don't like is their macaroni salad; but then again, I don't like any macaroni salad, unless it's homemade.
Oh yeah, for desert, their lemon meringue pie is delicious. -
Review from Pat F.
12/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
What can we say? This family restaurant has been there ever since the Plaza Blvd. strip mall was erected. No better BBQ sauce than TBP's!!!
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Review from Ray E.
Chula Vista, CA
6/24/2008
A good way to think of this place would be "what would you expect if Denny's served barbecue"? The food is decent, but doesn't have a whole lot of taste to it. I think the sauce could be better- either sweeter or spicier.
I would recommend Phil's for some good Q or just prepare it homemade.
The place is inexpensive and the staff is friendly.. You place your order at the counter and it's out pretty quickly. There is plenty of parking. -
Review from John M.
Bonita, CA
12/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
I been going there since I was a kid. Been to the NC & La Mesa one. They both stick with how they been doing it for tears. First off this this place does it their way not Phil's way they are nothing a like so there isn't a way to compare them. I have had the links, chicken and 95% of the time I just get the #10 on a roll with beans and fries or beans and macaroni salad. I like it cause i don't have to ask them not to put sauce on the meat. Its always served on the side. When I go to Phil's I ask for it on the side as well. Phil's is good without the sauce and to people complaining about BBQ Pits sauce being sweet well Phil's has a higher sugar content then the Pit. Every place is going to have their signature dishes. Bottom line the BBQ Pit has a good smokey flavor on all their meats. Its not claiming to be flashy but its been in SD since 47 so its around for a reason.
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Review from Jen C.
Bonita, CA
4/21/2011
I really like the old school vibe in this place. It feels like time stood still in The Barbecue Pit. I ordered a chicken sandwich with baked beans and steak fries. I enjoyed my plate a lot The BBQ sauce lacks a lot of flavor ( probably because I compare it to Phil's).The chicken on my sandwich was cooked to perfection and I dipped it in sauce to take away some of the dryness. It's a good option for BBQ in the southbay- when I don't feel like driving to Phil's.
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Review from Lily M.
San Diego, CA
4/4/2010
Sad, but true, this place is not good. We had the pork ribs (more like pork fat), Pulled pork sandwich (meh) and the kids chicken sandwich (very dry), my son didn't even touch it. The meat was bland and the sauce was really sweet. That right there is minus 3 stars. I would take the other 2, but I have to give one. This particular establishment was FILTHY!!! There were dirty tables everywhere and it wasn't even busy. The highchairs were disgusting, I didn't want to even put my kid in it. I will never go back here. I had an okay experience at the La Mesa one, but the pulled pork sandwich was pretty dry.
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Review from Tomas H.
San Diego, CA
2/15/2008
Oak pit barbecue from the olden days, just the way it San Diego loves it. The Barbecue Pit is an institution in the county. Since 1947 they've been slinging their smoky costillas, jamon, y bif. The beans are legendary. Their clovey sauce is a perfect accompaniment to thier ham and tastes great with the beef and fries. Slaw's okay, fries are golden and crispy and have I mentioned the beans are legendary.
The chicken is smoky and good, a bit greasier than what I'm used to out. The beef ribs are a battle. Full of good smoke flavor, but not falling off the bone. In fact there was an excessive amount of meat stuck to my wife's leavings. I was forced to help her extricate the meat. Unfortunately she didn't receive the benefits of my assistance and it ended up in my stomach. The sandwiches are the basic deliciousness that is the foundation of the Barbecue Pit. White bun and sliced meat, Ham, Beef, Hotlink or Chicken, drizzled with their sweet spice sauce.
I believe the founders were okies. Their style of 'que is consistent and filling through the years. It's a family tradition for many. It was basically my first encounter with barbecue as a commercial venue.
This is where my grandfather would take me when abuelita and my mom dumped me off. I was too squirrelly for La Maze, his usual luncheon place. And so he'd say, "There goes you grandmother and your mother to spen' my money. Le's go get some lonch." And boy-o-boy, did they ever and boy did we. Funny thing is I'd get it for dinner, also. After hearing that's what we had for lunch, my mom would have to have it for herself for dinner.
SURFER TOXICO says,"Mike's Hard Cranberry Lemonade" -
Review from Gwen C.
Chula Vista, CA
3/12/2009
Everyone has their favorite BBQ place and this is mine! Their sauce can't be beat. I love the way it wafts out into the parking lot and you can smell it before you get inside. Their beans are great. I like the macaroni salad also and their chocolate cream pie. This place has perfected split pea soup. It's all good, the chicken the ham the beef the sausages the ribs. Look for coupons in your local paper. I think the coupons come out Thursday.
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Review from Nichole B.
San Diego, CA
10/1/2007
A family favorite! My dad suggested this place to me. He often has them cater his business meetings. When I first walked in I didn't know what to think, but it was packed so I figured the food must be good. It is and it is still packed everytime I go. The service is always prompt and efficient.
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Review from Timothy B.
San Diego, CA
12/29/2007 1 Check-in Here
Barbecue is such a personal thing. Depending on what part of the country you are from determines what you like. I grew up in National City. To me, barbecue is the Pit. That's it. This place has been here 50 years. The current location is a few feet from the original site. The walls smell of smoke. They menu is as antiquated as you can find. The only things that have changed in this place are the prices and the Melmac was tossed out a couple of years ago. You can't beat their beans. Prices are still cheap. And if you are really hungry go for a combo plate with the beef ribs.
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Review from G S.
Chula Vista, CA
12/29/2009
BBQ preference is as subjective as subjective gets and this restaurant is no different. For me the allure lies in the fond memories of growing up and visiting cafeteria-like eateries. Definately worth a visit, but prepare yourself to be transported back to a kinder, more simple time. Staff has always been friendly, service is fast, plenty of parking, and food is edible. Why not?
