Phil's BBQ

Phil's BBQ
3750 Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 226-6333
www.philsbbq.net

Phil's BBQ is my favorite place in San Diego for barbecue ribs, and probably one of San Diego's most famous restaurants. I have friends who have to pay a visit to Phil's every time they visit San Diego.  Phil's used to be located in Hillcrest.  The tiny restaurant was always crowded and hopping. 

Then they decided to move to a larger location. Now, it's even more crowded than before.  There is always a line at Phil's no matter what time I go.  I've given up trying to actually eat there.  I don't like having to wait so long to order, try to find a table, and then wait for my food.  Instead, I just order food to go.  I call in, drive over in about 20 minutes, and I'm out of there within 10 minutes.  I get to go home, enjoy my food, and wash my messy hands after.

Phil's menu can be found on their website.  I always stick to the baby back ribs.  I tried the beef ribs once, but they weren't as good.

The meat is tender, and literally falls off the bones.  The sauce is sweet and a bit spicy.  A delicious combination.  Boyfriend and I usually share a full rib dinner which comes with two small sides.

I usually get the macaroni salad and the potato salad.  I've also gotten fries before, but the fries are usually soggy.

Here's the bones from our food.  They are always very clean since the meat comes off so easily:

Comments

[Gastronomer]

I've heard great things about Phil's! I must go here with my Cousin Phil.

[Cliff]

you should get a picture of the huge lines or the huge kitchen with all the ribs :)

[Kirbie]

Hi Gastronomer- Phil's is definitely must try spot in San Diego! Going with your Cousin Phil sounds like a perfect idea!

[Kirbie]

Hi Cliff- I tried to get a picture of the lines, but I was too close to them and couldn't get a good shot and it was dark out. I didn't want to take a picture of the kitchen since most restaurants don't allow it.

[sawyer]

yea i remember when it was only the hillcrest location, and waiting for a good 1.5 hours...one thing that freaked me out at the old location was that statue of an old man near the bathrooms/boardgames...always thought it looked real out of the corner of my eye. but the new phil's has beer, so on with the new! i really like their bbq sauce.

[Kirbie]

For some reason I was always able to find seating in the old location, but at the new one it's at least an hour, so that's why I don't try to eat in anymore. I totally remember the old man statute! It used to freak me out too. hehee.

[Roger]

Another phan of Phils. Their onion rings are the best! The problem with taking the fries home is that they are placed in the styrofoam takeout box right out of the grease and that creates a lot of steam inside the box which causes the fries to get moist. Luckily you don't have that as bad with those yummy onion rings.

[Kirbie]

I've never had the onion rings. I've seen them and they look so big and yummy. Next time I'll try them.