I could smell the barbecue when we pulled up. At 9 p.m. the line was still around the corner.
Funny how they're so precise with the time. Too bad it actually took us 25 minutes from the time I took this photo to when we got to the hostess stand.
The sign warns that you're on the live queue cam.
And watching other people gnawing on ribs only made us hungrier.
I messaged Christine of Folie a Choisauce to ask her for recommendations because I remembered her tweeting about her love for Phil's BBQ. Beef ribs and onion rings, and dip the ribs in ranch dressing, she said.
I generally prefer babyback pork ribs, but she was insistent on the beef ribs. Lil' sis and oldest nephew and I kept going around the menu to see which combos would allow us to try as much of the menu as possible for the best price.
Finally! Near the door. You can see the queue cam in this photo. It's the black dot to the left of the sign.
Hehe. I want one of these signs in my kitchen.
Lil' sis and oldest nephew ordered while I searched for a seat. I found a table outside when lil' sis came and told me they secured a booth inside. I'm useless, I tell ya.
We got the two beef rib and 1/4 chicken dinner with a side of steamed veggies for $11.95.
I know the beef ribs look all dark and dry in the photo, but they were so tender and juicy. The chicken was actually pretty tasty too. I was afraid the chicken would be dry as well, but it wasn't.
Full rack of babyback ribs, small macaroni salad, and small fries for $18.95. Mmm. The babyback ribs were good, but I'd have to concede the beef ribs were much better.
Ribless dinner of barbecued pork with small beans and cole slaw for $10.95. They wanted to try this just to see what it tasted like. I think these would have been fine if we didn't have the ribs, but since we did, this was mainly left to take home. And if you think about it, for $1 more, you could get the two beef rib and 1/4 chicken combo. So this wasn't the best value either.
Small onion rings for $3.95. Ooh, battered and not breaded. I love battered onion rings. Eat these while they're still hot.
Dig in!
Half an hour later,
I
just
couldn't
eat
one
more
bite.
One lonely babyback rib and the last onion ring stared at me, but there was absolutely no room in my belly.
We packed the leftovers to take home.
There's a long sink near the rear exit, which was mighty handy because eating barbecue is not a dainty endeavor. But oh man, does it ever taste so good.
Lil' sis said her friend asked me to blog about Phil's soon so she could read about it. Even though she wasn't there that night. Hey! Lil' sis, my blog doesn't revolve around you, you know! :P
Phil's BBQ Restaurant
3750 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-226-6333
Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
*****
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Yummy! Just in case you didn't know, if you go with only one other person, just skip the line and sit at the bar. You can order there. I didn't know that until recently.
ReplyDeletePhil's pulled pork sandwich is pretty delightful, along with their whoopie pies. Mmmm... now I feel like Phil's.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it! I love Phil's. :) He started selling his sauce at the local Costco's.
ReplyDeleteWe are in San Diego right now! But that line...ugh.
ReplyDeleteI usually like babyback too, but I have no problem with beef! :p
ReplyDeleteOne day.. one day I'll brave that line and the drive.
hi wc - wait, you were in san diego and you didn't call me? :)
ReplyDeletewe have to try that iraqi place remember?
Berrylish,
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! Thanks!
Moowiesqrd,
Whoopie pies! You know, I don't think I could have fit in any dessert after that dinner.
Min,
My sister mentioned that. I saw they had bottles for sale there too.
WeeMo,
Haha. Can't believe you went after seeing this!
Burumun,
Definitely get the beefy ribs here. And see the tip above about eating at the bar.
CC,
Too busy with lil' sis stuff! But next time, when I have more free time, we'll have to tackle the Georgian and Emerati places and whatever else is on my list!
Thank you for the post! There is a Phil's opening up less than 10 mins away from me in the fall (in San Marcos, CA) and I can't wait. I havwn't made the trek out to San Diego even though I live in the county lol.
ReplyDeletehi wc - i was just kidding since i know you were busy doing family stuff with your sis's graduation! but next time you have more time, let's check out those places. pomegranate (the georgian place) only does dinner btw.
ReplyDeleteHm, in all the times I've been to Phil's, I've never tried the beef ribs. I'll have to order it next time.
ReplyDeleteL,
ReplyDeleteI saw that other location when I was looking up this address to put on the post. Thankfully it hadn't opened yet or I wouldn't have known which one since I don't know anything about SD.
CC,
I know you were joking. :) I've got a list of all the places we need to try. Why are there so many Middle Eastern and Central Asian restaurants that are new to me in SD?
Kirbie,
You must! The beef ribs were way better than the babyback ribs and I looove babyback ribs.
Enjoyed reading this blogpost. I had been recently to phils bbq and loved it. I wrote an article on Best Indian Restaurants in
ReplyDeleteSan Diego which talks about Indian Restaurants you can find in San Diego and the best Indian food. Please do read it in your free time and do let me know your opinion.