Here’s Where to Get Your BBQ in San Diego

With summer in full swing, our appetites crave that favorite American cooking pastime, the barbeque. While there are ample places across the Golden State to enjoy a good grilling, The San Diego Tribute highlighted a summer’s worth of favorites in the San Diego region. Here are a few favorites:

Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ

“Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ‑originally launched in 2009 as Frankie the Bull’s BBQ‑smokes all its meat Texas-style on the premises, everything from pulled pork and beef brisket to ribs and chicken. Everything is served as a la carte items, which you can complement with sides like fries, beans, coleslaw or mac ’n’ cheese. The pulled pork fries are a house specialty and a customer favorite. During a recent visit, the smoked pork ribs were cooked and smoked just right, served clean with sauces available in squeeze bottles at each table. Outside, there’s ample seating to enjoy your protein al fresco. And even better, Fido’s welcome.”

1127 Morena Blvd., San Diego. (619) 276-2855

Felix’s BBQ with Soul

“When you sit down at a BBQ restaurant, and they immediately bring out a basket of warm and moist cornbread, you know it’s bound to be a good meal. And Felix’s BBQ with Soul didn’t disappoint. The jam-packed menu has everything a good Southern BBQ place ought to have—from baby back ribs and brisket to tri-tip and pulled pork. And sides? Boy, do they have ’em. The long list includes red beans with rice, black-eyed peas, mac ’n’ cheese, braised cabbage and collard greens. The meat’s not quite the fall-off-the-bone kind, but it’s tender, and smoked just right (it’s slow-cooked in a hickory-wood-burning pit), completed by a sweet-and-smoky sauce. A dinner companion summed up the experience: “This is some good stuff.” Good stuff, indeed, but the service is even better—always with a smile.”

3613 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside. (760) 439-7072 felixsbbq.com

The Wrangler Family BBQ

“If you like your BBQ smoky and your plate overflowing, this East County restaurant is the place to be. The decor is kitschy—dark wood with animal trophy heads. Think mountain lodge, circa 1960s. That’s pretty much how long this institution has been serving up Texas-style BBQ—it was established in 1965. They have an a la carte menu, but to make it simple, order the plates. You’ll get your protein and sides in one easy order. There’s beef, ham and rib, and because I like all three, I always order the beef, ham and rib combo—No. 7 for $15.59. All plates come with roll, butter, barbecue sauce and two sides. Choose from coleslaw, macaroni salad, baked beans or French fries. Ordering is easy, and quick. They slice the meat right in front of you, and heap on the sides until your plate can’t take it anymore. The barbecue sauce, which is tangier than sweet, comes on the side.”

901 El Cajon Blvd., El Cajon. (619) 442-1170 thewranglerfamilybarbecue.com 

Get the full list here.