This place has super good food! I loved the decor around and the overall space was very cleanly and comfortable. The customer service was kind and helpful too :) read more

Barbecue fix for lunch!! Not to mention they also have amazing a/c. The hubby & I love it here. Always friendly service & great vibes. So very welcoming..... This is why we've been coming back since our childhood. What we ordered: * Value meal w/ brisket sandwich, crispy fries, & unsweetened tea. * Beef sandwich a la carte. Everything here is yummy. I always get the beef sandwich though. read more

See all

This place takes me back in time Like a restaurant in Texas in the 80,s , Nothing flashy .....just a plain menue of food choices . Todd was a very cool cat...I wanted to try something new....he asked what I normally ask for ...I told him the number 13......and without missing a beat he said get number 10 with confidence ......I gotta say...wow.....this combo was sooo good Thank you Todd for the warm welcome hospitality and the food choice.....best lunch ever!!!! read more

We came in to grab some yummy BBQ cause the wife wanted some BBQ. I got the brisket value meal with French fries extra crispy, wife got her beef sandwich. Service was quick and organized always a positive experience. The staple of National City that has been there for years as we both have been coming here since we were kids. Love the AC on hot day's. read more

See all

It feels like a different time in here.  Maybe the 70's.  Love the scent of smoking meat.  There is a smoker full of oak in the back. Rack of beef ribs is enough to feed 2 or 3 people.  I tried to eat it all myself but I wound up taking half the ribs home.  Ribs are very good quality with a good amount of meat on each bone.  I tried grilling beef ribs at home but supermarket beef ribs don't have much meat on them.  Beef was fairly tender and had a fresh beef flavor mixed with a smoky oak flavor.  Warm bowl of sauce added a sweet bbq flavor.  These are great ribs and I'm looking forward to finishing off the leftovers. 2nd visit I try a large pork rib dinner with fries.  Fries were crispy and I loved the fried potato flavor.  Feels like they have fresh high quality oil as the flavor is nice and clean without any aftertaste.  Among the best fries I've had this year.   Pork ribs are dry rubbed and smoked in oak thus the lovely smoke ring.  I usually visit Coop's or Grand Ole Bbq for ribs and their dry rubs give you a blast of peppery flavor.  Here the flavor is more subtle.  Not quite flavorful enough to eat without the sauce.  Sadly I'm not a fan of the bbq sauce which is vinegar based and I don't like the flavor of vinegar which is quite prominent.  I did love how the ribs were tender and juicy.  Very good dish.  Could be great if I had brought my own sauce. Dinner roll did not have a fresh baked aroma.  Light and fluffy with a mild flavor.  Tasted like a store bought dinner roll. Water came from an old school drinking fountain I remember seeing at lots of businesses. Service was fast and friendly.  The first Barbecue Pit opened on Dec 16 1947.  There have been locations all over town but this one and the one in Fletcher Hills are the last.  Next time I'll have to try the ham. Meats are all $24 per pound.  A bit pricey. 3rd visit. Beef had a bit of smoky and beefy flavor.  Tender and moist.  Very good. Ham had a mix of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors.  Texture was tender and moist.  Very good.  Not as salty as Honey Baked Ham. read more

See all

I love this place! I've been coming here as a youngster and have enjoyed their bbqed meats for over 60 years. Their baked beans are awfully darn good.l I enjoyed tonight their potato salad. The other sides I've which gotten at various times have all been good. Got their weekend pork rib special and an ala carte ham sandwich. The rib plate came with 5 ribs which my son and I spli. I was given cornbread as they were out of their fantastic dinner rolls. The ham has a great smoked taste to it that you will enjoy. What I also enjoy is their very delicious bbq sauce which has a clove essence. Yum! Good call for Sunday night dinner. read more

See all

The Barbecue Pit has been in National City for as long as I can remember. Their Bar B Que is authentic. Smoked beef, pork ribs, chicken, ham, and Brisket. The meat is awesome. The menu hasn't changed in over 50 years it's just good food at a fair price. That says they're doing it right. No frills, no fancy atmosphere. Come as you are, enjoy great food and go home full. read more

I have not been to a barbecue pit restaurant since they closed the one up on Balboa Avenue. The flavor of the ham, the coleslaw and the freshly fried french fries were to die for. The food was exactly the way I remembered. I wish they would open this exact same restaurant up in Oceanside area. It's so good. read more

Barbecue Pit - Ham sandwich combo plate - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

Classic BBQ with smoky, tender meats and generous portions always hits the spot. Will definitely back.

The first time when I was five years old? Or when I go this Friday at 71? Or maybe the 100's of times over the years? read more

This old school BBQ house was a very pleasant surprise! I ordered the beef sandwich and pork rib platter. The beef had a nice smoky flavor and had a perfect balance of meat and fat, and the pork ribs are incredibly tender. My sides were beans and fry's and this was the perfect pairing for my beef sandwich. The barbecue pit in National City has been around for over 50 years and is so underrated. They don't serve alcoholic, but who cares I'm going for good bbq. The staff is very nice, the restaurant is very clean and most importantly the food is good. read more

See all

One of my favorites for beef ribs! Old school place with great ribs. I've been going there for years. I love their bbq sauce!

Food was good And service was friendly, it was experience being the first time here. We bring more family here for the tender ribs and great beans and we liked the bbq sauce too. Super friendly, but clean and dated. But hey you want good food and great prices too They cater, and do large orders too By the pound. We be back to try more soon read more

See all

Way over priced. I paid over $14.00 dollars for this! Crazy. Salad was just lettuce and 2 slices of tomato. Chicken was fine, nothing special read more

Barbecue Pit - Chicken and salad - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

Great service I always come here so does my family, delicious BBQ. Definitely recommend this spot to anyone who hasn't tried it yet. read more

Barbecue Pit - #18 Pulled Pork Sandwich Plate - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

My family has been going to BBQ pit since I was a kid in the 60's. Now I'm 73 years young, STILL going to the Pit with my grandchildren!

Foods always good. Family friendly. The most delicious bbq sauce. Staff always friendly. We come here after school events with the kids. The sausages a so good. read more

The ham, ribs and roast beef are so good and on Fridays they have brisket which is really amazing. They smoke it for 15 hours, it's like butter. The staff is so friendly and nice. We love going there. read more

Barbeque bar-b-que barbecue It's all so good. Counter for super fast service it's all hot fresh now ready. My go to is beef sandwich or ribs or 14 chicken especially link and pulled pork Right on read more

Try the new sandwich is very delicious with salad. Atmosphere excellent. Friendly staffs

Happy to report that the food is as good as ever. The value meal is now 13.99 but still an excellent value. They do a good takeout business-- a perfect sports party meal, and you can have whatever beer you want to get at the store. read more

I really wish Yelp did .5 stars, because BBQ Pit is closer to 3.5 than 3. I have been coming here since I was kid and I think the best compliment I can give is that they are consistent. The prices are not terrible, and they usually have decent specials throughout the week. The food itself is just very average. It definitely feels like they survive on nostalgia at this point. I do like the sauce though. read more

Barbecue Pit has ALWAYS delivered the most EXCELLENT and DELICIOUS food. Once again, they served the MOST delicious smoked turkey dinner for our PrimeTimers Thanksgiving luncheon. I was sick at home and my hubby brought home my plate. After eating, I asked why he did not bring home more. We usually purchase a turkey from Popeye for Thanksgiving. We have decided that we are going to get our annual turkey from them. Oh, by the way their BBQ is also OUTSTANDING! read more

Look, if you enjoy cafeteria food that's been sitting under heat lamps since the Jurassic period, then this place is for you. Or/& if you have decaying tastebuds, you'll love this place. I have been eyeing this place for over 10 years. Never had the chance to visit + the mysterious charm of this BBQ place was always there and lingered... until it didn't. I was excited to visit this little charming restaurant that is a National City staple. Finally, after so many years I was able to eat here. I heard good reviews + looked forward to the dining experience. You walk in and it's a long corridor to the register and lengthy menu. To the left, is simple tables and chairs. You order your food, they prep it + send you off with your food on your cafeteria tray. You pay then take a seat. The menu: All the options and combinations. They have beef, ham, split pea soup, cornbread, fries, macaroni and cheese, kids meals and so much more. The quality: well, this is where the bbq disappoints. Our group ordered the half chicken, with macaroni and fries, split pea soup, pulled pork sandwich, ham + bbq beans. To say the least, we tried a lot of what was on the menu. It tasted like cafeteria food-bland. Unless that's what you're looking for, don't come here. The price: its pricey for the quality. Overall, 1 star for trying to be a bbq place. The effort is there but def not met. read more

Not what I remembered and enjoyed years ago. The only thing good were the pork ribs. Beef way over done dry, tasteless and tough as shoe leather. Nothing changed about the decor still the same just shabbier. Same sides. Needed lots of BBQ sauce which they were stingy with. Will try again in a couple if years if they last that long. No one in the place but yet they rushed us along like there was a line behind us (again, we were the only customers). read more

Simply the best old school bar b que Try it all sauce you can drink so good Counter service is fast with a smile You can see the meats read more

I have never eaten here. My wife convinced me to have dinner with her here. we ordered the number eight large beef. I had the baked beans and the potato salad. Baked beans were nice and sweet potato salad was creamy and delicious. The beef was juicy with the right amount of fat. The barbecue sauce was tangy with the right amount of sweetness. I tried her mac & cheese, which is really creamy. I would definitely come back. read more

This is my favorite BBQ spot in San Diego so far! The Barbecue Pit is more Texas style bbq. Their menu prices are very reasonable, both my and my husbands plates were $12 each! I got the #6 on the menu, which is the small beef dinner plate. It comes with one portion of sliced beef, and a choice of two sides. I chose the French fries and Mac and cheese. The fries are nice and tender, but what I absolutely love is the Mac and cheese! It's so cheesy and flavorful I wouldn't mind coming here for just the Mac! But I really love how well cooked and flavored the meat is! It can be slightly on the dry side, but is super flavorful without the bbq sauce. But the bbq absolutely enhances the flavoring, bringing out a little more sweetness with some smoke as well. My husband got a similar plate to mine, but in sandwich form. He absolutely demolished his lunch, as well as our friends' leftovers! There is a lot of open seating in the restaurant, and has a nice and relaxing vibe. The employees are very nice and helpful, and are happy to answer any questions one would have about the menu. read more

See all

Service was a 8/10 Ambiance was empty No one was in here should've gotten the hint and left. Food was expensive tasted nasty and old with no flavor. Workers weren't washing hands or wearing gloves Won't be coming back. read more

Barbecue Pit - Nasty food - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

food was great and the service was excellent very nice loved there smiles when you see people leaving you see him leave with a smile you're so kind there. I love that place. I have been going there for 20 years and it's always been great. read more

COME TO THIS LOCATION. Their ham is so tender and juicy, the fries crisp and salty, and their signature sauce - tangy and perfection in itself. Have you been looking for a classic joint that serves barbecue food the way it's meant to be served? Look no further - you'll never want to eat - nay - enter another RESTAURANT as this food takes the cake. Please explore their menu, give this classic restaurant a chance, as not only is the food delight some, but the history is quite enchanting! read more

Stopped by on a whim, got the beef and pork rib plate with potato salad and beans....and it was dang good, the service also provided by Sandra and Martin was also top notch. Will def stop by next time I'm down in DayGo read more

Barbecue Pit - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

It was ok, nothing to rush out to again. But a good change up if you're looking for a pulled pork sandwich or sliced beef. Place was empty when we were there for lunch. Front door was broken so if you tried the correct one to enter it was locked. read more

I got an email from them for "Monday Specials" Drove all the way cross town to buy two Large Beef dinners. The workers at the National City Barbecue Pit refused to give special price. Said I had to "Show us the email." The email had not mentioned that. Since I left my phone at home I was out of luck. I was a fairly regular customer. Was just there last week for ham sandwich and pea soup. I don't like being treated like a Liar. read more

Barbecue Pit - Email notice of "Monday Specials" - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

The food is amazing. It's been the same since forevvvvvvver. PEOPLE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY SMOKE THEIR FOOD. It takes HOURS to cook. So if you go here before closing it's quite possible they might not have what you are looking for depending on how busy they were throughout the day. With the economy today it's quite understandable that the business owner doesn't want to make extras and lose money if it's not sold. This place been around for over 75 + years FOR A REASON. We been regulars here since the 80's and we love it. #10 Beans and fries #18 Potato salad and fries has always been our go to. Can't go wrong with these. read more

Best BBQ around...been here forever and BBQ & sauce are ALWAYS the best! Satisfies my craving that I forgot to take pics of the food! Great peach cobbler too! read more

The service was quick and there's a lot of space to sit. The pulled pork sandwich was good, and the Mac n cheese has potential (needs more creaminess and cheese). The cornbread was dry as a bone, not worth it. Everything was a decent price. Good place to try if you're craving bbq pork pulled sandwich and need a quick fix. read more

Shouldn't even be considered bbq, it's National city cafeteria or hospital foot at best. Might be considered better if their staff didn't have such poor attitude! read more

Amazing service the food is amazing they're welcoming. This is the best place I've been since living in San Diego. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful it's a homie feeling. read more

We've eaten here loads of times and have catered too. Great beef, great ham and great ribs! The sides are good too! Their bbq sauce is a bit of an acquired taste (kind of a cinnamon aftertaste in my opinion) but it's yummy. The service is friendly and it's pretty clean inside. read more

Barbecue Pit - Beef Sandwich Plate - Barbeque Near Me - National City, California

See all