TWO WORDS: FOOD POISONING. 50 EMPLOYEES!!! Wow...just wow. My co-habby's very large Tech company is kind enough to order lunch for everyone every Wednesday as a morale booster. He brought me home some of their bbq for dinner and all I ate was one slice of brisket because I wasn't that hungry. That was enough to give my hubby and I some seriously violent stomach pains that went on through the night until it was time to wake up to even attempt to go to work today! Which we were rendered useless and couldn't even leave the house due to the aftermath. This morning, a large group of his co-workers also called out sick due to a raging case of the bubble guts that was the end result of yesterday's lunch. Coincidence? I think not. NO BUENO DUDE. Everyone's out sick today thanks to BBQ 81. Can you imagine if I ate more than one slice?? I feel sorry for the ones that pigged out yesterday with reckless abandon. I will pray for your rear end my friends: I'm sure it has endured alot. You can bet your bottom dollar they won't be using them again and nor will we. 1 star. read more

Had this catered to us for lunch. BBQ Chicken, pulled pork, green beans with bacon, and mac and cheese. The main dishes were decent, pulled pork was soft and tasty, the boneless chicken breast was moist. The sides however were lacking. The green beans were over cooked and were kind of mushy and falling apart, felt like it came out of a can with bacon added to it. I also did not care for the mac and cheese, maybe because it was catered and it was not hot out of the oven or something, but it was just a salty mess with congealed cheese on top. When i first looked at it, I actually thought it was macaroni salad that had been out for awhile because it had that congealed mayonnaise look to it. When i ate it it was just salty. To be fair, I'll admit I'm not a fan of mac and cheese, it has to be exceptional for me to like it, and this one didn't make the cut by any means. Maybe we just chose the wrong sides and it sat around too long before i got to it, but overall i was not too impressed. read more

I contacted Brandon after reading the yelp reviews. Forever skeptical that a caterer could hit home run after home run, I apologize..the tri-tip was everything the reviewers said. I placed an order for a party and people LOVED IT! I'll be calling BBQ 81 again! read more

We had BBQ 81 catered for our wedding last weekend. The food was amazing. All of our guests asked us where we got the caters from. Brandon worked with our budget and did the BBQ on site with no excharge charge. Hopefully, they will have their restaurant one day, ao we can stop by to have some great BBQ in future. read more

We hired BBQ 81 for our October wedding in 2010. First, let me say that the food was fabulous. Brandon cooks a tri-tip that is out of this world. We received many compliments from our guests on the food. My problem with BBQ 81 was due to their very poor customer service. After we signed a contract with them they were very slow to respond back to us via phone or e-mail. We would often have to leave/send multiple messages. The week before our wedding we had an appointment with them and they stood us up and did not call or respond to our multiple voicemail messages for five days. The day of the wedding they showed up an hour after the agreed upon time and without the tables they had agreed to bring. I like Brandon and Harper very much. There were extenuating circumstances for the missed appointment. My rating would be much higher if they had responded to phone messages in a reasonable time frame, and had bothered to call and cancel our appointment instead of just standing us up. read more

I've been looking for a BBQ caterer, so I turned to Yelp and found reviews for BBQ 81 - I cannot say that I have had their food so I cannot rate them on that level. I did however call and got a voice mail box that was full. (must be good huh?) and then I waited and called a little later and Brandon answered. We talked about my event and he was gracious and said that he would take a look at his calendar and get back with me later the same day. Well so far I have not received a phone call back. I guess the economy isnt hurting him too badly or he is just a bad business man. I rate service at the door. Sorry Brandon, all your top reviews won't do you an ounce of good unless you provide good service to begin with. read more

BBQ 81 is a catering business that a couple runs. They do on site catering for events and they will even cook on site. I used them for two different work events and I've seen them set up at some of the Adams Avenue street fairs. Their food is UNBELIEVABLE! When you see the custom bbq pits this guy rolls with you'll understand why. I think the tri-tip is the best. Starts with a dry rub and slow cooks to tender perfection. Ribs are great too. It's his own recipe for bbq sauce. It's Kansas style sauce with a little kick (sort of sweet, sort of smoky, sort of hot) that I could drink from a cup and be happy. Then there's the sides. I think my heart nearly stopped when I had some of the Mac and cheese b/c it was so rich & cheesy. I ate some of the slaw to keep me alive; seems to have worked. Anyway, these guys rock. Check 'em out at the street fairs or give them a call to have them cater your event. read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience with BBQ 81. Brandon saved me when less than two weeks before my party, I needed to find a new caterer. He jumped right in and helped with putting together a great menu in my price range. He was incredibly patient with many questions I had and adjustments, always being accommodating. Then party day came. Brandon arrived early, set up his awesome grill in the driveway and started cooking. He set up professional chafing dishes which we were so great to be able to use. It was all so organized and thought out. Took my stress level down to nada so I was able to enjoy my guests and party. THE FOOD WAS AMAZING. Everyone at the party loved it. Everyone, seriously! We had chicken, tri tip, links, salmon, Mac and cheese, green beans, cole slaw. The quality was amazing. Service as well. We have nothing but good things to say about BBQ 81. Hire them, end of story! read more

BBQ 81 catered my wedding in the beginning of January. We had the Tri-Tip, chicken, baked beans, and mac n cheese. Everything was amazing! We only heard rants and raves about how our guests (around 300) loved the food. Brandon and all his staff were very professional and friendly. It was such a blessing to not have to worry about it and know that everything would be great because of Brandon's expertise and experience and it was. Also, I noticed how everyone from BBQ 81 that was serving the food were so nice and friendly. I would definitely use them again and refer them to any one. Thanks BBQ 81 read more

Brandon with BBQ catered our wedding and we could not have been happier. Every single guest was satisfied and raving about the food. We did the pulled pork with sweet hawaiian rolls (incredible BBQ!), tri-tip (super tender and juicy!), collard greens with bacon (every plate scraped clean!), mac-and-cheese (my fav), and baked beans (my husband's fav). We had enough food to feed an army. Brandon does not go half-way! We are still getting compliments on how delicious the food was months later! Also, Brandon did an in home tasting before the wedding and we even got a ton of food then. The prices are very reasonable - almost a steal for how much you get! And the leftovers stayed delicious for a long time (not too long though because they were devoured!). All in all, it was a great experience and we could not recommend them more highly. Great job! read more

Had the Tri-Tip, baby Backs, and Beans @ a recent party in Encinitas........The food was exceptional and Big Brandon was humble and very knowledgeable about his food. But the TRI-TIP was the best I have had, it melted in your mouth.Blew doors off of Smokin Joe (and I love his BBQ) and Phil's (I love Phil's as well)...........Very impressed with the food. Would recommend BBQ 81 to anyone........... Scotty Manuel read more

Wow, fantastic BBQ sauces, yes plural, 3 sauces. The BBQ'ed meat - tri-tip, chicken leg, and chicken breast - was cooked nicely but it's the sauces that bring them home. We also had sides that nicely complimented the bbq - mac and cheese, coleslaw with minimal mayo. My friend had her party catered, and these dishes were brought in. Our 20+ group were all big fans, and I heard the pricing was reasonable. YUM - you should check them out. If I move to SoCal, I gotta have some more. read more

I actually did not end up using Brandon and BBQ 81's services for my event but I just had to comment on how professional and straightforward he was whilst we had communicated. Any issue you have (vegetarians, etc.) he has a solution to solve it. The prices are pretty darn reasonable as well. I do hope to use his services in the future! read more

The link above is incorrect. Here's the correct link to their website: http://www.barbeque81.com/ This is hands down the best barbecue I've ever had in my life. You've never had collard greens melt in your mouth like these did. The pork would almost fall apart in your hands. The chicken was juicy, and the ribs were not over seasoned, and fell off the bone. We're using them for a summer party again this year. read more

I decided to go with a friends recommendation. The occasion was my baby shower. What a great idea, have all of your close female friends and family chowing down on ribs and mac n cheese. I was hesitant due to the crowd, but what a response! Loved it, all of my 30 guests including myself. So satisfied that I pre booked my sons 1st birthday party a year in advance. Seriously...I hadnt even been discharged with my newborn son & called Brandon from my hospital bed. Needless to say my sons birthday party was equally amazing. Mostly due to the great service, punctuality and the incredible food. Thank you big Brandon for your professional, yet, still backyard bbq style service. Now all I need is another bbq81 hosted celebration to plan!! read more

Brandon catered our daughter's wedding for 170 people. He was great to work with, and his food was AMAZING! He isn't as "full service" as some other caterers, but his food actually has flavor, rather than being bland and rubbery. Everyone at the wedding raved about the food. It was excellent and there was plenty of it! The team arrived on time, and I never had any trouble reaching them. Thanks Brandon for making Toni and Phillip's wedding so tasty! read more

This was absolutely the best pulled pork BBQ! Our entire office agreed. I requested a quote for my office picnic, and they promptly responded with a very competitive offer. The BBQ was delivered on time, and the amount was beyond generous. It fed way more people than they quoted for me. In addition, they were extremely accommodating. When I met them to pick up the BBQ I realized I had forgotten my wallet at the office; they were so kind and offered to let me call them after the picnic to arrange payment to them. They saved my event and made it absolutely delicious. I couldn't recommend them any more highly!! You won't be disappointed! read more

Some of the best ribs I've ever had. They just jumped off the bone. Next time I have a bbq, I'm going to enjoy myself and let Brandon run the show. It was fantastic. On a scale of 1-10, I give it an 81. read more

I've contracted BBQ81 about 1x a year for the last 10 years or so. They've catered family, friends, as well as company gatherings. Anything from 30 people to 250. Doesn't matter the size of the party, I can always count on Brandon and BBQ81 to be a huge hit. The BBQ is all amazing depending on your taste buds, but my favorite is the tri-tip and the ribs. If you ever need catering for a party of any size let BBQ81 take care of you. You're guests will be thanking you for a long time! read more

Food is amazing! Had party catered and it was fresh and delicious! The best barbecue tri tip, Mac and cheese, greens and more!! Yummo!

I, just like Lynette, who rated BBQ81 without rating their food, found BBQ 81 on Yelp. I called to inquire for my Company Picnic that was less than 100 people. Brandon began to write me off rudely, and said that he's too busy for company picnics with less than 100 people. He also did not help walk me through the menu and even said that I could go to Costco and buy Burgers/Hot Dogs if I wanted to add them on. WHAT NERVE! I may not know how good their food is, but I definitely do not appreciate the HORRIBLE service! My company and I will take our money elsewhere! read more

After consulting Yelp for our motorcycle club picnic of about 50 folks, BBQ 81 stood out with the most stars and the best reviews. Now that's it's over the the Yelp reviews were spot on. Many club members approached me personally to tell me what delicious tri-tip. Brandon and BBQ81 was on time, they came and set up their BBQ trailer at our site on Mission Bay a couple of hours before and the food was on time, plenty for everyone, and enjoyed by all. Additionally I'd like to comment that Brandon and BBQ pricing was excellent. The price quoted is the price you pay, no tax and mandatory gratuity to add 30% or more to the bill. And the price quoted was outstanding. Yep five more stars from me. read more

I love me some BBQ. And i thought that Bulls BBQ was good...BBQ 81 has it perfected. They are masters of all sorts of BBQ meats, but i would have to say their Baby backs are the best. The best thing about it is that they don't skimp on the sides. read more

I hired Brandon to cater my wedding yesterday (10/16/2010) and it was AMAZING!!! I booked him without ever even tasting the food because the reviews he had on here were so good....and the first time I spoke to him on the phone it was like taking to an old friend. I knew I wanted him to cater my wedding. He was awesome, friendly, and has a passion for food. His wife Harper was just as awesome and helped me make decisions when I couldnt... she made the mac(everything homemade.. by the way) and everyone died and went to heaven when they ate it. He got there and set up. He had two helpers with him....they cooked on site and stayed to help out untill everyone was full, satisfied, and happy! EVERY person there was blown away with the food and how amazing it was. We had pulled pork with sweet rolls, brisket, corn, ceasar salad, mac-n-cheese, and baked potato bar......yummy!!! Portions were huge and the taste was unbelievable. We were thrilled with Brandon and BBQ 81. He worked with us to make our budget work and even gave me some things on the house because he didn't want me to miss out. He cares about the food he makes and the people he makes it for. read more

We had BBQ 81 cater our party last night and they were a HUGE hit!! A lot of times you can have an event or party catered and the quality is questionable. Well, I can tell you that with BBQ 81, everything was top notch. The service was great and, more importantly, the food was incredible! The meat on the ribs literally fell off the bone, the tri-tip was amazing and the mac and cheese and beans were homemade and great tasting. I highly recommend Brandon and his wife with BBQ 81. If you love barbeque and want your guests to rave about the food at your party, check these guys out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Brandon catered an event for me in February 2011. The food was outstanding! It was a public event, but Brandon made sure we had ample food, all at the right temperature. We had his tri-tip, chicken and baby-back ribs. AMAZING!!! He is very communicative and straightforward. I highly recommend BBQ 81. read more

It's easy to see why people like Brandon Jessie. He's a nice guy who happens to have some seriously good recipes for all the favorite bbq foods people want. He just catered my husband's 50th birthday party at our house. We had 70 guests who enjoyed the food without exception. We ordered the tri tip, pulled pork sliders, mac 'n cheese, baked beans and Caesar salad as our dishes and everything was great. We didn't have room for Brandon to grill on site, but he brought everything ready to go to our back yard and everything was hot and stayed hot for about 1 1/2 hours. We'll definitely use BBQ 81 again and recommend him to our friends. You should too! read more

100%. Best. Tri-tip. Anyone. Has. Had. Ever. Just...wow. We fed 60 people at my wedding on Saturday. There was not one ounce of it left. I was AMAZED. Brandon is THE BEST guy to work with. he is definitely reliable, and has a great personality. I hired him all the way from Wyoming for my San Diego wedding without a chance to taste the food. He brought samples over for my parents and my bridal party, all ended up being equally impressed. I was nervous (being the control freak I am), but trusted the palates of my comrades. It ended up beautiful. He showed up on time with everything he had promised. Unreal food, and an awesome team. Bravo! read more

We had Brandon cater our wedding rehearsal dinner on 4/18/12. He brought all the equipment needed to BBQ on-site (MBWC) which really added to the whole experience. The food was amazing... tri-tip, chicken, mac & cheese, beans, and his aunt's famous cake for dessert. I'd go as far as to say this was some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Thanks Brandon!! read more

I've used BBQ 81 for 2 years in a row for catering a tailgate at Qualcomm. Brandon is so easy to work and his food is AMAZING!! 5 stars hands down! read more

Brandon the owner and head grill master made some of the best BBQ l've had in SD for a party we thru, He is a big guy but a gentle giant, the baby back ribs were falling of the bone and seasoned just right. Near perfection. read more

Brandon is awesome. He is so nice. We are having him cater our wedding and are so excited. He's been so helpful and willing to work with us in every way to have the menu that we're most excited for. We highly recommend him and his company. All the men in the family can't wait to smell barbeque cooking outside during the wedding! Makes it a great day for everybody! read more

We had BBQ 81 cater a birthday party and the food was fantastic. Pork ribs that melt in your mouth, awesome steak tri-tip and rich, creamy mac and cheese. Brandon knows BBQ - great smoky flavor and quality food. read more

We used BBQ81 based on the great reviews Brandon's been given on Yelp. I've never really done that before but as soon as I spoke to him on the phone I was totally confident everything was going to turn out fine. Fine is an understatement. The food was out of this world. We normally cater using Phils [who are excellent] but they offer no vegetarian options. Brandon brought an amazing Halibut that my veggie friends loved. They were finally at a party where they didn't have to spend the whole time eating sides! The quantity was totally more than I'd expected but as people went up for more and more food I was sure glad it was there. Everyone asked me who did the food and I'd use them again in a heartbeat. Thanks. Abby. read more

We hired BBQ-81 for a small (20 people) party a few months back, and everyone is still craving some more tri-tip!! The services provided were excellent, and the food was insanely delicious! They were willing to work with us on pricing, which was what set them apart from other similar vendors. You will not regret hiring this dynamic duo to cater your next event. We personally had the Tri-Tip, Chicken, Mac & Cheese (yum!), Baked Beans, and the Fiesta Corn - all were superb! read more

Just awesome!! We ordered lunch for the office crew and it was just fantasic. Brandon is honest and did just an fantastic job. The crew will forever keep BBQ81 at the top of their list. BIG BIG HIT!!! read more

I hired BBQ 81 for my husband's 40th birthday. The food was soooo delicious!! They brought thier BBQ onsite for us- what a show piece for your party. The BBQ was gi-normous! Their homeade sauce was not spicy, tangy and perfect. Adults and kids gobbled everything up! The tr-tip was a huge hit, so juicy. The chicken was ridiculously tender and sweet, I don't know how he does it! My husband had to have ribs at the party- so glad we did. They meat fell off the bone! My 5 year old was nuts about them too. People continued munching on BBQ after dessert. Harper made the best Ceasar salad with homemade dressing and mac-n-cheese for the kids! My family doesn't do the macaroni or potatoe salad. BBQ 81 gave us great options and worked with our budget!! So rare. They responded immediately to me eventhough I was last minute. Harper was so polite and enthusiastic on the phone-love her! Brandon and Michael stayed out in flashfloods and wind to prevent the coals from cooling- they were so drenched but food turned out awesome-Is that committment or what?!! I had guests asking for the BBQ 81 restaurant but they only cater- darrrn! I am already craving their Tri-tip, chicken and ribs! Next big party- I will book them again! read more

I have used BBQ 81 on numerous occasions. Birthdays, high-end charitable fundraisers. Each time, they have simply blown the crowd away with the quality, authenticity and presentation. I own several businesses, including an interest in a small restaurant chain, and STILL we have used BBQ 81 whenever possible. If you like BBQ. If you like great food served by nice people. Look no further. This is a mom-n-pop deal owned by people who do whatever it takes to exceed expectations at every turn. read more

We used BBQ 81 for the catering for our rehearsal dinner. We were not disappointed! The tri tip was amazing! Chicken was incredibly moist and the pulled pork was out of this world! Everyone at our rehearsal was impressed and shocked that we could get such great bbq catered. I would definitely recommend bbq 81 any day. Great food and affordable! Can't wait til we can use them again! read more

We had a company event and I called on Brandon only a week out, so glad I did. He and his team arrived early to start the big black BBQ's. We had the tritip, chicken and for those that didn't eat meat, salmon along with mac & cheese and coleslaw. All the food was great, but I have to say, the salmon was some of the best I've had. I am not a fan of pumpkin anything, but Brandon convinced me to try their pumpking "cake". It's more like a pie, it was so good people were asking for 3rds. The only thing is BBQ 81 doesn't accept credit cards, I didn't have enough time to get one from the corp office by the day of our event, but Brandon still showed up and provided excellant food. I'd definately use him again. read more