Food + hospitality of a welcoming culture. The combination is hard to find. It's worth the time and travel to get there.

Bowllegged BBQ absolutely lives up to the hype! I ordered the leg and thigh combo plate with collard greens and mac & cheese, and every bite was packed with flavor. The chicken was so incredibly tender that it literally fell right off the bone. You can tell it was cooked with care. The collard greens and mac & cheese were both perfectly seasoned and tasted just like true comfort food. To wash it all down, I had a Tito's with pineapple and cranberry juice with a dash of the Bowllegged Welcomin' . Let me just say, it was the perfect pairing! Beyond the food, the atmosphere really stood out. The artwork both inside and outside gives the place so much personality, and with plenty of TVs and shaded outdoor seating, it's a great spot to kick back and enjoy your meal on a sunny San Diego day. The whole place has a soulful, welcoming vibe that truly felt like home. Thank you to everyone at Bowllegged BBQ for such a great experience. This is definitely a place worth stopping by if you're in San Diego. I'll absolutely be back for more! read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

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AN ENTIRE EXPERIENCE! There are very few places that have the essence of this spot. So unassuming on the outside, and then you open the front door and it hits you...the smell, the music, the sunshine coming through the back door, the warm welcomes. This is a cookout in restaurant form and the energy tells you that it's gonna be a good meal and a great experience. Yup, we picked the right spot and we knew it immediately!! The sampler platter was killer and we especially loved the ribs! The sides were absolutely phenomenal, that was easily the best mac salad of my adult life and the greens had such a balanced flavor profile and perfect texture. My particular son ate absolutely every bite of his brisket sandwich and that bomb af mac & cheese. We ate every crumb of the cornbread and then got another piece to go. My only regret was not getting a piece of lemon cake to go. Pictures? Nope, sorry, not this time. We took in the vibe and were too present to be worried about our phones, and that's more of a compliment than my mediocre food photography could ever be. read more

After reading amazing reviews about Bowlegged BBQ (named after one of the owner's nickname), I came with two dear friends to celebrate their birthdays. As it happened it was one of the owner's birthday today. There was a strong and inviting community feel to this charming restaurant. I loved the backyard BBQ vibe. The décor is funky, quirky and I love it. Theres so much to look at, so much history and so many messages--and it's fun! As for the food, I noticed the brisket received some negative reviews. So I was hesitant to try this. However, I'm so glad I did. It was tender and succulent. I would order it again. The tri tip was amazing as were the baby backs. Yep, I'll be back for the baby backs. The Mac and cheese was ok. I prefer backed mac and cheese. But that's my preference. Im picky about greens and I really liked them. If you're looking for down home food an "Q" smoked by an amazing Pit Master, look no further than. Don't stop at the red lights. Z o o m over to Market St and get yourself a treat; and while you at it, say hi to Janette Maria (another owner). Her personality is the only spice you will need Sorry, I was so focused on my friends and the food that I didn't take any pictures. But there are plenty of cool photos on line. read more

One of my friends recommended I try this place because I had been looking for a good BBQ spot in SD which is hard to find btw. And I am a self proclaimed BBQ connoisseur. So I came here on a Sunday. Let me start by saying I loved the vibe and the customer service was superb. The cashier was really nice and people were constantly checking on us while we sat and ate. I'm from LA and this place was giving backyard BBQ with unc and auntie and them. lol. There is a cigar lounge type vibe to the very back serving up cocktails and playing sports on the big screen if that's your vibe. They also had some RnB playing as well. Now for the food. They are not stingy with the portions at all. I ordered rib tips, a hot link, and brisket with cornbread, potato salad and Mac n cheese. The rib tips were not as tender as I would've like them to be, however the flavor was good and their bbq sauce was phenomenal. The brisket was SUPER tender but could use more flavor. The Mac n cheese was too salty for me and my friend that came with me. However, the person who recommended the spot said the Mac n cheese was fire so maybe it was an off day which happens. The potato salad though (which they only have Fri-Sun) was out of this world and so was the cornbread. Oh AND they have kool-aid ! I did not get any but I'm sure it was fire. Side note: when I warmed it up the next day the meat did have even more flavor ! read more

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I was not please with the food at all. I order the Tri Tip, greens and mac & cheese. Which the m/c is $2. extra. The tip was cut thick and no sauce. I didn't ask for coleslaw look like sitting on top of the tri tip pieces. Just don't eat coleslaw. My bill came to $32.30. I don't mind paying but this was an over charged. I paid &27.98 for a tri tip sandwich + $2 for greens on my receipt and $2.32 tax. And I did leave a tip &2.00. I gave the tip in cash my food was charged to my card. I requested no bread on the Sandwich. I was told you get two sides with the sandwich but you have to pay extra for the m/c. Not impress with bowlegged Restaurant and will not be returning. read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

I called in they told me nothing was out- drove 20 mins to a sold out sign right outside. Terrible customer service lost my support read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

This place was such an experience to our surprise. It definitely gave backyard vibes. We ordered the hot link sandwich with baked beans, yams, and the bbq chicken. The sides were very tasty but the links and the chicken wasn't spectacular to me! I would however return for the vibes and to actually try the ribs! Service was completely hospitable - the staff are friendly and make you feel at home. read more

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The food is so good but the atmosphere is what is so special about this restaurant. The owners and staff do a great job of making it feel like you are at a family BBQ. read more

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I ordered the 3 sample plate (Tri-Tip, Brisket, Pork Ribs) with a side of mac n cheese and baked beans. Also got a sweet tea! Total: 49.99 Food: All 3 meats were great! The Tri-Tip was sooooo good, but a bit try for my own personal standards. The brisket was soft, flavorful, and smokey. The pork ribs were smokey, sweet, and delicious, but weren't falling off the bone. The mac n cheese was soooo good. The baked beans you could buy by the quart. 8.5/10 Service: The workers were so welcoming, patient, and sweet! We asked them for help on what's popular and what their favorites were. The feelings were authentic and I'd come back just for them. 10/10 Ambiance: Old fashion style interior, records everywhere, and cute antiques. Backyard style seating that felt like you were in someone's home. TVs everywhere to watch any sports and shady spots to eat. read more

Bowlegged BBQ - 3 Sampler Plate - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Tried them twice so far. The first time I ordered the spare ribs with baked beans and potato salad. The second time I had the half rack of ribs (6 bones) with a side of mac and cheese. The BBQ itself was delicious both times--tender, flavorful, and definitely the highlight. The sides just weren't my favorite. I'd still gladly go back for the ribs because they were that good. read more

You can smell the delightful, smoky aroma of BBQ before you even see the entrance to the restaurant! It draws you in. The entrance of the restaurant doesn't give you a clue to the range of sensory delights in store for you. The inside front of the business has you thinking you are strolling through a primarily Black History Museum. Then, you reach the section of the restaurant where you place your order and you make some difficult choices from a broad range of menu items. Sydney was a huge help because you want some of everything- but of course you can't. So, with her help, we got our priorities in order. A hint to the wise - go early if you want their famous banana pudding. It sells out fast! Loved the decor - even the decorations in the bathroom are a sort of history lesson. This family- owned and operated restaurant has a backyard cookout vibe to it. A place where family and friends gather to enjoy grandma's baked beans, ribs, chicken, sweet tea and sweet potato pie. The music adds to the synergy of tasteful accents, great food, and family style dining at great prices. We are already thinking of friends we want to bring here. We had the privilege of an extended conversation with one of the owners, Maria Jeannette. She stopped by our table and before we knew it, we were talking about everything from family and education to thrifting. Sweet lady! read more

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This place use to be the go to spot, Mac salad and Mac n cheese along with corn beard is extremely dry also didn't have Most of the stuff that was on the menu It's a shame, I used to love this spot and tell all my friends about this place being the best bbq in all of San Diego Well todays visit changed my mind drastically Used to be a big family business, joyful and entertaining, exciting, great atmosphere,but now workers and food quality went downhill Spent $90 which used to be no problem before but with the quality of food I feel like they should owe me the $90 plus my money back I wouldn't even feed the food to my dog read more

This is your quintessential backyard bbq spot that makes you feel like part of the family. Bowlegged was on my list for a while and am so happy I was able to finally try it. It has a very unassuming vibe and walking in, you feel like you're entering someone's home with the all the memorabilia around the walls. You place your order and all the seating is outside in the backyard. They had a great R&B playlist going on as well as some TVs where they were playing the football game. Service was friendly and our food was ready in about 15 minutes. We ordered the Sampler Platter which comes with your choice of 3 meats and 2 sides. We opted for the brisket, rib tips, and the rack of ribs. For sides we got the mac and cheese plus the coleslaw. And for additional sides, we also got the cornbread and peach cobbler. For ~$45, the sampler platter was a good deal and had enough food for 3-4 people. The standout was definitely the ribs. It was very tender and soft. And I loved the bbq sauce they add onto all their cuts of meat. The rib tips were really great as well, although some of the pieces were hit or miss (some tender, some more dry). And the brisket was also pretty good. One of the cuts they gave us was really thick (not sure if they forgot to slice it thinner) and so other than piece, it had a good texture. Cornbread was nice and fluffy and not overly sweet, while my gf really enjoyed the peach cobbler. Great vibes, food and hospitality, Bowlegged was a great experience! read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Sampler Platter (3 meats and 2 sides) - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

I went to try Bowlegged BBQ the day after I got all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed, and it was delicious! Everything was so tender and easy to eat, which was what I was hoping for lol. Their menu was a little overwhelming at first glance as someone who does not eat BBQ often, but the staff were very friendly and helpful in explaining how to order. The sampler plate came with 3 choices of meat and 2 sides. The collared greens were so well seasoned, and the corn bread was light and moist. My favorite was the brisket. It was tender, and their BBQ sauce is a winner. I went again after I was fully recovered, and got to enjoy it for real. It was even better than the first time! I also enjoyed the dining area set up. It was very laid back, with a huge TV to watch on, and some good music. read more

Bowlegged BBQ - SAMPLER PLATE - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Now this is barbecue. We had BBQ chicken, fried catfish, mac and cheese, cornbread, and BBQ beans. The barbecue was delicious, the beans were cooked perfectly, the mac and cheese was creamy, and the cornbread was moist and cake-like. The Catfish was well seasoned, not over cooked and did not have a catfish taste. My only issue was the potato salad, which was surprisingly bland and too chunky. Everything else was five-star quality. read more

The woman up front was kind and friendly and greeted people with a smile. The ambiance was definitely not for me. Very dark inside with unappealing decor and furniture. There is an extended area outdoors for customers to dine, which is very simple, rudimentary and unrefined. I am guessing this is deliberate to provide patrons with an authentic, backyard cookout kind of feeling. The food was definitely not to my liking. I have had great barbecue in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kansas. This did not compare in any way. The tastes were severely off. For example, the collard greens were sweet and tasted as though someone had briefly doused them in liquid smoke. Same with the macaroni and cheese; it tasted as though it had been infused with sugar and liquid smoke. On the other hand, the barbecue sauce on the meat was salty. I do not know if this was deliberate or if the cook accidentally used salt in place of sugar and vice versa. The meat itself was VERY dry and tough to chew, similar to leather. The cornbread was VERY sweet and dry and tasted more like stale, overnight artificially sweetened honey cake. I think this place is geared towards people who are native Californians and not for those who are transplants from areas that have truly great barbecue. I was sorely disappointed. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this place. However, although I would prefer not to dine in, perhaps food is better for those who do. I would definitely be willing to try this place out again to see if my experience was a fluke. read more

The food; excellent, consistently delicious. Service; friendly and professional. Ambiance; welcoming, friendly and warm. The owners are always there to make sure your experience is a positive one. I can't forget the music...it helps shape the vibe. On any given day, you might run into an old friend or while there make a couple of new ones. The experience is like going to your families back yard bbq only better. They do all the cooking!! I promise, if you visit once you will be back again and again. read more

This is what you call real BBQ, southeast texas bbq to be exact. The customer service was friendly and welcoming. I didn't get the lady's name, but she was awesome! The ambiance is homey, southern and chill. They have outside sitting with umbrellas. Now let's get to the best part: BBQ. We ordered 3 samplers 3 meat choice with the best potato salad I ever had and delicious sweet yams. Corn bread in the side. My husband, his family and I love the place. Highly Recommend read more

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Best pork ribs in San Diego. Yams and bbq spaghetti is a must try. They actually use real wood to smoke their meats , you can taste it. read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Bbq spaghetti, half rack pork ribs, yams - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Probably the best BBQ in town! Everything taste so delicious and you can tell was made with love! The place feels like home! read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Ribs and Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Best place in San Diego for home style barbecue and hospitality (period!) Love the folks at Bowlegged BBQ! read more

One word DELICIOUS Best BBQ in San Diego Fish and Chicken Greens good too If Take Out works give it a try read more

One of the best BBQ spots in Daygo, customer service is amazing, atmosphere is great, wish I could get more food but it works out perfectly for my diet read more

Lady that took our order was extremely nice but the bbq needs work. I have had brisket all over but this was bad and the sause burned my mouth for 4 hours . Would call the food average or less. I know your not going to get Texas bbq in San Diego county but surely they could do better than this. read more

Went here for fourth of July & I wasn't disappointed at all. The catfish was fried perfectly. Mac n cheese and BBQ baked beans was delicious..... And can we talk about their cornbread. It was so delicious. Despite how busy they were, everyone was extremely helpful and nice. I would definitely go back again when I'm in San Diego. read more

this was my first time coming here! I saw the reviews and had to try because i was craving good bbq/soulfood. I got the rib tips with greens and yams. omgggg everything was SO GOOD. The service was really good too, the young lady at the front was very nice and greeted us with a smile which is always nice. The ambiance is so interesting!! i've never been in a place like it. It felt like we were in someone's home it was so cool. Definitely will be coming back! read more

Always looking for good BBQ in San Diego and I think I found a new favorite. We split the sampler plate with sides which we decided on rib tips, ribs, brisket, coleslaw, and mac with the addition of cornbread and peach cobbler. We feasted. The meats were saucy. I liked how everything was together in the box and soaking in the sauce. The ribs and rib tips were pretty moist for most of it. The brisket was mostly moist but there was a thick piece in there that was just a little dry. With all the sauce you could drown it and it was fine. I'm not a coleslaw girlie but my partner liked it. The Mac n cheese was very unique. It was tangy. I dont know how to describe it but it was good good. The cornbread was so good too! Not sweet, just right. I'm always getting peach cobbler if it's on the menu and this one was juicy. So much peach and not too sweet! The sweet tea though, I felt the cavities forming which is a good thing with sweet tea. I loved this spot, everyone was so welcoming, and it was very homey. Will definitely be back. read more

Bowlegged BBQ - SAMPLER PLATE - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm a big fan of greens and sweet potatoes so I was happy to find out that they have that. The rib tips is ok a little on the chewy side but the tri tip and the brisket is really tender and nicely done. I love that they have cool aid but it's way too sweet. We also have coleslaw and cornbread which is really good. We ordered the three meat combos and it is more than enough for two but we gotta have two more sides to try and that where the corn bread and coleslaw came in and for dessert we have the sweet potato pie which is nice. This is like most of the barbecue place where you order at the counter and they will deliver it to your table. It's nice that they have the back yard set up as the tables to eat with canopies so you won't get the sun while eating. This place has no parking place you have to find a parking in the street. It nice that they have my kind of music playing so it makes the ambiance lively for me. read more

For those who read reviews and write food reviews. Parking is at a premium, old school vibe, old school R&B music. Checking out what's available, on the menu. Based upon menu prices the range is from $11:10 -$50.00 don't forget to add tax. Drinks are bottled water, can sodas, Arizona teas and sparkling water. There is beer and wine in another refrigerator also. Guy at the register was knowledgeable, we ordered (went outside to a table back yard setting.) No utensils at the table, sat down, listen old school music, watched T.V. it's a real family owned business. Staff and Maria made us feel very welcomed. Maria served us some unexpected taste of Brisket BBQ Spaghetti...pretty good. Ordered a Fish dinner 2 catfish fillets with + 2 sides (cannied yams, and colsaw.) I tried other sides from my family: baked beans, collard greens, and mac & cheese all seasoned and flavorful. Next time I will definitely get the SAMPLER PLATE WITH 3 MEATS & 2 SIDES. Yep had to try one of offered dessert. Moved on that HOMEMADE LEMON CAKE...it's was on point. I can honestly say that I was satisfied, with the hospitality, portions, and not disappointed with the flavor. Thank you much love and respect. God Bless read more

Bowlegged BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Been here many many times. Haven't found anything not worth the price, so order anything and anything. My go to is the ribs or the BBQ sandwich with slaw, fries, and of course the sweet potato pie! Only bad part about this place is with them blowing up I'm gonna have to wait longer lol. Staff was very nice and polite, so bring your whole family, the food will have everybody eating and no talking, so sit down with a glass of koolaid that hits you back. read more

Got there before the Sunday lunch crowd, but still took quite a while to get my brisket sandwich. Backyard Vibe was 5 out of 5 stars! Just wish the brisket sandwich wasn't pre-drenched in BBQ sauce so I could taste the brisket..personal preference. I'll definitely try Bowlegged again, but will order the platter where hopefully I can get sauce on the side. read more

Bowlegged BBQ - brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Cool welcoming environment. Great tasting food. Nice portions. A must try if in the area or just looking for some good barbecue.

Amazing service and food. Worth the drive no matter how far . I drove fron rancho san Diego and have no issue going far for great food

I went to this establishment for some beef ribs when I got there I loved the comfort and atmosphere. The said we don't have beef ribs because they don't sell. so I ordered a beef hot link sandwich and 2 small sides. I paid $27.00 when my order came up the bag felt kinda light, she saw me weighing the bag in my hand and offered me a free soda for waiting. When I got home I opened my bag and had a yesterdays hot link look like it been under the light all day at food for less with some fresh faucet sauce. On a hotdog bun. The potato salad was good but it was old too. I threw the greens in the trash without tasting them because was so upset. And they got a $4.00 tip which took my expense to $31. I was a fended because you can only water down the sauce but so many times. Mr. Huffman and Fargos never did that!! On a scale from Bar BQ to mildew... Most definitely mildew. They looked me in the eye annd sold me some garbage. Ill go down the street to Kim's they fish sandwich is hittin!! read more

Glad we got to try bowlegged bbq in San Diego! You order at the front cashier and you head outside where there's plenty of outdoor tables and seating. We ordered the three meat combo plate (brisket, tri tip, chicken) with two sides (Mac n cheese and candied yams). We paid around $54, not including tip. The brisket was juicy and fatty and tender, whereas the tri tip and chicken were both a bit dry. The bbq sauce that smothered the meat was flavorful and rich. The Mac n cheese was rich and decadent with the perfect texture. The candied yams were super sweet but I absolutely loved the texture, they had such a nice bite to them! I loved the hot sauces they had on the table to help cut the richness and fattiness of the meal. Everyone here was super friendly and checked in on us and we felt the warm hospitality! There is free street parking around the restaurant. read more

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Love.\nThe brisket, the catfish was great.\nI would recommend it very much, Haven't tried the pork ribs, they say the banana Dessert is good

I had been wanting to try this place so I went to their website seen a price of $42.54 for a deal. So I called in and asked about the deal they said it's actually $47 and some change but since it was advertised they said they'd honor the deal. Upon arrival a different woman quite loudly and aggressively refused to honor the deal. I think that's terrible customer service because I would have agreed to the price if they gave a valid reason and were polite. I will not be returning. read more

First off don't let the area or building fool you the food here is so good. I might have grown up in San Diego but was stationed in the south and they know how to bbq this places food is so good. You walk up order and their on it I sat outside listen to some fantastic music and they found me when my order came up. Service was fast food was great and the music was even better read more

This is some of the best BBQ I've had anywhere in the country! Everything is fantastic but warning for my very low heat tolerance, the beans are a little too hot for me, but do taste so good. Real test was having them cater for the dozen people in my office and everyone loved it and the quality was still awesome. I've have only done take out but the folks are welcoming and friendly in what is clearly a local place. read more