We had a GREAT meal. It was our first visit. Our server, Star, did an excellent job. I liked the Baby back ribs, my wife liked the Tri-tip. We tried four of their side's, and liked them. The potato salad was very good. It is a friendly environment with plenty of TV's. I think their prices are reasonable. We will go back....and ask for Star! read more

Their ribs were delicious but a 1/3 rack was not enough meat for me. I will have to go for the 1/2 rack. Their pricing seemed a bit high but the quality was at least there. I will return for more soon. We compared the flavor to Memphis, Tn restaurants and were pretty happy with the quality in Escondido. read more

Wow. Is it possible to give no stars? I don't even know how good or bad the food was because I never got to the register to order. It's a very big place I couldn't imagine that they are happy with people walking out before they order but that's what me and my party did as well as the family that was behind us. It was a Tuesday night at 5:33pm. It was practically empty and there were 3 groups of people in front of us and one register going. There must have been some issue with the two people ordering or something because they had been occupying the register for quite some time. At one point a manager came over and saw how long the line had gotten and talked to the lady running the register who looked frustrated because of all the glares of us in line and yet she walked away walked away, she returned about five minutes later and saw the same people at the register and the same people in line. Again only 1 out if the many registers they had was "open". That was pretty much all my group and the group behind me needed to turn around and walk out. Pretty sad that my first review on yelp had to be this one. Maybe it will catch the attention of the owner and he/she will try better to keep money from walking out the door. If he/she shares the same mentality as that female manager then this place will die on the vine. read more

First time here food was good servive good the little nephew of the owner was working and he was great!!!

Owners Box/Banquet Room - catering. We love coming to Mike's BBQ for the past few years. This is the 1st time we reserved the Owners Box for my Husbands birthday party. The room set up was Fantastic & VERY welcoming - very comfortable. The hosts, cocktail waitress were more than helpful with EVERYTHING! The food was delicious as always and things could not have gone more smoothly. We received many compliments in regards to our choice of venue. All I have to say is WOW! We were impressed, our family was impressed and our friends cannot wait to reserve the Owners Box for their own parties. Thank You Mike's BBQ for a wonderful evening and for continuing to Amaze us!! read more

Avoid this place like the plague! Service is bad and I got food poisoning! Call the manger and well that's to bad and hung up on me. I was not looking for free meal etc... Just wanted to made them aware so somebody else would not get it sick. I had the brisket btw read more

Well, on 2/8/2013 I was 5 stars, but feel Mike's has lost their luster. Had happy hour here last night - beer and wine was fine, the waitress was exceptional. The food sucked - even though I did eat all of the boneless buffalo wings because I was starving. These were the worst wings I have ever had. I could hardly cut them with a knife. They were hard and dry. It was just a month ago, maybe two that I had awesome wings. I asked the waitress if they changed suppliers; she believed so and said those decisions are made by the owner. Owner, why break something that doesn't need fixing? Was the good product no longer available? My wife had a pulled chicken baked potato. It was full of bones. It even had a full size buffalo wing bone in it and a bunch of smaller chips - what a disappoint. TV and beer probably won't keep these guys going. read more

Way better than Phil's and their service is second to none!! Very friendly and awesome food!!

the lunch specials are the best and the bacon chuck burger is one of the best burgers I've ever had. every kind of slider they have is delicious and the deep fried pickles are really good too. it's all good go eat there read more

Great food. A little overpriced, but delicious nonetheless. Always plenty of seating and pretty quick service. Definitely recommend at least trying it. read more

first time here. the bar area fantastic, tv outstanding. but the food is OK. compare to phil s there ribs just don't taste as good as phil s. and the sides their just ok too. there bbq beans just don't have any taste. read more

After looking forward to trying Mike's we did not make it to the food. Air head hostess staff screwed up our first and last visit.

I was excited to try some good barbecue. The restaurant was attractive and clean. But the pork sandwich I ordered was totally dried out and tasteless. Although the place smelled good, there was none of the taste in the pork itself. Also, from a business perspective, there are way too many employees! Unless, they really improve the cooking style, cut the staff and cut the prices this place won't last a year. What a waste! read more

A little expensive for a hybrid fast food joint (you don't have a server but they have a hostess that seats you). Food was really good. Ate there right after they opened so the customer service was ok. You could tell they were still trying to get the flow of things. Didn't care for the BBQ sauce - tasted too much like ketchup and not enough spices. Ribs were better than the chicken. Overall 4 stars. If you have kids - they don't serve plain white milk or apple juice (hmm) - only chocolate and strawberry milk or soda. read more

Mama's beans are GREAT. Have tried the ribs, which were ok, but I much prefer vinegar based bbq sauce. Went back a second time for a tri-tip sandwich and ended up throwing the terrible bun away. bad buns. LOL. but the tri-tip was tasty. We went when it first opened and it was cold and sterile and we had to order and fetch our own food and clean our own table. there weren't any waiters or waitresses. some kid finally came around and we asked for to-go boxes. I thought it was too expensive too. Eh. I like Outback's ribs better, but I have gone back a couple of times just to pick up a container of Mama's beans. Yum on those!! read more

They have really good BBQ, the meat is cooked wonderfully, the sides are all amazing, and of course scrubbing goes better with a beer. I think they could add more sauce to their food, and their sauce leaves something to be wanting, but overall it's really good. The atmosphere is great; it's lively, not to loud, and if your really bored with your company then you can always watch one of their many tv's. The food comes out fast, it's kind of self serve, but. I like it that way. The food comes out faster, you don't have to tip, and you can get as much as you want. They do have a bus boy who goes around and makes sure you have everything you need, but other then that you get your food, drink, sauce, you order yourself, and seat yourself. It's a great place for a group of friends, family dinner, or a first date. read more

Not good! Beef ribs were burnt. Had a order to go, had I eaten in the restaurant I would have sent them back to the kitchen. The sides of cole slaw & mac salad nothing to write home about. But then the kicker at the end was the side of bisket I added. For FIVE dollars I almost could not find it in the big box they sent it in. Will not recommend this place to anyone again. As bad as Phil's BBQ is, it is better than this. read more

nice atmosphere, huge quantity of food, not too expensive had sample platter - pork ribs, beef bone and chicken no smoke flavor, falling off the bone - not much texture. Maybe the boil the meat and just grill quickly? Lots of mesquite wood stacked everywhere but no taste of smoke in the meat or smell in the restaurant. read more

I attended a soriety luncheon here today and was very impressed with the food and service. We were in the banquet room and had only one girl attending to our group of about 55 but it was set up buffet style. She did an excellent job of making sure everyone was happy and all the drink pitchers were filled and the food was out on time and the pans were kept full. The sweet girl's name is Senethia Jones and she had a smile on her face the entire two hours we were there. Kudos to her for a job well done. The chicken was delicious and the bbq pork was great as usual. I highly recommend Mike's for your organizational function. read more

Three of us tried Mike's BBQ for the first time on 8-9-12 and had three items, all of which were pretty bad. The expensive 1/2 pound tri-tip was flavorless, dried out and tough to cut with a steak knife. The pulled pork sandwich also lacked flavor and the meat was dried out. The hamburger was also flavorless except for the very outer surface of the burger. In fact, these meats seemed only to have flavor on the surface due to the sauces they added. This place is not cheap and yet the food is substandard. read more

We miss our bartender Jim. We won't be coming back now that he is gone. Not the same feel to the place.

im from kansas so obviously my standards are high...but pretty horrible bbq sauces-aka the most important ingredient. pretty bland meat flavor. good place to drink a beer and watch a game read more

Had my Birthday dinner here this past Saturday. The service was quick and the food was great! Because we were such a large group we got put in "The Owners Box", and we were very pleased with everything! Thanks again! read more

So I decided to try Mike's a second time place is clean big nice sports bar and beer selection. Service was great only problem the food is expensive and has NO taste. My kids hated the over cooked and no taste Mac and Cheese. The bulled pork had no taste the spicy BBQ sauce had no spice. The chicken nuggets were over cooked and no taste. The BBQ beans had no taste. Basically Mike you need to improve your food or your going out of business. Nice place but Phils BBQ is real close an really tasty food and cheaper! read more

We come here once a month. The food is good and the atmosphere is comfortable. They have a lot to choose from and the portions are big. Would recommend. read more

The sports bar section is separated from the sit down restaurant part. It is hard to see the dark door for the sports bar, but it is a great place to catch a game. There are 3 huge projectors, about 20 other flat screens, and sound if you ask for a popular game. If you ask the servers, staff, or bartender for a specific game close to where you are sitting they are more than willing to put it on if someone has not claimed that tv first. If so get a new table and enjoy. Certain nights they have comedians, bands, and music. It is not the restaurants fault that people do not know when they are having these events. Every other Wednesday, every other Friday they have it right on the menus. I have been annoyed at times with the crowds and for football season/playoffs it was packed. First come, first serve, my own fault. I just watched the Brazil and Uruguay Confederations cup game today and when asked they put it on two projectors and did sound when it was on. During halftime they put music on, but resumed sound for the second half. Certain servers are excellent and some are not. They have sliders for 1.25 on Wednesday, your choice( tri-tip, beef, pulled pork, and brisket) all for the same price. They are small but for 1.25 and those specific meats well worth it. I have been there about 8 times in the sports bar section to watch games solely. They have a huge beer selection for draft and the servers are usually on top of what kind of beer goes well with a specific meat. They also have different barbecue sauce choices and no lines like Phil's BBQ, which I find to be the most overrated. Obviously this is my opinion, but me and my friends continue to go when we want to watch a specific game. When they are swamped obviously the service is a bit slow, but when is it not at other places. The food i would say ranges from a 6-8 depending on what you get and your taste. read more

Meat was perfectly cooked, not overpowered by gobs of BBQ sauce. Fries were outstanding but Mac N Cheese was a little bland. Service was decent, but seemed like they lacked any kind of leadership, were a little confused. Overall, we'll go back read more

I started in San Marcos when phills BBQ opened. I was very happy when mikes BBQ opened. Right next to my house I was there on opening day. I wanted it to be better like a ma and pa store. I thought better service more personal service I was going to be a local this place was between my home and work. The totally lost my order on my first experience the owner gave my money back I thought no harm went for lunch service sucked. Comparing to phills the food is over priced for what you get and not very good food. I tried about 10 times I am done with this place for food I drive to San Marcos to phills BBQ now they always get it right and are so friendly I bet they would wash your hands for you if you asked. They always make sure your happy while your eating. Don't worry mikes BBQ I will come and drink there don't think you can mess up BEER read more

One and done, went there for lunch and had the rib and chicken combo, shocked to see a BBQ place that dosen't have spare ribs, only baby back and beef. The ribs were fall off the bone because they were over cooked and dry, the chicken was also dry with very little flavor, had the beans and cole slaw for sides, the beans had a wierd burnt after taste the cole slaw was the best part of the meal. won't be back, I would recomend Bretts in Encinitas or Abbeys in Clairemont mesa, real BBQ without the flash. read more

Went for lunch today around 11:30 AM. You would think that since they just opened up for lunch the food would be hot. NOT SO. I had the pulled beef and it was very cold and tasteless (except for the sauce). Plus my fries were stale and cold. I am not sure why the fries were cold, I ate them right after I picked up my meal from the counter. My kids had the Mac & Cheese and it was not even warm. What is up with this place. Yes the bus boy was very pleasant and gave my kids come coloring pages and crayons but for what we paid and what the food was like, we will never be back at this location. read more

I love this place! Way better than you know who's BBQ. If you want the best ribs go here. really! Service was fine when I was there. I don't get the reviews either. I will be back. Going today as a matter of fact. :) read more

Food was ok. Service wasn't all that great. Had to get my own silverware, napkins and salt & pepper when there was probably 10-15 people in bar area. Also they let someone bring a dog (Not a service dog) in the bar area and let it naw on a bone. It was also barking and this happen next to people eating!!! I am a dog lover but there needs to be a line. I would never come back here. read more

I love Mike's BBQ. I discovered this little gem, through a couple friends and was throughly impressed. The beer selection is pretty top notch and the food is great. You can smell the mesquite wood burning as you pull into the parking lot. The bartender Sean was very knowledgable about there beers on tap. My server Juliana was very personable, quick and had a great big smile plastered on her face. Would highly recommend Mike's! I prefer their menu to Phil's, way more versatility and you can't beat their TV's, especially on ANY game day. Check them out next time your in Escondido, you will not be disappointed! read more

had dinner with some friends from out of town. Very low quality food here. everything was wrapped in foil and put on a plate. Looked and tasted like leftovers. Mine was edible but my husband got sick from the corn on the cob. We had chicken, brisket and macaroni and cheese. Wont be coming back here again. read more

The bbq was definitely nothing special, very very average. The ribs were too done, overcooked/smoked, the chicken was ok, the spicy bbq sauce tasted like ketchup with a little kick. read more

I would recommend Phills BBQ over mikes any day the employees are friendly at mikes but the food is inconsistent I tried it a few times and each time I'm disappointed I don't mind paying top dollar for good food but not for c- at very best. read more

The food here was just ok. It was more the management and service that is causing the 2 stars. I ordered the spicy sausage sandwich, its took them 20 minutes to tell me that they did not have a bun for my sausage. They then proceeded to just dice it up, and put in on a hamburger bun. Before they told me that there was no bun for my sausage they had brought out about 5 other to go orders that were placed after mine. Once our food finally did make it to the window it was already cold. The fact it took them that long to tell me what was wrong and that it took 35 minutes to get a sausage sandwich shows how ill managed this place is. Who runs out of buns? Who lets customers sit around that long for to go orders? I was looking forward to trying this place, but I don't think I will be returning. Poor Customer Service, average read more

Just left Mikes BBQ.....worst experience dining out in a long time. 40 minutes to get meals on a quiet Saturday nite. Forgot one of my kids meals, tried to replace it with something she didn't order....then charge for it on top of the $100.00 we just paid, without an explanation. Rude ! Pulled pork sandwich way over-rated, dry and bland. Burger that was ordered med/ well came bloody, appetite ruined ! Customer service by Mike ( the owner) was absolutely horrible when confronted. Defensive, rude, unprofessional. There is a reason Phil's BBQ has a line out the door, and mikes does not. The bar is the only thing keeping this place in business. Will never return, and advise others to do the same..... read more

Sad to see the quality going down. Ordered two samplers, the Pork Ribs were so dry we literally couldn't swallow them. Pointed this out to our server and he said " oh sorry". We realized that we never got the chicken portions and waited another 20 minutes for day old yard bird. The BBQ was dried, and tired, $45.00 for two and it sucked read more

My Wife and I have been to Mikes regularly. The atmosphere was good to watch games fights etc. the service has gone steadily down hill. I went to watch the fights and was told we could not sit at a table for 4 in the middle of the bar, had to sit in the corner if we wanted to eat there. I asked to speak to the manager and was not allowed, instead the blonde waitress was very rude. I told the waitress I would not be eating there anymore, and as I was walking away, I got a very rude bye bye. My wife had a worthy response and I will not be spending my hard earned money at Mikes any longer. I would not recommend Mikes to anyone. Customer service should come first and it does not exist at Mikes. read more