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Phil's BBQ

3.8 (522 reviews)
ModerateBarbeque, Bars
Open 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

Phil's BBQ Photos

PHIL'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Phil's BBQ

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Sausage sandwich w a side of slaw
Seth K.

Great airport food. I got the sausage sandwich with coleslaw and bbq sauce. Slaw is so good I had a side of it as well. Mayonnaise in the slaw but not too mayonnaisey. Fresh. Delicious! Service was prompt and friendly.

We finished before I remembered to take a picture!
Christy C.

I was so surprised with how good the food from Phil's was at the airport! I even forgot to take a picture until after we were done!! Service was fast and friendly. Food was served quickly. Portions were great and taste was awesome. The tri-tip was so tender and flavorful!! I could have gladly just eaten that. Airport food is often so meh. Was nice to find an excellent choice!

Chicken Caesar salad with a side of tri tip
Jenna g.

I usually dislike eating at the airport for a number of reasons but this was a really good experience. Ample seating and the area was clean. The bartender that helped us was super friendly and efficient with great vibes. I wish I would've caught his name so I could mention him. He had a man bun - maybe that'll help identify him! The food was great - exactly what we were looking for prior to our departure. I would definitely eat here again if I was waiting in this terminal.

Philbuster burger
Rick H.

If one is to eat at an airport it may as well be good food.....Phil's BBQ fits the bill! We ordered the Philbuster burger and quarter rib dinner with coleslaw and pickle as the side. The ribs were tender and well bbq'd and the burger was HUGE and delicious, 2 patties, choice bacon, onion ring, piled high with pulled pork.....amazing! I expect to pay more at an airport but pricing was fair. The guy at the counter was super chill and accommodating, efficient and friendly, and the food came out hot and quick. Located at the end of Terminal 2 near the 38-44 gates, an open atmosphere welcomes travelers with food and drink options to please all. Enjoyed the vibe.

Corn on the cob
Gloria G.

The place looks small however it is large inside and very clean. You have to order before siting but it goes quick. We visited San Diego with family so we ordered the family feast which comes with all the items as well as cornbread but it was eaten quickly so I didn't get a picture. The corn was also extra but the kids wanted it. I love bbq and don't just rate any highly, however this one has always been the Best and whenever we visit SD we have to go!!! This is a must!!! The best part is the fact that once you are seated there are wait staff that give excellent serve, they bring extra bbq sauce, take away empty dishes and are so friendly! ENJOY!!!

Chantel C.

Waiting on a flight and needed bite to eat. Sat at the bar ordered the tri tip fries and a ginger beer. The bartender was welcoming,friendly and personable. She was super attentive had a great playlist and easy to talk to. The food was OK I'm wondering if I should have got the ribs. The beef was tender but fries were just okay.

Dining Area
Joyce L.

Love me some Phil's, and while the selection and execution at this airport off-shoot of the San Diego institution doesn't match its regular restaurant locations, it certainly beats anything I can eat in the air when flying domestic (international first class is of course on a whole other level ;). Pro tip: avoid the line and order via kiosk instead. Apple Pay accepted, and food comes out fast, always a plus when you're rushing to get somewhere!

Dry California burrito
Nancy H.

I was heading out of town for a work trip so needed to grab something portable and easy to consume on the plane. If I could summarize the meal in one word, it would be DRY. - California Breakfast Burrito ($17.95): I don't know if I was supposed to ask for BBQ sauce or the standard California burrito ingredients (pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream), but apparently the default is that I get absolutely nothing. The burrito was just tortilla, dry meat, and minimal cheese. The only moisture came from the soggy, not-crisp fries. - Side of breakfast potatoes ($3.30): Should have passed on this one too. Not crispy. Also dry. There is a 2% pre-tax surcharge. My work has a maximum spend amount per meal, and despite choosing the most inexpensive and least appetizing combination of foods, I still exceeded my $25 stipend after addition of sales tax, the 2% double taxation, and tip (I always tip). Not much one can do when stuck eating in an airport, but for those of you who wander over to Phil's, do NOT order the California burrito. Or if you do, ask them to not forget to add all semblance of sauce. My favorite BBQ place in San Diego is Smoking J's. I wish Smokin J's would replace this airport Phil's.

At the SD airport location
Steve C.

Can be busy since it's the main airport terminal. QR menus make it easy to order and pick up your food when ready. Have sports playing on some screens while rock is playing on the speakers. Great ribs with a sweet sauce with a little bit kick. Limited wine but a full bar. Like their Mac salad.

Kiosk order
Long D.

Got a beer before the flight in terminal 2, next to gate 45, end of concourse. Kiosk order or just walk up. Dine in or to go. Plenty of seats not cheap but decent quality. Quick serve , lower your anxiety and pacify your taste bud and your stomach before the flight. Airport Open air ambiance. Glad we have this choice in SAN terminal 2.

BBQ Brahman sandwich
David L.

Pros: fast service, close to United gates, sandwich was large. Cons: pulled pork was dry. First time trying Phil's BBQ. It was about 1000 but they were already serving lunch items. Good size portions, but the pulled pork was dry. The sauce was tangy which is good or bad depending on your taste. It was little too much for me. Overall it was an OK meal.

Ribs To go
Michelle T.

The ribs were delicious and full of flavor. The portions were generous, and I really enjoyed my meal. The service was good, and the restaurant offers both pick up and dine in. Even close to closing time, the place was super busy. Lots of seating available.

Bbq Baby back ribs, delicious fries and Cole slaw
Lawrence L.

I love coming here when flying through San Diego. They always have solid service and the food is quick! The sauce is incredible on the pork ribs. I get it pretty much every time. In terms of the sides, they're all pretty good but my favorite is how perfect their fries are and the Cole slaw. They always have music going and multiple TVs with sports on. Theres also a bar connected for those looking for a more elaborate beverage.

Beef ribs, Mac salad, potato salad, baby back ribs

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2 months ago

Beef bbq. Corn bread delish!!! Service they came to our table 3x to. ?? how we are doing!!!

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Phil's BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Phil's BBQ

Will you take reservations?

I've gone a few times now at various times in the day and I haven't seen anyone make reservations. If you go before rush hours you can get a seat, we've gone at 11:30, 3:30, and 5:00. Because we eat early and get desserts somewhere else we haven't… 

Is tip based on amount before taxes using credit card?

Hi Dan, The tips are added after the taxed amount is given.

Do you guys have an outdoor patio that will allow dogs?

Yes! All our restaurants have an outdoor patio that is dog friendly.

Can you get draft beer to go?

Hi! Unfortunately, we don't offer to-go drinks at the airport location.

Is this before or after security in the airport (near Gates or no)? I am trying to figure out if I will be able to carry-on BBQ sauce bottles or not. Thanks.

Hi! Our spot is located after the security check - I hope that helps!

Do they accept apple pay?

Yes, we do!

Phil's bbq

Must go to for your BBQ in San Diego. You should expect a long line but it will be so worth it. Huge portions too.

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Grand Ole Bbq Y Asado

Grand Ole Bbq Y Asado

4.3
(1.2k reviews)
4.6 mi
$$

I had the house smoked pastrami sandwiches Rueben style. It was really good. There was so much…read morepastrami on the sandwich o cold only eat half. The pastrami was lean, a little Smokey, tender and just really tasty. It is only available Tuesday and Wednesday. Definitely worth checking it out. They have info and out door seating. This is a great spot for families with kids and large group. Parking is street parking in the neighborhood. But I always find parking.

I was craving BBQ. And I've been wanting to try this place for a long time. But, I definitely feel…read morethis place was overly hyped up by food influencers. I liked some of the meats here, but others meats just weren't for me. We got a little bit of certain cuts of meat.. St. Louis cut ribs, tri-tip- brisket, and chorizo link, jalapeños cheddar link and their central Texas hot link. Mac and cheese and potato salad and coleslaw. My husband and I really enjoyed the brisket the sausage links, the potato salad and coleslaw. The tri-tip unfortunately was kinda dry and the ribs were a little tough. And the Mac and cheese were super garlicky. This bbq place is ok, it's nice and big and has a nice relaxing atmosphere. But I would stick to the brisket and hot links and the sides.

Photos
March 2024 menu/prices
March 2024 menu/prices
Pulled Pork Sandwich w/Coleslaw $15.00 (06/11/26). @GrandOleBBQYAsado @ExploreNorthPark #SanDiego #BBQ #Bar #PulledPork #Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sandwich w/Coleslaw $15.00 (06/11/26). @GrandOleBBQYAsado @ExploreNorthPark #SanDiego #BBQ #Bar #PulledPork #Sandwiches
Dole whip mimosa

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Dole whip mimosa
Bowlegged BBQ

Bowlegged BBQ

4.5
(1.1k reviews)
6.0 mi
$$

After reading amazing reviews about Bowlegged BBQ (named after one of the owner's nickname), I came…read morewith 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.

You can smell the delightful, smoky aroma of BBQ before you even see the entrance to the…read morerestaurant! 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!

Photos
Inside
Inside
Sampler plate
Sampler plate
Sides were ehhh but ribs were tender

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Sides were ehhh but ribs were tender
Del's Hideout

Del's Hideout

4.3
(1.2k reviews)
7.8 mi
$$

Ordered 2 meat plate with cornbread and Texas toast. The cornbread was nice my Texas toast came out…read moresmooshed but was still tasty. I got pulled pork and the smoked meatloaf. The pulled pork was delicious and the smoked meatloaf had just the right amount of smoke. For sides, I got the bacon, potato salad and the Street corn. I've had both of these sides before and they hit just right each time. I also ordered the bourbon pecan pie to go. This is the first time having the bourbon pecan pie. I did find some shelves in it, which were a little unpleasant, but at least I know that it's real pecans. It does have a strong bourbon flavor so it may not be the best for kids. To drink, I got the guava lemonade. I arrived with my pup and we sat outside. Everybody was super dog friendly. They brought a nice bowl of water for my guy. I ended up taking 2/3 of my meal home because the portions are big enough for two.

I wanted a combo of ribs and Tri tip Like they do at other…read moreplaces but it wasn't possible you can get a few other options not ribs. However my friend said her brisket was full of fat happy no beef after all I just had the ribs. They were tasty and meaty. Our server never told us about sauces I saw on the table nor did he offer a bag just containers for the sides I took home. The 5% surcharge on already a very high. LUNCH $38.( before tax) soda and ribs is I bit much. $1.94 surcharge + 3.00 tax + tip not good the place makes enough on high food prices to be able to pay good wages and med insurance as a patron I should not have paid any extra fees. Over $40. It should have been a full order of ribs not just 6. Tonight I'm dining at Off Shore they give YOU 4% off your ck if you pay cash- they run a business wellespecially in this economy when more people opt to stay home.

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Main dining area
Main dining area
Bar
Bar
The best mac & cheese

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The best mac & cheese
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs

Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs

4.3
(1.3k reviews)
22.9 mi
$$

Always the best spot for BBQ, it never disappoints. Tucked away in Flint Springs. A little out of…read morethe way but worth the drive. Today I had the Double Wide BBQ Burger It came with chopped brisket. This burger also comes with fries. Everything is freshly BBQ'd. Also had the George Strait Fried Pickles. (I ordered these just for the name)!!! Also very good. The house pickles are great and they're complimentary. The best Go-To place to visit

This is an extremely family friendly restaurant. Inside seating for those who don't have kids, but…read moreoutside is prime. I would say the kids are a bit younger, maybe 18 months to 3. There must have been at least a dozen kids or more. I told my 7 year old son not to bring balls but of course other kids did. If you park in the back there is no doubt your car will get hit. But it's softballs, not baseballs. Service is legit. Fast, friendly. They're like get in, order, get out. But we stayed for probably an hour and a half. The live music was great, not too loud. I am sad to confess the food here is not as legit as I figured based on being a San Diego local and a big DDD watcher. It probably depends on which day you come, but on Thursday, the brisket was so average. Del's in Del Cerro is better. Smoky and the Brisket is better. I had my brisket served with that nacho cheese and relish, not nearly as great as I thought it would be based on DDD. I also don't drink anymore, but if I were to have had 2-3 beers + this dinner + the enviornment I would have loved it. My son gave a huge thumbs up to his burger, daughter liked her food. If you want an experience, have time you need to kill and have kids, it's a solid spot, but in no way is this a destination if you live west of the 15. Stick to classic spots.

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Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs
Chili verde
Chili verde
Texas Cheesesteak

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Texas Cheesesteak
SOT BBQ

SOT BBQ

4.5
(369 reviews)
7.6 mi
$$$

This is the best spot in SD for KBBQ. I've been here 3 times already! They use a traditional cast…read moreiron grill and have premium meats! Service is also excellent because they grill the meats for you! On my last visit, we chose the brisket and marinated short ribs. For marinated meats, they also torch it to give it that extra smoky flavor. I like that the have other non meat options like chive pancakes and honey butter garlic shrimp. If opting for à la carte, the only suggestion I have for the restaurant is to have less portions of meat so that you can try more meats ( when dining for 2). We were full with just the two meats, appetizers, and ban chan. Also, the veggie platter was just lettuce, garlic, radish, and jalapenos. Otherwise, all of my visits have been excellent.

Visited here with some friends last week - we really love KBBQ, but this was our first time to SOT…read moreBBQ. What ended up being the crux of our experience- It was so hot! Either the AC was out, or they don't have AC. It was hot outside that day, but even hotter inside - there's not a lot of air circulation, and we all had little stoves on our table, so the temp was REAL real. There were two big floor units/fans, but we were sitting in an area that didn't get any of that air. I am sure we would have enjoyed it more with AC, but the fact that we were so hot made it tough to enjoy ourselves. Things we loved - the quality of the food was great! The meat was delicious, and the banchan was good - especially the kimchee and bean sprouts on the grill. The service was also excellent. We didn't expect to have servers do the cooking for us - that was nice! Things we didn't love - the heat (obviously), the fact that there wasn't Korean beer (but there was Japanese beer!), the fact that you just chose a "package" instead of getting to make your own meat selections, and the limited number of sides (no corn cheese :"( ) made it not our fav KBBQ spot that we've been to. Maybe we caught them on a bad night, but we'll probably choose another KBBQ spot next time!

Photos
Banchan with kimchi and bean sprouts on grill.  Ig mel_foodie_ventures.
Banchan with kimchi and bean sprouts on grill. Ig mel_foodie_ventures.
Finger ribs and grilled veg on the cast iron sot
Finger ribs and grilled veg on the cast iron sot
Sot Sampler

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Sot Sampler

Phil's BBQ - bbq - Updated July 2026

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