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    Phil's BBQ

    3.8 (524 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Bars
    Closed 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Phil's BBQ Photos

    PHIL'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

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

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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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    3 years ago

    Great BBQ. Every time we visit San Diego, the BBQ at this restaurant is a must have. We always buy BBQ sauce and rubs to take home.

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    My favorite place to get fries (and possibly a Broham sandwich) from the San Diego Airport. Beats airplane food by far.

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    2 years ago

    This is one of a few location in San Diego. The BBQ meat is really good and worth the prices. I would come back again.

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    6 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Page 5 of 14

    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.

    View All 8 Questions

    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
    Del's Hideout

    Del's Hideout

    4.3
    (1.3k 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.

    Welcome to the hide out! A little tricky to get to, parking is a bit of nightmare fuel... just do…read moreyour best. Plenty of seating Clean rest rooms Very hip/country style vibe. A space for kids to play (toys need some attention, broken slide, and personally think the outdoor toys have been used to the fullest.) Definitely could improve on a nice simple budget. Knocked a star off for safety issues, hygienic and over used items. A small arcade/claw machine area. Full bar Weekly deals We stopped on after a very long day, and felt relief when we walked in. Fresh feeling, welcoming vibe while we were losing our minds with our kids melting down as well from hunger. Extremely tentative fast service, food came out hot and fresh. Our waitress was so amazingly kind, felt like she knew what we were going through with our kids and we were struggling a bit. She offered every possible way to keep our littles happy, so that made us feel very comfortable and just a breathe of relief. A++ on customer service. Food was pretty spot on, kids ate free today with purchased adult meal. Our kids ate every crumb... which is incredibly rare for our kids being so darn picky. They enjoyed it. We shared the 2 ppl plate with the brisket, pulled porked, chicken and sides. Everything was delicious, cornbread was a bit dry imo. But honestly no deal breakers here. Delicious BBQ Great variety Plenty of alcohol Plenty of TVs Great music Great service. We'll be back!! Happy yelpers!!

    Photos
    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.

    Photos
    Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs
    Chili verde
    Chili verde
    Texas Cheesesteak

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    Texas Cheesesteak

    Phil's BBQ - bbq - Updated August 2026

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