I live in LA and will drive to San Diego only for the ribs they are AMAZING! You will never be disappointed. Portions are huge, links are juicy and tasty. Highly recommend the cornbread... Ambiance is good, it's a family restaurant. Highly recommended! read more

A group of 20 of friends have gone their several times. The food is always outstanding and the service ix excellent

Lots of food and good bbq! There is a bar area and the regular line. Sometimes the bar line is faster so I would recommend trying that if you come on a busy night. I liked the beef ribs better than the baby back, it is a lot of food so I would recommend sharing! The Mac salad and fries are my favorite sides and don't forget the onion rings! read more

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The reviews to this place are from patrons who DO NOT KNOW REAL BBQ. The worst bbq i have ever had in my life. I couldn't finish my food. The tri tip was dry as my napkin. The ribs were burnt to an absolute blackened crisp. The sauce tasted like sugared katcjup. The baked beans were from a can and rhe Mac salad was probably the only part of the dish i liked. I would not recommend this place to my friends or family. read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

This is an airport restaurant so really I was not expecting anything extraordinary. My burger took 10 minutes to cook and was burnt. This is regular fast food - I would've preferred in and out over this. read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food. Great service. Exceptional ambiance. You will love the menu and like the seasoning of the food. Muy buen comida.

Let's start with: BBQ in an airport? Riiiiiiiight... I headed over to find my gate and then figure out food and since Phil's was there I figured sure, why not? Even if it's wasn't good, at least it was convenient and sometimes that counts for a lot. I was surprised. I was impressed. I was impressed enough that I'm leaving this review in part for you and in part for me. The next time I'm traveling theou the San Diego airport I'm going to go back and find this review so I can figure out where Phil's is and get it again. Sometimes convenience isn't important and I'd gladly hoof it to have a BBQ Broham sandwich with fries. That was good food! The BBQ Broham is the only thing I've tried and I liked it enough that I'm not even going to explore the menu - I'm gonna stick with this. Good stuff. Thanks, Phil! read more

Food is always great and excellent customer service, life hack don't wait in the long line and walk over to the bar and request a table at the bar! It has its own waiting list, I have never waited more than 30 minutes when the other line wraps around the bundling. read more

I went to the San Diego Airport location while awaiting my flight around 6/24/22. It's located in Terminal 2 West. It was morning so I had the BBQ Pulled Pork Burrito which contained scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, and the pulled pork. They ask if you want BBQ sauce on the side or within. It was very yummy and, although it was at the airport, I was glad to try this place. I would love to try the main restaurant for lunch or dinner next time in SD. read more

Salty food before a flight is not ideal but loved that it was open for breakfast and could get a burrito early in the morning. read more

Phil's BBQ - Receipt - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

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Always have to manage food expectations at an airport but Phils BBQ was really good and hit the spot. Food: Phil Buster Burger- basically a double cheeseburger with a giant onion ring and a pile of brisket. Yeah it sounds massive and it is. But it was fantastic. A tad overcooked on the burger and brisket end but the BBQ sauce made up for that. Giant pickle- it is indeed a giant but was pickled properly and the perfect pairing to the burger. Coleslaw- I liked this because it didn't taste like it was loaded with sugar and not overly 'mayonnaised'. Overall the meal was a hit. I would recommend and go back again. Probably try the ribs next time. Service was also good. Friendly staffer that took my order. read more

Phil's BBQ - Philbuster Burger - double cheeseburger w onion ring and brisket w BBQ sauce on the side. - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

What an experience this was. I'm literally writing this as I finish up the meal. I don't even have the words but I'll try my best. I knew it was going to be a fantastic meal because all the cooks in the back look like they can fight. I took that first bite and my tongue was taken over with flavor. Mid meal I got sad because the girl sitting next to me resembled a girl I used to date and it made me realize I was eating alone and then "Night Changes" by One Direction started playing in my head.. I know I'll find the right one eventually and then we can eat Phil's BBQ together. ANYWAY, the meal was amazing. Don't bother stopping anywhere else at the airport. Just come here. They also sell the sauce here in bottles. Worth the purchase. Airports love up charging on the food but this is worth it! read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Flying out of Delta terminal 2 and not much to choose from for breakfast choices so I was glad to find this as an option. I ordered their California breakfast burrito and was quite happy. It was very large and I could only eat half of it. They have a seating area where you can eat it there or get it to go for your plane ride. They made this in less than 5 minutes, super quick. It was a bit dry so you should ask for extra bbq sauce added inside. It has fries, shredded Bbq pork, cheddar cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs, and nicely ripe avocados. Nice treat to find for a breakfast choice. Ask for it to go and you get it in a to go container and plastic bag for your flight. I think this location opens at 6:30am. read more

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Phil's BBQ - ahhhhhh. It's a San Diego gem! Here's a tip. Don't stand on line to order. Instead, sit at the bar, have a drink, and order through a bartender. Walked in at 8:00 pm on a Tuesday. Much to my surprise, the place on Sports Arena Blvd was packed almost to capacity! You won't find much of that on a weekday night in San Diego. What does that mean? Without a doubt it means that they are serving great food at reasonable prices! I had a "Ribs Tickler". About 5-6 pork ribs, good fries, 2 great onion rings, and excellent coleslaw. That and a beer was just what I needed. The young Marine sitting next to me had the beef ribs - they looked spectacular! In a time when food and service all over town are much more likely to be bad than good, Phil (if there is one) knows how to run a restaurant. In a nutshell he understands how to offer value. That's it. Offering value is key. Is the BBQ any good? Of course it is. In fact it's very good and reasonable priced as well. Not inexpensive, but reasonable. Go give them a try. I'd suggest going any time Monday through Thursday. I suspect they exceed capacity on the weekend, so don't go then unless you enjoy waiting for a table. Oh. One more thing. The people who work here do good work. Very very low turnover. Serious men and women who are well trained and thankful they work there. That sentiment is reflected in how well they take care of their patrons. Phil's BBQ gets a solid "A" from me. read more

the food was good but the portion size is ridiculous and it came out cold. the customer service was good but honestly would not come back. read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Phil's BBQ is one of San Diego's iconic restaurants, so it's really nice to have a branch inside San Diego International Airport. Unfortunately, the airport in San Diego doesn't have many restaurants options, but Phil's BBQ is definitely the best among them. I'm traveling from terminal 2 today and the restaurant is by gate 45. I ordered the breakfast burrito and it was good. Fast service and nice staff. They have large seating area with full bar and two tvs. Prices are reasonable and so is the foo read more

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Average for an airport bar. $12 bucks for a vodka cran. One does expect to pay more so not a big deal. Service was fast and friendly. Not too stiff of a drink. But I guess they don't want people to get drunk and then get on a plane. read more

Phil's BBQ was steps from our United Airlines gate in Terminal 2. The sign said that they opened at 6:00 AM for breakfast. They didn't. At 6:00 the bartender had just started setting up. Pulling chairs down, unlocking liquor cabinets, threading on tap handles, etc. He was open at 6:30. Our flight was at 7:00, so the 6:30 opening still afforded us enough time for a pre-flight beer. 6:30 AM...don't judge our breakfast beer as you sip on your Bloody Mary or Mimosa! We actually had time for two! Beer was expensive, service was good. It's the airport. We would've enjoyed some breakfast, but oh well... read more

I miss this spot so much since I moved to Washington that when I came back for a visit to California I flew right into San Diego for Phil's BBQ. I'm pleased to say it doesn't disappoint. The flavor is there and always on point. The baby back ribs are tender and fall off the bone. The beef ribs with the char is amazing. We always add a link and I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Phil's BBQ - Baby back rib dinner large onion rings and sausage links. - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is so yummy yum yum. The lines goes fast and you'll find seating because people leave when they are done. I like the hand washing behind the beverage bar. The best park is the baby back ribs that fall off the bone with the best bbq sauce. The corn bread is just as an experience in your mouth but I wish they sold slices. I had to buy the whole thing at meant more calories for later. The honey butter is really yummy too read more

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PROS: very nice place that caught my eye since it's a BBQ spot. Staff was nice and food came quick while the seating was plentiful CONS: they didn't have wings which is the King of bbq food. The prices were also a tad high, but they're in an airport so that's expected OVERALL: I would highly recommend coming here since the food is good and there's a decent variety read more

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This is the spot to eat BBQ in San Diego. I was hoping for a more intensive menu but it was simple enough. I got the pull pork BBQ sandwich and came with fries and mac salad. It was tasty. I look forward to going to their other location with my choices. read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

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Greetings and Salutations yelpers. While waiting to board at San Diego airport and roaming scavenging for food came upon Phil's BBQ. Ordered the BBQ grilled chicken sandwich for my son and I, his side was fries, mine, baked beans. Can you say yuuuuuum. Chicken breast was a nice size. Thick and filling. Their bbq pretty yummy. The baked beans had to be one of the best I've tasted. Total kinda pricy.. but hey it's the airport. All in all pretty good. Side note as I walked away those ribs looked amazing was tempted to place an order but time wasn't on my side. If you're at SAN waiting on a flight check out Phil's. read more

Phil's BBQ - BBQ grill chicken sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is a review of service only - not the food. I didn't get to eat. The bartender working at the San Diego Airport location needs some people training. On November 11, 2023 I ordered a beer, I'm 58, with a white beard and grey hair, and look old for sure - Obviously old enough to drink. My license only expired a few days before because I had moved and didn't get the notice in the mail to remind me to review. So I still have a license that states my birth date, in the 1960's lol. The airline gate said you can still fly, the license is valid for identification for one year after expiration, it is just expired for driving. So this miserable and arrogant bartender asks for ID - in an airport - like how did I get through security...?... and says my license is expired so I can't get a drink ? And he says "maybe you can get a beer somewhere else". In an Airport ? It's not like I'm bar hopping downtown on the strip. So I don't know if the food was good because I left. The service gets BIG "0". What is wrong on this planet - is summed up in that short visit, with that one uptight "barmaid". read more

I am not a big fan of Phill. But it's spacious and convenient as everyone orders before you sit down. It is easy for a big group; it makes it easy to pay by individuals before you get to the table, What I like to order is the Big ribs. Fries and onion rings are good! read more

My husband and I went to Phil's and it was the best bbq we've had so far! We ordered one of each item and our fave so far are their baby back ribs! So tender and juicy! read more

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I ordered an El Toro, a tri tip sandwich, with beans and mac n cheese.  The sandwich is a good size.  It is better eaten with a fork and knife.  Beans are on the sweet side.   Mac n cheese are good.  For some reason, any time I eat mac n cheese, I am done after several bites.  The tri tip was pretty good. Phil's does pretty decent food.  The airport location does not disappoint.  I usually try not to drink to much soda but they offer self serve refill soda.  They have plenty of seats and tables.  Only downside is they do not have many electrical outlets nearby.  I noticed some by the bar.  Staff is friendly and service is pretty good for the airport. read more

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It's Phil's mini me. So long time readers know I go to Phil's all the time. I know you read the reviews. So it should come as no surprise that when I fly out of SAN I usually come here time permitting. Now this place can't have a full menu like the others, which is bad for me and my beef ribs crave. But this leads to other opportunities. I got the El Toro sandwich. This is definitely a don't eat on the plane because it's messy. There is plenty of meat and lucky I got the sauce on the side. What there not to love about this? Its got the three "F"s: Favorful, Filling , it's a good Frice. Hey you making fun of my accent? :p All joking aside the main dish is great and I can't get enough of their fries. The coleslaw was ok. Overall four stars. Can't go wrong with flavor here but I still wanted my beef ribs fix. Now excuse me, I'm going to enjoy my beer and watch people run to the gate. I'm not going to be like them. My flight boards in........FIVE MINUTES?!?!?!? read more

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Food was great. We didn't have a problem finding parking. Service = hit or miss. I ordered the onion rings but somehow it wasn't included. Anyway, the only reason I didn't go to the other location is because this location is close to the Flower Fields. read more

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The food was delicious. Jermaine was friendly and helpful. Isaac FANTASTIC customer service and best recommendations on the loaded fries. Connected with customers and wish him the best of luck on his pitching career. #IsaacwilldoGREATthing read more

Phil's BBQ is the best BBQ that I've had in San Diego. They have good prices and give A LOT of food. I was surprised to see a smaller one inside the airport. The menu is smaller and the prices are slightly more expensive but the portions are decently big and definitely filling. I grabbed a quick meal here before getting on my flight and the food was ready in about 5-10 minutes. I went for the half order of ribs with fries and potato salad. The fries were different than the restaurant's but it was still alright. The ribs were tender and the meat came off the bones easily. It also came with a piece of corn bread which I really liked. It was moist and sweet. read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

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What a pleasant surprise ! Phil's BBQ inside the San Diego Airport! I did not expect food to be so delicious for airport food standards, but this place exceeded my expectations entirely! The Toro Sandwich is Probably the best sandwich i ever had, and the portion was enough for a big guy like me! Service is super friendly and quick, and the entire staff is remarkably professional and friendly! You have to visit this location with an open mind, and i bet you will be surprised!. read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

The onion rings are good maybe. The food is terribly over rated. Not worth the wait. Find another bbq place.

I admit I've only had it once but was deeply unimpressed with the California breakfast burrito I had. For a place with such famous parent (which I've never tried but has a ridiculously large number of high reviews), the meat was just so so and the flavors weren't very pronounced. I still enjoyed the burrito during my flight but I'll have to try the ribs next time to get the full experience. read more

We're not from around here and drive around to try and find the right spot to eat... we found "Phil's BBQ" & decided to give it a try. This place did NOT disappoint....also, great customer service and atmosphere. We got the ribs dinner with fries & mac salad, wings, sausage, a corn and a tri tip sandwich. The Ribs & the wings are a "must try". They've got what they've got, but a nice add on to the menu would maybe be Mac & Cheese and/or mashed potatoes Will definitely come again read more

Love love love Phil's. I wish the airport had the beef ribs though :) One thing I noticed on my last trip. Since beef ribs are not available at the SAN airport location, I always get the ribless dinner. The portion is a lot smaller compared to all the other times. No slipping Phil :) read more

Phil's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Went on a weeknight and there was no line and plenty of seating, it was empty by any means but it was a nice amount! And the staff was super friendly and accommodating and helpful. This was my first time at at Phil's. I got el toro fries and a side of ribless. My partner got the ribless entree, fries and beans. We both agreed that the fries were kinda not good and the beans were plain. But we loved the ribless bites. I would come back and get those again maybe try out some new sides. Love a self serve soda station. I liked the tri tip with the bbq sauce I would try a sandwich next time. The bar area service was a little meh but other than that it was nice! Food wasn't omg wow but I would totally go back again read more

Great! Airport food usually sucks and is super expensive for nothing flavorful or filling. This is the exception. Phil's BBQ was delicious! We stopped in for a quick bite before our flight and asked to change the Caesar salad to a pulled pork salad with ranch and they had no problem with it! The staff was so friendly and even gave us a little of the history while we were paying. The gentleman who took our order showed so much pride in the establishment. We will def eat here when we return! Thanks!! read more

Phil's BBQ - Pulled pork salad! - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California

Always love getting Phils BBQ! It's a solid meal for a solid price. I usually choose between the el toro (tritip) tickler or the ribless tickler and it usually lasts me 2 meals. Love that it comes with a few onion rings, cole slaw, and fries! read more

Here's the deal, food was good...had the El Toro tri-tip sandwich. Also, side of salad...because I needed something green in my life! It's in the airport, so prepare to overpay...especially for an adult beverage. I was even charged for a soda water... read more

Phil's BBQ - Tri-tip sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - San Diego, California