Ria isn't just a bartender -- she's the whiskey whisperer, the cocktail queen, the tiny Hawaiian…read moreassassin behind the bar serving drinks so good they'll make you rethink your entire personality. Beautiful, hilarious, cool without trying, and somehow always wearing the most fire shoes in the building. She's the kind of bartender that turns "let's grab one drink" into "well damn, now we live here." Every cocktail was perfect, every recommendation hit, and her energy honestly makes the whole place. Protect Ria at all costs because that girl is a whole vibe. I Wish her all The health and the wealth and if yall don't give this woman a BONUS and a raise- i'm going on strike ;)

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.

Was there a week ago, Jordan is a great bartender! Quick and efficient, Food is great!read more

Food was excellent! And service was extraordinary. Definitely recommend this place! I will be…read morereturning soon!!

Small chill spot, friendly faces (especially Mr. Coop!), and the food is delicious! Took the day…read moreoff for a lil family day. Heard about this place from Gareth Eats and Marvelous Muncher, they did not lead me astray! My wife and kid can be pretty picky. For the amount of food we ordered, we would usually have leftover, but we finished the whole thing! * 2 lbs of chicken - so juicy, great taste, especially with that BBQ sauce. My wife usually complains that BBQ is so salty, or too vinegary, not this time. She loved it! * Mac and cheese - Creamy! Cheesy! Good! * Coleslaw - fresh, I think there's a light vinaigrette. I usually like mayo on mine, but I can see how this pairs better with the rest of the food. * Potato Salad - solid, not too salty as well. Just right! * Beans and Rice - I think I should've gone large on this one. So good! * Peach Cobbler - legit. Warm. Peachy. Cobblery. * Sweet Potato Pie - I was surprised, because I usually am not a fan of sweet potato. Tasty, not too sweet! Mr. Coop checked in with us once in a while to make sure we're all good, stopped by and gave me a sample of the bacon. Sweet, real tasty! I'm excited to come back and try the ribs and brisket! Smelled so good coming in!

I finally tried coops barbecue. The brisket rained supreme…read more It is so unbelievably tender, and good. It literally melts in your mouth. I bought a a pound to share. I tried the pork ribs, but I do prefer Phil's pork ribs to these ribs and tender, but Phils falls off the bone. Still very good. Collard greens were delicious as were the rice and beans. Service is efficient and prompt.' Ambience is that of a smoked meat joint.

I remember back in 2018 Chef Hanis Calvin founded The Pioneer.  I saw him hard at work in the…read morekitchen and the bbq was very good.  Sadly he left for other ventures.  I'm visiting for the last time as The Pioneer closed on July 8, 2025. Pioneer Bbq smokes their meats with white oak which gives their meats a smoky flavor without the bitter aftertaste. Pork baby back ribs were tender and had a smoky aroma and flavor from the white oak.  Dry rub gave the ribs a bit of sweetness from the brown sugar and some spice from the black pepper.  Very tasty. Prime beef brisket was tender and juicy.  Peppercorn based dry rub and the smoky flavor combined with the high quality beef into some delicious brisket. Staff was nice and efficient.  I'll miss this place Chef Hanis created.  I was told I could get the same Texas style bbq at a sister restaurant Del's Hideout which employs the same Executive Chef Tim Eylens.  It was back in 2011 I first sampled Chef Hanis food at Carnitas Snack Shack.  Best carnitas I ever had.  It's been since 2023 when I last saw Chef Hanis at the now closed Carbon Bbq.  I hope he is doing well. https://www.hungryones.com/2023/08/carbon-bbq/ To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due. Neil Gaiman

Enjoyed a good bbq me at pioneer. The meat was pretty tender and the corn was a nice side…read more Unfortunately looks like they've closed. Dels hideout, their sister restaurant is an another good bbq option.

I stopped in on my way home, and remembered that I was close by, so I went and got something for…read morelunch. I was greeted with a smile. I ordered the rib tip meal to go. While I waited, there were a good amount of TV's, and plenty of comfortable seating. The rib tip meal was great! The macaroni and cheese was well seasoned, the coleslaw was good. The rib tips were delicious! The meat was tender, and just the right amount of smokey flavor. The sauce was delicious was well, and was provided extra sauce. I'm glad that I went, and I will go again when I have a taste for bbq.

Checked out I Que BBQ and overall it was a solid experience. I went with the dry rub ribs and got…read morethe sauce on the side -- ribs were on point, super flavorful and cooked right. Honestly, I originally pulled up for the banana pudding and it did not disappoint. Definitely a highlight and worth getting if you go. Only downside for me was the sides. The potato salad just wasn't it -- potatoes were kinda undercooked and not really my style. All in all, good BBQ spot with some standout items, just might be a little selective with the sides next time.

I heard Link Neal sharted here. Awesome bidet. Food and service were top tier. My family and I…read moreenjoyed the ribs.

Okay, true believers, I might have run through a few different barbecue joints in my time here in…read moreSan Diego, and I have despaired of finding a place which could satisfy my itch without having to commit to hours of tending a fire at my own smoker. Today, I'm pleased to say I've found it. The brisket is nice and juicy. The mac & cheese is divinely creamy, and don't miss the pastrami. The folks behind the register and bar are very pleasant, and we got our food pretty quickly. It's also very kitschy here. There's a brass plaque someone might have lifted from Disneyland here, and I'm currently listening to Crystal Gayle. It's like a piece of my childhood just jumped into my brain.

I had the Cali BBQ team cater my small party last weekend. Steve was our caterer and was…read morefantastic! He arrived early, worked the serving details with my and ensured we had the best experience. The food was phenomenal! We order the 3-meat course with the beans, cheesy cornbread and peach cobbler. I received many compliments. The brisket and cobbler we the most popular. Soo good! I will gladly recommend Cali BBQ to all of my friends!

Outstanding customer service today from our server Victoria and manager Jason. From beginning to…read moreend we were greeted fast and friendly. Checked up on, food out very fast. Decor was chill and noise volume was low-medium. Overall 10/10. Food favs of today: brisket(one of the best I have had from a restaurant) it was tender, packed full of flavor and had the perfect balance of meat, fat, and rub. Cole slaw was great and I'm not a fan of Cole slaw usually! Rack of Ribs were good! Macaroni salad, potato salad were flavored well! Caesar salad was fresh and dressing tasty. My friend liked the jalapeño cornbread but it was too spicy for me. It had great flavor it's just personally my stomach would reject that spice. Next time I'll try the wedding beans and other food items. Bartender was friendly so I might come back just to hit up the bar area as well! It's a far drive of 20 mins for each of us but it's well worth it.

My go to place since the 1950's. Love the BBQ sauce and the coleslaw…read moreis the standard that I judge every other restaurant by.....this is what you find under the name of "comfort food!"

This place is truly unbelievable...open since 1947 time capsule!…read moreBrisket is 10/10 Very nice and friendly staff Best bbq in san diego hands down A+++