The baby back ribs are their specialty, but if you're on a budget, try their ribless dinner. Not quite as good as the ribs, but the value is excellent.

The baby back ribs are their specialty, but if you're on a budget, try their ribless dinner. Not quite as good as the ribs, but the value is excellent.
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I reccommend Phil's BBQ to everyone I meet. I'm not too big on their side dishes (fries, mashed potatoes, corn, etc.) to be honest, but I'm in LOVE with their ribs. They have a very... More

I reccommend Phil's BBQ to everyone I meet. I'm not too big on their side dishes (fries, mashed potatoes, corn, etc.) to be honest, but I'm in LOVE with their ribs. They have a very apple-honey-spice flavor to them and are dripping with sauce. They're recieved the San Diego City's Best Award for Best BBQ Place 5 years in a row and even have some First Place awards from BBQ contests all over the country! The place is PACKED at night, so be sure to either call ahead or come a little early. (Everyone is right about lack of seating, Phil's got so busy they had to open up a new location in Point Loma that is opening later this year.) Make sure to have an empty tummy because you will want to stuff yourself!
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I think Phil's BBQ has some good menu items. Good grilled chicken, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches are okay... Great seating area in the back is its major plus. What I'd like to clear up for the... More

I think Phil's BBQ has some good menu items. Good grilled chicken, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches are okay... Great seating area in the back is its major plus. What I'd like to clear up for the good people of San Diego is this: Phil's BBQ is NOT BBQ. Barbecue, my friends, is low and slow smokin' with tenderness and lovin'. What Phil's does is lightly smoke their ribs in some back room until its an ugly grey colour, then take it out front to be grilled and slathered with an obscenely hot and sweet glow in the dark red bbq sauce. To those of us who have experienced good low and slow BBQ in Bandera, Texas, Carolina mustard based Q or Memphis' best rib, I think you all know what I'm talking about. To those of you who don't know, then yes, try Phil's... then take a drive up the Five (I-5) to Encinitas when you've got time and try Big Jim's Old South Bar-B-Q. It's the closest thing we've got to good Q in San Diego. Tip: Sometimes Restaurant.com has gift certificate 60% off restaurant coupon codes where you end up spending $4 for a $20 gift certificate. Big Jim's is one of the restaurants listing certificates on that website. It's a good deal!
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I felt that phil's offered a great menu and good service. The food was great and the service was fantastic. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for a great meal and menu... More

I felt that phil's offered a great menu and good service. The food was great and the service was fantastic. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for a great meal and menu for even the pickiest of eaters. Bring the whole family and they will all be satisfied and full.
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My friends raved for months about this place before I finally decided to try it. Despite the fact that several people had proclaimed that this place has "the best ribs ever," I was definitely... More

My friends raved for months about this place before I finally decided to try it. Despite the fact that several people had proclaimed that this place has "the best ribs ever," I was definitely skeptical. I was also slightly concerned about the price. It's about $20 for a full order of ribs and sides. Well, I don't know about if this place has the best ribs ever, but it is definitely close. This place has the most tender ribs I have ever tasted and they are richly flavored. While the outside isn't so impressive, the inside is uniquely decorated. There is definitely a cowboy feel to it. There is also a place for you to wash your hands after you eat. This place is very popular, so you might want to consider ordering out if you have a large party, though they do have large tables. While Phil's has a variety of bbq items, the highlight is definitely the ribs.
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Although California is not known for its barbecue, I was told that Phil's BBQ rivals those back in Mississippi. Phil's BBQ looks like a small mom & pop shop, but the long line outside of the... More

Although California is not known for its barbecue, I was told that Phil's BBQ rivals those back in Mississippi. Phil's BBQ looks like a small mom & pop shop, but the long line outside of the restaurant is testament to its great bbq. The food is reasonably priced. A whole rack of ribs is about $18, but it includes sides. I love their french fries and their corn on the cob. The wait is usually long, especially on the weekends. If you are not planning to eat there, I recommend phoning in your order. But the wait is definitely worth it!
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Do you love ribs like I do? If you do, you have to try out Phil's BBQ in Hillcrest. I have had all the ribs in San Diego, and Phil's is my favorite. The sauce that they use is very similar to... More

Do you love ribs like I do? If you do, you have to try out Phil's BBQ in Hillcrest. I have had all the ribs in San Diego, and Phil's is my favorite. The sauce that they use is very similar to Tony Roma's sauce, but yet it tastes so much better. It is very easy to get to either off the 5-freeway or the 163-freeway. They also have many sandwiches on the menu that are great for their price. I suggest you call in your order since there is always a line for the place. It is not the biggest place so you should get there a little early to get a seat.
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