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Lunch of the Month: Phil’s BBQ

Phil’s BBQ is a San Diego favorite, known for its big portions, comfort-style BBQ classics, and quick, friendly service.  Continually recognized as the best BBQ cuisine in San Diego by the California Restaurant Association and the San Diego Magazine’s Reader’s Poll, Phil’s has a fun, energetic atmosphere perfect for a casual lunch or an after-work bite.  Phil’s BBQ opened in Mission Hills in 1998 and moved to its Point Loma location in 2007, and recently expanded to include a 150 person events banquet hall next to the restaurant. 

My dining companions and I visited the restaurant during the weekday lunch hour, and were treated to some of Phil’s classics (tip: Phil’s gets busy during lunchtime on weekdays and on weekends, so arrive early!)  Restaurant goers typically order from the counter and can choose a table in the lively dining room or on the sun-filled patio.  Phil’s menu includes sandwiches, ribs, chicken specialties and delicious home-style sides, all reasonably priced between $5 and $20.  We tried two of Phil’s favorite sandwiches, the “BBQ Broham,” seasoned, mesquite grilled pulled pork topped with creamy coleslaw with a hint of horseradish for kick (the restaurant’s best-selling sandwich); and the “El Toro,” deli sliced tri-tip beef on a soft bun (my personal favorite).  Both sandwiches come smothered in most Phil’s sweet, smoky, secret-recipe BBQ sauce, which has a hint of spice and honey.

Phil’s (like any good BBQ joint) is known for their ribs.  We tried both the pork “Baby Back” ribs (Phil’s most popular dish), and the “Beefy” ribs, both exceptionally tender and flavorful.  We also recommend the “Chick-less” entrée, chunks of tender chicken breast, mesquite grilled and covered in BBQ sauce.  Ribs and lunch or dinner entrees come with a variety of sides, including hand-cut French fries, homemade macaroni or potato salad, fresh coleslaw, baked beans and massive handmade onion rings.  The food can get delightfully messy, but not to worry.  Phil’s supplies plenty of paper towels and has two big hand washing stations, and the restaurant itself is immaculately clean. 

Phil’s also caters and hosts special events for groups large and small. The events center, complete with flat-screen TVs, a projector screen and a cozy fireplace, can be booked for corporate parties, after work mixers and dinners.  Want Phil’s to cook for your party on-site? No problem.  They can bring a grill, buffet table, and the entire menu right to your function, and can serve crowds up to 3,000 (a manager told us that their record was serving 850 hungry patrons in a mere 32 minutes). 

With Phil’s customer volume (they serve approximately 3,500 customers a day) their commitment to quality, service and consistency is impressive – everything from the ribs to the sides are made fresh on-site.  Phil’s commitment to the community is also remarkable.  Over the last 10 years, the restaurant has contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to local children’s charities.

Plans to expand are in the works, but until a Phil’s BBQ comes to your neighborhood, check out the Point Loma location at 3750 Sports Arena Boulevard, or visit them on the web at www.philsbbq.net. Enjoy, get a little messy, and get ready to add BBQ to your list of cravings!

Interested in having your restaurant reviewed by the Chamber? Contact Lisa Gesner at lgesner@sdchamber.org or (619) 544-1381.