Phil's BBQ

Phil's BBQ-
3750 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110; (619) 226-6333
Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sunday-11a.m-10p.m.; Fri-Sat.-11a.m.-11p.m.; Closed Mondays. Website: http://www.philsbbq.net/

A few weeks ago, a friend and I decided to check out this BBQ place that according to her, everybody was talking about. It was supposed to really be good. So, I agreed that we should check it out. When I arrived around 11:10 a.m., there was already a line forming, luckily my friend had already secured a spot for us in this quickly growing line of hungry patrons. They obviously knew something I did not because I had heard nothing about this joint but had seen it on one of my trips to the men's clothing store across the parking lot. I've always been skeptical whenever I've heard that so-and-so has the best barbeque because inevitably I come away disappointed. I firmly believed that if my dad wasn't manning the grill, the "Q" would be second rate at best. After about 15 minutes, we were seated and from the moment I sat down I knew this time would be different.

Life takes us on many journeys; each one filled with questions like, What's the meaning of life; What came first the chicken or the egg? We are on an never-ending journey for the the fountain of youth, we've spent billions searching for life on other planets and perhaps the most perplexing journey is the search for the world's best barbeque. I've tasted a lot of "Q" (this can be confirmed by my constant battle with the bulge around my midsection as I jump on and off the scale in disbelief), and I've listened to a lot of weekend chefs' claims of possessing the secret to true barbeque bliss. Whether it lies in the grill or pit used, the smoke, the meat or the marinate, I still have not found the ultimate in barbeque, until now.

Phil's BBQ is indeed the best I've ever tasted (except Dad's of course). The meat is falling-off-the-bone tender and the side dishes are tasty as well. But although the tastiness of the "Q" puts Phil ahead of the class, what really impressed me was the clean and friendly atmosphere. The staff from the hostess to the other personnel that worked the room greeting us as we licked sauce off of fingers, was wonderful. Our server, was not only incredibly tall, dark and handsome, was extremely helpful, friendly and made us feel as though we were celebrities in town on vacation. And did I say the place was clean? Cleanliness goes a long way in my book and this place was immaculate. I left full and impressed and I am already planning my next visit.

On the Cracked Bowl's scale of 1-5, Phil's BBQ recieves 5 cracked bowls and I reccomend it to all the barbeque lovers in San Diego. Stop by and get your "Q" fix. Phil's has been providing the best in barbeque for the last 10 years in San Diego and owner, Phil Pace seems to have found the secret in providing not only good BBQ but also in great employee relations and customer service. Visit Phil's website at http://www.philsbbq.net/ and learn more about this fantastic eatery!

Bon Apetit

Rating: ^^^^^(5 Cracked bowls)

Rating Key:

^^^^^ Superior

^^^^ Excellent

^^^ Mediocre/Average

^^ Poor(maybe it was a bad day!)

^ The worst!