Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the San Diego area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the San Diego area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in San Diego based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of San Diego were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. Corbin's Q
- Rating: 4.2/5 (647 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6548 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#29. Toto's Grill
- Rating: 4.2/5 (199 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1615 Sweetwater Road National City, California
- Categories: Filipino, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#28. The Promiscuous Fork
- Rating: 4.2/5 (816 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6984 La Jolla Blvd. La Jolla, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#27. BBQ House Bar & Grill
- Rating: 4.2/5 (750 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5025 Newport Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Coaster Saloon
- Rating: 4.2/5 (761 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 744 Ventura Place San Diego, California
- Categories: Beer Bar, Sports Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.2/5 (880 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 4620 Convoy St. Ste A San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Nanay's Best BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (346 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6715 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste 103 San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Filipino
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1183 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1051 Garnett Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Sports Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Manna Heaven BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1974 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8188 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Manna Heaven BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (4528 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 4428 Convoy St. Ste R210 San Diego, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (660 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 3904 Convoy St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Del's Hideout
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1073 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5351 Adobe Fls Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#18. SongHak Korean BBQ - San Diego
- Rating: 4.3/5 (798 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4681 Convoy St. Ste B San Diego, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Phil's BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (16670 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3750 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Buga Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (2439 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 5580 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Louisiana Charlie's - San Diego
- Rating: 4.4/5 (342 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 849 West Harbor Drive Ste W11B San Diego, California
- Categories: Cajun/Creole, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#14. SOT BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (130 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Smack'n Guamanian Grill
- Rating: 4.4/5 (490 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9506 Miramar Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Guamanian, Pop-Up Restaurants
- Read more on Yelp
#12. SHABUMi
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1479 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 5667 Balboa Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Hot Pot, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#11. The Fire Spot
- Rating: 4.4/5 (591 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 4646 Convoy St. Ste 108 San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Chinese, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Grand Ole Bbq Y Asado
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1062 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3302 32nd St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Latin American, American
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Smokin J's BBQ & Taphouse
- Rating: 4.5/5 (212 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 751 4th Ave. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Coop's West Texas BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (2452 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2625 Lemon Grove Ave. Lemon Grove, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Jose's Pollos Estilo Acapulco
- Rating: 4.5/5 (157 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 549 25th St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Mexican, Chicken Shop, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. STP Bar-N-Grill
- Rating: 4.6/5 (569 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5487 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, California
- Categories: Bars, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Bowlegged BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (932 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4255 Market St. San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Kanpai BBQ & Shabu
- Rating: 4.6/5 (308 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 3904 Convoy St. Ste 114-115 San Diego, California
- Categories: Barbecue, Hot Pot, Buffets
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Serpentine Cider
- Rating: 4.6/5 (171 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8665 Miralani Drive Ste 100 San Diego, California
- Categories: Cideries, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Saki Sushi & Grill
- Rating: 4.7/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2424 Hoover Ave. Ste F National City, California
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Xinjiang BBQ
- Rating: 4.7/5 (323 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6931 Linda Vista Road San Diego, California
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Barbecue, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
