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    Cali BBQ

    4.3 (3.5k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Order Cali BBQ Takeout or Delivery

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    CALI BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Cali BBQ

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    Karina D.

    Hands down THE BEST BBQ in San Diego -- and I've tried a bunch. Cali Comfort is on another level. The ribs? Fall-off-the-bone tender with that perfect smoky bark and a dry rub that hits every note. Brisket melts, pulled pork is juicy, and the house sauce? Tangy, sweet, perfect -- doesn't drown the meat, just elevates it. So much food, insane value, and everything is fire. Leftovers for days. Sides are legit -- mac is creamy with a crispy top, beans have burnt ends in 'em, cornbread is sweet and fluffy. Even the slaw is crisp and balanced. Vibe: Big sports bar with tons of TVs, but the patio is clutch on a nice day. Service is fast and super friendly. Parking? No drama. If you're in San Diego and love BBQ, this is your spot. Worth the drive to Spring Valley. Already planning my next trip back. Highly recommend! Pro tip: Pair it with their craft beers for the full tailgate vibe.

    Combo #4 Brisket/Tri Tip
    Timothy Spencer T.

    TLDR: Remember when Captain America tried to lift Thor's hammer in Age of Ultron and it jiggled a bit? That's the image I want people to have when being unsure what to expect. The belief has always been that Texas BBQ can only be found in Texas. I feel that this place is one of the few that can claim that they're as close as it's gonna get without going to the source. 1lb Brisket: It's a mix of the lean side and fatty side of brisket, but the flavor profile just hits. It was hard to eat, not because it was tough, but because the meat would break down when trying to get it with a fork. It's close to what you can get in Texas, but I think the way to go is to ask for the fatty side to get the full buttery meat experience. Combo #4: The brisket is the same as the pound EXCEPT they put bbq sauce on top. Although the sauce was fine, I'm really not a fan of bbq sauce and am a full believer that good food should be good on its own. The star of the plate was definitely the tri-tip. I was confused at first since the tri-tip looked like brisket slices you find in Korean BBQ and I'm used to thicker tri-tip cuts. However, it was the best bite of the meal. The onion rings are good and the ranch sauce well always be a welcome addition in any fried side. The mac and cheese was the dunce of the bunch. Definitely a good place for improvement, but the rest of the plate is worth the price. Service: Good. We were checked on at reasonable time intervals and our waters were always topped off. Ambiance: It's a sports bar vibe, but it's bright and family friendly. I think seating might be an issue on busier days, but it was fine when I went.

    Brisket Plate, I like making the perfect bite and stacked onion ring with brisket, pickle, and coleslaw on top!
    Beba R.

    Best brisket I've ever had was here. I've had brisket in houston, Texas and this one is still better! Onion rings are perfectly crisp! Beans are absolutely delish!

    Paul S.

    Still the best local bar/BBQ spot in the Valley and has been for over 15 years. Quality grub for a fair price. Exceptional staff in a friendly neighborhood setting. Has lasted the test of time because of consistent high quality food and great customer service. The jewel of Spring Valley.

    Lizzie R.

    It was decent! I prefer valley farms BBQ, but the family wanted to go here instead. I didn't care for the fried but every one ate their food without complaint. We have never been back but it's still open so they are doing something right!

    Country Fair Sandwich and Brisket Plate
    Nancy H.

    Came as a party of 2 on a Sunday at 1:00 PM. There was no wait. This restaurant is located in an unassuming area. Parking: Spacious and easy to find. There's plenty of parking available in the back. Ambience: A laid-back sports bar vibe where people come to watch the game, enjoy good food, and relax. Service: Quick, friendly, and attentive. Food: Huge portions and a fantastic value compared to other BBQ joints. Country Fair Sandwich - 8/10: The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, paired with thin, crispy fries that were amazing. The mac and cheese was okay. Brisket Plate - 6/10: The brisket itself was a bit disappointing. It was fatty, slightly dry, and lukewarm. However, the sides of beans and coleslaw were solid and helped make the meal more enjoyable. Summary: Cali BBQ offers generous portions at a great price, which makes it a solid choice for casual BBQ dining. I would like to return to try their other menu items.

    Brisket Plate
    Lisa L.

    I heard online how this restaurant is one of the best barbecue in San Diego so I had to try it out. I was around 30 minutes away from this restaurant and I was able to order online. Once I arrived, I got a text message immediately stating the food was ready, and there was plenty of parking. I saw that inside had a lot of seating if you wanted to eat inside, but I wanted to take it to go. Once I took it home I thought everything was extremely delicious, moist and tasty. I tried the tri-tip and brisket meat and they were both so good! The total for both was around $57 and it was so filling and I had extra to eat later tonight. The sides are large and the meat portions are large as well. I highly recommend trying this location!

    Luella H.

    Good food overall. I didn't particularly care for the Mac and cheese or cornbread, but the meat was very tender, and the peach cobbler was very sweet. The service was great, with friendly and helpful servers. The interior of the restaurant is nice and lively. I definitely recommend this place if you enjoy BBQ.

    1/2 of an order of bbq ribs with pulled pork
    Jacqueline C.

    So far this is my go to for bbq. It's Kansas style bbq that satisfies this Texan love for bbq until I get to Texas. I normally get the bbq pork ribs and the pull pork. The ribs are fall off the bone tender and the pull pork is flavorful. The order is enough to share with 2 people. I love the jalapeños muffins with their bbq beans. The service is always good whether I dine in or order out. The restaurant itself is clean with enough seating to satisfy a rush. Although the parking lot is small with ample parking.

    Onion Rings

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    24 days ago

    It was a great to go order. Brisket was tender and the wedding beans were the best beans I've ever had. I'm going to do it again soon.

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    3 months ago

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    10 days ago

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    28 days ago

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    2 months ago

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    3 days ago

    The staff is very polite and friendly it always a good experience and very tasty food

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    6 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Nancy for the great words- Steven S, Manager

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    1 month ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Thank you Arely for the review- Steven S, Manger

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Thank you Elizabeth- Steven S, Manager

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    2 months ago

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    3 months ago

    If we are craving BBQ, this is where we come. I'm partial to the brisket. Had it on fries last time. Very good.

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    2 years ago

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    3 months ago

    The food and service was amazing! The brisket is hands down the best we have had...We'll be back soon!

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    2 years ago

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    Thank you Anthony for the review- Steven S, Manager

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    Page 1 of 87

    Cali BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cali BBQ

    Can I bring my dog?

    Hi, Yes, our front patio is dog friendly

    Are you ever going to open up for weekend breakfast again? I love your breakfast!!!

    I know that at this time they have no plans to do breakfast again, they are focused on selling their bbq nation wide.

    Do they open early on Sundays for the 10 am games& do they have breakfast? Pre covid we had gone for day games And it was nice .

    What is your Togo packed in?

    Plastic containers mostly.

    Do you do catering on site for small birthday parties (cooking on site)? If so, is there a minimum amount of people required?

    Hi, we do offer catering, unfortunately we do not offer on-site cooking. Thank you for reaching out:… Read more

    Taking reservations currently?

    Hi, currently we are not taking reservations, all tables are on a first come first serve basis- Steven S, Manager

    Can you seat a party of 8 inside?

    Hi, thank you for reaching out to us, we had a few tables inside that can accommodate a party of 8

    Is there currently a happy hour? If so when?

    Hi, unfortunately we are not offering happy hour at this time

    Most restaurants are again seating inside, is Cali Comfort? If not there what about their outside patios? I live too far away to carry out. Also, is the Southern Mac & Cheese available?

    Hi, Great news! we are open for dine in and patio seating at our spring valley location from 12pm-8pm every day. Unfortunately, the southern Mac and cheese is currently not being offered. - Steven S, Manager

    Do they still have burgers on the menu? Salads? My husband loves BBQ and wants to go but I don't eat BBQ and need an option for me. Thanks!

    Hi, unfortunately we are no longer offer burgers, thank you for reaching out to us

    When will you be open for breakfast again? I would go here at least 3 times a month on a Saturday for your breakfast before all the BS happened?

    Thanks for reaching out, In order to serve the best slow smoked bbq during COVID19 unfortunately we have had to streamline our menu offerings. Thank you for your understanding

    When will they have the souther mac and cheese again?

    Hi, we are focusing on bbq and always updating our menu. Thanks for reaching out. Cheers!… Read more

    Are they open for dine in?

    I was here on 5/8/21 and they had dining inside and out. Their outside dining is dog friendly (with a leash) so bring Fido along.

    Do they sell beef ribs?

    We do not sell beef ribs but we do sell beef brisket and tri-tip. Hope this helps.

    Do you guys have okra?

    Hi, unfortunately we do not have Okra

    What type of woods does Cali comfort bbq use to smoke their meats?

    Hi, thank you for reaching out to us. We use Almond and pecan wood.

    Can you get the mac and cheese without bacon?

    Yes, you can definitely order our Mac and cheese without the bacon.

    Is the outdoor seating area pet friendly?

    Yes our outdoor patios are dog friendly! We love pets.

    Any delivery options?

    We deliver through the DoorDash app! Hope this helps.

    Does the whole party have to be present to be seated?

    From my previous experience, the whole party did not have to be present!

    View All 31 Questions

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    It's January 1st! Last night I went to pick up 50 salt and pepper chicken wings for a party. I…read morehad ordered them earlier that day. Well, the lobby was packed and about a dozen people were waiting for their pre-ordered wings. They were running about 30 minutes late on all pre- orders and pick up orders. The customers were polite and patient for the most. Behind the counter were two ladies working like crazy, organizing orders and maintaining their composure in a crisis type setting. Dozens of orders were being packed, just coming out of the kitchen piping hot. Behind them, five cooks were moving quickly, smoothly and non-stop. Food was flying! Shouting in Chinese and working like they have done this the entire lives. It's was like something out of a movie. It's very typical no matter where you pick up wings on New Year's Eve. It's always an extra half to full hour wait. And, why were all of the customers so patient. I think it's because everyone knows that Golden Bay puts out the most incredible wings on the planet! As we unveiled our big box of wings at the party, a mob started to form. The word spread and soon the wings were gone. All of our friends wanted to know where we got the wings. It was a moment of pleasure for my wife and I seeing our friends got nuts over those wings. In the drive home, my wife told me that the wait was worth it. Next year we will need to order 100. And, maybe some salt and pepper shrimp! We eat at Golden Bay at least once a week as their food is always fresh, hot and made to order. Maya and Teresa run the front of the house and even during a chaotic moment they held their composure and were as sweet as ever. By writing this, I risk even a longer wait next News Year's Eve. But, it's worth it. Happy New Year to the most extraordinary crew at Golden Bay.

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