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    Cali BBQ

    4.3 (3.5k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Cali BBQ Takeout or Delivery

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    CALI BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Cali BBQ

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    OG Combo Ribs
    Mia Y.

    I would say 3.5 stars on a good day. Server had a mix-up so we had to wait a little longer to receive our order. Portions were also surprising and not in a good way for the price. However, everything was delicious! The meats are super tender. The best beans I've had. Mac, cornbread, coleslaw, cajun fries... I've got no complaints. The service is so so friendly and warm as well

    Cali BBQ menu
    Jose B.

    We recently visited Cali BBQ and ordered the Tailgater BBQ Feast for 4, which comes with tri-tip, rib tips, pulled pork, brisket, 1/2 chicken, 1/2 rack of ribs, mac and cheese, beans, slaw, potato salad, and four cornbreads. First off, the presentation of the platter was very appealing and definitely gave that classic BBQ feast impression. The sides were tasty, and the cornbread stood out to us. They add jalapeño to it, which gave it a nice balance of heat and buttery flavor that we really enjoyed. The meats had good flavor overall, and you could tell there was quality and effort behind the food. However, our main issue was the temperature. Unfortunately, much of the food felt room temperature to cold, especially the ribs, which took away from the overall experience. We do want to recognize Jason, who appeared to be the manager. He was helpful and quickly replaced the 1/2 rack of ribs with a warm one, and that made a noticeable difference. We appreciated his customer service and willingness to make things right. Overall, the food tasted good and the feast offers a nice variety, but BBQ is at its best when it's served hot and fresh. I honestly feel that if everything had come out at the proper temperature, it would have made a huge difference in our experience. For us, it was an okay visit with room for improvement.

    Randall B.

    Waaaay busy night. Trivia games and a lot of noise. People seemed to love it but for us a bit too much stimulation. Great news they have happy hour all day and I had the shredded pork quesadilla. Very tasty and for $10 a bargain. My boyfriend had the brisket plate and as always amazing. The service team was almost in overwhelm. Lots to do. Each one of them, though, apologized for the slower service and explained what was going on. That is the way to do it. Well done. Always a good time.

    The menu, my attempt at taking a pic of our plate and the honest result of my plate pic.
    S. Genevra T.

    I don't know where to start. The service was excellent. The ambiance was chill, but you can tell it can become lively and busy easily. The food... Oh the food. I have a rule, if I'm not talking I'm enjoying my food. I also do this little dance, but that's besides the point. Not a word was said. And the dance was danced. The tangy and flavorful barbecue sauce and the smokey flavor of the melt in your mouth brisket, and the rib tips, the Mac n cheese, the coleslaw, and the wedding beans, and I can't leave out the jalapeno cornbread muffin. I honestly can't remember the last time I had bbq this good. I can't wait to come back. And added bonus, they're dog friendly. Thank you Cali BBQ, we'll see you next time. I apologize I didn't photograph my food I was too focused on eating it.

    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.

    Electric Margarita Fish Bowl
    Josh B.

    Great place to come for happy hour / or a date even on your lunch break just order ahead Food is Bomb

    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!

    OG Combo Ribs, Mac N Cheesy, Wedding Beans
    Courtnie B.

    SO GOOD!!! I don't usually write reviews but wow the food was amazing so I had to. We got the buffalo and honey habanero wings. The buffalo were rich and thick sauce, best wings I've had in a long long time. The habanero were super hot, I'm not into that but my husband said the flavor was great. The ribs were amazing!!! The sauce was great and the meat itself was tender. The brisket was good, would like to try the tri tip next time maybe. Wedding beans were very very good, not just your average baked beans. Staff was nice and helpful as well! I would definitely go back!!!

    Country Fair Sandwich and Brisket Plate

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    7 years ago

    Food is always great here!! Will definitely recommend this place to anybody that loves meat! #1 spot in spring valley

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    4 years ago

    Seriously the best barbecue in East County! I would die for the county fair sandwich... Literally die

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Riley for the kind words- Steven S, Manager

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    6 years ago

    Favorite bbq place - worth the drive from SD! Their quality is always consistent! Can't go wrong with adding Mac n cheese to the side!

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    7 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    10 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    6 years ago

    This is the spot real bbq quality food no hormones real meat and great service parking can be a little hard but hay it's worth it trust me.

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Fred for the kind words

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    4 years ago

    If you love peaches Cali BBQ Peach cobbler is AMAZING!!! It's even better in the morning with hot coffee!

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Jenn- Steven S, Manager

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    8 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Delicious!!!!!!! I celebrated my 17th anniversary by getting our dinner here. We absolutely love the food and the customer service!

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    Steven S.

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    8 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    7 years ago

    Awesome and great customer service come on down to north Park ace hardware store delicious food awesome

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    Steven S.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    Steven S.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great beer, great BBQ, cool vibes and killer sides. I'm definitely coming back to this place.

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Martin for the kind words- Steven S, Manager

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    5 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    4 years ago

    Good bbq, great environment, a place to bring the family and friends to watch the games

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Alexander for the kind words- Steven S, Manager

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    4 years ago

    Love the Tailgate meal! Best BBQ and sides hands down in SD. Not produced like BBQ chains in SD.

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Amy, we hope to serve you again soon- Steven S, Manager

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    5 years ago

    Good bbq. I've ordered from here several times now and food always arrives warm and well packed.

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    Steven S.

    Thank you Carla- Steven S, Manager

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Steven S.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Page 36 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:… 

    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!… 

    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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    #1. Getting in and out TO the place is near impossible because on and off busy freeway exit is…read moreactually the restaurant's entrance. (Bad City Planning) 2. Used to get good burgers here when I order inside. NOT TODAY, July 5, 2026. Because I ordered from Drive Thru since few cars ahead of me..and no parking place nearby. See below for my $10.01 XL drink and Double Double order with extra pickles and onion, K and M instead of their sauce. No Combo because fries are always cold in drive thru A. Meat was sparse, dry, flavorless and cold. B. Tomato was 1/2 a slice that looked like it was near rotten. C. Cheese looked like a spread not a slice. D. No Ketchup and/or Mustard as requested instead of spread. Worst I have ever had Anywhere. This was going to be my traditional American Burger on this 4th of July weekend. What a disappointment. Could have had better at Burger King or Carl's Jr around the corner. What a disappointment. Won't be back.

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    Comfortable seating areas!
    Comfortable seating areas!
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    Cali BBQ - bbq - Updated August 2026

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