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    Phil's BBQ

    3.8 (517 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Bars
    Open 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Phil's BBQ Photos

    PHIL'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Phil's BBQ

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    Reviews With Photos

    We finished before I remembered to take a picture!
    Christy C.

    I was so surprised with how good the food from Phil's was at the airport! I even forgot to take a picture until after we were done!! Service was fast and friendly. Food was served quickly. Portions were great and taste was awesome. The tri-tip was so tender and flavorful!! I could have gladly just eaten that. Airport food is often so meh. Was nice to find an excellent choice!

    Corn on the cob
    Gloria G.

    The place looks small however it is large inside and very clean. You have to order before siting but it goes quick. We visited San Diego with family so we ordered the family feast which comes with all the items as well as cornbread but it was eaten quickly so I didn't get a picture. The corn was also extra but the kids wanted it. I love bbq and don't just rate any highly, however this one has always been the Best and whenever we visit SD we have to go!!! This is a must!!! The best part is the fact that once you are seated there are wait staff that give excellent serve, they bring extra bbq sauce, take away empty dishes and are so friendly! ENJOY!!!

    Chicken Caesar salad with a side of tri tip
    Jenna g.

    I usually dislike eating at the airport for a number of reasons but this was a really good experience. Ample seating and the area was clean. The bartender that helped us was super friendly and efficient with great vibes. I wish I would've caught his name so I could mention him. He had a man bun - maybe that'll help identify him! The food was great - exactly what we were looking for prior to our departure. I would definitely eat here again if I was waiting in this terminal.

    Philbuster burger
    Rick H.

    If one is to eat at an airport it may as well be good food.....Phil's BBQ fits the bill! We ordered the Philbuster burger and quarter rib dinner with coleslaw and pickle as the side. The ribs were tender and well bbq'd and the burger was HUGE and delicious, 2 patties, choice bacon, onion ring, piled high with pulled pork.....amazing! I expect to pay more at an airport but pricing was fair. The guy at the counter was super chill and accommodating, efficient and friendly, and the food came out hot and quick. Located at the end of Terminal 2 near the 38-44 gates, an open atmosphere welcomes travelers with food and drink options to please all. Enjoyed the vibe.

    Chantel C.

    Waiting on a flight and needed bite to eat. Sat at the bar ordered the tri tip fries and a ginger beer. The bartender was welcoming,friendly and personable. She was super attentive had a great playlist and easy to talk to. The food was OK I'm wondering if I should have got the ribs. The beef was tender but fries were just okay.

    Dining Area
    Joyce L.

    Love me some Phil's, and while the selection and execution at this airport off-shoot of the San Diego institution doesn't match its regular restaurant locations, it certainly beats anything I can eat in the air when flying domestic (international first class is of course on a whole other level ;). Pro tip: avoid the line and order via kiosk instead. Apple Pay accepted, and food comes out fast, always a plus when you're rushing to get somewhere!

    Dry California burrito
    Nancy H.

    I was heading out of town for a work trip so needed to grab something portable and easy to consume on the plane. If I could summarize the meal in one word, it would be DRY. - California Breakfast Burrito ($17.95): I don't know if I was supposed to ask for BBQ sauce or the standard California burrito ingredients (pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream), but apparently the default is that I get absolutely nothing. The burrito was just tortilla, dry meat, and minimal cheese. The only moisture came from the soggy, not-crisp fries. - Side of breakfast potatoes ($3.30): Should have passed on this one too. Not crispy. Also dry. There is a 2% pre-tax surcharge. My work has a maximum spend amount per meal, and despite choosing the most inexpensive and least appetizing combination of foods, I still exceeded my $25 stipend after addition of sales tax, the 2% double taxation, and tip (I always tip). Not much one can do when stuck eating in an airport, but for those of you who wander over to Phil's, do NOT order the California burrito. Or if you do, ask them to not forget to add all semblance of sauce. My favorite BBQ place in San Diego is Smoking J's. I wish Smokin J's would replace this airport Phil's.

    At the SD airport location
    Steve C.

    Can be busy since it's the main airport terminal. QR menus make it easy to order and pick up your food when ready. Have sports playing on some screens while rock is playing on the speakers. Great ribs with a sweet sauce with a little bit kick. Limited wine but a full bar. Like their Mac salad.

    Kiosk order
    Long D.

    Got a beer before the flight in terminal 2, next to gate 45, end of concourse. Kiosk order or just walk up. Dine in or to go. Plenty of seats not cheap but decent quality. Quick serve , lower your anxiety and pacify your taste bud and your stomach before the flight. Airport Open air ambiance. Glad we have this choice in SAN terminal 2.

    BBQ Brahman sandwich
    David L.

    Pros: fast service, close to United gates, sandwich was large. Cons: pulled pork was dry. First time trying Phil's BBQ. It was about 1000 but they were already serving lunch items. Good size portions, but the pulled pork was dry. The sauce was tangy which is good or bad depending on your taste. It was little too much for me. Overall it was an OK meal.

    Bbq Baby back ribs, delicious fries and Cole slaw
    Lawrence L.

    I love coming here when flying through San Diego. They always have solid service and the food is quick! The sauce is incredible on the pork ribs. I get it pretty much every time. In terms of the sides, they're all pretty good but my favorite is how perfect their fries are and the Cole slaw. They always have music going and multiple TVs with sports on. Theres also a bar connected for those looking for a more elaborate beverage.

    Ribs To go
    Michelle T.

    The ribs were delicious and full of flavor. The portions were generous, and I really enjoyed my meal. The service was good, and the restaurant offers both pick up and dine in. Even close to closing time, the place was super busy. Lots of seating available.

    Beef ribs, Mac salad, potato salad, baby back ribs
    Vivian D.

    Can't come to SD and not get Phils! At least that's for my family ~ We had a family member visit SD for the first time and we had to make a pit stop here for lunch. She loved it. Got some baby back ribs, beef ribs, mac salad, and potato salad. This place is always packed but the food is always good. Can't complain.

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    Phil's BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Phil's BBQ

    Will you take reservations?

    I've gone a few times now at various times in the day and I haven't seen anyone make reservations. If you go before rush hours you can get a seat, we've gone at 11:30, 3:30, and 5:00. Because we eat early and get desserts somewhere else we haven't… Read more

    Is tip based on amount before taxes using credit card?

    Hi Dan, The tips are added after the taxed amount is given.

    Do you guys have an outdoor patio that will allow dogs?

    Yes! All our restaurants have an outdoor patio that is dog friendly.

    Can you get draft beer to go?

    Hi! Unfortunately, we don't offer to-go drinks at the airport location.

    Is this before or after security in the airport (near Gates or no)? I am trying to figure out if I will be able to carry-on BBQ sauce bottles or not. Thanks.

    Hi! Our spot is located after the security check - I hope that helps!

    Do they accept apple pay?

    Yes, we do!

    Phil's bbq

    Must go to for your BBQ in San Diego. You should expect a long line but it will be so worth it. Huge portions too.

    View All 8 Questions

    Pacific Shores

    Pacific Shores

    3.9(298 reviews)
    2.8 miOcean Beach, Point Loma
    $

    PACIFIC SHORES @ OCEAN BEACH…read more Parking is available on the street, and it's free! We ended up coming to Pacific Shores because one of my best friend's mom was there with her girlfriends. When we arrived, there was no line at all. Security was really nice, and we got in easily. There weren't many people inside around 10 PM, and I definitely feel like this bar is more of a "grab a drink, sit with your friends, and chat" type of spot. It's not a club or a dancing bar. We ordered a round of shots and a mixed tequila drink. It wasn't strong at all, but it was really delicious, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The server was also super nice, especially since our friend's mom kept ordering drinks and shots. He brought everything out quickly and with great service. I really loved the architecture and ambiance. It had a darker, cozy vibe, very much a small, deep-bar aesthetic. They also had some really cool paintings, and if you were wearing white or yellow, your clothes would glow in the dark, which was a fun touch. It wasn't super busy, and I appreciated how easy it was to find seating and just relax. The bathroom wasn't the cleanest, but it was still manageable. Overall, I'd definitely check out this spot if you're walking around Ocean Beach and want a chill place to grab a drink and hang out with friends.

    Came here for a bachelor party at opening and it was great. Anna was the bar tender and she took…read moregreat care of us, for a party of 12 and only having one employee there, we had a blast. Anna knows her facts about the historic bar and is fun, definitely give her a visit. Pool table in the back was cramped but still fun to pass the time.

    Photos
    Pacific Shores
    Pacific Shores
    Pacific Shores - OB Dive bar

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    OB Dive bar

    Club Marina - Hat I've been wanting for a while

    Club Marina

    4.3(246 reviews)
    1.6 miFleetridge, Point Loma
    $

    Carina is the BEST!!! The sweetest personality, so helpful, warm, and great hospitality!! She…read morealways had a smile on her face and never fails to prioritize her customers!

    I recently had the pleasure of spending a few evenings at Club Marina, and I can confidently say…read morethat one of the absolute highlights is their incredible bartender, Carina. From the moment you sit at the bar, Carina makes you feel genuinely welcome. She has a natural warmth and confidence that instantly sets the tone for a great night. No matter how busy it gets, she stays calm, focused, and attentive--always making time for a smile or a quick conversation. Her drinks are consistently amazing. Every cocktail is perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and made with obvious care and precision. Whether you're ordering a classic favorite or asking her to surprise you, she delivers every single time. You can tell she truly knows her craft. What really makes Carina stand out, though, is how she connects with her customers. She remembers names, favorite drinks, and little details that make you feel valued. She's not just serving drinks--she's creating an experience. Her energy is contagious, and she makes the bar feel like the best seat in the house. If you're heading to Club Marina, do yourself a favor and grab a spot at Carina's bar. You'll get incredible drinks--but even better service and an unforgettable vibe.

    Photos
    Club Marina - Sharon our new best friend in SanDiego with Annie.

    Sharon our new best friend in SanDiego with Annie.

    Club Marina - Miller high life and my favorite, dirty martini with Tito's

    Miller high life and my favorite, dirty martini with Tito's

    Club Marina - Amazing whiskey selection!

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    Amazing whiskey selection!

    The Holding Company - Sizzling Filet Mignon Shaken Beef is a Wok Seared Platter Your Taste Buds Will Thank You For Ordering!

    The Holding Company

    4.3(538 reviews)
    3.0 miOcean Beach, Point Loma
    $$

    The Holding Company is the place to be for good music, good food, and good views. It has 3 levels…read more Downstairs they have concerts, second level is food and DJ vibes with the bar, and 3rd level is views for daaaaayysss of the ocean which is really good for sunsets. I had the fried calamari and the shaken beef and they were both really good. My drink was California Love and that was also good. 10/10 recommend for beach side vibes without giving up taste.

    I've been here a couple times over the years but my most recent visit was this past Saturday night…read more My fiancé and I joined some friends to see the band Ready Set Survive in the downstairs of the space, a part of the bar I hadn't been in before. The band was great, the sound system was on point and the bar was very busy without feeling overly packed. We went upstairs to use the bathroom and get our drinks before the show started which was definitely the right choice. Not nearly as busy up there and only one person ahead of us to use the bathroom. I saw some folks eating the infamous OB Noodle House wings and taking peanut butter shots, I had half a mind to stay up there for a while but we didn't want to miss the band! There's also an awesome rooftop patio with a view of the ocean that we didn't go to that night. Highly recommend checking it out for their happy hour. Back downstairs for the show and I've gotta give their staff props, they did a great job sweeping through the crowd and picking up empty drinks throughout the night. My only beef with this bar is, there were so many people smoking on the patios that you couldn't get away from the smell pretty much anywhere inside. I don't remember that being an issue on previous visits but it was horrible that night.

    Photos
    The Holding Company - Our Korean Fried Chicken Wings Are Inspired By A Well Know Classic Korean Preparation That Will Excite Your Taste Buds With Pleasure!

    Our Korean Fried Chicken Wings Are Inspired By A Well Know Classic Korean Preparation That Will Excite Your Taste Buds With Pleasure!

    The Holding Company - Duck Spinach Salad A True Dynamic Delight Featuring Duck Breast Seasoned To Perfection w/ A Blend Of Texture & Flavor Balance Sure To Please

    Duck Spinach Salad A True Dynamic Delight Featuring Duck Breast Seasoned To Perfection w/ A Blend Of Texture & Flavor Balance Sure To Please

    The Holding Company - The Light & Crispy Tofu Fries Starter Is A Pleasant Surprise To All... Yup Even The Meat Lovers In Your Party!

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    The Light & Crispy Tofu Fries Starter Is A Pleasant Surprise To All... Yup Even The Meat Lovers In Your Party!

    Winstons Beach Club - Subsurface Tension

    Winstons Beach Club

    3.7(247 reviews)
    2.9 miOcean Beach, Point Loma
    $

    Simply the best for Dead music in SD…read more Every Monday and often on weekends I've been here 400+ times

    So I found this place by sheer happenstance. Came here on a work trip and flew in on a Sunday…read moreafternoon when I really just wanted to watch my Redskins play on Sunday Night Football. Found out there's actually a Redskins watch party at this place called Winston in Ocean Beach really other side of America and there's a group of Redskin fans signed me up. These are my people here's what Winston's had to offer: Ambience: literally a dive bar in the middle of Ocean Beach security and everything. Guess they do a lot of events here live music parties, etc. actually quite a cool freaking place. Service: fast friendly and fun not only because I was here for the game but because they decorated up for the Redskins and literally had like 40 to 50 Redskins fans. Seems like they do a lot of live events and music which is super cool and I'm sure they do a great job as my service was fantastic. Food: I ordered a pizza. Some other guys had nachos. Everything looked good. My pizza was actually pretty good for a dive bar. Beer was cold. Tasty had some local flavor added in. It's not a Michelin restaurant but for a game night perfect. The summit all up I had a fantastic time. Parking is a nightmare down in Ocean Beach, but you know what it's a small price to pay for having a great couple hours watching a team celebrating with others that love the same team singing the same songs I eat the best fight song in NFL and doing it on the beach in California. I don't think it gets much better than that. Thanks for a great time Winston's hope to see you again. Keep munching, and HTTR!!!

    Photos
    Winstons Beach Club - Subsurface Tension

    Subsurface Tension

    Winstons Beach Club - Subsurface Tension

    Subsurface Tension

    Winstons Beach Club - Male review. Hell yeah.

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    Male review. Hell yeah.

    Ponyboy - Juicy Lucy.  Ig mel_foodie_ventures

    Ponyboy

    4.7(74 reviews)
    1.5 miRoseville, Fleetridge, Point Loma

    adding another review...brought the husband back to experience Ponyboy at golden hour…read more we literally got almost everything on the golden hour menu. here's the list food (half off during happy hour) brussels sliders chips w/ pickle dip cornbread w/ butter Birthday (comp treat) birthday banana split drinks...(not on happy hour) bubblegum margarita root beer flip each and every item was over the top amazing! we started with the chips and pickle dip...i had to force myself to stop eating so i wouldn't fill up brussels and sliders came next then the cornbread. the sliders have sliced beef and horseradish...so yum!!! brussels were flavorful and not too wet (love!) cornbread...oh that cornbread! so delicious served in a cast iron dish with butter in the shape of corn on the cob. the butter was drizzled with honey ...so damn good! i had the bubble gum marg previously and loved it...i know it sounds odd but try it! then there is the root beer flip...it tasted just like a rootbeer float...its the best drink ever!!! looking forward to a return visit ASAP

    Happy Hour (starts at 4) had an amazing selection…read more These were by far the freshest Oysters I've had EVER in any restaurant, no grit no odd aftertaste was pleasantly surprised Another noteworthy dish was the pickle dip was trying not to eat it by the spoonful lol The Service was great everyone made us feel at home The vintage decor was classic and lovely..the ambience reminded me of a diner scene in a Quentin Tarantino movie and I friggin loved that ! I also observed that there were alot of reserved signs placed on the tables pool-side so this would be a cool date night/ girls night out place .. I also saw there was a large projector screen so I'd love to do more research about that since it peaked my curiosity.. The only thing that would worry me next time around is parking but if you leave early enough to make happy hour on time/plan it out I'm sure things would run smoothly We willl definitely be back!!

    Photos
    Ponyboy - Table setting next to pool.  Ig mel_foodie_ventures

    Table setting next to pool. Ig mel_foodie_ventures

    Ponyboy - Fisherman's Catch Ceviche - clamato aspic, cucumber, avocado aioli, pickled onion, fennel tortilla chips

    Fisherman's Catch Ceviche - clamato aspic, cucumber, avocado aioli, pickled onion, fennel tortilla chips

    Ponyboy - Tuna Noodle Casserole - potato-crusted Tunaville Ahi, pasta, peas, pearl onions, maitake mushroom, parmesan soubise

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    Tuna Noodle Casserole - potato-crusted Tunaville Ahi, pasta, peas, pearl onions, maitake mushroom, parmesan soubise

    Phil's BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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