Phil’s BBQ, San Diego, Baby Back Ribs – The Delicious Daily 12.05.2009

djjewelz: I definitely liked Phil’s! And loved the whole frenzied atmosphere inside with people everywhere, tables slammed together, TVs all over the walls playing different football games and the cashiers shouting “next!” Liked it, but not enough to make a drive from LA just to get it, you crazy foodfreak, you.

As far as the food, Phil’s barbecue sauce was a little too sweet, and there was too much of it on the baby back ribs. I preferred the giant beef ribs with more substantial meat (relative to the sauce that was smothering it).

therealchiffonade: Yeah, I spent most of my childhood in Texas so that’s a totally different type of barbecue from the start, then I lived in Cincinnati, where Montgomery Inn drowns their ribs in this unique, sweet and opaque sauce. The whole barbecue style thing for me is not about what’s right or wrong, but which tastes best to each person. The debates scare me. People will put down their lives defending their barbecue! For me, I don’t mind so much the sauces and rubs as long as there isn’t too much on the ribs or meat, as long as the meat itself is tender and oddly enough, very “meaty” tasting.

docchuck: great! i hope you like it!

LesterG: I liked Phil’s for sure, and I’d definitely go back when in San Diego again. I can’t think of a place similar to it in LA in terms of taste, scope or size. The location in the Sports Arena area dominated the plaza in which it is, with all their catering trucks and even the “Phil’s Event Center” off to the side!

Reply

Melissa: I kinda wish I had done more research before going! Other people have also said that the onions rings at Phil’s are awesome, but we ended up with fries and baked beans, both of while I loved. Good tip on the call-ahead. We got there early, so didn’t have to wait too long, but by the time we left, there was a line outside.

Reply