Bowlegged B.B.Q

The atmosphere here is not merely casual, but community-centered. The service shows this, too, and it’s a wonderful and relaxed place to enjoy a meal. They played Oldies and 90s R&B while we ate outside under an umbrella with a nice breeze. Everything we tried was delicious: brisket (under the ribs), beef hot links, ribs, baked beans, collard greens, cornbread, and lemon cake. (We had Coke and root beer to drink.) This is East Texas style BBQ, and it was my first time having it. I will happily come back for more and if I am travelling I will happily try more Texas BBQ.

A Blk Review 👀: I got the brisket sandwich. The sandwich on its own it was great I like the brisket needed a bit more sauce so make sure you get extra. Now the sides, the mac and cheese was so disappointing like I had a taste for some mac and cheese and some baked beans on the side and I wanted to let them touch. Definitely a let down! Nasty, taste like too much chicken bouillon or I'm not sure I didn't like it though and the color was a little off too Orange. The baked beans were okay, sweet, it almost hit but kind of tasted like bushes from the can with no added seasoning. It was my first time I was a little disappointed because it smells great from the outside. Now the service everyone spoke everyone smiled auntie was going off at the cash register felt like home. The entrance has like a living room feel a little table you could see people playing spades at a patio area is a very cozy space and everything just feels black real black feels like childhood nostalgia. I'm going to go back and try the ribs and the tri-tip and the other side definitely skipping the mac and cheese.

Oh my gosh, this barbecue place was incredible—easily one of the best I’ve ever been to! Deanna at the front was super friendly and helpful. I definitely ordered way too much food, but no regrets… leftovers for days! Everything was amazing: the tri-tip, brisket, ribs, mac & cheese, candied yams, and even the catfish—all perfection. I’ll definitely be back!

I found this place thru Darius Williams, i ordered the sampler plate ribs, rib tips, brisket, omg 5 out 5! The meat was tender, smokey, overall the best bar b que! I had greens and macaroni and cheese both 5 out 5! I also ordered the beans and cole slaw and lemon cake! 5 out 5 again! Dont walk run to this place!

One word, AMAZING BBQ! We had brisket from Phil's last week and it wasn't even edible. The brisket here is absolutely amazing. The RIBS! Amazing. Make sure you ask for extra sauce, you won't regret it. This was our first time here and we will definitely be back. You can eat in, but parking can be a challenge, but don't let that discourage you, you MUST try this BBQ. I loved the mac and cheese and the collards, although I think the collards needed a little more seasoning. The staff was very friendly and helpful, but they were extremely busy so it was hard to ask questions. But....we will be back!

Hello my wife and I ordered while on vacation through door dash.. we had the 3pc chicken greens and Mac n cheese and yams all were bomb had an amazing flavor a little bite nothing was overpowering .greens didn't have meat in them and the yams did not have marshmallow on top. 10 of 10. Highly recommend great 1st meal to start our vacation EXCELLENT FOOD.

The absolute best bbq I’ve had in San Diego! You felt like family walking into the restaurant and the atmosphere felt like my hometown in Texas. The sampler platter was so juicy and the meat was falling off the bone! Get the sweet tea and make sure to grab a desert on your way out. Thanks for a great meal!!

Called Bowlegged BBQ about brisket for our Camping World Christmas party. I spoke with Maria, what a wonderful woman, had me in stitches, what a wonderful good hearted person! We ordered the brisket for our party, brisket was ready right on time. The atmosphere at the restaurant was amazing, I loved all the memorabilia! The brisket turned out to be AMAZING. Everyone at our company party loved the brisket!! We will definitely be going back to Bowlegged BBQ! Thank you Maria and staff!!

This is some of the best BBQ I've had anywhere in the country! Everything is fantastic but warning for my very low heat tolerance, the beans are a little too hot for me, but do taste so good. Real test was having them cater for the dozen people in my office and everyone loved it and the quality was still awesome. I've have only done take out but the folks are welcoming and friendly in what is clearly a local place.

This place was such an experience to our surprise. It definitely gave backyard vibes. We ordered the hot link sandwich with baked beans, yams, and the bbq chicken. The sides were very tasty but the links and the chicken wasn't spectacular to me! I would however return for the vibes and to actually try the ribs! Service was completely hospitable - the staff are friendly and make you feel at home.

I went to try Bowlegged BBQ the day after I got all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed, and it was delicious! Everything was so tender and easy to eat, which was what I was hoping for lol. Their menu was a little overwhelming at first glance as someone who does not eat BBQ often, but the staff were very friendly and helpful in explaining how to order. The sampler plate came with 3 choices of meat and 2 sides. The collared greens were so well seasoned, and the corn bread was light and moist. My favorite was the brisket. It was tender, and their BBQ sauce is a winner. I went again after I was fully recovered, and got to enjoy it for real. It was even better than the first time! I also enjoyed the dining area set up. It was very laid back, with a huge TV to watch on, and some good music.

Food was amazing super tender rib tips! Cheesy Mac and cheese and the yams I sent so many friends there because why not ! Also, great fast service!

For those who read reviews and write food reviews. Parking is at a premium, old school vibe, old school R&B music. Checking out what's available, on the menu. Based upon menu prices the range is from $11:10 -$50.00 don't forget to add tax. Drinks are bottled water, can sodas, Arizona teas and sparkling water. There is beer and wine in another refrigerator also. Guy at the register was knowledgeable, we ordered (went outside to a table back yard setting.) No utensils at the table, sat down, listen old school music, watched T.V. it's a real family owned business. Staff and Maria made us feel very welcomed. Maria served us some unexpected taste of Brisket BBQ Spaghetti...pretty good. Ordered a Fish dinner 2 catfish fillets with + 2 sides (cannied yams, and colsaw.) I tried other sides from my family: baked beans, collard greens, and mac & cheese all seasoned and flavorful. Next time I will definitely get the SAMPLER PLATE WITH 3 MEATS & 2 SIDES. Yep had to try one of offered dessert. Moved on that HOMEMADE LEMON CAKE...it's was on point. I can honestly say that I was satisfied, with the hospitality, portions, and not disappointed with the flavor. Thank you much love and respect. God Bless

Got there before the Sunday lunch crowd, but still took quite a while to get my brisket sandwich. Backyard Vibe was 5 out of 5 stars! Just wish the brisket sandwich wasn't pre-drenched in BBQ sauce so I could taste the brisket..personal preference. I'll definitely try Bowlegged again, but will order the platter where hopefully I can get sauce on the side.

The rib tips are really good and super flavorful. The service is quick and the workers are kind. I like the vibe inside, it's comfy and cozy.

Glad we got to try bowlegged bbq in San Diego! You order at the front cashier and you head outside where there's plenty of outdoor tables and seating. We ordered the three meat combo plate (brisket, tri tip, chicken) with two sides (Mac n cheese and candied yams). We paid around $54, not including tip. The brisket was juicy and fatty and tender, whereas the tri tip and chicken were both a bit dry. The bbq sauce that smothered the meat was flavorful and rich. The Mac n cheese was rich and decadent with the perfect texture. The candied yams were super sweet but I absolutely loved the texture, they had such a nice bite to them! I loved the hot sauces they had on the table to help cut the richness and fattiness of the meal. Everyone here was super friendly and checked in on us and we felt the warm hospitality! There is free street parking around the restaurant.

Mac n cheese and yams were good. Bbq pork ribs, we're not that great, a bit tough and dry. I wouldn't get the ribs again. I would buy the yams tho, those are excellent. Prices are steep. Not sure if I'd return.

My family and I were very impressed by Bowlegged. The restaurant itself has such a home feeling. Food is great. Prices are good for the amount of food you get. We all loved the banana pudding so that's a MUST! Meats were well cooked and tender. Mac and cheese was good, potato salad was avg. Plenty of outdoor seating. We got there around noon on a Sunday and definitely noticed it picking up so may be best to go earlier in the day. Worth the drive!

Wow let me start off by saying the workers so amazingly nice and helpful! The environment of the restaurant gives me 90s vibes very chill lay back ( great 90s/2000s music playing) serving some amazing bbq! The food was 10/10 they know how to cook !!! I will definitely be back for the amazing service and food !! Also there is times of seating outside .

I love this place. What can I say? Okay, the Kool Aid can be a little too sweet, but I just break it down with a little water and have a second serving. I plan to go back again soon because it's been a while. Even knock kneed people will enjoy Bowlegged.

Is it possible to feel euphoria after devouring this beauty? The food was amazing, incredible, marvelous, and even then I feel my word choices are all an understatement! I started with a sampler plate (three meats and two sides). So I decided on the half rack of ribs, hot link, and tri-tip. And the sides chosen were the potato salad (available only from Fri-Sun) and mac & cheese. How this bbq place makes their cheese in the mac & cheese is my preference of cheese texture! Everything was delicious--come, you won't regret it! The service and staff members were patient, friendly, and informative! I was overwhelmed with the many selections they offered and it was difficult to choose. The ambiance is a home-like feeling, I felt good, and the dining patrons were friendly too! Lastly, parking was rough, it is street parking, and we drove around the blocks a few times so take what you can find! And ended my meal with sweet potato pie!

I would definitely come back not only the food amazing everybody there is super nice atmosphere on

Ordered the sampler plate to go with potato salad... additional charge for a small portion of potato salad which tasted ok. The collard greens are ok too. The meat was tender and paired perfectly with the sauce, get extra sauce makes it so much better. Service was quick and the gentleman was nice too. The place is really small, plenty of out door seating.

First off don't let the area or building fool you the food here is so good. I might have grown up in San Diego but was stationed in the south and they know how to bbq this places food is so good. You walk up order and their on it I sat outside listen to some fantastic music and they found me when my order came up. Service was fast food was great and the music was even better

Man, this is some good bbq in San Diego. It's like being at a family cookout, music playing, ribs are delicious and the hospitality was amazing. Love that the owner came by to check on us multiple times.

Food was amazing 100/10. We will be backs again this weekend so the whole family can try it. We are the ribs, chicken and Tri tip. The sides were delicious - mac & cheese , candied yams and the corn bread was on another level. The service was a bit of a wait but worth the wait for the taste of every single item we ate. The ambience was the best felt like you were at home singing and eating. Top of the line experience.

This time we ordered the rib tips dinner and beef ribs. Food was hot and fresh and tasty. The rib tip plate was enough to feed both my husband and I. The sitting area outside is laid back and chill, just like back home in Texas. Staff was nice and friendly. We enjoyed our visit here.

I must say the service were extremely nice and polite. The ambience was cute, but the brisket was extremely tough with a lot of grizzle. The mac & cheese was good, but I feel the price. We're a bit too much.

Not about to sit here and lie me and my fiancé literally couldn't catch this place open for weeks we kept missing the days so finally yesterday we caught it open I promise yall when I say the food was trash man I'm not exaggerating the yams had no flavor at all the macaroni and cheese literally tasted like it was out a box didn't the ribs and chicken have a strange liquid smoke taste and not the good one man I can go on and on about the food no real seasoning so whatever these ppl in the reviews saying about it being the best bbq don't believe it the venue is classic and the atmosphere is great but the food is trash save your money and turn the grill on !!!!!!

Here we are again on another motorcycle adventure, heading south to SD. We arrived at Bowlegged BBQ, a hidden gem with limited parking. The staff was friendly and helpful, with indoor ordering and outdoor seating in a backyard patio style setting. A cigar lounge and background music added to the ambiance, which resembled a family-style BBQ party with a diverse crowd. The menu offered popular favorites, including ribs, burnt ends, tri-tip brisket, chicken, and catfish, all prepared with a touch of Southern flair. We ordered two samplers, each with three meats, two sides, and cornbread. The portions were generous, the presentation appealing, and the sauce applied judiciously. The food was delicious, tender, and flavorful.

Want that family, back yard bbq feel? This is the place. The food is amazing and always sells out, so go early. I still have yet to try the bbq spaghetti I was told was a hit. Service is quick and your food comes out hot each time. I highly recommend this business for some re bbq.

Keep in mind that Im not the type of person that dosent give bad reviews. Got take out on 10/19/25 The cashier was nice enough to tell me about what's made with pork and what has pork. Thank you again But when I got home I found a long hair in my food. So maybe have the workers in the kitchen wear hair nets. I was gonna call but accidents do happen.

The food was authentic. A little heavy on the pepper for my liking but definitely homemade and good. The service was great and professional. I got a chance to meet one of the owner. She was very friendly and helpful. The ambiance was very unique and creative. I was definitely recommend this place to others. Next time in San Diego we are definitely going to come back.

Great place to eat and relax outside, staff is very friendly and accommodating, the food is very good.

Wow this restaurant is the answer! - just ordered from here on Uber Eats. Brisket sandwich (because they don't sell chili anymore but Uber won't correct their menu) and cornbread. When I opened the bag and took a bite of this steaming hot cornbread I could not put it down and ate the whole piece right away. It is dense and toothsome, buttery and very delicious - how do they do it? Certainly some secret recipe here - cornbread has never been this good and I'm from the Midwest. Then this hot brisket sandwich - this is the best brisket I've ever had in San Diego. Go order it right now, you think I'm not serious? Try it and tell me how it is not the best you've ever had. You will love it!

The best BBQ Ive had, forget Phils and all that other mainstream food! Everything I had was delicious even the sides are crazy good.

Drive by this place pretty often, but shy away bc of parking. Got lucky today and found parking right away. I didn't know what to order bc I wanted to try everything, but knew I was being greedy LOL. Ended up ordering the brisket dinner with baked beans and potato salad. The potato salad was good! I want to say it was the relish and a little paprika (?) that made me happy about that choice. Now the baked beans...... I don't think I've had baked beans where they put a good amount of black pepper or any black pepper. Loved them as the black pepper turned down the sweetness a bit and added a good kick to them. As for the brisket it tasted good only wish it was more tender. That is a personal preference, but the flavor was good. Definitely going back to try the hot pink, ribs, cole slaw and dirty rice. As for the ambiance.... Looks like fun times, but I didn't stay to see the fun times. Outdoor dining in the back looked fun.

Visiting from Charlotte, NC, my friend told me to visit Bowlegged BBQ. I brought the spare rib 2 sides with collards and yams. The collards had a lot of stems and were not tender enough. A restaurant dinner usually comes with a roll or cornbread. The dinner don't come with cornbread, it is $5 extra for cornbread. That's ridiculous!

Bowlegged BBQ: A Neighborhood Gem with Big Flavors From the moment my family and I walked into Bowlegged BBQ, we felt like we had stepped into a true neighborhood hangout. It's the kind of place where regulars gather, sharing good food and drinks, creating a sense of community that's hard to find. The atmosphere reminded me of my time in New Orleans, where hospitality and good vibes were always a part of the experience. We ordered a mix of BBQ classics: baby back ribs, brisket, and beef ribs, with a side of red beans and rice. Every bite was packed with flavor--smoky & tender. It wasn't the best BBQ I've ever had, but better than a popular place that rhymes with Gabe's. The red beans and rice were especially memorable, rounding out the meal perfectly. I'm excited to return to try their famous fish and chips, along with more of the sides I saw on the menu. The only thing to note is that the food did take a little while to come out, but that's part of the BBQ experience--good things take time. Overall, I'm glad I came to support this fantastic local business and can't wait to come back for more.

Dry and overcooked meats, unfortunately. The kind you can't chew without having to spit out. The sides and desserts were phenomenal though. Really enjoyed the Mac and cheese and the banana pudding. Service was great, nice lady in front that took our order and brought the food out. And the vibes were cool too. I was hoping for some legit tasty brisket, ribs, etc. but they did not deliver top tier bbq food.

Well I'm back! Such an amazing time with awesome people. The chicken was super tender and the sweet potatoes pie was on point. I feel like I'm back in St Louis at a backyard BBQ. The ambience is simply sublime. The music, the people are the best!

Excellent BBQ! The green beans are sooo home made they are just like what I cook at home. The brisket was tender & the sauce was just the right amount! Good service as well The next time I'm in San Diego it's a must stop

We got the rib tips, mac and cheese, & cornbread!! Everything was delicious. The ambiance was a fun vibe. Very limited on seats though. Parking is in the neighborhood.

Bowlegged is hands-down, the absolute best ribs in all of San Diego County, the bacon beans are to die for and of course you have to have cornbread with the meal

The catfish and collard greens were very good. You get a lot of catfish. The seating environment was nice. Loved the music. I think bowlegged was there, I'm not sure, but the gentleman was very kind, checking to see how everything was going. The female waitress was rude and unprofessional. My friend and I both have never experienced someone who didn't value us as customers. We didn't feel welcomed. For example I asked if I could have the hot sauce from the customers at the neighboring table and she responded, you can get it yourself. I don't have a problem asking for things or getting things mysel. But her tone was uncalled for. They way she spoke to us throughout our stay was dismissal. However, we noticed her change of demeanor towards the young men at a nearby table. She was very flirtashish and more than willing to serve them. This was my friend's first time there and I won't bring another out of town guests there. It's unfortunate because the food was good.

Although I still love this place. Dear bowlegged .. please pay attention to the UBER EATS orders when packing them. Twice I ordered Dirty Rice and received Red Beans and rice. This is irritating when you have your mouth set for 1 thing!

If you're on the hunt for a BBQ spot that feels more like a backyard hangout at a family gathering, Bowlegged BBQ off Market is where you need to be! The ambiance reminds me of a laid-back, homey vibes with music that makes you feel right at home, especially on a Friday night. I brought my family along, and we dived into a spread of beef ribs, a whole baby back ribs, three slices of brisket, and a side of their house special rice. The BBQ was solid--good, hearty fare that could use a touch more tenderness, but it definitely hit the spot. What really sets Bowlegged BBQ apart is the warmth and hospitality. The owner himself came over to pour me a shot of tequila, making it feel like we were part of the family. It's that kind of genuine, personal touch that makes you want to come back. Plus, the prices are fair, making it easy to support this local gem. If you're looking for a place where great vibes meet good BBQ, Bowlegged BBQ is a spot you'll want to check out--and maybe even make a regular hangout. Supporting a business with heart is always worth it. If you're looking for parking, you can park across the street in the neighborhood, but be careful when crossing, as it can get busy at certain times.

Hands down the best BBQ in allllll of San Diego. Siblings did well with family secret recipes. It's my go to weekly, and you never disappoint. May you guys prosper to the moon and back!!! I would add photos, but I ate it, and bones don't photograph well.

GOOD: The brisket (super tender) and ribs (very flavorful) were excellent. The hot link was very dry, but tasty nonetheless. The beans were really good, nothing special, but enjoyable and flavorful. BAD: I LOVE coleslaw, but the coleslaw had a strange taste, it tasted off. I think this happens when your cabbage gets old. I think they used old cabbage to make it, or the slaw was sitting around for a while. Either way, it was not good. The corn bread (which is so sweet it's more like corn cake, which is is a different thing, was flavorless. It tasted like sugar and corn flower. It just wasn't good.

The catfish is so goooood! I burned my mouth bc I couldn't wait to eat it LOL nice crunch, flaky fish.. great seasoning! The ribs are so delicious too, smoky! We tried the greens and Mac n cheese for the sides.. wow wow wow, both had so much flavor! Def recommend this place. Everyone here is so friendly! There's street parking in the neighborhood, and lots of tables available. This place was added to our "places to try" list after watching a YouTuber recommend this place.. so glad we came here, it did not disappoint!!!

Sampling Method: "Try All" Dishes Sampled: * Brisket * Chicken * Rib tips * Catfish * Potato salad * Baked beans * Spaghetti * Hot links (favorite) * Red drink (not tasty) And yams Overall Experience: * Food Quality: Varied. The hot links, rib tips and potato salad stood out as the best items. Other dishes, while flavorful, were oilier than preferred (brisket). * Ambiance: Great atmosphere that enhanced the dining experience. * Service: Average. Had to return to the counter multiple times for missed items. * Special Note: There's a cigar lounge in the back, which was a fun discovery. Conclusion: While the food was decent, with a couple of standout items, the service could use some improvement. Despite the good time, Bowlegged BBQ did not surpass Woody's in Inglewood, CA, which remains a favorite for this LA native couple.

Bowlegged I'm going to let you'll make it my wife told me not to leave a bad review just ask for you'll to do better with customer service , food quality, and the prices.

We just saw it a few days ago on the street and decided to give a try today. No dedicated parking. Great atmosphere to go along with the name. You order at the counter and they bring you your meal to the table. Most all of the seating is sudo-outdoors. We entered and were greeted by the man at the register with a genuine smile and helpful attitude. He gave great recommendations and help with our first experience at the place. It only took about 15 min to bring the first round (yes, i went back after we'd licked the plates for a second rack of ribs). The food was nothing short of amazing. We got ribs and brisket with a side of cabbage and mac'n'cheese. This has just been added to my short list of "places to frequent" restaurants. Thanks!

No one makes rib tips like this place! I walked into this establishment and felt like I was at the backyard bbq with family. From the owner to every staff member i was greeted with a smile and incredible conversation. There is an area where you can watch the game with what felt like family. There was music and lots of seating inside and out. Definitely a vibe. I did not want to leave! But I am getting away from the food!! The Greens , ribs, cornbread, fish and chicken outstanding! The sides are all the things!! I drove a long way to get here and it was worth it! To the owner- the vibe you created is not easy to do. I felt like I was invited to the cookout. Thank you.

Enjoy the food I was brought here by my co worker I am from San Jose so it was definitely an experience. Good customer service and music. I think some of the sides could be better there quite pricey.

They food is great roast chicken, sausages, greens, sweet potatoes , bbq and corn bread is what I tried . All was good. They also have lemon cake and peach cobbler. I definitely be back

Being from Texas we were missing good Bbq... after exploring fb and yelp we decided to try a place like this one that was considered a hole in the wall with legit bbq. They didn't disappoint! We had the lunch specials, a brisket sandwich with chips and a soda for $15.99, rib tips with chips and a soda for $15.99, added a piece of cornbread and a koolaid too. All was super tasty. Rib tips did have some hidden bones so be careful.. it's so tasty I kept shoving it in my mouth without warning. My fault not theirs LoL! Cornbread was steamy, buttery and moist. Rib tips coulda been a little bit crispier but I think the bbq sauce softened them up a bit. They were very tasty though! The bbq sauce is a perfect balance of seasoning and sweet. The sandwich was loaded with goodness, great texture and fine slices that made it easy to eat and packed firmly so that you could get all the flavor in every bite. The koolaid was fire! Something about having a nice cold glass of koolaid with bbq. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the music through the speakers as we ate, there is even a private patio/ cigar bar that made me smile... it just has an all around cool vibe! We were there around 1pm so lunch crowd was in and out. Cool , old school retirees hung out, out back and it just really gave the place a safe, fun vibe. We will definitely be back... after all, I need some potato salad and German chocolate cake... maybe even some bbq chicken!