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.

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!

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.

You get great food and a good experience. The only thing that was a little difficult was the outdoor smoking cigars/cigarettes while eating, especially with a kid. Overall, though, the staff were respectful, the food was fire, and I will be coming back again. 🔥

Succulent perfectly prepared BBQ brisket and chicken served up with mouthwatering sides like collards and really outstanding baked beans. A clear local community favorite with a fun lively atmosphere. Premium price super premium product

Bowlegged has the backyard get together vibe . You got good ol’ school music the tables are spread out then you got like picnic table style that are closer but covered with a canopy to protect from the elements . Parking is a bit difficult but if you don’t mind walking a bit then you’ll be alright. I ordered the bowlegged sandwich it’s like a 6 in. With a hot link that’s covered with brisket in bowlegged sauce onion and pickles 🤤🤤 and a kool aid diabetes in a cup 😋😋I was not disappointed at all, I will be getting this again. My husband ordered the 3 meats meal he got the ribs, brisket and tri tips with yams and greens. Brisket dry , I did taste his brisket and the difference was the sauce on my brisket which softened it up as to his with no sauce . tri tip rough and ribs delicious. Yams very good and greens good. My husband’s from the south and says it’s about the pit master cooking technique as to a chef in his kitchen.

Very chill vibes, Aunties backyard bbq , delicious and worth the drive . As I walked out I saw the cakes though I just wish they were displayed by the register so I could have ordered some dessert!!

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.

Upon first walking in the vibe and atmosphere were welcoming. My friends and I were greeted by the lady taking orders right away and our orders were taken pretty quick even though it was packed. We ordered the brisket dinner with a side of mac and a drink. Our total plus tip was about $70 The outside seating was really cool, artwork covering all the inside and outside walls, Music was blasting, big outside TV and homey-comfortable feeling furniture. Like I said, atmosphere and vibe was a solid 10/10. The food was pretty good. It was well seasoned, had lots of flavor and didn't take forever to come out. I will say though, the brisket or the bbq sauce on it was very oily. But besides that I would say it was overall definitely worth the trip from OC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

9/28/25 I don't know what has happened with Bowlegged Bbq, but my last two visits there have been very disappointing and today was the deal breaker for me. The amount that I spent for a brisket sandwich and 1 side, a order of catfish and two sides a slice of sweet potato pie (that was burnt and the taste was very strange) 2 sodas $74.00 . The young lady that took my order acted as if we were a bother ( it was hard to see the menu on the wall . Even though we have been there several times it's hard to tell what's on the menu. We live about 130 miles away and we would stop there for the great food and excellent customer service;however , both the food and their customer service have declined greatly. I hesitated about writing this review, because I want uplift our black businesses. I talked with a couple of people that also eat there and live in the area and they also agreed that the service and the food has gone down. I was also hesitant because I have had conversations with the owners and they are amazing people, but the money we spent and to receive the disappointing food for the second time I could not let it go! Times are tough and we basically waisted money, because we threw it away. The sweet potato pie was horrible to look at and the taste was awful. I wanted to show it to the young lady, but my husband said " what's the use they knew how it looked when they served it to us" I didn't take any pictures because like I said I hesitated about writing this review, and after driving 130 miles back home I was still upset. I hope they do better and get back to their original customer service and great quality of food.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Let me tell you, the BBQ was outstanding and the hospitality was even better from the moment we walked in the door. Thank you to one of the owners who personally greeted us at our table and extended us a sincere welcome. We informed him we were coming from the high desert and were visiting San Diego taking care of business. I felt like I was hanging out with family, it was a cool laidback type back yard vibe with unique decor and excellent soul r & b musical selections playing in the background. I particularly loved the down home feeling and delicious fixins. Thank you for the Chardonnay extended to me and for chatting it up with the newly retired spouse

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

Let me start by saying I've been going to this place for years and it is so unfortunate to have to say that the experience and the quality of the food has diminished the last few times I've been here. you literally gave me some candy yams out of the can Busted up mac & cheese, and rib tips with no barbecue sauce. Mind you every time I go it's no less than $200 to feed my family and I drive an hour away which I call before I go and still have to wait for them to get it right when I get there. Make it make sense.

Bbq at the Market brings happiness to your tastebuds and the sides are so delicious. We can't wait to comeback again.

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!

Ordered brisket and rib tips. Rib tips were decent. Brisket was the worst I've ever had from a bbq restaurant hands down. Paid a lot of money for inedible food. Difficult to cut with a steak knife tough. Chewing it made my jaw sore type of tenderness. Maybe it was an off day? I know little about smoking meat but am confident I could day better if you gave me two hours and a smoker

Yes to the banana pudding !! Guess I'll try other items next when I go back. Smelled all the smoky vibes from the back

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!!!

First time here today before the padres game. Had the brisket beef sandwich and it was amazing. Can't wait to go back. Parking was a little rough to find but well worth the effort.

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.

I'm always on the search for good BBQ and glad I found this place! The food was so delicious. We had the brisket sandwich and the big beef ribs. The Mac and cheese and the corn bread were better than I expected. We even took a Mac and cheese order to go! The service was good and staff were friendly. I was definitely feeling the home style/ family back yard bbq vibe. It felt like I walked into a home with a 90s vibe and the back yard felt like I was in the south eating some good ole bbq. I can't wait to go back! It's definitely a top pick for bbq in SD thus far.

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!

Food was delicious smokey and tender. The service was decent. You can tell everyone here enjoyed the food.

Great food and authentic vibe. The catfish was unreal and I highly recommend it. Ribs were great as well

Wow !!! What's a find ! Power of yelp reviews. Live music, great atmosphere, family owned and they are super nice. The food ? Amazing !!! We went back to order another round, my kids wanted to eat here again the next day, lol But do go early cause their food does run out and fast ! Must go !!! Something as simple as Mac n cheese here is awesome ! All the ribs, trip tips and chicken are all finger licking goooooood !!!!

Fox 5 San Diego rated this place #2 - NOT A CLEAR CUT ABOVE THE REST Food: Came in Wed, around 3p, already sold out of their signature brisket. Would have just left but they took my money already. The replacement beef tri-tip was pretty good, tender and juicy, but nothing extraordinary. There was a bit too much fat on our four pieces - which were not cheap ($20 for about a half pound). The half rack of baby back ribs were also pretty tender but not fall off the bone. Again, satisfied our bbq craving, nothing more. The sauce was more on the tangy side if you're into that, or not. ~$50 for two people to only be nearly full, maybe because we didn't get sides. Service: Nice and friendly staff. There just needs to be better communication between cashier and cook staff - took our order for brisket but was sold out. Ambiance: Decorated walls are interesting. But it was too hot inside. Outdoor seating is available.

I highly recommend this place is the best they are so welcoming and the food is extremely delicious..I would have posted pictures but we devoured everything so fast

My favorite thing to eat while I'm pregnant and have cravings! Always delicious! I love the vibes as well.

I ordered 2 "3 pork ribs" lunch specials and paid a little over $33 and OMG! There were 3 small baby back ribs (kind of tough and dry on some parts of each rib) you would think the special came with real sides but nope they only come with a bag of chips and a soda for each order as if you order a freaking sandwich. I do not know why they call it a "special" because I would have NEVER ordered had I known they were giving out kids meals at adult prices. This was definitely a 1 and done for me. I also went next door to KIMS BBQ and got a 3 piece beef rib lunch special and it came with 2 sides (REAL SIDES NOT CHIPS) and the cost was $14.50. KIMS beef ribs were tender compared to Bowleggs pork ribs and Kim's bbq sauce taste better too. I do not have complaints about Kim's BBQ and I will never go to Bowlegged BBQ again. Whoever the owner/cook is needs to do better.

So I saw someone post this BBQ spot on YouTube and I said I gotta try this place out . Well that was the best decision to make this place blew me off my feet !! The Service from ordering my food to when I sat down and the owner came up to us and had a nice conversation about his business and about how he started . NOW Jessica OMG by far the nicest woman and it was a pleasure meeting her she HOOKED us up she gave us 2 extra COOLAIDS and an order of CATFISH 2 pcs . I felt like I was at a good friends house the VIBE the Energy the atmosphere was soo CHILL. The FOOD was so Delicious And Defiantly coming back . Make sure you come here they will NOT Disappoint !!!! And Don't listen to these Negative comments this place Beats any BBQ spot in all San Diego !!!

Food was good, service great, & chill welcoming backyard bbq environment. Enjoyed the vibe!