Cali BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Spring Valley ·

Cali BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Spring Valley ·

Slow-cooked BBQ plates, sandwiches, and happy-hour deals

brisket
ribs
pulled pork
cornbread
beans
tailgate meal
peach cobbler
tri-tip
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by Cali BBQ
Cali BBQ by Google Images
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null
Cali BBQ by null

Information

8910 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977 Get directions

$$

Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy

Information

Static Map

8910 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977 Get directions

+1 619 337 0670
calibbq.media
@calibbq
𝕏
@calicomfort

$$ · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly
•Good for groups

Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Your Guide To Breakfast in Las Vegas | Eater Vegas

"Started as a gourmet food truck called Slow Cal BBQ in San Diego in 2010, Slow Cal BBQ was brought to Las Vegas three years later by Melvin Johnson before he moved into banquet and restaurant roles locally." - Eater Staff

https://vegas.eater.com/2016/2/18/11046060/your-guide-to-breakfast-in-las-vegas
Cali BBQ
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San Diego’s Best Barbecue Restaurants | Eater San Diego

"Spring Valley’s top choice for barbecue, also available at the Naval Base and at Snapdragon Stadium, offers a menu loaded with ribs, tri-tip, rib tips, chicken, and pulled pork. The Tailgater Barbecue Feast is the best bet when it comes to feeding a bigger party — it’s packed with enough meat (tri-tip, rib tips, pulled pork, brisket, half of a chicken and a half-rack of ribs) to feed four to five guests, and comes with macaroni and cheese, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and cornbread. On that last note, be sure to add Cali’s housemade cheesy jalapeño cornbread to any order if it’s not already included." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-bbq-restaurants-san-diego
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Cali BBQ
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Where to Drink, Eat and Watch the SDSU Aztecs Take on UConn | Eater San Diego

"The barbecue speciality’s Spring Valley restaurant will be screening the game tonight. No reservations are required, but get there early and pre-game with a Tailgater BBQ feast, which feeds an array of smoked meat along with sides." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/ncaa-basketball-sports-bar-march-madness-sdsu-aztecs-watch-party-san-diego
Cali BBQ
Cali BBQ
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22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

Spring Valley’s community hub for slow-smoked ribs, tri-tip, and shareable feasts, blending sports-bar energy with pit craft. Frequently featured by Eater San Diego and praised by locals.

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-bbq-restaurants-san-diego
Best BBQ in San Diego (2025)
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Cali BBQ

Princess S.

Google
Cali BBQ is one of my favorite spots for BBQ. They have parking behind the restaurant. The place isn't very large, but it's not tiny either. There's a bar area, and the tables are somewhat small. I don't recall seeing outdoor seating, but the food is delicious. They offer takeout, and no reservations are needed in my opinion. If you love BBQ, this is a must-visit. I recommend this place, and the staff was very friendly.

Susan A.

Google
I had a fantastic visit from start to finish. The staff treated us with real care and the food was packed with rich flavor. The ribs were so tender they practically melted as soon as you touched them. The place had a warm and welcoming vibe that made the meal even better. I can see myself coming back many times in the future.

Czar F.

Google
Great BBQ I ordered the pork ribs very tender very good onion rings crispy and very good and mac and cheese I have had better but still good we also got 2 meat plate tri tip I liked my wife was not impressed and brisket that was very good and beans very good and potato salad good If you want some barbecue and are in the neighborhood definitely stopped by service was very good also

Jon P.

Google
We arrived at 8:15pm and asked if it was still ok to get something to eat knowing they close at 9pm. The restaurant side was empty and there were a few people on the bar side. We quickly decided what to order. The staff were pleasant and attentive. The food arrived quickly because they were not busy. The pulled pork sandwich was very good. I'd like to go back and try something else on the menu to learn what they excel at.

Sarah G.

Google
Amazing barbecue! Everything was flavorful and delicious. Ribs were tender and smokey, had a good bite to them. The wedding beans are incredible and meaty and perfectly seasoned. My son demolished his loaded pulled pork fries before I could get a picture lol! Looking forward to coming back to try more dishes

Joey M.

Google
Keeping the money in the Valley! This place, we've heard about through friends & on social media. We've driven past this place in the past and not realizing it would be one of NEW FAVORITES. First, the restaurant blends in so well with the community that you wouldn't have known it was there, BUT it's a nice place. It looks small on the outside but big on the inside. Bar seating, high/low top seating, outside & inside eats. Family friendly, can watch the games, go for a bar treat. My husband and I came here for our first date as FT parents on an evening out for a quick bite before heading back home to our little one. No, we didn't do bar seating/ try bar drinks, BUT there were a lot of people at the bar area & seemed pretty happy! Food: -Great portions! Me and my honey have been to other "high" end BBQ places, Cali BBQ serves great portions worth the price! *We got a side of Onion Rings for like less than $9, and the portion was phenomenal! Beer battered, too! Filled us up halfway & we still had leftovers to bring home *Both of us got the combo plates: -Enough food to have leftovers -Combos were generous and offered different food options to get a primary option plus another protein, TWO SIDES (can upgrade for $1 to get different sides), biscuit, & sauce *highly recommend the beans! They were Jam packed with flavor and andddddd it had shredded meat in it! I found that to be a great high light as other places have plain beans served up *The jalapeño biscuits/corn bread was something that I'd get again but as an additional side! My personal order would be the Combo with tri tip, plus brisket, side of beans + additional corn bread AND a side of onion rings.... you can probably tell I've been thinking about sending my husband back for a pick-up order. The service is what kind of bummed us out. Everyone except our personal waiter was great! Everyone was nice, approachable, and accommodating. A different person helped us more than our initial waiter. He messed up my order (wasn't a big deal at first), then he kept forgetting to get us condiments that'd we'd ask for (he forgot about 3 different times), he didn't fill up our waters not once (it was a different guy), my husband was missing a part of his combo and he came back with it and kinda just plopped it down on the table, and we just noticed he was more attentive to other customers and insistent on going to the front-hostess area to talk to other employees. We aren't the type of customers to be knittpicky since both my husband and I worked in customer service, BUT we do believe in tipping if the service was good. We kept giving the benefit of the doubt.. The waiter wasn't horrible, but he wasn't good either. Everyone else was great & hospitality was welcoming. Maybe he wasn't seeing our potential for being good customers?? Overall, a place where you can tell the small business owner cares about the food quality and keeps the community satisfied with full tummies! Keep the money in the Valley! Delicious, I would recommend it to anyone!

Gene S.

Google
Seen this place about a month and a half ago, been wanting to try it. Finaly got the chance, split a Full Rack Ribs w/ Wedding Beans and Mac with my Girlfriend. Absolutly one of SD's best BBQ joints. Phenominal Ribs and the Wedding Beans were amazing too. We'll definitely be back. (Also Kitten approved🐈‍⬛)

Mg

Google
If you love barbecue, you'll love Cali's. The brisket is so soft, it can be cut with a fork. The offer barbecue sauce with jalapeño and it's finger licking good. Everything there is top notch and delicious. The service is fast and the servers make you feel well attended to.

Tiffany W.

Yelp
Only place in town I go for bbq! Fun friendly atmosphere. It's great to sit with family and enjoy the tailgate meal, or sit at the bar solo to enjoy my peach cobbler.

Mike W.

Yelp
The service was first rate and the food was delicious , and to top it off was the peach cobbler! So good!
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Karina D.

Yelp
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.
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Mister R.

Yelp
Was craving BBQ and decided to give this spot a try. Wish I can give them 4.5 stars. So close to 5 stars and better than 4 stars. Here's the breakdown of what we had and how we rated it. -BBQ Pulled Pork fries. Must try, fries were crispy and hot (just a tad too thick for me but they are average thickness). Sauce was on point. Needed a little more meat and then it would be an easy 5 stars. 4 stars all day -I had the Pulled pork combo plate w brisket & substitute coleslaw for onion rings. Onion rings- 4 stars. Fresh and crispy, just a tad too thick Wedding beans. If bbq beans and chili beans had an affair, this would be their child! 4 stars Brisket - sauce was on point, meat was delicious. If they could make the meat softer, easy 5 stars. 4.5 stars as is Pulled pork-same sauce, on point, and pulled pork was soft and tender. A little more seasoning and easy 5 stars. 4.5 stars as it sits Jalapeño corn bread. I don't try but wife did and said eh. 3 stars Mac n cheese- good but not great. Good texture. If it was a bit toasty on the edges, 5 stars. As is, 4.5 stars. Sweat tea. Homemade, maybe I'm too used to Texas Road House / Canes sweat tea. This was good but not as sweat as those mentioned. 4.5 stars Coleslaw. Still haven't had a coleslaw that was good. I would imagine if u like coleslaw, you'll like this one. 3 stars. Over all recommend and will come back. Staff is very friendly and place is nice and big with easy parking
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Kim C.

Yelp
I was so excited to finally be able to go and get some barbecue food at your establishment. I remember I had been there 7 years ago and it was amazing! Especially the banana pudding. Yesterday I ordered a takeout the combo number one along with the peach cobbler. When I took a couple bites so I was very disappointed. The chicken was dry, the ribs were cold, the biscuit was dry so I didn't even eat that. Let's just say the best part of that meal were the beans. I did order the peach cobbler and I was terribly disappointed in that. It seemed to have come with clearly only two peaches so what it seemed I paid $10 for was a dump of flour and sugar on top of two peaches. I would like to say though those girls at the front were amazing super friendly and kind. Not sure what happened if you have new owners or what but greatly disappointed and I will not be back.
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Timothy Spencer T.

Yelp
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.
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Paul S.

Yelp
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.
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Lizzie R.

Yelp
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!
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Rene N.

Yelp
The best BBQ in Cali! The reception staff always greet you with a smile, the prices are affordable, and the food is delicious. Without a doubt, the best place to eat BBQ in California!
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Lisa L.

Yelp
I heard online how this restaurant is one of the best barbecue in San Diego so I had to try it out. I was around 30 minutes away from this restaurant and I was able to order online. Once I arrived, I got a text message immediately stating the food was ready, and there was plenty of parking. I saw that inside had a lot of seating if you wanted to eat inside, but I wanted to take it to go. Once I took it home I thought everything was extremely delicious, moist and tasty. I tried the tri-tip and brisket meat and they were both so good! The total for both was around $57 and it was so filling and I had extra to eat later tonight. The sides are large and the meat portions are large as well. I highly recommend trying this location!
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Nancy H.

Yelp
Came as a party of 2 on a Sunday at 1:00 PM. There was no wait. This restaurant is located in an unassuming area. Parking: Spacious and easy to find. There's plenty of parking available in the back. Ambience: A laid-back sports bar vibe where people come to watch the game, enjoy good food, and relax. Service: Quick, friendly, and attentive. Food: Huge portions and a fantastic value compared to other BBQ joints. Country Fair Sandwich - 8/10: The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, paired with thin, crispy fries that were amazing. The mac and cheese was okay. Brisket Plate - 6/10: The brisket itself was a bit disappointing. It was fatty, slightly dry, and lukewarm. However, the sides of beans and coleslaw were solid and helped make the meal more enjoyable. Summary: Cali BBQ offers generous portions at a great price, which makes it a solid choice for casual BBQ dining. I would like to return to try their other menu items.

Londyn M.

Yelp
Food is amazing. But when I ordered r beer, and didn't like it told the waiter and the waiter went to go get the manager. Manager came up and asked me what's the problem and I said didn't want the beer. HE proceeded to call me worthless to talk to. Food is great, but not so much the customer service.
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Jacqueline C.

Yelp
So far this is my go to for bbq. It's Kansas style bbq that satisfies this Texan love for bbq until I get to Texas. I normally get the bbq pork ribs and the pull pork. The ribs are fall off the bone tender and the pull pork is flavorful. The order is enough to share with 2 people. I love the jalapeños muffins with their bbq beans. The service is always good whether I dine in or order out. The restaurant itself is clean with enough seating to satisfy a rush. Although the parking lot is small with ample parking.
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Marisol B.

Yelp
I just had to share how good this place is. The service was great. David is so pleasant and kind. He was very welcoming. We ordered the Tailgate which has literally everything. All the sides and all the meats in one order. They have TVs so you can watch sports while you enjoy their delicious bbq. They also offer a variety of adult beverages including beer, wine and cocktails. Perfect for a Friday family dinner. Did I mention they have kids menus with fun activities to keep them entertained?
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Christopher A.

Yelp
First time here with my bestie and not many people but lots of seats and a bar. Seated immediately and ordered a sweet tea and combo of rib tips and brisket which comes with cornbread, cole slaw and wedding beans. The meat was tender and fall off the bone . My bestie ordered the 1/2 pork ribs plate and we ordered a side of seasoned fries and onion rings which were enough to feed 4 lol . Service was good and bbq was amazing . Will definitely be coming back
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Arely C.

Yelp
Ever since moving to San Diego I've had multiple people recommend Cali BBQ and we finally got to chance to understand why! It's absolutely delicious and the customer service here is impeccable ! We stopped by on a Sunday night , decided to eat in and we were able to find parking in the front . We were greeted as we walked in and taken to our table . As it was our first time we asked for recommendations , we tried the Aztec burger and the bbq ribs with Mac and cheese and fries ! Both meals were 10/10!! We are so happy we tried it it really beats out any bbq place we've ever tried , and exceeds all of the customer service it provides!
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Ashley W.

Yelp
I come here at least once a month with my boyfriend, we always sit in the same spot and get just about the same food. Absolutely delicious every time!

Car L.

Yelp
Place was empty for a football Sunday .. ordered a brisket and ribs with sides... and it was drenched in bbq and now I know why ... The onion rings were ok. Mac and cheese bland . Brisket was dry .. Ribs were very good. Food 5 out of 10 Service 8 out of 10. Probably won't come back . Nice to try it out though
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Elizabeth L.

Yelp
Cali BBQ is a small chain. We like this one in Spring Valley, which is very close to San Diego. The place is ever so cute and it all smells of BBQ. It is super clean and very comfortable. You can dine inside or out, you can have take away and they deliver. They also cater, but that I know nothing about. They have everything in BBQ you could want. It is all slow cooked and now and again they will run out of things because they just can't rush slow cooking. They even have tail gate plates where you can get all the food you want for you and your friends and it not just a big mess when you get to your location. The service is kind and friendly. They know their menu well. They are pretty fast, be it for take away or eating there. We always eat there. My favorite is their brisket sandwiches. They are just the best with melt in your mouth brisket. Their ribs are so wonderful. All their sandwiches and plates are devine. Their fries are great, they even make great burgers. All of their sides are made with care. And their peach cobbler is the best and it is always fresh. If anywhere near Cali, you must try it.
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Brianne C.

Yelp
A friend of a friend recommended this place so we thought wed try it out. There were three of us and we decided to split the tailgaters feast and we definitely had leftovers. I dont even know here to start haha. So the meats. The brisket was so good! Same with the ribs and the tri tip. Juicy, good cuts of meat well seasoned and so good when dipped in bbq sauce. I'm not a huge pulled pork or bbq chicken person because it can be dry and, sadly, these two were a little dry. They do need a good amount of bbq sauce. As for the sides. I love baked beans, can't go wrong. The cornbread was moist, but also fell apart with is just right. The macaroni and cheese was okay, it was bad it was anything amazing, but solid. Im not the biggest coleslaw or mac salad fan so I can't review them in good conscience. The pickles on the meat plate, can't forget those, chefs kiss. Such a good deal for so much food. It fed two guys who can eat a lot plus me who eats a normal amount with good leftovers.

Lolo L.

Yelp
Food was really good I really enjoyed it every thing was great we got a 90$ plate for 4 and it filled us all up some of the best Mac and cheese i ever bbq was also great they have great service food came quick too didn't take that long. Ambiance of the store was nice too could work on it a little but it was still great definitely a must try 5/5 stars!!

Ellen K.

Yelp
We've come here in person & also used Cali BBQ for catering a couple of times now. Easy! Delicious! I like the bbq ribs and the bbq chicken best. Honestly I prefer my family's homemade beans, Mac n Cheese, and greens-- most sides. But if I'm buying, these guys are really reasonable for a delicious meal or catering service.
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Anthony D.

Yelp
Went on a Sundary for dinner around 7pm and there weren't too many people inside. The inside is a pretty relaxed environment that has casual sports-bar vibe to it. Our waiter was very friendly and provided great service throughout the meal. We were a group of 3 and decided to go for the Tailgater BBQ Feast, which is marketed for feeding around 4-5 people. We definitely had leftovers but let's get into the food. Firstly, the fact it only costs $90 is a stealllllll! You get to sample pretty much everything on their menu and so for someone like myself who wants to try everything at BBQ places, this was perfect. My favorite cuts of meat were the rib tips, brisket, and tri-tip. I thought the flavors were very nice and the bbq sauce on the side was good too. For the sides, I really enjoyed all of them! Particularly the potato salad and jalapeno cheddar cornbread. Overall for the price and quality, it's hard to beat Cali BBQ in the San Diego area. Would defintely come back again!
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Justin D.

Yelp
First time at Cali BBQ and it won't be the last. Walked in with no expectations, but David's service made the visit that much better! Super courteous, knowledgeable, gave great beer recs, and helped me land on the brisket. Perfectly smoky and tender, even better so with their house and jalapeño BBQ sauces. Nothing is better than a piece of meat that doesn't even need a knife to pick it apart. Sides (potato salad + mac salad) were flavor bombs. Loved the tangy kick in the potato salad and the unique dressing on the mac. Simple, clean presentations, and quick service without feeling rushed. Cozy vibe for a Thursday lunch crowd. I'll definitely be back next time with my girlfriend to explore more of the menu. Thank you David for the great experience!

Brianna H.

Yelp
This is not my first time here. So when I went there, I was expecting a lot more. The service was amazing. The young lady that took my order was very nice. Polite, the food tastes amazing. The portion side was extremely disappointing.Especially for the price if i'm paying nineteen dollars for a brisket sandwich that comes with fries Should most Definitely have more than a 1/2, a slice of meat on it. The portion sized sucked! I felt like I was served a Bologna sandwich, very disappointing for $19. I will prefer to go down the street to the shack. At least the portion sizes are well worth the amount you pay for it.
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Ayumi P.

Yelp
This review is not about the the food it's about the service. If you are planning to order a catering service please read this first. First off this was a highly recommended place from a navy Lieutenant that recently use their service for catering because the food was great and I recommend it to my boss. We ordered 5 days ahead for a $900 worth of food including 10% Catering service fee (understandable), $35.99 delivery fee (good deal) and $50 tip for the delivery driver. With all this you would think that you'll get a lil bit of customer service when you call them and ask a pretty standard basic question. If the food is on the way. When the order was place we ask to have it at 12pm (lunch time). My boss call to follow up at 11:45am just to make sure it's on its way. The manager who pick up the call said we still have to prepare it and get it ready. She ask why it wasn't prepare earlier as it's requested to be delivered by 12pm. The manager then say do you want it or not?, If you hang up now I can get it ready and get it on its way. (WTF! Ofcoarse we want it) I just told by boss to calm down we have 35 people to feed we cannot go down to her level. We let it slide for now and just ask politely to give us eta so we communicate it to the rest of the people who will be waiting. If you as a manager cannot take a simple basic question without getting mad. Food customer service is not for you. For anyone that's thinking of placing catering for this restaurant the expected time online is not the expected time you'll get it so make sure to give yourself atleast 1hr. Wiggle room for delivery and preparation. For the manager on duty yesteday 9/30/25 around 11:30am-12pm. I would like you to apologize to my boss on how you talked to her and treated like a piece of *! I'll be sending a private message with our receipt and her contact info. I feel so ashamed that I recommended this place and how the whole situation was handled. The food may taste good to others but it definitely left a bad taste to mine. Good luck to everyone and hopefully you'll get a better service than we do.
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Mikey H.

Yelp
I was in the mood for barbecue and meeting up with my "faux" family, I decided on Cali because it's sit-down and there's a server. But also because the barbecue is soooooo dang good! We ordered 20 wings and our friendly server asked if we wanted to divide them in half with different sauces, very cool! I ordered the tail-gate meal which came with a half chicken, tri tip, brisket, and pulled pork. You also get four large sides and jalapeno corn muffins. Everything was sooooo good! This was also my first time sitting inside. Great dining area for large parties! My "sons" and their families enjoyed everything! Definitely worth the drive out!
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Lorel W.

Yelp
Shorted on weight. I purchased some items from Cali Comfort as usual but it seemed like it was not a pound of pulled pork, so I decided to check the weight when I brought it home. Sure enough it was more than 3 ounces short. I would expect to receive a full pound if that's what I am paying for. I'm reluctant to go back if this is the way they want to treat their customers.
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Worthy H.

Yelp
Smoke Signals from BBQ Heaven Cali Comfort BBQ doesn't just serve food--it serves a feeling. And that feeling is full-belly bliss with a side of smoke, soul, and SoCal charm. As a Yelp Elite, I've sampled pitmasters from coast to coast, but Cali Comfort brings something uniquely special to the table: a blend of family-owned hospitality and legit low-and-slow mastery. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is warm, welcoming, and authentically San Diego BBQ culture--yes, that's a thing, and it tastes amazing. Let's talk meat: The slow-smoked brisket? Unreal. Rich marbling, a textbook bark, and that deep smoke ring that proves they know their craft. The St. Louis ribs were glazed with just the right amount of tangy-sweet sauce and had that ideal pull--none of that boiled-fall-apart nonsense here. And the pulled pork? Juicy, flavorful, and piled high. Pro move: dunk it in their house BBQ sauce--pure fire. The sides? Not just filler. The baked beans pack a smoky punch, the mac & cheese is creamy with a sharp cheddar bite, and the potato salad? Grandma-level good. Oh--and the cornbread? Buttery, crumbly perfection with a drizzle of honey that I'll be dreaming about. What sets Cali Comfort apart isn't just the food--it's the people. Service here is next-level friendly, and it's clear everyone loves being part of something bigger than BBQ. I got to chat with one of the owners and learned about their commitment to community, podcasting, and local sports. (Yes, they're that cool.) Whether you're in it for brisket, beer, or good vibes, Cali Comfort delivers on all fronts. Easily one of my top BBQ spots in Southern California--and yes, worth the drive.
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Krystal H.

Yelp
Cali BBQ catered my wedding back in December 2024. From the initial inquiry to the day of our wedding they have been fantastic! We initially inquired about the catering menu and if we could come to the restaurant to try it out. This was the first place we tried for our menu and we were sold. Customer service is out of this world! And EVERYONE was raving about the food! Some went back for fourth and fifth servings lol!! Set up was professional and the sauces were chef's kiss! We had BBQ Beef brisket, BBQ pork ribs, BBQ chicken, Mac salad, bbq baked wedding beans, and jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins! Taking my dad today for Father's Day!
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Ana B.

Yelp
ordered the tail gate combo and it was exceptional !! first of all I ordered the food for pick up at 5:30 and at 5:30 on the dot I received a message that my order was ready. The food was delicious all of our guests loved the variety that came with the package. The brisket is my new favorite, my husband and his friends were raging about the ribs. You cannot go wrong with ordering from Cali Barbecue
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D H.

Yelp
Used to be super good. Loved this place previously. Picked up some to-go, pork is dry, mac is dry didn't receive the cornbread I ordered. Felt like I was handed a bag of leftovers. Bummed. Really did used to love this place.
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Missy J.

Yelp
OMG I have had lots of BBQ and overall this is the BEST! I've had BBQ in Memphis at B.B. King's but this place right here knocks everybody out the park! Friendly staff, service excellent, clean bathroom and surroundings and easy parking. Now let's get to the important stuff; I had the OG combo with1/2 rack ribs & brisket & I stayed with recommended sides the wedding beans and coleslaw. The platter comes with extra barbecue sauce which is fantastic just a little sweet and just a little spicy, a small side of pickles with pickled onions classic and jalapeno cheese cornbread muffin. When I say everything on this platter was perfect it was perfect the cornbread was moist it wasn't dried out the pickled pickles and onion made a good cleanse for your palate, the ribs and the brisket just fell apart so tender and the coleslaw was fresh not too saucy but let me tell you these wedding beans oh baby they got pulled pork in them they got red and green peppers and some onion they are a meal in itself right there. These beans they are so tasty and they got a little heat on the back end which is perfect. I had a sweet tea to wash it all down and it wasn't too sweet it would rot your teeth out it was just perfect and got the only dessert besides ice cream on the menu a peach cobbler to take home and I guarantee is going to be great just like everything else was. I can't wait to go back and try something else on the menu and it'll probably be them onion rings and a smashburger. Awesome job guys keep it up this is a great place!
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Monica P.

Yelp
Really good bbq! Brisket was super tender. Beans had super good flavor with chunks of meat inside. Onion rings were crisp and the ranch dressing was so good. Lots of areas inside to sit. Our server was so nice she put us in the coolest room since we were hot! They have outdoor seating too. The area looks a bit sketchy outside but it is nice and clean inside, don't let the outside fool you. The restaurant is clean, with a ton of TV's sports everywhere. Service was quick! The stuffed jalapeños were bomb! Super cheesy goodness, not spicy, I wish they had a little kick. Great for large parties or team parties. Everyone was happy with their food. I do wish they served burnt ends. They do have some parking but not a ton. Lots of people picked up food to go. I will be back. A bit more decoration in some of the rooms would have made for better ambiance. The main room is the nicest.
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Arielle C.

Yelp
I always order from Cali BBQ to go and they never miss. Their food is always served on time and their staff gives great customer service. As far as ordering for pick up goes, their lobby is spacious with plenty of seating, music, and a full menu display. Thank you Cali BBQ for serving up the best bbq for my birthday and other special occasions.
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Taura G.

Yelp
Stopped here on a Wednesday Night for wings. They used to have "Wing Wednesdays" but not anymore. They just have the wings at a set price now. The place was not packed, which was great. We walked in and we were able to choose where we wanted to sit so we chose the dining area section near the bar. There was only one other couple there seated and they were leaving. Another couple arrived about 5mins after us and also chose to sit in the same area. Our server came over and took our drink order. They do not have 0% Alcohol beers here, which was surprising. We ordered: 10 piece wings with Buffalo and BBQ Sauce (5 of each sauce) and a hot link sandwich with tater tots. I asked for extra blue cheese dressing on the side. The wings came out with a lot if fresh carrots and celery, and it was yummy. The wings themselves were perfectly cooked. We enjoyed the food and we will come again.

Rebecca C.

Yelp
Ordered the Tailgate family dinner and everything was delicious! The sides and the cornbread did not disappoint as well.
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Charlotte B.

Yelp
We wanted to like this place so much, but unfortunately it wasn't very good. We both ordered plates with 2 sides that came with cornbread. The tri tip was thin, hardly warm and very oily. I was surprised and disappointed. The Mac n cheese had close to no flavor at all and almost only tasted like macaroni. The tater tots were the best part of my plate and were so perfectly cooked and crunchy on the outside. The pickled red onions didn't taste fresh. Hubs brisket was hardly warm, and was just ok. The coleslaw was a disappointment and had bad flavor and didn't taste fresh. Hubs really loved the beans as they had a great flavor. He really liked the cornbread as well and it had good consistency and flavor. We both liked the burnt ends as well, although oily. The ambiance was ok, nothing special. The service was very good and we really liked our server. He was very attentive and helpful even when he was clocking out. He came over to check on us an appropriate amount of times and got us everything we needed. We would go back for the beans, cornbread and burnt ends as those were the best and very good.
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Benny H.

Yelp
Did some door dash from this spot and overall thought it was pretty good. It's always great to get some BBQ, especially on vacation. They have pretty good ribs and thought their potato salad was exceptional. Price was kinda high for two sets, but still good overall. If you like BBQ, buy with confidence.
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gerald r.

Yelp
good food, good service, nice and clean, and the food was delicious. The lady that waited on, this was very pleasant as was the bartender
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Donna A.

Yelp
I ordered a #2 Pulled Pork combo with Brisket wedding beans and potatoe salad. The brisket melted in my mouth and pulled pork is my favorite and it never disappoints. I also ordered a Sweet Tea Growler to quench my thirst and it was yummy as well. I love Cali Comfort and recommend that you try them out.
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Connie P.

Yelp
Service was great. The girls were on top of things. Ambiance was a chill vibe, they have a bar. Photo of QR code to order and pay, super easy. Food comes out quick and in big portions. If only they had cornbread without the jalapeño's, everything else was good.
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Donavan T.

Yelp
All I gotta say is DAMN. That's some damn good brisket. The jalapeño cornbread was good as hell too.
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Sharon D.

Yelp
First time here and definitely not the last. Brisket and pork ribs (not pictured) were awesome! Beans are a definite plus. Food served very quickly! I ordered more brisket to go, so my Mom and husband could try it.

Juan P.

Yelp
Highly recommend this place.. Way better than, I'm gonna say it all barbecue places in San Diego county ..! This spot is so highly underrated. The most popular spot in San Diego called Phils Bbq can't even touch this spot. For real I'm not even capping. Some people say it's pricey here but honestly it's not because the portions are OK and the food is fire ... I highly do recommend this spot if you like it you could thank me later .!
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Mikey M.

Yelp
This is the best BBQ I ever tried even better the Phillis and I LOVEE Phillis and the pulled pork fries are the BEST thing in the menu and the wings perfectly with buffalo sauce. you should try this
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Khalil R.

Yelp
Cali BBQ has been one of our favorite go-to spots--the flavors are bold, the portions are solid, and the vibe is always welcoming. We've had some amazing meals here, especially their pork sandwiches and that wicked peach cobbler, which is an absolute standout. However, I have to be honest--our last few experiences with the brisket haven't lived up to their usual standard. It came out really chewy and just didn't have that satisfying, fall-apart texture you expect from good brisket. It's hit or miss lately, which is disappointing because when they're on, they're great. Still hopeful it's just a phase. Maybe the grill needs to be turned up or the prep needs a little love. We'll be back, but hoping for more consistency next time around!
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Britt C.

Yelp
My husband is from Memphis, so I have to say that we're very particular when it comes to bbq because we've had the best. Cali BBQ definitely holds their own! We tried out the brisket, pork ribs and trip-tip, all of the meats were super flavorful, juicy and perfectly smoked. The sides we had were awesome too, I highly recommend the jalapeño mac and cheese, it had the perfect amount of heat. Their mac salad is awesome too, not too mayonnaisey or sweet. Our server was so fantastic and the manager came by each table to greet everyone. If you're looking for some of the best, legit bbq in SD, Cali BBQ is your spot!

Melba

Yelp
Food was excellent and the host where I picked up my to go order was very friendly and welcoming!