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Phil's BBQ

579 Grand Ave, San Marcos, CA
760 759-1400
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Ranked #4 of 98 restaurants in San Marcos
Price range: $6 - $20
Cuisines: Barbecue
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37 reviews from our community

83% Recommend
    18
    13
    4
    2
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Reading, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 17, 2013

We saw Phil's on Man Vs Food, knowing we were staying in the San Marcos area we wanted to add this to our trip. Phil's is a very popular place and we were queuing outside, I'm not sure for how long as the queue moved quite quickly. You line up and pay and then go to your table, they them... More

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Pattaya, Thailand
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 6, 2013

We ordered take out for five, were told 30 minutes i arrived early to make the pick up and it was ready. The staff was fantastic. The food was brilliant, succulent ribs and the pulled pork sandwich was awesome. While I was waiting I met folks who drove 60 miles just for Phil's BBQ.

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Vista, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2013

This is perhaps the best BBQ in San Diego; however I was disappointed in the sides (coleslaw/beans/Etc). Portions are great for sharing, so plan on ordering a variety of menu items and sharing. I would not want to dine here during peak hours; as seating was somewhat limited, and we dined on a Tuesday evening. Because the smaller tables were... More

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Irvine, California
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
53 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 20, 2013

Best Tri-tip BBQ Sandwich (El Toro). We take the Metrolink train, Sprinter (light rail train) and a mile walk each way to come here from Orange County. Fun day trip. If you're a fan of the Travel Channel's ADAM RICHMAN'S BEST SANDWICH IN AMERICA you will know why we had to try this sandwich. Did not disappoint. Ribs, french fries... More

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San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2013

The word “barbecue” must have a plethora of meanings, because no two are ever the same. There are some, which claim closely guarded family secrets with an abundance of flavors, while others seem little more than meat and ketchup. I personally prefer barbecue on which sauce is an option; not a required ingredient. From my point of view, and that... More

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See 3 more reviews by TravelinMan760 for San Marcos
Oceanside, California, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

I've been going to Phil's for years and am so glad they opened in North County. Never a long wait, food always consistently great, and LARGE portions.

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Carlsbad, California
Top Contributor
112 reviews 112 reviews
75 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
52 helpful votes 52 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 17, 2013

We had lunch at Phil's and it was very good. I had some of their famous ribs while my wife had the tickler (sampler) which included several of their items. Everything was very good. Phil's is a very casual place where you order at the counter and then pick it up at the counter when your beeper buzzes. The decor... More

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RXD
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 2, 2013

I ate at Phil's a few times and had fun every time. The place looks and feels like a BBQ place should and the food is excellent. Not too many choices but if you expect that and know what you want to get good quality BBQ. The self service is unusual but not problematic, actually fun sometimes. When I feel... More

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See 2 more reviews by RXD for San Marcos
Southern California
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

We are quick to find an excuse to go to San Diego County so we can stop in and order at Phil's. The place is almost always packed, so calling it in early and ordering it to go is beneficial. The wood smoked flavor permeates throught all the meats they cook which gives everything a wonderful flavor. The pulled pork... More

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California
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
28 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 11, 2013

This is about as good as you can get in California. But, after having BBQ in Texas, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, it's just not the same.

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