Small restaurant, very busy, go early to avoid sellout, food is great, be sure to try the sweetpotato pies!!

We were having a gathering and did not want anyone to cook. Everyone agreed that bbq sounded like a perfect solution. Having the gathering in Lemon Grove where I grew up, I did a Yelp search to see our options. We were not disappointed!We ordered...briscut, chicken and pulled pork. Each of our choices had a great smoke, and was juicy and a crowd pleaser! We had already made our sides and I wish we had not! I really wanted fried okra and sweet potato pie...we will be back!More

I bet you didn't know that Coop's is the national tamale champion in San Diego. Oh yes, Coop's creativity for a smoked tamale was ingenius. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase tamales at the restaurant. Especially prepared for festivals only. Coop's is a dive-in, with 3 basic...tables, chairs and 3 booths. Decor ....oh there isn't any. The focus is good eatin'. If you're a local or visitor and are hankering for savory cue, this is your place. Best to travel by car. Lemon Grove is a small City within San Diego. If you're traveling to Sycuan or Viejas or Barona, Coop's is a very good meal stop. Barbecue is flavorful. Homemade sausage is tasty. Sides (yams, potato salad, beans) my faves. If you know how to make or tasted gourmet macaroni and cheese, forego that side here. Brisket is a winner. Pork ribs tender and seasoned. All you need is a little sauce, rather than drowning your food in sauce to compensate for flavor. Sweet potato pie, always most and perfectly sweetened balanced. Peach cobbler-undistinguished. Coop's is pricey. Especially if you are a person that cooks, and barbecues, and actually does the grocery shopping. You do get plenty of food but you kind of get a tinge in the stomach when you pay for a family of four. I love to cue. But the preparation, planning, marinating and all that jazz... leads me to Lemon Grove. Savor each bite.More

There are many bbq spots in San Diego, but my top two includes Coops. The bbq is smoked enough that the meat falls off the bone and you put how much bbq sauce you want. The Kit and Kaboodle meal is a great way to...choose 4 types of meats,comes with 2 medium sides and 2 corn bread slices. Drink selection has sweet tea among soda choices as well. The only downside is the restaurant dining area is small inside (about 8 tables that fits 4) and parking is limited.More

I went back to Coops BBQ again as they are one of the best BBQ place in San Diego. They now have a fried chicken place next door so you can get that too. Food is good and the staff is friendly. We liked the...jerk chicken and the ribs.More

1. Free Parking and lots of it 2. Very friendly staff and owner 3. HUGE portions. 4. Finger Lickin Good. 5. Very Affordable Prices for BBQ We didn't know what to get so we opted to ask the staff what they recommend and they said...the kaboodle which comes with 4 choices of meat, 2 sides, and 2 pieces of corn bread ($29.99) more than enough to feed 3-4 people. Our meat selection was the pork ribs, rib tips, brisket, and pulled pork. Our sides were potato salad and Cole slaw. Ribs and rib tips was super tender, juicy, smoky, and cooked to perfection so it wouldn't melt off the bone Pulled pork was smoky, juicy, but it is even better with the housemade tangy bbq sauce We drove 103 miles to try this place and it was well worth it!More

I've been going here now and then, because its hard to find good bbq in San Diego. They are not the best, but close by and really hit or miss. Ive had great brisket sandwiches from here, and also had them where there was barely...any meat and filled with bbq covered fat! When I called to complain, they told me it was my fault for not asking for 'lean'. I hope this was the only rude person that works here. I've met Coop and he's very nice and down to earth. They have delicious mac n cheese!.More