BEST BBQ Joints in San Diego, California 🇺🇸

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San Diego, California - In this episode of Gareth Eats, we set out to find the best BBQ restaurants in San Diego. I know San Diego isn't famous for it's barbecue like Texas, Memphis, Carolina, or Kansas City, but I was determined to find a few San Diego hidden food gems for BBQ!
San Diego BBQ Restaurants Featured:
Smokin J's BBQ in Poway - Smokin J’s BBQ was founded in 2016, when Jeremy called his brother Josh with an offer: ownership in the new company he was starting in exchange for the cash to buy his first custom smoker.
Jeremy and his (now) wife Mckenzie relentlessly hauled his smoker all over town fighting grease fires and BBQ skeptics who didn’t believe they could get “real” bbq in San Diego.
www.smokinjsrealbbq.com
Coop's West Texas BBQ in Lemon Grove - Brad Cooper "Coop" and his daughter Tara Cooper have been running Coop's West Texas BBQ for 13 years! They feature authentic smoked barbecue and delicious southern-style food in Lemon Grove, and trust me when I say; it's well worth the trip out!
www.coopsbbq.com
Grand Ole BBQ in Flint Springs - Established in 2010, Grand Ole BBQ began as a catering company. GOB was created to fill the serious void of REAL BBQ in southern California. Sure we all know of some decent BBQ from local corporate giants but most of y'all have never had what GOB is going to serve you. Honest to God serious wood smoked handcrafted artisan BBQ. Smoked on a real BBQ Pit that was hand built in the great state of Georgia.
flinnsprings.grandolebbq.com
What is your favorite BBQ Restaurant in San Diego? What did we miss?
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Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZbinr with a passion for slow, meaningful solo travel. I have spent the past 13+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
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[@GarethEats]

Thanks for watching! 🙏 What BBQ spots in San Diego did I miss? Best Burgers in San Diego ►kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWmwqq2Iet5rr8ksi=Q-_3PrpGTdWakM02 Best Birria in San Diego ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHXcopywr72Br8Usi=LJIx_X4WTe3Vvx6F Tijuana Medical Tourism ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5WYm2yKhqx9qrcsi=3HPV97cIIOcMxX4d

[@samoafuga7730]

You need to go to I QUE BBQ in La Mesa San Diego the best bbq

[@tmikefm9313]

The secret ingredient in Coops BBQ mac n cheese is cream of mushroom soup

[@msglitterari]

Bowlegged BBQ is a must try!

[@Sinakal619]

I have Been eating Coops food since he was delivering dinners to Gentrys Barbershop at lunch time! So happy to see the success of the Coops West Texas BBQ!

[@thenomenclature7243]

I remember when he would show up in his old explorer at the original San Diego pet supply on Federal Blvd, where his buddy Chief Robbs made smokers from 55 gal drums. Probably 20 years ago. His brisket is better now I must say.

[@krazykellz4105]

FACTZ!!!!!

[@brandonmoore2237]

Haha I'm convinced that your goal with these Gareth Eats videos is to just make us all as hungry as possible 😂 Seriously though, this was awesome. Great to see Sami back in another video! Love the outtakes at the end--they always make me laugh!

[@jakewenzl7601]

That is one of the things I miss about living in San Diego is going to Coop's in Lemon Grove. My brother lived right down the street from them and everytime I'd go see him, I had to stop at Coop's. SO GOOD.

[@madrigal8955]

During my pregnancy me & my husband would go constantly to COOPS located in Lemon Grove we would mandatory always get the Mac and Cheese & their Texas Sweet Tea 🔥

[@nlted8636]

I love Coops, just wish we can eat inside the restaurant again.

[@meganngeorge]

Smokin’ Js….. excellent play on words😉👍👌

[@ari88881]

Pulling up to all the spots! They all look so good. 🤤🤤

[@amgone75dm]

You missed a gem in San Diego. Bowlegged BBQ on 4255 Market street. Hands down the best BBQ in San Diego!! 😀

[@wdmawarrior1863]

tried them, was not impressed especially for the price vs amount of food that tasted average compared to other spots.

[@kwashington77]

Bowlegged is definitely a gem. Not sure how they got left off the list

[@bromam]

@@kwashington77they got left off the list because they are below average

[@sumwonkool]

Also missing is buckboards in El Cajon, Cali comfort & I que bbq in spring valley, and Valley farms la mesa. But hey he can’t hit them all right!?

[@UpintheairSD]

Came here to say exactly this. As a Texan in San Diego I have to say Bowlegged is the best bbq place here!

[@norcalrob2002]

Sweet! I need to drive down to San Diego soon to experience these awesome BBQ places. Barbecue used to be popular in my Silicon Valley area, but with just one wonderful exception, most of them have closed in recent years. San Diego, here I come! 😀

[@swany222]

This is the first video I've seen from you. You had me wanting BBQ after seeing Smokin' J's. We got everyone in the car and drove down the hill to Poway. Undoubtedly, the best BBQ we have eaten in San Diego. I'm a subscriber now and can't wait to see where you take us. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to see you out and about one day. Thank you!!! 🌟 🔥

[@MylesInfocus]

I love Smokin J's and Coop's. I think Abbey's Texas BBQ is another place you should check out.

[@willyyoung6881]

I'm visiting Cancun, but now diverting my return flight to San Diego to try these!

[@SreypichTVShow]

BBQ looks so yummy, friend. Now I am mouthwatering with your food show. Thanks for your sharing😍👍😋

[@skeleman1963]

Grand ole bbq and Coops are the bomb

[@jmethlouthi]

Thanks for the info. Will be down in the SD in a few weeks for the upcoming 3 day weekend. Will try at least one of these places while down there.

[@drew7481]

Good video, team. I enjoy being behind the scenes, and appreciate you taking me there.

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

So lucky to be in san deigo and eating at these great barbecue restaurants.

[@gail4101]

OMG !!! I just texted my Sister this because I want to go to all three!!! It’s eight am in the morning and my mouth is watering for BBQ!

[@AverageOverlander]

Never seen your channel before but I appreciate the video. I’ll be in San Diego next week and will have to check out two of the three. I love smoking j’s, been there tons of times.

[@TorenSpaceQueen]

Coops was my go to bbq spot back when I lived on Coronado from 2011 to 2014. Still haven’t had better bbq.

[@tbone3972]

You came to Poway??? I live in Poway & Smokin’ J B-B-Q is the BOMB.

[@1anonymousb]

I grew up in SD, and I didn't know what good BBQ was until I left. I even learned how to make my own brisket because I couldn't find any when I came back (it's award winning among my friends). I live in LA, but I'll definitely be trying these places out when I visit next month. I'll be a little heavier between these and the taco shops.

[@LilliLamour]

Imagine me, from Texas, and growing up in San Diego. It was hell. Thank gawd I'm back in Texas with real bbq.

[@scottmcwave9479]

Great show guys! I wanna hang out in the kitchen at Coops!👍

[@p.ipebomb]

American barbecue, with all the side plates, is one of the best meals I've ever eaten... Funny enough, Inland San Diego surprisingly has a decent cowboy/barbecue culture to it, especially in parts like Lakeside 😂

[@patrickcoreilly]

Im in the Baja and I cant wait to get back to SD to try it (Coop's). Also Im from Texas (Central). Looks Amazing. I'll tell him I saw it on Gareth Eats! 🙂

[@Bmwqxtmop]

Been missing the videos!!

[@ILoveCHAVO]

I need a food experience like this . 😮

[@sumwonkool]

Also missing is buckboards in El Cajon, Cali comfort & I que bbq in spring valley, and Valley farms la mesa. But hey he can’t hit them all right!?

[@CJinsoo]

Coops looks amazing, wondering why it is called West Texas BBQ? Will need to check it out next time in SD.

[@ashkondadban5938]

Coop was very friendly when me and my friend went. Definitely want to go back

[@LEFTaTIP]

Thx Gareth & friend, new subscriber here to give this video a big LIKE.

[@nigel8499]

15:00 love Samis different nail varnish 👌

[@mzh99]

Yep, smoking J's is excellent. Someone mentioned they were opening up another location in San Diego too. Nice

[@user-vy8fy3cz1s]

SD's Cool but what are your recommendations for Los Angeles?

[@ivanmedina8612]

GARETH THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO BRO I LIVE IN CHULA AND I LOVE BBQ I HAVE FAMILY OUT IN TEXAS SO I HAVE BEEN ON THE LOOK FOR SOME GOOD BBQ HERE IN SD. IMA GO TO A COUPLE OF THIS SPOTS. THANKS FOR PUTTING ME ON GAME. BTW. LFGSD!!

[@markwduns]

I really need to make it out to Coop's one of these days, and has Sami never been to Disneyland? That's the sign that greets you as you walk under the railroad tracks.

[@Pammellam]

I just watched your medical video. I’m glad you’re better. I know you have a year of battle to face! I wish you the best! I have subscribed to your GarethEats. And I will continue to support your Journy to better health. Can I make a suggestion for something to _eat?_ California and other places in the US are seeing a _blossoming_ of more regional and _authentic Mexican_ cooking, especially tacos etc. And it’s happening all over the place. Featuring things like that would be really _interesting._ I know you are close to Mexico but seeing what is happening _in the US_ would be really cool.

[@ian_forbes]

Glad to see Sami back! The extra bits at the end were hilarious.

[@Domthabom]

On my way from North County! This all looks good😋

[@kingtimboi]

Glad to see Mr. Cooper getting some love

[@franknoonez2602]

Support Coops. He had a special to support our Little League World Series team that nobody heard of because we Lemon Grove. 50% of sales went to buy us food and water on our 2 month journey back in 2012. And oh ya try the loaded baked potatoe. So good but go early the sell out quick

[@melrogerswellness8963]

My son cooks at Smokin J's.. great food and great place to work.

[@klumzywestside5795]

Where’s it located

[@mannyruiz9005]

I’m commenting this before I watch , but if VALLEY FARMS MARKET in SPRING VALLEY isn’t on here ima be disappointed. 😅. But much love to all local/small San Diego businesses.

[@brianmoody2549]

Number 1.the brisket was the best part,color the juiciness and texture made look great. 2.the sides and hot links great sizes. 3.The fb.b.q is cooked like it needs to be with understanding on how is done,they have a good team every one has a job .As saying you work as a team ,that’s when the fb.b.q is the best.

[@heatman38]

Wrangler BBQ in Escondido is the spot for beef and ham sandwiches and a nice vinegary, thin sauce!

[@clarencejackson8757]

Ribs look on point!

[@knifemaker2472]

Great video. First one I have seen. I have just never seen anyone eat that much with their hands when forks are available.

[@basil8760]

I’m originally from San Diego n gna have to try these amazing n delicious BBQ joints when traveling back home sometime, but our family’s go-to for BBQ is: Cali BBQ in Spring Valley. Enjoyed it.🥰 Ty for sharing subscribed

[@colinchampollion4420]

Cali's is really too expensive for the poor people of Spring Valley and San Diego😂🎉! Especially in these overpriced fast- foods😂😊

[@reynaldomacahilas3072]

Small thinly sliced tri tip is bomb in a bowl chili so good makes that bowl of chili a 10 of 10

[@darlenemestas5839]

Richies Diner does smoke BBQ for years. The one in temecula is the original on winchester first then it moved to hwy 79. Theyve been bbq since i was in HS and im almost 50. Its a 50s style diner.

[@CJinsoo]

Smokin’J looks incrrdible

[@taylormade710]

Grand ole bbq is worth the drive to alpine, driving from east to San Diego it’s a must place to go

[@Samirafzal786]

Mushrooms are the secret ingredient in the Mac n cheese!

[@PG-lf3rr]

Poway stopped serving breakfast but they had an incredible breakfast based on these meats. Think downtown SD still does breakfast.

[@mojojim6458]

I liked the mac & cheese; I liked the succotash; I liked the warm peach cobbler; I like the cheesy beans & the potato salad. What I like most of all is your enthusiasm. Too bad there was no seafood. What did umami used to be called? I don't understand what it means.

[@mrb2643]

What's in the Mac n cheese

[@mojojim6458]

@@mrb2643 Chemicals

[@MrOptimisticprime]

Coops* also papalo just opened up in La Mesa. Highly recommend

[@croonch85]

this bbq video made me subscribe....

[@Harambes_Homeboy]

I work literally next door to the Grand Ole Bbq.. place is great ..

[@Dran2brazyy]

Coops secret ingredient to the Mac is cream of mushroom ? Tell me if I got it right ahaha

[@LilliLamour]

I grew up in San Diego but I'm from Texas. Never have I ever tasted good bbq in San Diego. Thank gawd im back in Texas with good bbq. However, I do miss other qualities of Daygo.

[@victormayer8519]

Chick N Pig in Santee CA back in the day 80's and 90's had the best baby back ribs in all of San Diego. Unfortunately, it burned down and was rebuilt but was never the same, closed for good soon after.

[@ServiceAceStud]

White shirts and BBQ is a bold move.

[@colinchampollion4420]

BEST barbecue is Texan Barbecue😮!!

[@erikcontreras8043]

They all look delicious. My one issue, as a tourist, these are pretty out there from Downtown area if you are visiting. But, I did see Smokin J had a location in the Gas Lamp area and the Grand Ole BBQ had one at the stadium. I am not sure if its in the actual stadium though, google makes it look that way. So maybe Smokin J will be visited since it's near by.

[@nigel8499]

Sami should do more videos, she's great!

[@darlenemestas5839]

I just want to go to stand and smell that set up 😂

[@C-Los79]

@Gareth eats you gotta try Mickey's ltalian Delicatessen in Hermosa beach.

[@streetfoodnetworkpk]

Very Nice Video Superb Sooooo awesome

[@ronstallworth9421]

I’m sure all the food gave them energy for the after filming activities. 😜

[@taylormade710]

Coops is my favorite go to bbq

[@thekoalafornian]

The secret in the Mac and cheese is cream of mushroom soup which is actually a well known trick 😋

[@juliorosales559]

Tritip to Californians is like brisket to Texans

[@randyvfromtheperch]

Any recommendations for BBQ in north San Diego, along the coast? I don't think there is ANYTHINGGF. .

[@stevefoltz3838]

Heritage, San Juan Capistrano!

[@taylormade710]

I’ve been wanting to try smoking J’s

[@franciscodaniel08]

Going to the 2nd location for sure

[@anthonyrandall6364]

I have been to all three locations. I miss me some Grand Ole BBQ.

[@ceebee8042]

Yes.

[@warpedweirdo]

Bowlegged BBQ

[@docsiat]

Yeah imma go with crimini mushrooms for Coop's mac 🤌🏽

[@juliopaez4516]

I am about to go to the gym and now I am so freaking hungry. Great video as always.

[@taylormade710]

Sami was a great addition to your reviews

[@forrealforreal8723]

Food looks good but I’m not getting no burrito at a bbq spot

[@renerenteria-fo2hg]

Mmm that looks very GOOD🙏🌄✌️

[@reneechippendale3170]

Solid top 3 👏🏻 if you like slaw on sandwiches, hit up Primanti Bros in Pittsburgh, PA 🤤

[@ddc163264]

I've lived in over 25 states, and had BBQ from KC, Memphis Nashville, the Carolinas, Georgia and Texas and have yet to have really good BBQ in California. There may be decently good, and make other food well, but BBQ isn't a California specialty! Don't know if it's the water, the wood, or the expertise, maybe a lack of dedication. or the meats available to them, but something makes it different. I know places that the pitmaster arrives at 2-3 in the morning and is cooking by 4 am to have things ready when they open at 10-11 am. Then these places are so good they have lines for the food and are gone before 4pm. So you have to get they earlier. Some families have standing orders for these places that are just automatic. California just doesn't have it!

[@JocelynCarson-gc4xk]

Smokin' J's has the BEST pork belly in San Diego!

[@daneatseverything4823]

Been to all 3 and I found myself returning to coops.. Coops sweet potato pie is so good it’ll make you wanna slap yo mama. Don’t do it, but you’ll want to.

[@SundayCookingRemix]

I miss home 😢

[@raykelley4371]

Coop’s is dummy fire!!!! That means it a very good😎

[@Winterblade73]

Yes! The three BBQ joints I recommend when people ask what my favorite BBQ is in San Diego!

[@dalediego]

It should say COOPS not COOTS. in the timeline.... ; ) Love Smokin J's

[@rickdawg5112]

You NEED to try BOWLEGGED BBQ! In San Diego. TRUST ME!!!!! Watch reviews on it if you dont believe me

[@MrCskuggz]

I haven't been in San Diego in years, but have you ever been to Phil's BBQ in Point Loma?

[@knbsd3876]

Over priced and completely overrated. They just have a monopoly.

[@troynelson5434]

I am horrible at reading lips…green pepper juice 😂

[@kassandraaareyes]

Coops is da best!!🗣️🗣️

[@larrycastro4739]

Where’s that @ gurl?

[@kassandraaareyes]

Lemon Grove@@larrycastro4739

[@taylormade710]

Which place had the best ribs?

[@aesoprockslig]

Dang I’m sad to see that Jeremy wasn’t the one to be featured in the smoking j’s segment.

[@julio4246]

Rocky’s pub! Rocky’s Pub!

[@nomadjedimaster7690]

How do u claim this free taco 🌮

[@taylormade710]

Mac and cheese is off the chain