San Diego TOP RATED Restaurants Honest Review: Phil's BBQ | Fillipi’s Pizza Grotto | Mitch's Seafood

[@Adankayak]

Awesome San Diego food adventure. I’m glad you enjoyed San Diego. 😊 can’t wait to see another video 🤙

[@hungrymonster42]

Thank you! I have another series on SD coming soon!

[@---ll9qe]

Hungry Monster, thanks for the video. I went to Phils BBQ despite the comments on here and I must say it was great! The beef ribs were awesome and honestly, the environment and vibes at Phils made it a better experience. Still had to wait in line for dinner service for around 10 minutes - but it was worth it! Thanks for the review

[@hungrymonster42]

That’s so great to hear! I’m sure there must be a some reason for some of the locals to think it’s not good, but just based on my instinctive taste, it was definitely a solid place to visit. I agree the vibe there is also great. Hope my recommendations continue to live up to the expectations!

[@johnned4848]

Never been to San Diego. Looks great. Excellent job

[@hungrymonster42]

Thank you! Definitely worth a visit if you’re a foodie

[@aaronmcdaniel7868]

Nice video, I'm a San Diegan and enjoy all of these places. People will never agree on BBQ, everyone claims to know a place that is better, but Phil's is solid, food quality and taste are very good. I too have a place I like better, but you chose a local icon and it's a great stop on a visit!

[@hungrymonster42]

Thanks so much! It means a lot that a San Diegan is finally approving my choices😂 Phil’s stirred up some controversy haha. I will for sure try some of the more local bbq hot spots.

[@phrog706]

I am fortunate to live in San Diego and Phil's BBQ and Fillipi's are two of my favorite places. When I have out of town guests I make it a point to take them to both restaurants during their stay . If you are looking for a great burger, I strongly suggest Hodad's. It has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and dives a few times.

[@hungrymonster42]

Well I’m glad I hit the right spots! We were debating hard on Hodad’s and weren’t able to make it🫤 will definitely stop by next time!

[@breft3416]

Over the past year, I've eaten at 3 different Phil's BBQ's. Consistently good! And the prices are great, too.

[@hungrymonster42]

I’m glad I finally found a Phil’s fan!🍗 It was getting a lot of mixed responses😂

[@astronautninja6369]

Welcome to San Diego! The only city in California that's not affected by California shenanigans!

[@hungrymonster42]

I completely agree😂

[@norwegianblue2017]

For seafood stew, just go to Oscar's. It is excellent and like $5 (although with a much smaller portion). They also have very decent fish tacos. Phil's is solid, but not as good as they used to be years ago, when they were smaller and in a single location. The best BBQ in San Diego, IMO, is Grand Ole' BBQ in east county. Although it wasn't a category in this video, I will give a shout out to Rocky's Crown Pub in PB for best old-school burgers. Cash only, no frills, just great burgers.

[@hungrymonster42]

Wow thanks for these great insider tips! I needed a local’s recommendation like yours. I think Oscar’s and Grand Ole were on my list. Will definitely try next time!

[@norwegianblue2017]

@@hungrymonster42 Las Quatro Milpas is also fantastic for Mexican food. It looks like a prison, but there is always a big line and worth it.

[@hungrymonster42]

I went there and I totally know what you mean by the prison🤣 stay tuned for my next episode on it!

[@torresggustavo]

I also live in san Diego and always try different places. Mitch’s is our go to for seafood, for BBQ Grand Ole BBQ, in little italy Monalisa’s sandwiches, for pizza Tribute Pizza, for tacos, just go to TJ, that’s what I do and don’t be afraid. I actually just went today.

[@hungrymonster42]

I’ve heard about Grand Ole BBq! I’d be excited to try your recommendations! Huge pizza fan here. What does TJ stand for?

[@torresggustavo]

@@hungrymonster42 Should have written it out Tijuana, across the border.

[@hungrymonster42]

Good to know! Obviously not a Californian🤣

[@Padres1969W]

You gotta try JoJo's Creamery in Encinitas next time your here. It's homemade organic ice cream. Very delicious.

[@hungrymonster42]

That’s awesome to hear. We were actually at Encinitas briefly. Wish we had been there😂 Thanks for the tip!

[@sc1]

Great video. I lived in San Diego from 2001-2005.

[@hungrymonster42]

Glad you enjoyed! Curious how you felt SD has changed over the years.

[@maneets2413]

HEY BRO NEXT TIME IN SAM DIEGO AND YOU ARE WILLING TO GO TO TIJUANA MEXICO LET ME KNOW AND YOU CAN MAKE A COUPLE KILLA VIDEOS FROM ALLLL THE REAL FOOD DOWN THERE🤣💯🤷🏾‍♂️🫡

[@maneets2413]

I REALLY DIG AND RESPECT HOW YOU ARE NOT AFFRAID TO COMSUME SOME BEER AS YOU EAT AND MOST PPL SHY AWAY FROM THAT🤣🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ericbeteille2386]

Glad to see you visit San Diego, but why fuzz out people in the video? Angling down to avoid them is also distracting

[@hungrymonster42]

Thanks for watching! I just want to protect their privacy the best I can that’s all

[@ericbeteille2386]

If they’re out in public, and visible to anyone, there’s no privacy to protect.

[@GaryMarkowski]

I've been to Mitch's Seafood. I've had their fish taco and calamari taco. I'd give them 4 stars and I hear the fish and chips is one of the best things on the menu (so maybe 5 stars). I suggest not giving stars unless you sample most of the menu, and even then your tastes appear to be different than people who live in Southern California. Filipes pizza has been around for decades and is not necessarily as good as other newer pizza places. Times change.

[@hungrymonster42]

Thank you for watching through my video and for the authentic comment! I too am cautious with giving stars, but thought it could be a nice addition to my video. I agree, my taste may be different and I agree that reviews should be given after a thorough experience. Perhaps I will consider stars for the particular dish that I try, not the restaurant.

[@naveer745]

great video

[@hungrymonster42]

Thank you!

[@lebron2244]

How do you know Brandon

[@hungrymonster42]

I don’t know him, just did a good search of the restaurant!

[@---ll9qe]

How do YOU know Brandon?

[@hungrymonster42]

😂

[@mando3651]

Phils bbq is trash go to Coops. Hodads is a gimmick go to Rocky's , Waterfront, or Mastiff for good burgers If you want fish tacos or mariscos your best bet is a Mexican seafood truck in the South Bay Chula Vista area. Mitch's seafood is still awesome and their tacos are good. For tacos Id say Tacos el Gordo is the spot (people debate this) also a place called Tacos Machin in Bonita. Mona Lisa's deli for an Italian sub. Born and Raised in SD.

[@hungrymonster42]

Wow, great to hear from a true San Diegan! As a first timer at SD I might have gone to all the touristy spots. Will definitely check out your recs next time I visit!

[@sumwonkool]

Interesting take. I agree those are good choices yes, but there are many others just as good if not better. Don’t have to go to mariscos trucks in Chula Vista to find good fish tacos or seafood. Also Phil’s bbq is great. I know some ppl hate on it cuz it’s not real low n slow bbq that’s smoked, but for what it is, Phil’s is pretty damn good with great prices compared to other “real” bbq spots. Coops is good but nothing that crazy. Kinda pricey also. Tacos el gordo obviously is best choice for tacos tho ure right about that ha. Born n raised San Diegan also

[@mando3651]

@@sumwonkool you don't have to go to the South Bay to get good fish tacos, that's true. I'm just saying thats where the best mariscos is in San Diego is in my opinion. National City, Imperial Ave, National Ave, Logan all places south of the 8. I am one of those people that believes if you're going to call it bbq there should be smoke billowing out of the establishment. There are definitely other good burger spots but those are my top 3, also Torrey Pines lodge at the golf course has a stellar burger but that's way off the beaten path.

[@sumwonkool]

@@mando3651 no doubt brotha I agree. Torrey pines lodge I have heard is incredible. Always wanted to go there and play a round of golf also while I’m at it. Definitely on the bucket list… what do you think of the balboa on fifth avenue for burgers? Give it a try if you haven’t been for killer burgers and cocktails 🤙

[@hungrymonster42]

Wow, I’m really excited to hear some true San Diegans’ insider info! Those are all spots I will try next time!

[@michaelandrade3808]

phils is ass {if you really know bbq}...flippilis is solid but nothing crazy

[@hungrymonster42]

Hearing this from multiple people. What about it is disappointing?

[@fonsowaffles]

fun fact: phils bbq doesnt smoke their meats!

[@hungrymonster42]

How do they grill their ribs then?

[@fonsowaffles]

@@hungrymonster42 pressure cook!

[@hungrymonster42]

Had no idea. No wonder their meat feels juicier. Thanks for the info!

[@fonsowaffles]

@@hungrymonster42 yea some people hate that place cause they don’t smoke their meat but it taste just as good

[@hungrymonster42]

@fonsowaffles they taste great to me 😆

[@RobotronOG]

A foodie at Phil’s BBQ? Uhg. Not that good.

[@hungrymonster42]

I need someone to clarify what about Phil’s makes them so bad😂

[@yohoscrub3124]

@@hungrymonster42 They stink if you ask me. As others have said, Coops, Grand Ole Asada and Felix's BBQ With Soul are way better than Phil's. None of them compare to BBQ in Texas.

[@RobotronOG]

@@yohoscrub3124 Grand Ole is far better than many BBQ places in Texas.

[@El_Guap]

Bro, where the heck did you get your recommendations on where to eat in San Diego. Some free magazine with tons of ads paid for by the restaurants highlighted. Phil’s barbecue is generally considered to be some of the worst barbecue in San Diego. Most of their meats they’re steamed first. The only thing worth getting there is their beer, battered onion rings. Fillipe’s… ”fine dining” 😂😂😂😂😂😂. It is the most low rent in touristy place in Little Italy. Only people from Arizona and East County go there. I feel really bad for you because you pick so many terrible places. Mitch’s used to be decent, but the prices have gone off the wall $6 for a fried Baja style fish taco is nuts. I mean, I can’t even imagine somebody making content on those two places. Wow!

[@hungrymonster42]

Wow, I appreciate this really passionate comment! I’m from the east coast, so I definitely went only to the most “touristy” places. Please share with me some legit places!

[@pavelromanenko3718]

Coop's is better.

[@bjoyos]

Whether you like them or not, Phil's and Filippi's are STAPLES in San Diego. Instead of bashing him, maybe try giving some recommendations.

[@hungrymonster42]

THANK You! People at those two spots seemed to be loving it there!