Bar-B-Que House

5025 Newport Ave
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 222-4311


OK, it's not really a house, but they do serve BBQ. The great thing is that it's just a few flip-flop steps from the beach, which means that if your fishing trip out in the Pacific didn't turn up a worthwhile dinner catch, you can head over to the Bar-B-Que House and load up on some smoky beef, chicken, or pulled pork. Being so close to the beach, you might think that this store location would be better suited as a fish taco hut, surf shop, or a place selling unusual trinkets. You would change your mind about that pretty fast after seeing the constant flow of people coming in here craving another shot of that smoky beef and some good 'ole side dishes.

It's actually a pretty smart thing putting a BBQ place right in the center of crowds of people who have had enough smelling salty air and funky crustaceans. It's kind of like the time I decided to have some Chinese food when in Italy after eating Italian food all week. With BBQ being a tried and true food category, this was genius setting up shop here in OB.

The restaurant is what I would expect in a beachfront area, small and casual. They've got a see-through counter so you can actually watch them chopping, slicing, scooping and pouring when fixing your meal. OK, I'm ready to try this place out. Send some pulled pork my way bro.

Good Bro #1 decided to go with a beef sandwich with a side of onion rings. I went with the pulled pork sandwich with a side of BBQ beans. Usually I would have to try out the coleslaw, but they already piled that on my sandwich. When we got our food, I thought that Good Bro #1 made the right choice. The beef sandwich looked and smelled pretty good, and the onion rings were really making me hungry. I was happy to see that they had the better sense here of using real buns instead of BK buns like some places use. The BBQ beef sandwich here is pretty good. The pulled pork was OK, but was a little mushy and lacking a good smokiness to it. The onion rings are worth getting, but I was unsure of the beans. They were a little to sweet for me. It could be that my tongue was already being affected by the salty air and making things seem overly sweet. Maybe I'll have to try the beans again, but take it go and eat it up at Balboa Park.

So, when in OB and stomach calls for a food infusion, head on over to Bar-B-Que House and get in line. You won't have to wait too long before you hear "BBQ's ready!"

C

Baby Blues BBQ

444 Lincoln Bl.
Venice, CA
310 396-7675

Ah yes, BBQ has never been so hot. Here in this hipster, low key BBQ joint is one fun dining experience. Yes, the meat here is real and I've been here a few times now and I can say that when it's on - it's ON. Like anyplace, there are some off nights. But I'll tell you what's off the hizzay and that's the servers. Fit and beautiful they serve future beer-bellied patrons their portions of succulent smoked meats and prepared sides to everyone's delight. And by everyone, I just mean me, because I can only speak for myself on this.

Corn bread is present here, as are the collard greens and shrimp, ribs, mac and cheese, and what have you. The puled pork is a little too wet in my opinion although the flavor is good. Brisket is a little tough when I had some but again, good flavor. I had the Lasker Burger once and I respect them highly for using artisan bread for the bun. This place has some class and then it's got raunch - take the hot Porno Sauce for example.

If you make it here to Venice in the LA area, head over and check this out. There are plenty of barbecue places in LA but very few that are as fun as Baby Blues.

B-