Smokin J's BBQ & Taphouse

751 Fourth Ave, San Diego
(619) 795-1456

Recent Reviews

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Jason Davis

Amazing BBQ in downtown San Diego. Service was amazing and helpful. Food was spectacular and met the owner Josh and he was so nice. You have to try this for BBQ.

Ray Gibbs

Overall decent experience. Friendly service. Menu a bit too limited. For diverse groups, lack of menu entree type options other than beef or pork is an issue: only wings or mac and cheese. Pulled pork sandwich overall tasty but had some dry “chunks”.

Rafael Perez

The happy hour prices are great and the food delicious.

michael tech

The food was great, and the staff was super helpful and took the extra time to look up allergies. I had the brisket and it was wonderful. I only took off 1 star for the bar seating it seemed i was sitting too high for how low the bar was. Also, i took off 1 star off for the side. I had the clowslaw, and it didn't have a vinegar or mayonnaise base tasted like just chopped cabbage. Overall, it was a great experience, and I want to try the rest of the menu.

Glen Woods

The servers were all personable and always made sure you had what you needed. The 3 x 2 is an amazing deal. You get to try almost everything that they offer. The sauces are excellent and can't wait to go back

Michelle Rios

Our server Zach was amazing! Such a chill spot, we loved our time here!

Morgone Music

The Cali-J Rito is incredible. If I was on death row it would be my final meal. Also Ryan is a super cool dude. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PLACE!

Angie Gomez

I can’t! The BBQ and Brisket!! It’s too good! So is everything else!! 😏

Aaron McLennan

I ate a delicious meal at this wonderful barbecue place in the Gaslamp district. Had the pleasure to meet the owner Josh who jumped right in to help when they got real busy during the zombie crawl and gave an excellent suggestion of delicious dessert apple cobbler. The atmosphere, the service and the food were all amazing. I will definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket, TV-Brisket, Mac N Cheese

Michael Lauer

I’m from NC and I’ve eaten BBQ from TX, Kansas City and Memphis… this place is “The Real Deal Y’all”! The brisket was tender like pot roast and the chili was WOW! My server was “spot on” for those recommendations. Josh (the owner) talked with me and made sure I was pleased with my meal… I couldn’t have been more pleased, especially when the brisket had a deep smoke ring and the chili had NO BEANS! LOL
I’LL BE BACK Josh!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

V B (crashsalot)

We weren’t that hungry so we went with 2 tv dinners, pulled pork and brisket plus a side of cornbread. The cornbread we would take home, we said. Right. Didn’t make the trip. Everything was outstanding, the brisket chili is out of this world! We left quite stuffed but happy! Absolutely recommend!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chili, Pulled Pork - 1 2 lb

Katherine Dolmage

Great spot. Good sized portions, my daughter and I shared the pulled pork tv dinner and added an extra side of corn bread. The beans and collards were both very tasty as was the meat! Server was awesome and made my 5 year old feel so welcome.
My only gripe is serving the meal on a disposal tray!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork - 1 2 lb

Debarah Smith

15 minute walk from Manchester Grand. Brisket was delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket

Rodrigo Gardner

Great food, very friendly service, good value

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smokin J Sandwich, Brisket, Mac N Cheese

Michael Callihan

Another great restaurant in the gaslight district. Had the TV-dinner with burnt ends, cole slaw, brisket baked beans, and cornbread, all was fantastic ?. The other dish of grilled cheese had brisket inside, so good! The cajun fries and bowls of chili were also on point. This is one of the best BBQ places I've been to in a while.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cajun Fries, Chili, Burnt Ends

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