+1 619-720-2211
Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado stands out as a premier barbecue destination nestled in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant 32nd Street neighborhood. Specializing in authentic Texas-style barbecue with a flavorful California twist, this restaurant serves up an irresistible menu where smoke, spice, and succulence come together in perfect harmony.
Their culinary craft shines through a stellar lineup of meats and thoughtfully curated sides. Signature dishes like the Austin California Brisket Burrito boast tender, smoky brisket wrapped in a warm tortilla, delivering a bold yet comforting bite every time. If you’re craving traditional barbecue staples, the Pulled Pork Sandwich with its seasoned, slow-smoked pork served on a toasted bolillo roll is an absolute must-try, offering a juicy depth of flavor layered with house rub spices.
Meat lovers will also appreciate the perfectly grilled Tri Tip Sandwich served medium-rare and accompanied by a vibrant chimichurri sauce, balancing richness with a fresh herbal kick. For those looking for variety, the Smoked Turkey Sandwich and the indulgent Stimey’s Walking Taco Frito Pie bring imaginative spins that delight the palate. And let's not overlook the Beef & Pork Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage, which packs a smoky, spicy punch wrapped in melty cheddar cheese.
Vegetarian and vegan diners are attentively catered to with standout options like the Va Va Voom Burger, featuring a juicy Beyond Beef patty complemented by classic burger accoutrements and crispy fries, as well as the savory Lil Mikey’s Fake A$$ Chicken Sandwich—a crispy, breaded Gardein patty dressed in spicy barbecue sauce on a vegan brioche bun. These thoughtfully crafted plant-based dishes prove that authentic flavor doesn’t have to come from meat alone.
Beyond entrées, the array of handcrafted sides is equally impressive. The ever-popular Dr Dicky's Famous Potato Salad has earned a devoted following for its creamy texture and perfectly seasoned profile that balances tang, creaminess, and just a hint of smokiness. Complement your meal with fresh, crisp Wedge Salad, hearty Peruvian White Beans, or gooey Macaroni and Cheese—each bite bursting with well-rounded flavors.
Pair your feast with their house-specialty sauces—ranging from the fiery Borracho BBQ sauce to the herbaceous Chimichurri and bold barbecue blends—which elevate every bite with layers of complexity and a personalized touch. For those in the mood for drinks, the refreshing Michelada offers a perfect zing to accompany the smoky meats.
The dining atmosphere at Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado enhances the culinary experience with a lively, homey vibe. Customers consistently praise the friendly service and relaxed setting, featuring both indoor seating and a fantastic dog-friendly patio that invites friends and family to linger over good music and better food. It’s an ideal spot for everything from casual lunches to spirited family gatherings.
Reviewers delight in the occasional lively buzz combined with attentive staff that make each visit memorable. Christopher Gorrie summed up the sentiment, noting the exceptional service and generous portions that satisfy big groups, while Benjamin Moss highlighted the unbeatable vibe of the dog-friendly patio. Longtime patrons like Vivien Francis and Joon Lim rave about the impeccably tender meats—the brisket, pulled pork, and beef short ribs—which consistently hit that sweet spot of smoky, juicy perfection that true barbecue aficionados seek.
Whether you’re a devoted barbecue lover or simply in search of a place that serves passion on a plate, Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado delivers with authentic, mouthwatering barbecue that captures the spirit of Texas and the heart of San Diego. Every bite promises a smoky embrace, every visit feels like family, and every meal is a celebration of true barbecue artistry.
I give this Grand Ole BBQ location ~4.5/5 stars. 5 for service, 4.5 for food, and 4 for atmosphere. I came here for the first time last week with my extended family (Thanksgiving time). There were 5 of us, and we ordered ribs, brisket, tri-tip, green beans, cole slaw, a smashburger, a wedge salad, and a brisket-cheesesteak sandwich. It was probably too much food but everything was pretty good. My favorite items were the brisket cheesesteak sandwich, smashburger, wedge salad, and brisket. The ribs and tri-tip were good, but the rub on the ribs was kind of excessively salty. The total for this huge order was around $150, which isn’t too crazy for the amount of food, but is still a somewhat pricey dinner. The atmosphere is alright. It’s like a big open area with tables, like a meal hall kind of. The only issue is that during g the winter months it gets pretty cold and you kind of have to partially freeze while eating. The service is pretty high-quality though. The bartender and cashier made a serious effort to welcome every guest, maintain consistent attitude and level of service, and strike a balance between speed and attention.
Definitely the best texas barbeque in town. Do not even attempt to compare this place to Phil's... please... Tried the beef short ribs, brisket, and the tri-tips. The beef short ribs were to die for. So rich in flavor. Melts in your mouth. Brisket, which is often easy to dry out unless you do it right, was also very tender. Tri-tips were a little dry, but still had great beefy taste and a decent chew to it. The chimichurri that came with it was also great. Will have to go back for the sausages.
Food was delicious. We got there kinda late in the day so all they had left was the brisket and pulled pork. Both were fantastic and the sauces are delicious. The real star of the show…. The DIVA…. The POTATO SALAD SO GOOD Patio is very dog friendly and place has great vibes. Highly recommend!
Absolutely the best barbecue in San Diego. Every cut of meat is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. I always go for the brisket and pulled pork—they’re cooked just right, no dryness at all, and seriously addictive. Even the coleslaw is a standout: fresh, tangy, and honestly better than any I’ve ever had in Texas. If you want genuine, mouthwatering BBQ, this is the spot.
Music, fantastic outdoor patio, and good Q. What else could you ask for. Super homey joint with delicious food. Counter order and indoor and outdoor seating. Loved the tri-tip sandwich , fries, ribs, potato salad and a surprise find, wedge salad! Plenty of choices for beer too. You gotta try this out!
Good quality BBQ served in a relaxed outdoor setting where you have to fend off flies. You order from a window, find a spot among regular or community tables to sit, and they buzz your pager when your food is ready. The staff were friendly and the wait was short. We liked the fact that you can order meats by the quarter pound. The brisket was more tender than the lamb shoulder as expected. We also liked that they were both very light in taste so you can choose from the 5-6 types of BBQ sauces they offer, or just salt and pepper if you prefer. There were enough flies to force everyone focus on his food all the time, but we eventually failed and the flies landed on our meat. What a shame.