Ruining your favorite shirt since 1998
Founded by restaurateur Phil Pace, Razvan's Barbecue has been serving San Diego with mesquite-grilled baby back ribs, beef ribs, chicken, and sandwiches for over 25 years. What started with four employees has grown into a beloved institution trusted by thousands.
Our philosophy is simple: quality, consistency, freshness, and treating every guest like family. We believe in cooking what we know best — authentic, generous, and unforgettable barbecue.
Mesquite-Grilled Perfection
Signature rubs and sauces crafted to deliver fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoky, charred flavors that keep customers coming back.
Grown from 4 to 400+
From our Mission Hills roots to our flagship Point Loma location since 2007, we've expanded across San Diego while keeping our values intact.
Community First
Over $1 million donated to San Diego charities, and founder Phil Pace's ResQue Ranch rescuing and rehabilitating horses since 2014.
Our Heritage
From a single location in Mission Hills to a San Diego institution, Phil's BBQ has grown on one principle: consistency, quality, and treating customers like family.
1998
Founded
Restaurateur Phil Pace opened Phil's BBQ in Mission Hills with a simple mission: serve mesquite-grilled ribs and quality barbecue using a top-secret recipe for rubs and sauce. Starting with just 4 employees, Phil built the business on a founder's philosophy: "Only cook what you know best and treat employees like family."
Early Years
Building Loyalty
Serving thousands of customers daily from a diverse clientele—skateboarders to Bentleys—Phil's built its foundation on consistency, quality, freshness, and friendly service. The biggest reason behind the success? Loyal customers who waited in line for a taste of BBQ since day one.
2007
Point Loma Flagship
After the smoke cleared from the original Mission Hills location, Phil's relocated to a much larger space in Point Loma. Even with the change of location, the Phil's experience and menu remained the same: long lines of anticipation, an energetic, friendly atmosphere, fantastic food, huge portions, and many, many paper towels.
Growth Era
Expansion Across San Diego
Phil's BBQ successfully opened four more freestanding restaurants in Santee, Rancho Bernardo, and Temecula. We also opened a location in San Diego International Airport (Terminal 2 West), bringing our signature mesquite-grilled ribs to travelers heading in and out of San Diego County.
By the Numbers
Gallons of signature BBQ sauce served
(Enough to fill Shamu's tank)
Employees and counting
From startup to employer of choice
Years of consistency
San Diego institution since 1998
The Phil's Philosophy
"We thrive on providing each guest with the 'Phil's Experience,' which basically comes down to organized chaos. The biggest reason behind our success is our loyal customers who have supported us and waited in line for a taste of BBQ since '98."
Phil Pace didn't come from a long line of BBQ connoisseurs. Instead, he created from scratch a top-secret recipe for BBQ rubs and sauce while taking his dad's advice to heart: "Only cook what you know best and treat employees like family."
Phil has been a pioneer of fast-casual dining since opening the first restaurant, giving San Diegans what they want—great BBQ. Taking care, satisfying cravings, and supporting customers has always been the number one priority. That commitment to consistency, quality, and community has made Phil's BBQ a San Diego staple.
Giving Back to San Diego
Since day one, Phil's BBQ has been part of this community. We believe success means lifting others up — through charity, partnerships, and a genuine commitment to making San Diego better.
$1M+ Donated
Over the years, Phil's BBQ has contributed more than one million dollars to San Diego charities, supporting organizations that help children, families, animals, and our community's most vulnerable members.
Organizations We Support
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County
Mentoring young people and changing lives through one-to-one relationships.
Boys & Girls Club of East County
Providing safe spaces and programs for youth development and enrichment.
Garfield High School Foundation
Supporting education and opportunity for San Diego students.
Honor Flight San Diego
Honoring our nation's veterans with flights to war memorials.
Labrador Rescuers
Rescuing and rehoming Labrador Retrievers in need of loving families.
San Diego Police Foundation
Supporting our law enforcement and community safety initiatives.
San Diego Youth Services
Helping at-risk youth find hope, stability, and a path forward.
The Burn Institute
Preventing burn injuries and supporting survivors with care and recovery.
San Diego Center for Children
Providing mental health and family support services to children in crisis.
ResQue Ranch
Founded by Phil Pace in 2014
Phil's passion for animals led to the founding of ResQue Ranch, a non-profit equine rescue and rehabilitation center in Escondido, California. The facility rescues neglected, abused, abandoned, emaciated, retired, lame, and injured horses — all of whom otherwise face the risk of ending up in the slaughter pipeline.
What We Do at ResQue Ranch
- • Provide shelter, food, and safety for rescued horses
- • Offer physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- • Provide training, socialization, and behavioral support
- • Find loving, permanent homes through careful adoption
Community Is Everything
San Diego has been home to Phil's BBQ for more than 25 years. This community has supported us, celebrated with us, and trusted us. Giving back isn't just something we do — it's who we are. Every dollar donated, every volunteer hour, and every partnership reflects our belief that a successful business serves the people around it.
Whether you're joining us for mesquite-grilled ribs, ordering catering for your event, or simply supporting our mission, you're part of something bigger. Thank you for being part of the Phil's BBQ family.
The Phil's Experience
It's not just barbecue—it's organized chaos. High-energy, crowded, fast-casual, and undeniably fun. This is what 25+ years of doing one thing exceptionally well looks like.
Long Lines of Anticipation
The line out the door? That's not a warning—it's a badge of honor. Thousands of San Diegans come through every day, and they come back because they know it's worth the wait.
Energetic, Friendly Staff
Our crew moves fast and smiles faster. We treat every customer like family—whether you're a regular or visiting San Diego for the first time.
Fantastic Food, Huge Portions
Mesquite-grilled baby back ribs, beef ribs, chicken, and sandwiches that live up to the hype. Portions so generous, customers joke about bringing extra paper towels.
Everyone's Welcome Here
Skateboarders sit next to Bentley owners. Families gather around the same tables as sports fans and tourists. That diversity—that's the Phil's spirit.
Customer Service Excellence
We don't just serve food—we serve people. Every order is handled with care. Every guest is treated with respect. That's not a slogan; it's how we've operated since 1998.
Our team knows that consistency builds loyalty. You come back because you know what you're getting: quality mesquite-grilled barbecue, generous portions, friendly faces, and that unmistakable Phil's energy.
Years of San Diego BBQ Heritage
Gallons of Signature BBQ Sauce Served
Team Members Across San Diego County
What Our Customers Say
"One of my favorite BBQ spots in North County! This place absolutely is delicious and never disappoints. Don't let the line out the door scare you off."
— Google Reviews
"The ribs, wings, and fries were all very tasty and worth the 15 minute wait."
— Google Reviews
"A lot more food than expected!"
— Google Reviews
"Great service"
— Google Reviews
Ready to Experience It?
Whether it's your first time or you're a regular, Phil's BBQ is waiting. Stop by one of our San Diego locations or call ahead for catering and group orders.