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San Diego’s food scene hits that rare sweet spot where sun-soaked casual meets chef-driven magic. From beachside burgers to a three-star Michelin symphony, you can chase cravings across neighborhoods without losing the ocean breeze. This guide mixes classics you have heard whispered about with a few curveballs that locals swear by. Bring an appetite and a little curiosity, because each stop tells a different story of the city’s flavor.
Phil’s BBQ
You smell Phil’s before you see it, and that smoky perfume is half the welcome. The ribs arrive lacquered and glistening, with a bark that yields into meat so tender you barely negotiate with it. Grab a side of coleslaw for crunch and the massive onion rings that shatter like good gossip.
Lines can snake around the building, but they move with a rhythm that keeps hope lively. You can go brisket, pulled pork, or chicken, then baptize everything in their balanced, tangy sauce. It is messy in the best way, so embrace the stack of napkins and the inevitable grin…