I QUE BBQ — Restaurant in La Mesa

Not a real BBQ place. …based on the what was ordered…

Reason 1. Brisket is cut with the grain as shown in the picture. No true BBQ place would do that or make such an amateur mistake like that.

Reason 2. Brisket is bland. Was this boiled then smoked? Where’s the bark? Where’s the flavor?

Reason 3. Burnt ends are delicious if you can find them. Not sure what I ordered. It was more like charred fat. Real BBQ places have a very limited supply of burnt ends and is usually sold by the pound.

Reason 4. Why would you smother sauce all over the burnt ends? Why are you trying to hide the flavor? Quality BBQ does not require sauce. It’s delicious straight from the smoker…well after the meat has time to rest.

What I ordered…

Baked Beans: It’s edible. Needs something…

Beef Hotlink: Tasted more like a sausage than anything. Not my flavor or texture.

Brisket: Bland. No bark. It was a sad plate of meat.

Burnt Ends: More like lightly charred fat triangles. Smothered in sauce…just why?

Collards: It was edible. Doesn’t really complement the food ordered.

Drummies: It’s edible.

I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but this is a very amateur BBQ restaurant. I get it, there’s a lot of food to be prepped, but come on. Trying to pass this food off as BBQ is a pathetic joke. This place is edible, not enjoyable.

Why are the reviews so high? …because the reviewers are. Welcome...

I-Que-BBQ is a must have BBQ place. If you are ever in the area do yourself a favor and get a tasty cut of meat done the right way by this small but quaint establishment. It's hard to find a place that does Mesquite smoked BBQ the right way. The balance between the smoke, the BBQ sauce, and the meat itself is top notch here and can't be rivaled by any other place in San Diego. Located in a small strip mall within a stone's throw from the 94 and 125, it could be easy to miss this gem if you happen to be driving down the road.

If you're like me and have dabbled in smoking meat, you know how easy it is for mesquite to overwhelm any cut of meat. Not with Tyrone, aka "Coach T". It is clear he puts pride into every dish and I am honored to have had the opportunity to have met him. A gentle giant that treated me like family. With "Miss P" ringing you up at the order stand and greeting you with a smile how can you not feel the southern comfort that is provided by this place. I will most certainly be back and I can't recommend this place enough to anyone looking for that "hole-in-the-wall" home style smoky barbecue.

I had the Brisket Burnt Ends sandwich, cowboy caviar, and Buffalo mac n cheese with pulled pork on top. All delicious! Other people in my party had the brisket plate and smoked ribs. Nothing but smiles and...

If you’re a BBQ lover, you absolutely have to make a stop at I Q BBQ! This place is a gem that should be on every food lover's radar.

From the moment you walk in, the mouthwatering aroma envelops you like a warm hug. The ambiance is casual and welcoming, perfect for grabbing a bite with friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner.

Now, let’s get into the food. The smoked brisket is an absolute must-try. Cooked to perfection, it boasts just the right balance of smokiness and tenderness that melts in your mouth. And don’t even get me started on their homemade BBQ sauce—it packs an amazing punch that keeps you coming back for more.

Make sure you don’t skip the sides! The mac and cheese is creamy and delicious, a perfect companion to any main dish, and the collard greens are a delightful surprise, bursting with flavor. If you have room for dessert, the bunt cake slice is the cherry on top of an already stellar meal.

The staff at I Q BBQ are friendly and attentive, ensuring you have everything you need and offering great recommendations if you’re unsure what to order. Plus, the prices are incredibly reasonable for the top-notch quality you’re getting.

Overall, I Q BBQ has quickly become my go-to spot for BBQ in town. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to treat yourself to a meal here. You...