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Up in Smoke BBQ - Escondido: A Flavorful Oasis of BBQ Goodness

Up in Smoke BBQ - Escondido is a gem in the heart of Escondido, California, known for its mouthwatering BBQ. Located at 138 W Grand Ave, this eatery offers a casual dining experience marked by generous portions of tender meats, including their acclaimed pulled chicken and brisket. Customers rave about the flavor-packed sides like mac and cheese and chili, which add to the overall satisfaction. Although service may be hit or miss due to staff shortages, the quality of the food shines through. With a laid-back atmosphere and delicious dishes, Up in Smoke BBQ is definitely worth a visit for any BBQ enthusiast.

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Up in Smoke BBQ - Escondido: Reviews & Ratings

Taniyyus Syed
Taniyyus Syed

Food is good here. Service, not so much. They have one of the nicer BBQ in San Diego. It is soft and tender - absolutely delicious. The place is nice and big but they only have one wait staff and they do have signs saying they are short staffed. The lady there is doing a fantastic job but they need to hire more people. The place looks a little bit scrappy with things stacked behind the counter. If you can ignore all that, food is fantastic. Despite the lack of service, I have to give it a 4 star. Hope they improve the service better.

Saint Estevan
Saint Estevan

I’ve visited the older location in San Marcos. This location on Grand was easy to find. Parking was not hard to find. The venue has to big tables outside and a few standing tables inside. The lemonades tasted amazing and when brought home with melted ice kept the same great taste. The Mac & Cheese tasted amazing. The chili had a great smoked after taste from the brisket. The quesadilla was a huge portion and great taste. The Chili dog was a great portion and hit the spot for this chili dog lover.

Karen
Karen

The GREATEST pulled chicken I have ever had! I could eat it everyday of my life! The brisket and pork are delicious too. Sides are also amazing. Chili is packed with delicious tender meat. Generous portions of meat. It reheats very well too. Service is fantastic. We love Kayla! Do yourself a favor and try this GEM in Escondido!!!

Mike Krogh
Mike Krogh

After a disappointing stop at the place next door, we finally ordered pick up from here and were happy that we did. We shared a two meat plate with baked beans, plus a side of mac and cheese and some cornbread. The mac and cheese and cornbread were great. We got a generous portion of soft whipped butter for the cornbread. The pulled pork was excellent, and the chicken was pretty good as well. They have a different flavor from one another, and I think I would have liked a side of BBQ sauce to add- but that's on me for not asking. For about 30 bucks (with 10% off for the Escondido Eats discount), we had plenty of food and leftovers for two of us. Yes, it's a small place and not as fancy as their neighbors, but the food and the price more than makes up for a lack of wood paneling and TVs. I'm very much looking forward to our next visit!

Jason Mann
Jason Mann

Ksenia is the most incredible chef and would recommend her to anyone for catering. Can’t wait for her to cater my upcoming wedding! Special shout out to Kayla for the great hospitality during our visit and for the delicious food we got to take with us to enjoy!

JEFFREY HALES
JEFFREY HALES

We just ordered Lunch there from Kayla, who BTW is the BEST EVER!!!!! Also, our 1st time back at Up In Smoke since they reopened & relocated to Escondido. The BBQ is STILL the BEST!!!! We got the brisket with beans, coleslaw & man & cheese! Wow!!!! Couldn’t finish it all, and it was mouthwatering delicious!! Escondido you have a JEWEL in your neighborhood now, take advantage of it! It’s a small place but does have outdoor seating So many things to try out on the menu like Brisket Chili, Yum Can’t wait to go back!!!!! Thanks for Reopening

Location

If you're a barbecue enthusiast in Escondido, look no further than Up in Smoke BBQ. Nestled at 138 W Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025, this local gem offers a truly mouth-watering BBQ experience that has garnered praise for its tender meats and generous portions.

Upon entering, you're greeted by a spacious venue that features both indoor standing tables and large outdoor seating. Customers like Taniyyus Syed rave about the soft and delicious BBQ, noting that the ambiance may feel a tad scrappy, particularly with signs of short staffing visible. However, many agree that it's a minor trade-off for the exceptional quality of food.

Highlighting some standout dishes, Up in Smoke BBQ excels in areas such as the pulled chicken, which one customer proclaimed as "the greatest" she's ever had. Other menu favorites include their brisket, pork, and sides like mac and cheese and tantalizing chili that features a delightful smoked aftertaste. The quesadilla and chili dog have also made strong impressions among patrons, proving to be substantial and flavorful choices.

In terms of drinks, their lemonades have received accolades for retaining their taste, even when enjoyed at home with melted ice. Not to mention, the whipped butter served with their warm cornbread is a wonderfully indulgent touch that complements the savory dishes seamlessly.

Despite occasional service hiccups, the dedication of staff members is evident. Guests have highlighted individuals like Kayla and Ksenia for their fantastic hospitality and cooking prowess, making your visit feel personal and warm.

In summary, Up in Smoke BBQ - Escondido is a delightful choice for barbecue aficionados seeking hearty and flavorful dishes. Whether you're indulging in the succulent meats or savoring the rich sides, this establishment truly captures the essence of quality BBQ. The food is undeniably the star of the show, promising satisfaction with every bite.