Lemon Grove, California
1165 customer reviews
Tony Gutierrez
Absolutely the best bbq in San Diego.. food has real bbq flavoring.. always fresh.. friendly service..
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Andre B.
You will know your here when you smell the smoke. The best hole in the wall BBQ you can get in San Diego. I have to stop and eat here every time I make it down this way.
Reviewed on Yelp
Serita R.
I don't even know where to begin, because everything about Coop's was amazing. I used them to cater my rehearsal dinner with about 20 family members, as well as provide dessert (peach cobbler) for my wedding reception. Dinner was PHENOMENAL. We had brisket, chicken, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, and rolls. The vegetarians and meat-eaters were both more than satisfied. Plus we had leftovers which were perfect because our wedding party was staying at an Airbnb together and we all had the perfect lunch before the big event. My grandmother has not stopped talking about the cobbler. Our guests LOVED it. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of this, but after our wedding, we got back to our Airbnb, and of course, I had not eaten during the entire event, so, in my wedding dress, I ate mac and cheese out of the pan and it was honestly the best part of my night. I cannot recommend Coop's and their team enough! More...
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Justin S.
Absolutely delicious BBQ. Melt in mouth meat and good BBQ. If they had spicy BBQ it be perfect. Thanks for the good food
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Diamond R.
Love this  place! The brisket and ribs just melt in your mouth and there bbq sauce is off the chain. Sweet tea is on point
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Angie W.
Their brisket had a little bit of fat attached keeping the meat moist. The pulled pork was perfection. No sauce was needed but it did add sweetness. The collard greens we're seasoned and not heavy. Prices are on the high side, but reasonable considering the location. Great Service. Great food! More...
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Scott B.
This is the best bbq in town! Great flavor. Meats had true smoke flavor. Not overdone.
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Phillip S.
This is my BBQ spot. Don't get the chance very often to go because of location but when I'm in the area I definitely go to Coops. Recently went on a Monday and was sad to see they are closed on Monday's. More...
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Charleen W.
It's been almost 9 years since my first review...still great! Sadly we haven't lived in Lemon Grove for years, and we miss Coops! Â But we'll make the drive from El Cajon anytime we get that BBQ craving. Totally worth the drive. More...
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Jasmine R.
Authentic. Call in your order, ready when u walk in. Really love the hot links and bbq baked potatoes
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Jane D.
Wow! Coops is the business. I had the brisket, greens and slaw. The brisket had lovely smoke rings, was tender and delicious. Try it out!
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Jenna A.
Just ordered from Postmates and got the 4 meat trio and 2 sides of Mac n cheese. I absolutely loved everything. I had the brisket, ribs, jerk chicken, and Texas sausage. The BBQ sauce was to die for. So incredibly happy and have a full tummy. More...
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Eric N.
They serve collar greens....real southern cooking...it gets really busy on sunday probably because its next to a church...
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Nick W.
This place is amazing. It's hard to find a place that does bbq the way it should be done. Coops does it the right way. I ordered the brisket, with a side of Mac n cheese and coleslaw. Everything was made perfectly. Will definitely be returning. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Brian O. A.
There are many bbq spots in San Diego, but my top two includes Coops. The bbq is smoked enough that the meat falls off the bone and you put how much bbq sauce you want. The Kit and Kaboodle meal is a great way to choose 4 types of meats,comes with 2 medium sides and 2 corn bread slices. Drink selection has sweet tea among soda choices as well.The only downside is the restaurant dining area is small inside (about 8 tables that fits 4) and parking is limited. More...
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Rob K.
Phenomenal BBQ experience!!!!! Hard to find decent bbq in this city , but I'm hooked now. Brisket rivals any spot in the US. Literally soooo tender it pretty much melts In your mouth. Had a slab of pork spareribs which were also very good!!! Enjoyed the collard greens (a hint of bacon) would really take these to the next level. Then being the dessert connoisseur that I am had to try all 3 desserts ( sweet potato pie, buttermilk pie, peach cobbler) all really fantastic ways to finish lunch. More...
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Robin S.
We had Coop's cater a Celebration of Life event (we picked up) in Memory of our Dad who loved the food as much as we do. Â The best Brisket, Ribs, Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans, Potato Salad along with rolls, and of course some delicious BBQ sauce. Â The food was ready for pick-up and there was an abundance of food for 25! Â The family raved about the delicious smoked meats and the sides. Â Want to thank Tara Cooper for working with us and making this Celebration of Life memorable.Jim S. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Rovetta Johnson
Great barbecue. and very very good fish. cozy friendly place to eat. And a great atmosphere all together.
Reviewed on Facebook
Kim T.
The food was great and service very friendly!!It was busy but not a long wait. Easy to see from the street. I had Small Boy brisket sandwich with collard greens. I am used to east coast collard greens with bacon and vinegar but Texas collard greens are good too!!We all loved their barbecue sauce!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Linda Francisco
This was my first time to eat at Coops. So.....We had the brisket and beef ribs, with our sides as baked beans, red beans w rice, Mac n cheese, greens and corn bread. Everything was very delicious. The ribs and brisket had a wonderful smoked flavor and was nice and tender. My son had the Mac n cheese which he liked. All the other sides were very delicious and not salty which I liked. The workers are all very friendly and helpful when trying to choose your meal. I would definitely go back! More...
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Kathryn L.
Best BBQ in San Diego. This is authentic Texas BBQ. I wish they still had their Southbay location.
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Michele S.
I've had food catered from here a number of times but have never been to the actual restaurant.Their brisket is super soft and can be eaten with a spoon. The mac n' cheese is also the BEST regular/basic mac n' cheese I've ever had! Â Hot links are actually spicy and super flavorful.Overall a great place and our go-to place for catering. More...
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Sone M.
Nice chill, quick bite spot , I can't say it's the best bbq ribs I've had but definitely the collard greens and home made sausage is the best in town , the tri tip sandwich is really good too , but plan to come early because they close early too.
Reviewed on Yelp
Christina W.
Agree wholeheartedly with Memphis B. Â Went for the first time recently with DH and we were blown away. Â Everything was top notch, from the rib tips to the spareribs to the sides. Â And the cornbread was off the chain. Â Sorry, Phil's bbq fans -- their food may be more pleasing to your palate (a saucy, softer oven-baked type product that is finished on a grill) but it is not BBQ. Â To put it in perspective, my parents love Phil's, but they are also in their 80s and their palates have waned and their teeth are not what they used to be. Â To each his/her own. Â But if you want REAL BBQ, look no further than Coop's. More...
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Edd C.
All the BBQ here is awesome, but Coop's always satisfies my brisket craving! Â If you love BBQ like I do, ya gotta give Coop's a try! Â I notice they have fried fish and chicken spot next door now, so I'll be giving that a try next time! More...
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Mea D.
Literally my favorite meal. We get a full slab of Pork ribs with the 2 sides. I have a family full of heavy talkers, but when we are eating Coop's the room is silent because everyone is racing to finish their first plate of food so they can dig into seconds. The owner is such a nice guy, we don't always dine in but in the few times we have he has been there and he talks to the customers. Such a friendly owner and welcoming staff. We love this place! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Rockne P.
Perfect West Texas Style, with a serious touch of Alabama soul food. Â For those who don't understand BBQ, every region is different. Â From vinegar based sauces in the Carolinas to sweet Smokey sauce in Virginia. Â Coops BBQ is solid Texas style, but the sides, oh man the sides, are serious soul. Â Sweet potato pie, collard greens etc. Â I'm just a poor gringo from Texas, and I am telling you, if you've never tried serious Texas BBQ and good soul food, you are missing out. Â Price is good, quality is excellent and the customer service is the best. More...
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Katie Leigh
Best bbq around, love the sweet potato and buttermilk pies, great service
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Dave Smith
great barbecue what more can I say
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Amirra S.
Good food good prices fast and good variety of food to choose from. I always go here. I usually get a brisket and peach Cobbler
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Holly J.
Oh my! One of my favorite places to eat! Chicken is always tender and tastes amazing! It's my go to place when I'm not sure what to eat.
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Myrna H.
I saw a post on Facebook this morning from Coops and had the idea to get BBQ all day. Â I chose a large order of pork ribs this time. .. yummy! Â It comes with 2 sides and I also ordered cornbread. Â The ribs were so tender... So flavorful.. so delicious. Â This location isn't close yet it's worth the drive. Â The cornbread portions are generous and the greens - wow... seasoned to perfection (not too salty). More...
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Cat Cizmas
Two sticky thumbs up! I’m from West Texas, and this place really feels and tastes like home. Already looking forward to our next visit (and trying the chicken joint across the lot)!!
Reviewed on Facebook
Zach J.
Hot dang this place is good! For my first time here, I had a pulled pork sandwich with a side of beans. Comes with pickles and onions, a great deal for $8 when you check in on Yelp. One of the better sandwiches I've been able to find in San Diego. Im not usually a tipper for order-at-the-counter places, but these folks deserve it. Definitely one of my new favorites. I'll be begging my family to come here with me! More...
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Nico J.
Hands down the best BBQ place I have been to in San Diego. Highly recommend this place if you are looking for a great BBQ place.
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Charles Atherton
Food is amazing and the people are so friendly. I bring everyone who visits here. The BBQ and the Chicken and waffles great.
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Linda Wilcots
This is the best yet! If ya haven't been to Coop's, then y'all are missin' out !!
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Randy P.
Great change of pace for airport food. Â Wait Is this Chicago Airport?Pulled pork and eggs. Â Yum
Reviewed on Yelp
Memphis B.
Any idiot attempting to compare this place to Phil's bbq should be smacked in the face with hot brisket. The owner is a fantastic human who deeply cares and delivers on extremely high quality bbq. If you're anywhere near lemon grove, don't think twice, just go. More...
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James B. Proctor
Good ole down south cooking - Southwest Texas that is! nothing like a good southern meal when you are a long way from home - South Georgia is what I'm talking about. I you are homesick for a good meal, this is the place to go! I'm telling you "this food right here is good!" More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Matt J.
If you judge a bbq spot by its sauce and not it's meat then you don't know bbq. This place gives you the best meats for a bbq place in San Diego. I love Phil's sauce and sides. But coops blows them out of the water with their meats and it's not even close. The way I see it is I go to a bbq place for good smoked brisket,chicken,Texas HOMEMADE SAUSAGE,and pulled pork. I don't know the owner but he is doing things the right way. More...
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Jennifer N.
I've only had them catered at my work and I was very satisfied with everything! My favorite were the brisket and mac n cheese! ! And they're very friendly. Would totally recommend for catering. More...
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Carlo Mondragon
Great example of Texas barbeque!
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Joan C.
Every time I order from Coop's it gets even better than the last!!! Absolutely delicious and the best Brisket I've ever eaten! !! I highly recommend for any gathering or a quick dinner when you don't feel like cooking!! The staff is super friendly and always pack "to go" orders perfectly!!! More...
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Ben Martinez
Got to try Coop's BBQ today & all I can say is it was exactly what I needed! had the rib & brisket large plate with baked beans & greens, so good! thank you for your amazing food!
Reviewed on Facebook
Isaac N Alexis L.
Wow, What a Find!! Everything we tried was delicious; Jerk Chicken, Brisket, Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Red Beans & Rice, and Mac n Cheese were all delicious & the portions were great too. Definitely one of the Best BBQ places we've come across, ever! More...
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J S.
I wouldn't eat their food every day, but I love their barbecues and I eat there from time to time.
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Jacqueline Piano
Great food and service with a smile! Lovely ladies in the kitchen!
Reviewed on Facebook
Raleigh M.
I was tailgating at a Charger's game at the Q years ago when I came across a dude giving out samples of BBQ meats. He had a big smoker trailer or some other contraption attached to his truck. The meat melted in my mouth. It was delicious. He told me the story of when he came to San Diego he couldn't find BBQ as good as it was back home in Texas. That dude was Coop. Â Been visiting his little shop in Lemon Grove ever since. The brisket is my favorite. Much better than what I've had at Phil's, or even Grand Ole BBQ, which is a step up from Phil's. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Michelle B.
Coops catered a company event for us today and everything went really smoothly! Everyone loved it. Tara and team were so nice to work with. Communication was great. Highly recommend them! More...
Reviewed on Yelp