By Carolyn Howard
PassPort to San Diego
If you love the first-place Kansas City Chiefs and good old-fashioned barbecue, then Kansas City BBQ in downtown San Diego is the place for you! The famous “Top Gun” bar and eatery serves up oh-so-tasty gridiron grub along with all the game action on various big screen TVs placed throughout the restaurant and bar, indoor and patio dining area and the back room, which seats approximately 40 people.
On a recent Sunday night, the Chiefs took on their division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers, in a nail-biter, and fun time for everyone cheering on their favorite team. Considering Kansas City BBQ is a home for Chiefs fans, the 17-yard touchdown by Kansas City tight Travis Kielce with 31 seconds remaining, lifting the Chiefs to a 30-27 victory, made for an exciting evening. In the back room, where most of the “regulars” hang out wearing Chiefs apparel, the score bell rang loudly over the cheers. (The bar, by the way, is filled with Kansas City memorabilia — and aside from Chiefs games, they also show Royals games, and KU and Missouri games on a regular basis.)
I had a chance to enjoy the Chiefs-Chargers match-up along with fans who also love the on-site slow-smoked BBQ. Aside from its tasty ribs, the place also serves sandwiches, chicken and beef, and delicious side dishes including coleslaw, beans, fries, delicious onion rings, potato salad, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese. The hangout also offers Daily Happy Hour on draft beer and savory snacks from 3:30 p.m-6:30 p.m.
The “burnt ends” of briskets known for their flavor, seemed to be a favorite and sell out quickly. The hot wings were of medium heat, first smoked and then lightly fried. The pork spare ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender as was the beef brisket. Chicken breast with a side of creamy mac and cheese and light and crispy onion rings rounded out the meal. With generous portions, there was plenty to take home.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this landmark downtown destination, which celebrated its 39th anniversary in 2022. Located across Harbor Drive from Seaport Village and just down the street from the USS Midway Museum, it’s at 600 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego. Call (619) 231-9680 or visit http://kcbbq.net/.