**** This location of Mike's BBQ has closed
Way back in March of last year, I mentioned that Mike's BBQ was replacing the rather ill-fated LW's SD BBQ. Mike's has a location out in Escondido and I pinged some acquaintances who lived in North County…..all of them used Phil's as a comparison. Which didn't place them very high on my list of places to try….nothing against Phil's….folks like the place, he makes great ketchup (sauce), but it pretty much ends there for me.
I did end up trying Mike's BBQ three times since they opened and have noticed a couple of interesting things. 
They have a adequate selection of beer, pretty much paint by the numbers; that would be no sours, no true Belgians, but still not terrible. What I did notice was that the beer selection, while nothing outstanding was significantly better than Coastal Crave's, which is in the same strip mall. Last time I was there was back in April of last year, so perhaps things have changed.
The set-up is rather corporate, but still nice, spacious, and clean.
The folks were really nice on my three visits and I think folks come here to watch sports….so it's become the local sportsbar of sorts.
On my first visit, I went with the Brisket Sandwich, with Potato Salad as my side. The potato salad was actually the best thing about this meal; though I have to say, the portion size was quite large for a "side".
The folks here were nice enough to serve me the sauce, which wasn't very good….much too sweet, almost artificially sweet….I tried the spicy, which wasn't much better, on the side. The brisket was on the dry side, lacking in smoke flavor, the texture somewhat mealy, like it had been par cooked. No complaints about the amount of food, but this really didn't impress me much.
Still, the folks were quite nice and the portion size decent, so after a few months I returned and got the Four Babybacks and Quarter Chicken ($14.99).
So let's be perfectly honest here……the ribs look like they've been sitting around for a bit too long, then dumped on a grill. It was rather gummy in texture. I'll pass on the coleslaw and mac and cheese (which had some hard bits) next time as well.
The chicken was quite moist and had a decent seasoning; though this really didn't pass as BBQ Chicken to me, seeming to be roasted chicken heated on a grill. Still, it wasn't bad….
After giving things a break, I returned a couple of weeks ago. They've done a bit more to the place and it looks quite welcoming.
I just went with the Spicy Sausage and Fries. Like before the portion size of the "side" seemed very generous.
The dog was hot, mildly spicy, and very juicy……this was actually the best meal I've had at Mike's. Not earth-shattering mind you, but ok.
I like the folks that work here, the portions are generous, and it's nice to have more options in the area. Not sure when, or if I'll return to Mike's BBQ, but I hope they do well.
Mike’s BBQ
3057 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117
Open Daily 11am – 9pm
Not to beat a dead horse, but this is how I prefer my BBQ from a couple of photos I had lying around……
My baby back ribs…..some chicken thighs for pulled chicken….
A smoked half chicken with a bourbon glaze…..not rocket science…..
