Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

This place has some really good food!
My boyfriend and I had dinner here on a Saturday night, pretty packed I would say; but we were seated right away. I ordered the Pom martini it was delicious, it had little pieces of pomegranate in it. Shortly after we were brought over some garlic rolls they were so soft and yummy.
We ordered the garlic strings and fries for an appetizer, when they arrived it was great. Very tasty, we wanted ranch and ketchup and our waitress took a while to come to us. The service was lacking we weren’t checked on that much.
For dinner I ordered the tri tip BBQ salad and my boyfriend ordered the 3 meat 2 side meal. Yum! Is all I got to say, my salad was incredible. Probably the best salad I’ve ever had. The tri tip was perfect and everything on my salad tasted extremely fresh. My boyfriend liked his meal as well, stating how tender the meat was.
I had finished my martini and it was sitting empty for about 10 minutes before our waitress finally came by and asked if I wanted another. While I was enjoying my salad I saw the bartender make my drink (we were sitting in the bar area) and he finished it and it was sitting there for about 7 minutes before our waitress gets it and brings it to me.
The service definitely needs some improvement but the food and the drink were incredible to not give this place 5 stars. Everyone was friendly as well, if I’m in the area I’ll definitely be coming back.

I can only recommend this place to people who don’t like the taste of meat. It is no exaggeration when I say this is the absolute worst attempt at BBQ I have ever tasted in my life. I don’t even know how they can ethically pretend this is food. The meat is neither smoked nor marinated — indeed, the meat itself is utterly devoid of flavor, and it is only the sauce that has any flavor at all. I doused my meat in it, desperate for it to taste like food, but alas it only became more inedible. After two bites, I had to send it back, because my body was refusing to eat it. My husband, who has both a lower standard for food and a higher threshold for disgust, managed to eat half his tri-​tip salad before sadly lowering his fork and admitting what I had known from the start — airline food from the 80s has more taste than this «food». He was really angry at how bad the food was — and he NEVER gets angry about food quality. Just goes to show how truly abysmal it is.
We were severely disappointed. The appearance of kale and quinoa on the menu had gotten our hopes up so high, only to dash them completely. I now believe these are only there to mislead nonfoodies into thinking they serve real food instead of rubbish. I had been starving when we entered the restaurant, so I also ordered an appetizer of BBQ chicken skins. I was aghast when it came, because it did not resemble food — in appearance or texture or flavor. I wanted to cry, it was so terrible. There are no words for how awful it was. I was really dreading the Tri-​tip, and when it came I knew my worst fears had been realized. It doesn’t even look like real food. It looks like a fake plastic BBQ toy that a kid would have on his fake plastic BBQ grill. I couldn’t believe how fake it looked. And when I put it in my mouth, well, you already know. Both my husband and I were sick for several days after attempting to eat here.
The service was very friendly, and the rolls were passingly edible. They were the most decent thing here, but I’ve had better rolls at a diner. If you have good taste in food, do not eat here! I am posting this review for the express purpose of hoping to save some other foodie from this terrible fate.

Visited restaurant for lunch. Very nice modern looking interior and great smell of the smoked meat is definitely something to look for. Good lunch menu with lots of options, reasonably priced. I had BBQ salad with tri tip steak — it was excellent. Nicely cooked steak and good fresh salad, overall very tasty.
Service was very friendly and super-​attentive — the new ice tea glass was showing up at the table as soon as the previous one was emptied.
On a side note, the restaurant is located at the very beginning of the shopping center adjacent to Double Tree hotel — you can ask for complementary starter coupon at the hotel’s front desk.
Definitely recommended.

I didn’t come in here with the highest of expectations due to the fact that it’s BBQ and on the back side of a shopping strip, but was VERY pleasantly surprised after coming in here! I’ve already been a second time since I started the draft of this review! Lol! It’s a pretty upscale BBQ joint… Really great service, great atmosphere, great restrooms, great food, great, great, great! Prices are totally reasonable as well! This place will be a new regular for us!

Instant fan! Judging from my first experience here, I know I’ll be coming back for their best-​selling dish, the Tri-​Tip. The Tri-​Tip comes in a 7oz or 10oz cut with two sides (extra for premium sides). I had mine cooked medium rare, my favorite. Prior to the steaks, they bring out garlic rolls which are refillable of course. They are warm and delicious, but don’t be afraid to dip it in their signature sauce that’s on every table. The sauce rivals or if not equals to Phil’s BBQ sauce. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and spicy all at the same time.
When we finally had our entrees, I knew they won me over just by the presentation of the dish. A delicious and juicy steak with two complimenting sides. I went with the mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. My boyfriend went with an Idaho baked potato and grilled asparagus. Everything went well together. I do suggest grabbing that sauce bottle and adding some of it to the potatoes.
Our meal was excellent. The interior looks great with a full bar with some TVs. The service is great. I can’t wait to come back. I’m already praising this place after just one meal. I know there’s more to this place than just the Tri-​Tip. Hopefully when I return I’ll find the courage to try another dish, like the baby back ribs or brisket.

Wood Ranch took over Randy Jones. I believe that bar may have not been successful because it’s not known. Pretty hidden. Same with Wood Ranch. We came here and it was dead for a weekend afternoon.
Shelby our server was perfect. Made our first experience here wonderful. I wanted to try out the Lunch Special. Sounds like a great deal 12.95 for 2 sliders with soup or salad and a signature side.
So I had their sliders, I wanted to try two different ones so I had to pay an extra $ 1.95. BBQ Tri Tip and the Pull Pork. Not too shabby. Not the greatest but still good. I really enjoy their free garlic bread of course. It was hard trying not to ask for me as we needed to finish our meals.
I have to say I really like their salad. On my second visit here that’s what I got and added chicken. It was so good and simple. I was surprise at the bar they had a brown ale. Can’t you believe it? the bar is such a great place to watch a game.
People don’t really know about this place yet so great for some game watching. Not crowded at all with about 10 craft selection.
Yay to bar seating.

Wow. Some really delicious BBQ here!
I haven’t been to Phils except for their airport location but I would probably agree when other reviewed that this is comparable.
We came during lunch time on Sunday and there was no crowd at all. Staff is speedy and friendly. The place is big with many seating options and a bar area when tv. It is kid friendly /​family friendly. The décor is wood based and very welcoming.
We ordered tri tip, roast chicken, and ribs (forgot exactly which kind). For sides we got fries and steamed broccoli.
Food came relatively fast. Everything was delicious. Like, everything including the large head of steamed broccoli! Of course the fries are also delicious.
But it’s the tri tip and chicken that really kicked ass. (I’m personally not much of a rib eater) both were juicy, soft, tender, and just full of flavor but not like too salty or saucy or anything.
The roast chicken was dry rubbed with just the right amount of spice. Not dry at all and with plenty of meat. The tri tip was so juicy just typing about it makes me wish there’s another plate in front of me right now. Hmmmmmm!!!
Oh they also serve soft bread dipped in olive oil. It is a little oily for me (I just don’t like that my hands get oily… even though eating BBQ makes it even messier) but it’s really soft and good too.
They also have a place just for take out.
Anyway, the place is just great! Highly recommended!

We visited Wood Ranch BBQ the other night and were pleasantly surprised.
The food: We had the BBQ tri-​tip sandwich with fries, and the Brisket plate with mash potatoes and mac n cheese. The baguette used on the sandwich was a little tough. The meat was tender and well seasoned and the fries were perfect. The Brisket was tender, moist and had good flavor. The mac n cheese was basic but tasted good. The mashed potatoes were just OK. They were a little dry and way over salted. The food came out quick and had a good temperature.
The service: The service was very good. Chad, our server, was very attentive and prompt. He was familiar with the menu and had a pleasant manner.
The atmosphere: It was a very pleasant place to eat. I loved the ability to see into the kitchen and observe the cooks in action.

Delicious, overpriced bbq dinner. For lunch – I gave 5 stars in a previous review. For dinner, the prices go up so much I was in a bit of shock. Tri-​tip, pulled pork, and brisket are very good and the side of smashed sweet potatoes is a nice accompaniment, but worth the cost? I just don’t know.
Keeping this place as an occasional lunch place and won’t likely go back for dinner.

Baby back ribs? Yes please! But in an elegant setting, worthy of date night with your loved one.
I made reservations for my two girlfriends and I over
. We had a late lunch and although my friends arrived later than our reservations time, there was still seating available for us. Service is outstanding, super friendly. Even as I was waiting, the kind hostess offered me a seat at at the bar and asked if I needed anything. Love that!
Now I must say, Phil’s BBQ still ranks high in my book but these are delicious as well. Nice and tender with just the right amount of sauce. I decided on the salt crusted, fully loaded baked potato as my side. They also serve the meal with buttery garlic rolls that hit the spot. They have a large bar area as well and is spacious enough perfectly for large parties.
Parking can be a bit congested during the weekends but we had no problems finding a spot during the week. Will definitely return to sample other menu items! Thank you Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill :)

I’m not a huge fan of BBQ, but heard great places about this place and wanted to try it for myself! Those garlic bread rolls are out of this world! The price is rather fair for the quality. I ordered the Buckeye Burger, which had applewood-​smoked bacon, Tillamook cheddar, and their original BBQ sauce. It was very filling and pretty large!
I would absolutely recommend this place to a BBQ lover!

We came to wood ranch bbq for a dinner celebration. They were chosen because they did not have pricy requirements for big groups. We were also told that the outside may not accommodate 2 large parties as we were concurrently scheduled with another, but when we arrived, not only was the other party not ready to depart, but there was plenty of room for both of us.
The specialized menu with 4 options was printed for each guest. The food came out timely enough, but my tri tip was slathered in bbq sauce. I think good bbq does not need sauce to excel, but can add sauce to enhance the flavor. I was starving, though, and ate the whole thing.
I understand big parties can be difficult, but we had also preordered cheesecake for the birthday boys but we received ice cream sundaes (mostly whipped cream) instead. We weren’t looking for a free handout, and were intending on paying for the cheesecake. Either way, I probably would not seek eating here again.
A few other notes: 1) plenty of parking as this restaurant sits at the end of a strip mall
2) they won’t «split» checks but they will take multiple forms of payment
3) they brew their own beer (this is san diego)

Corporate BBQ is the easiest way to think of this place that replaced Randy Jones at Hazard Center.
The ambiance isn’t your typical BBQ joint like Phil’s BBQ or Famous Dave’s or something similar; instead it’s remarkably upscale and classy for a BBQ place. I almost felt underdressed and wasn’t expecting that.
Our server was pretty on point, so I do have to complement him on that; but the food lacked any distinguishing characteristics except for one particular sauce which if I recall correctly was a spicy peach version. However, I was bummed they didn’t just have bottles of their sauce on the table, instead you pick one for your meal and it comes in a little metal saucer.
Overall, we enjoyed our meal, but it lacked anything that was distinguishing or local and when your hostesses are in heels and stockings and your servers are in ties, these things add up to make it feel corporate which isn’t usually what goes with BBQ. We would come back, but it wouldn’t be our first choice for BBQ, just the choice of most convenience because it’s in Mission Valley with plenty of parking.

My family and i were super hungry after the pumpkin patch so we headed over here. There were so many people in the restaurant! Well of course since it’s a Saturday night. The hostess told us it would be a 40 minute wait for a party of 10. There are plenty of benches in the front to wait. After 20 minutes of waiting, our table was ready.
We sat on the patio at a long booth. We ordered the bbq mix plate. Tri tip, brisket & beefy ribs. Our sides were fries & baked beans. It was so yummy! The meat was so tender and the flavors were out of this world! I was already a bit full from the free garlic bread and butter haha. I shared with my sister & we still had a lot of left over.
Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. I will for sure come back again!

First off… location is odd. Wood ranch is on the top level of a shopping center and to enter, it seems you can only get into the restaurant from one specific parking lot or by going through the neighboring hotel. I spent quite a few minutes wandering in circles before I had to ask a hotel employee how to get in (LOL) when I finally found my way in, the interior was a pleasant surprise. Casual but classy with comfy booths and a lovely outdoor patio. We were seated immediately and brought to our booth where we were greeted by our server who was awesome. (We forget her name)
The cocktails we tried were both very yummy but didn’t seem to be strong at all. For an appetizer we had the spinach artichoke dip which was okay. The chips were good, salsa was boring, and the dip was tasty but had an odd texture. All three of us tried different variations of rhe wood ranch lunch special which was a very good deal; two sliders, a salad or soup, and one of the specialty sides. The ceasar salad, Natalie salad, and kale salad were all very good, along with the macaroni and cheese and the mashed sweet potatoes. None of us were impressed by any of the sliders unfortunately. We discussed that we would like to come back to try different things off the menu.

«I want my baby back
I want my baby back
I want my baby back
I want my baby back Ribs!»
(Nevermind…wrong chain restaurant)
Regardless, they got some pretty good babyback ribs., and definitely much better Chili’s, and perhaps 2^nd best in San Diego (Phils BBQ is #1 for baby backs, sorry!)? However, unlike Phil’s, this place has a lot more variety of meats and sides all served in a much classier environment by friendly staff. Also unlike Phil’s, you don’t have to wait 45+ minutes and you can even make a reservation. You also get a classier environment with full wait service… though that means you must leave a 10−20% tip, unlike Phil’s.
$ 23.00 for my hearty combo of baby back ribs, brisket, asparagus, and mac n cheese… all mentioned were delicious and filling. The wife’s tri tip blue cheese salad was wonderful and hearty as well. If you’re an unhealthy carb-​whore like me, you’ll love the free buttery rolls. I’ll probably come back here someday when I’m in the area.

When my friends chose this place for his birthday lunch/​watch the game at the bar, I was excited! I’ve been to the one in Cerritos before so I knew what to expect. They’ve got some yummy BBQ here! Their bread basket is delicious as well, buttery garlic rolls, no additional butter needed!
I ordered:
— 2 beef ribs with a side of loaded baked potato
— my bff ordered the pulled pork sandwich
— and everyone seemed to order a lil of everything, wings, sliders, fries, fried onions, a ton of beer
I got the chipotle cherry bbq sauce and it definitely had a kick to it! They’ve got a bottle of the original bbq sauce sitting on the table if you want to add more to your meal. Wood Ranch is for sure high on my list of «favorite chain restaurants»! Kinda reminds me of a mix of Yard House/​Claim Jumper

Think I’ve found a new spot that’s better than Phil’s!
This place is a little bit more fancy than Phil’s that has a full bar and patio. There’s tons of parking and a wide selection to choose from in terms of food.
I shared the chicken potato skins as an appetizer and a full rack of baby back ribs with my wife and it was more than enough for the two of us.
The sides were peanut Cole slaw and Laura’s favorite Mac and cheese.
I think I was full due to the free garlic bread they provided before our meals came out.
Our server was polite, helpful and very attentive.
We were in and out in less than an hour which was perfect as we were catching a movie next door.
Overall I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone who loves BBQ. Their own sauce is pretty damn good.
I’ll be back for sure to enjoy a game and throw back an few brewskis!

There was no wait when my boyfriend and I strolled in here at 8:30pm on a Friday. Apparently they were busy earlier because when my boyfriend went to order the BBQ plate, they were fresh out of pulled pork and brisket. A bit put off by this, and wondering how they aren’t on top of their game after a few months of experiencing a dinner rush.
In any case, he opted for the ribs, tri tip, and chicken with a corn on the cob as a side. I, on the other hand, ordered a ribeye with a side of mac. Server was the absolute best! She made sure our complimentary bread was well stocked and to check in with us to see if we were enjoying our meal. The bread was delicious — so buttery and gooey. The tri tip had a nice smokey flavor to it and the sweet BBQ sauce on top was a nice touch. I do wonder why you can only order this medium and above… A little dried out because of this, but again, the BBQ sauce helped. The chicken was very tender and the ribs were a fall off the bone goodness. The corn of the cob, on the other hand, was bland and way too simple. My rib-​eye was good and the mac was on point with all that cheesy goodness.
Good, hearty, and filling meal over all. Prices are also reasonable. Service is superb. I reserve judgment until I’m able to try their brisket and pulled pork though. I’ll update my review accordingly when I’m able to.

This place *was* on my radar to try out earlier this year when I learned of a new BBQ joint opening up in town. It somehow fell off my radar until tonight when I text the hubby and asked him to pick up dinner on his way back from being in the Mission Valley area.
I was at home resting today (just recovered from having the stinkin’ flu all week) and the last thing I wanted to do was cook and on a Saturday. Fortunately, I had Unilocal up on my laptop and searched for dinner spots in Mission Valley… that’s how Wood Ranch BBQ blipped back on my radar.
I quickly browsed through other, credible Unilocal reviews that provided helpful info on what to order since he was going to pick it up twenty minutes after our last text. Deciding on what to order was the hard part since the reviews I read consistently said the food was pretty amazing, lol.
Fortunately, there was a BBQ combo option where you can select between 2 – 4 different types of BBQ that came with two sides of your choice. This was the perfect option for us so we can have a little sampler and try it all out. I opted for the 4 options for $ 34.95 which included my choices of: pulled pork, baby back ribs, the tri tip and half chicken with mac & cheese and baked beans. I figured the hubby would want some mashed potatoes with our order, so I threw in that extra side for $ 3.95 to be picked up at 8:15pm tonight.
Ordering online, setting up my new account and paying online was super easy and swift. The hubs mentioned when he got home that they have reserved, 10-​minute parking spots for to-​go orders, so that made it easy for him to pick-​up our food and hit the road.
Everything was neatly packaged in the carryout bag and everything looked really good. I was a little surprised that the mashed potatoes came with no gravy, good to know so we know for next time.
After our first bites into the BBQ and tastes of the BBQ sauce, we became instant fans of WR; the flavors were really tasty and the BBQ was cooked to perfection. We can’t vouch for the chicken yet since we had so much food from everything else I ordered for us to share. We’ll try the chicken for lunch tomorrow, but they were two generous quarter pieces that I’m excited to try. The tri tip was probably my favorite, it was very tender and cooked beautifully. The same goes for the baby back ribs and the pulled pork. I don’t normally order pulled pork for myself, but it was pretty awesome. The mac & cheese was comforting, the baked beans were simple yet complimenting with everything else we chowed down on. You already know how I feel about the mashed potatoes, but oh well, lol.
Overall, we LOVED it. When we try new spots (or older spots that are new to us) and if we like/​love it, we make note to tell my in-​laws about it since they sometimes turn to us for local restaurant recs to try out. Consider this noted and bookmarked to return back many times over.
Bravo, Wood Ranch, bravoooo!