Wondering what to order from the Barbecue Pit menu? Here is the short answer. Start with a Pit Barbecue Plate, such as the beef plate, the ribs plate, or the beef-ham-ribs combo. Add coleslaw and baked beans on the side, and then save room for a slice of pie. This San Diego-area restaurant has slow-smoked meat over oak wood since 1947. As a result, the menu still feels like a local landmark.
What This Guide Covers
This guide walks through every section of the menu. First, you will see the plates and the a la carte sandwiches. Next, we cover the by-the-pound options, the soups, and the whole rib slab. We also share what is worth your money, plus a few tips for new visitors.
Please note that this is an independent, unofficial guide. We are not affiliated with The Barbecue Pit or its owners. Menu items and prices change, so confirm current pricing at your nearest location or on the official website before you order.
How We Verified the Barbecue Pit Menu
Every price and item comes from the restaurant’s official menu page. We then cross-checked it against location details for Fletcher Hills and National City. In addition, we read the restaurant’s history page to learn how the cooks prepare the food.
We skipped third-party delivery apps because they often list prices a few dollars higher than in-store pricing. If a number looks off, the restaurant has probably updated it. After all, wood-fire kitchens don’t always move at the speed of the internet.
A Quick Look at the Restaurant’s History
The Barbecue Pit opened in downtown San Diego on December 16, 1947. Two couples founded it: Joe and Lila Browning, and Ed and Mella Jenson. Joe learned barbecue from his stepfather, who ran several Texas barbecue restaurants in the 1930s. Later, he brought those methods west after his Navy service ended in San Diego.
The cooking method has barely changed in almost 80 years. Cooks still slow-cook the meat over an oak wood fire. Today, Joe and Lila’s son Gary runs the restaurant with his wife Sue and their sons. Two locations remain: Fletcher Hills and National City.
That history matters. This is not a smokehouse-themed fast-casual chain, but an actual pit.
Pit Barbecue Plates on the Barbecue Pit Menu
Plates are the core of the menu. Each plate comes with your choice of two sides. You can pick baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, green salad, potato salad, or french fries. In addition, every plate includes a roll with butter and the house barbecue sauce.
| Plate | Price |
|---|---|
| Beef | $19.49 |
| Ham | $19.49 |
| Ribs (Pork), Small | $19.99 |
| Ribs (Pork), Large | $24.99 |
| Beef, Ham & Ribs Combo | $28.99 |
| Small Beef | $14.99 |
| Large Beef | $24.99 |
| Beef Sandwich Plate | $14.99 |
| Ham Sandwich Plate | $14.99 |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich Plate | $14.99 |
| Hot Link Sandwich Plate | $14.99 |
| Chicken Sandwich Plate | $14.99 |
| Quarter Chicken | $12.99 |
| Half Chicken | $15.99 |
| Chicken & Ribs | $24.99 |
Beef Plate
The Beef Plate is a Texas-style favorite. Instead of chopping or shredding the beef, the kitchen slices it. Therefore, you get real slices with a smoke ring. Order it if you want something closer to brisket than to pulled, saucy barbecue.
Pork Ribs Plate
Ribs are another strong choice, especially if you love bone-in barbecue. The small size is plenty for one person with a big appetite. For two people, however, size up to the large plate.
Beef, Ham & Ribs Combo
The combo suits anyone who can’t decide. It also works well for new visitors. At $28.99, it costs more than a single plate, but it puts three meats on one plate. That beats ordering two separate entrees to share.
Chicken Plates
Quarter and half chicken plates are the lighter choice. They give you barbecue flavor without a full plate of beef or pork. Choose the quarter for a smaller appetite, or pick the half for a bigger meal.
A La Carte Menu
Want something smaller than a full plate? The a la carte section covers sandwiches, single sides, and dessert.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Beef Sandwich | $9.29 |
| Ham Sandwich | $9.29 |
| Hot Link Sandwich | $9.29 |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | $9.29 |
| French Fries | $5.00 |
| Cole Slaw | $5.00 |
| Macaroni Salad | $5.00 |
| Green Salad | $5.00 |
| Potato Salad | $5.00 |
| Baked Beans | $5.00 |
| Pies | $4.99 |
| Cakes | $4.99 |
Sandwiches
Sandwiches make a great solo lunch. Pick the pulled pork for a classic bun-and-barbecue meal, or try the hot link if you like a peppery kick. Since every sandwich costs $9.29, you can simply choose by flavor.
Sides and Desserts
Single sides cost $5 each, so they add up fast. For example, a sandwich plus two sides costs more than a sandwich plate. Because the plate already includes the sides, it is the better deal.
Both pies and cakes cost $4.99. Pie is the classic pairing with barbecue, but flavors change daily. Ask the staff what is available.
Meats by the Pound and Sides
This section works well for groups, such as family dinners, tailgates, and backyard gatherings. In short, you get restaurant barbecue without the cooking.
| Side | Pint | Quart | Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleslaw, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans | $7.79 | $12.49 | $40.49 |
| Barbecue Sauce / Potato Salad | $7.79 | $12.49 | $42.00 |
| Sliced Meats | Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Beef, Ham, or Spare Ribs (sliced) | $25.99/lb |
| Beef or Whole Hams | $17.00/lb |
Buying by the pound makes sense for four or more people. It also works when you want leftovers for sandwiches. As a rough guide, one pound of sliced beef makes three to four regular sandwiches.
Whole hams are the best value here because they cost less per serving than individual ham plates. Also, if you already order a plate, you can add a quart of baked beans or coleslaw to take home.
Soups
| Soup | Cup | Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Split Pea with Ham | $4.99 | $5.99 |
| Bean with Ham and Vegetable | $4.99 | $5.99 |
Both soups use ham from the same smoker as the rest of the menu. Consequently, they taste like part of the barbecue meal. The split pea is the heartier option, so order a cup on a cold evening. Alternatively, add one as a small starter before a big plate.
Whole Slab of Spare Ribs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Whole Pork Slab | $42.00 |
The whole slab suits catering runs, potlucks, or a rib-loving night in. It includes a cup of barbecue sauce and one side. You can choose a pint of coleslaw, macaroni salad, baked beans, or potato salad. Overall, it feeds two or three people who share, which makes it a natural next step after the small rib plate.
Best Value on the Barbecue Pit Menu
The small beef plate at $14.99 is the best value. For under $15, you get sliced smoked beef, two sides, and a roll. Few chains cook over a real wood fire at that price.
Want more food for a similar cost? Split the combo between two people. Each person pays roughly $14.50 and still tries three meats.
Lighter Options
Barbecue is not the usual choice for people who watch what they eat. Still, a few swaps help. Chicken is leaner than beef or ribs, especially without the skin. Likewise, swapping french fries or macaroni salad for the green salad cuts fat and calories without changing your entree.
Unfortunately, the restaurant does not publish calorie counts. If you track your intake closely, ask the staff for ingredient details. You can also check allergen information with the location before you order.
What Makes This Menu Different
Many barbecue menus today come from concepts that opened in the last decade. They rely on bold branding, “pitmaster” language, and heavily marketed sauces. The Barbecue Pit does not follow that path.
Instead, you get a short, focused list of plates built around oak-smoked meat. There is no flashy secret menu, and there are no rotating limited-time items. That simplicity is rare outside a handful of regional institutions.
Barbecue Pit Locations, Hours, and Catering
The Barbecue Pit has two locations in the San Diego area. Hours can shift around holidays, so check the website or call ahead.
Fletcher Hills (El Cajon): 2388 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92020. Phone: (619) 462-5434. Listed hours are 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
National City: 920 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Phone: (619) 477-2244. Reported hours are Monday to Wednesday 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Because other listings show slightly different closing times, confirm by phone.
Which branch should you choose? Head to Fletcher Hills if you live in East County or near the 8 freeway. On the other hand, pick National City if you are south of downtown San Diego or want Sunday service.
Both locations handle catering directly. According to one listing, parties of 100 or more get free delivery and service, while smaller parties pay a $75 catering fee. Since terms can change, ask the restaurant before you plan a big event. The by-the-pound and whole-slab options fit these orders well.
Also, do not confuse this restaurant with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a separate chain that appears in some El Cajon search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable meal on the Barbecue Pit menu?
The small beef plate and the sandwich plates cost $14.99 each. Each one includes two sides and a roll. For a lighter budget, a single sandwich costs $9.29.
What sides come with a Barbecue Pit plate?
Plates include two sides of your choice. Options are baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, green salad, potato salad, and french fries. A roll with butter and barbecue sauce comes with every plate.
Does the Barbecue Pit offer catering?
Yes, both locations handle catering. Fees and delivery terms may vary, so call your nearest location to confirm details for your event.
Is the National City location open on Sundays?
Reported hours show Sunday service from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM. However, hours change, so call (619) 477-2244 before you go.
Does the Barbecue Pit publish nutrition information?
No, the restaurant does not publish calorie counts. Therefore, ask the staff about ingredients and allergens at your location.
Final Take
The Barbecue Pit menu does not chase novelty. Instead, it offers a short, honest list built around meat smoked over oak wood since 1947. New here? Start with the Beef Plate or the small ribs plate, and pick coleslaw and baked beans as your sides. Prices vary by location and change over time, so check with your nearest restaurant first. In most cases, the simplest order is the right one.
Irfan Khan is an experienced writer and researcher with over 6 years of expertise in Manu-related topics. Through ManuLibrary, he shares reliable information, insightful updates, and valuable knowledge to help readers explore, understand, and discover everything about Manu.
