Kansas City Barbeque is a restaurant bar and home of the bar scene in the movie Top Gun. KCBBQ is located across Harbor Drive from Seaport Village and just down the street from USS Midway. They have become infamous for their on-site, slow-smoked barbeque giving their meats a one-of-a-kind flavor. KCBBQ is revered by aficionados for their special sauces, rubs, and “burnt ends” of briskets known bursting with flavor! They have a Daily Happy Hour on draft beer and delicious snacks from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm!
Frank Chaco
22:27 02 Mar 23
Today I was with friends and in a hurry for lunch from a workshop at the Hyatt so we went to Kansas City Barbecue. Man... was I happy for making that choice. The service was QUICK and outstanding, the atmosphere was very casual and quaint but the food was just fantastic!! Including my beer! We were in and out of there in less than 45 min. I had the Amazing Brisket. I'll definitely return as my friends liked it too. They also offer take out.read more
Joelle Goodwin
07:29 28 Dec 22
Known as the "Top Gun" bar. I was pleasantly surprised that the food was pretty good, especially for "Kansas City BBQ"... in California. I had the rib platter with pork ribs. The ribs were good. I was not a huge fan of their BBQ sauce as it was a bit sweet. The coleslaw was good, though it is vinegar based and good Mac and cheese. This is not a good place for a vegan or vegetarian there are no options for non-meat eaters. There's lots of Top Gun memorabilia on the walls and what is supposed to be the piano from the movie is there. The most surprised thing for me was how small the place is. I tiny hat to the wonders of movie making. The restaurant and bar are extremely small. It looked like you would have a hard time getting more than 50 people in the place. It was an overall good experience.read more
Londoner
21:27 01 Dec 22
TOP GUN. It's not just a restaurant it's an attraction as well. The service of the guy behind the counter was... excellent. The food was nicely cooked and tasty, the atmosphere and the vibe they make the whole experience way better. I highly recommend this placeread more
Samuel Evans
07:26 27 Sep 22
As someone who is from the Kansas City area, a Jayhawk alum, Chiefs fan AND fan of Top Gun, this was a fantastic... experience! After the 2008 fire a bit has changed since from the original, however the owners did a nice job restoring the place, from military patches on the wall to sports memorabilia! The brisket plate and beer were very good, plus the service was very friendly. Would love to go back, especially when a KC team is playing!read more
Julie Morris
05:19 22 Aug 22
Really bad service. We should have known when the hostess ignored us for several minutes. We were finally seated and... they were not very busy. Eventually we were able to flag down a server and place our order. It took forever. We ate and couldn't get the check. We ended up just leaving cash on the table and leaving. Please click 👍 if this is helpful.read more
Nicole Asaraf
16:57 26 Jul 22
This place was always a bucket list restaurant because it is the Top Gun bar. I was absolutely impressed with how good... this bbq was. I got the baby back ribs with Mac and cheese and potato salad. All of it was so good. I even asked if the sell the bbq in a bottle but they don’t. Next time I’m coming down to SD, I’m coming here for bbq.read more
David Henrie
16:22 14 Jul 22
I really liked KC BBQ of San Deigo. The food was hot and fresh. It had a good vibe about it. Great location. Try... the burnt ends if you can. But if they are out of the burnt ends, their two meat combo is good too.They had the sound track of the original Top Gun movie playing while we were there. This is the location where they filmed what is known as the sleazy bar scene for Top Gun. There was Top Gun memorabilia all over the place. They continued to play a nice collection of 80's music.We ate outside even though it was a little cool in the evening. When we mentioned the temp to the waitress, she turned on the overhead heater for us. It was very, very pleasant to eat outside in the evening. I recommend it.read more
Koden McPheron
04:21 01 Jul 22
The food was great, but there is no reason to wait 45 minutes for a pulled pork sandwich. The service was mediocre at... best and when I went to ask about my food I felt like I was not being listened to. If you're in the vicinity it's a great tourist attraction but you could definitely find a better place to eat.read more
Martha Richards
01:46 20 Jun 22
We had the best time today for lunch. Chris, the bartender, was entertaining and attentive. The folks sitting next to... us added to the enjoyment. If you like the Top Gun movies you have gotta check this place out! (we parked at Seaport Village for $10 across the street).read more
Alfredo Garcia Jr
02:46 06 Jun 22
This was a really cool place to visit and eat dinner! 🙂 the barbecue was real good and the menu selection is also... good. The service was excellent and there are a lot of things from the first Top Gun movie! This was the sleazy bar that was used in the original Top Gun! If you're ever in San Diego and near the convention center it is a place to definitely visit! 🙂read more
Jarrod
19:36 13 May 22
This place holds a special place in my heart, for great reasons. The BBQ was great! I've had Texas BBQ and Southern... BBQ, but this ranks up there for sure. Restaurant is the place where they filmed a few great Original Top Gun movie scenes. Check it out when you are here, and experience a great place. And watch Top Gun to see what scenes this place held.read more
Ewa Boyle
00:00 05 May 22
I tried only a couple of things from their menu. The barbecue ribs were very well done. I would definitely recommend... this place. And, of course, if you're a fan of the "Top gun" movie, it will be fun checking out the place and taking a couple of pictures!read more
Charles
01:40 10 Apr 22
This place is surviving strictly on the fact that they had a scene in Top Gun filmed here. That was in 1985. It's... 2022.I ordered pulled pork, as did my wife, and my daughter ordered brisket. As you can see below, the pulled pork was dry and clumpy with meh flavour. I've genuinely made better at home and haven't been at it for forty years.The brisket was also dry and had no real flavour. The bark was charred and had none of the hallmarks of good brisket (ya know - a nice smoke ring). This has easily been one of the most disappointing eating experiences I've ever had.The slaw is bitter.Speaking of bitter - the waitress.... What a charmer! Melissa was VERY clearly overjoyed to be at work, to work or to even do the basics of her job. Here's my suggestion - just don't. Go anywhere else (I highly recommend The Lion's Share which is right around the corner). Don't let the nostalgia trick you into making bad life choices.read more
Jake H
05:45 22 Mar 22
Jekyll and Hyde…..This absolutely pains me to leave a 1 star review for a place I have wanted to visit for years. But... after multiple trips to San Diego, it has finally happened.The bar was awesome. It was absolutely everything you wanted it to be and expected it to be. The service was great, the experience was great and we had zero issues. Group of 8 at 7:30 on a Monday night had a 20 minute wait. No worries at all, we will crush this wait time at the bar!The remaining experience, dining, was a completely opposite and negative experience. After ordering food and a 1+47 wait for nothing, we started to Wonder where our food was. An elder lady came out and began to make excuses for the delay. Typically you are understanding in a post Covid world and expect it. No worries. Not in this case, we were blamed for our wait time due to not making a reservation and this wait time was our fault. Completely inexcusable. I’ve had the privilege of visiting restaurants all over the world and have never had this experience before.read more
Paul Bourdeaux
00:43 18 Mar 22
5 stars for the ambiance, awesomely crass staff, and so much Top Gun memorabilia!If you aren't familiar, this is the... bar they filmed all pf the iconic bar scenes at in the movie, Top Gun. From Great Balls of Fire to You've Lost That Loving Feeling, it happened here!Food was good not great, and they were out of the Top Gun Blond beer which was too bad. But it is a total blast from the past for fans of the movie.It is a dive bar to be sure, don't set yourself up for disappointment expecting something more in line with the bars on the Pier or further downtown. But it is a MUST GO when you are in San Diego.read more
Scott Clifford
14:01 21 Feb 22
Filming location for the original Top Gun movie, but it doesn't have that touristy feel. More of a local hangout. ... Everyone at the bar seemed to have known each other, and the bartenders, for years. Staff and regulars were very friendly and welcoming. I was in San Diego for two weeks for work and really appreciated feeling right at home at KCBB. Went there multiple timesread more
W D
19:26 19 Feb 22
What a great bar this is, an old style American bar. The staff were friendly and engaging, nice customer mix, tourists... and locals. Had bar food (Which was great), but will probably book for dinner given half a chance in the future. Almost as much of a must as the Midway 🇺🇸🍻read more
John Drobnica
16:48 15 Feb 22
If you're a Top Gun fan this place is a must. They truly enjoy visitors and they are eager to snap a photo... or... several! Drinks are delicious, and their keylime pie is scrumptious! Lots of movie memorabilia and relax on their street patio. We've been visiting KC BBQ since the 80's and nothing has really changed, less the number of bras suspended on the ceilings!read more
Brett White
02:55 03 Feb 22
Oh yeah it's a dive bar. But Top Gun had a scene there! The bar tenders are the best. The food pretty damn good. The... beer selection really good. I'm definitely going back because of the fun atmosphere. Gentlemen wave to the light rail patrons as your using the bathroom.read more
Breann
07:28 25 Jan 22
Yikes. That could be the whole review.We came in knowing that this was "California BBQ" (even if KC is in the name) so... our expectations were already low. The meat was dry, the coleslaw sad, the macaroni acceptable, and the sauce watery. The only thing that is worth eating here is the beans.If the review could stop there, we could probably end at 2 or 3 stars: it's a Top Gun bar and you get a little less than what you would expect from a tourist trap.Parking is bad, the servers are too busy taking photos of themselves (not with guests) and face timing to wait on you, they literally took the water off of our table and didn't return it, the meat was practically cardboard, AND (the real kicker) food poisoning. The other reviews are right. This experience sticks with you. Sometimes for several days. On the toilet.Pros: lots of Top Gun props, some cool military coins, great locationCons: food, lack of drinks, parking, service, food again, and food poisoningGo for a drink, but do yourself a favor and don't touch the food.read more
Tori F
03:40 15 Dec 21
This place is definitely for the nostalgia but it IS a cool location. There is no bar technically - just beer and wine.... Also, a pretty limited menu and not real gluten friendly. Still recommend regardless. Get some pictures and enjoy the ambience but don't expect a whole lot from the food.read more
Antoni Kunkel
22:33 02 Dec 21
Small indoor dining area and large outdoor dining area - chose indoor seating, table in the corner by the piano. Quick... service, food was tasty but not outstanding, just average. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with slaw on it and mac & cheese as my side. My friend ordered the pulled pork with slaw and fries. I liked the slaw which is vinegar based, not mayonnaise based. We also ordered a side of onion rings which were the biggest disappointment of the meal as they are not homemade, but rather the frozen pre-packaged onion rings - wouldn’t recommend the onion rings! Went to see the Top Gun memorabilia, just thought it would be a better dining experience food wise.read more
Bill Munsch
14:03 25 Nov 21
Delicious BBQ. Get some ribs, sides and a cold beer. Don't forget desert. Peach cobbler was delicious and plenty big... enough to share. We ate outside. Watched some football and checked out the Top Gun memorabilia before we left. Great day!read more
Sydney West
00:09 22 Nov 21
Great KC Themed bar, as a KC person, the BBQ wasn't quite "Kansas City" to me. It is probably difficult to get the same... quality of meats on the coast. Great place to watch any Kansas City or (Kansas college) sports team play, especially The Chiefs!! Too Fun theme was also cool. Service was fast and friendly, would go again when I'm in town if there is a game on!read more
Frank Paulin
18:36 19 Nov 21
I ordered the slab of Ribs. Their Ribs are a dry rub and you get some sauce on the side. I like being able to taste... the meat and not having it swimming in sauce.Service is really good. This seems like a great place to watch football, especially if you're a Chiefs fan. The decor is really cool too.read more
Brent DeBruine
04:07 28 Oct 21
Fantastic! Absolutely worth the stop! The atmosphere is that of a small town "Mom & Pop" style bar. Great Top Gun... memorabilia & the bartender had a great story of the filming of the movie scenes there. The staff was very friendly & full of knowledge as well! It's a FOR SURE stop for a cold one!read more
Al D
04:15 15 Sep 21
Definitely a theme based kind of local restaurant that holds on to its Top Gun roots. They have about 8 beers on tap... and wine but no liquor. The bbq is plentiful but it ranges from very good to average (burnt ends were great, pulled pork was good, brisket was average). Bartender was really friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, but I'd try other places in the local area first.read more
Audrey Pena
14:54 07 Sep 21
Food and atmosphere was terrific. The brisket will cause you to question all other brisket you've ever had. Onion... rings, chicken wings, and fried pickles, mmm.Server, Kelsey, is the best. She's taking care of you without you having to ask.We'll go back for the food and service for sure. 👍read more
Vernon Smith
20:17 27 Jul 21
Meal fantastic.Has been sixteen years since last I visited the Top Gun Sleazy Bar scene grill. If anything the,... atmosphere, service, eats and Fun as aged brilliantly.The fun, the food, history and especially the owners were all reasons KC BBQ was always one of my main watering holes as I wheeled myself around San Diego on my bicycle.GO EAT and kick back under the San Diego sun on KC's patio or wheel into history at their bar!read more
lottei ZERO
03:40 25 Jul 21
It was very busy at the time I went in so the wait was a little long but the experience is worth it. I like the energy... of the bar, every server is very comfortably casual and nice.It's much easier to do a to-go order than it is to get a table.I hope these menus help folk, as it was difficult for me personally to read with what was already there.read more
Cindy Burke
20:18 09 Jul 21
Kansas City BBQ is the best bar in San Diego, in my opinion.From Cindy and Martin, to Chris, Melissa, Jennifer, Nina,... Jersey and Mike, the folks that work here make it a memorable experience, in and of itself.Add to that, a great menu, with great food, (the potato salad is incredible!), it is located in a museum!Stop in and say " Hi"! They will be glad to see you.read more
T G
04:32 23 Jun 21
Let me start with saying the pulled pork and brisket are delicious!!!! I'm such a picky person to please.. but they... were really good! So good that I went back days later for more... The portions were good size & since I like to people watch the outdoors seating was perfect.*Let me add that the buffalo wings are good too..!read more
David Partridge
20:28 21 Jun 21
What a fun bar to visit. All of the paraphernalia of the original Top Gun movie is hear. It appears as a tiny dive bar... but it is so much more.The BBQ is so tender and delicious! We ordered a pulled pork sandwich and pork ribs. Both were excellent and love their BBQ sauce.Bartenders are great and there is a large variety of tap beers available including some of the local favorites. Prices are decent $$ and again the BBQ is delicious!read more
ARMAND Ouedraogo
00:33 18 Jun 21
We felt welcome and appreciated. And the food.... I can't even begin to say how delicious it was. My 2 years old... wouldn't stop chewing on a succulent rib! Amazing placeread more
Allen Skinner
04:55 18 May 21
Fun BBQ joint in San Diego. Meats are smoked with a dry rub with tomato based and vinegar based BBQ sauce. Excellent... meat and vinegar based slaw. Fries good according to the teenaged assistant reviewer. Potato salad was a bit bland. Mac and cheese not bad but have had better. Excellent customer service. Bonus is looking at the memorabilia from Top Gun and other awesome military memorabilia.read more
jalen gonzales
18:02 26 Jan 21
One of a kind place! The food is to die for! You absolutely cannot go wrong with some of their smoked wings with an... order of fried Mac and cheese balls!! The staff is beyond friendly! I’ve made many lifelong friends amongst the staff and regulars, this is truly a one of a kind and magical place! Should be on anyones to do list who is visiting the beautiful city!read more
Liizzy San
20:46 28 Oct 20
Went to this restaurant on Monday for the first time. I was really looking forward to it because of Top Gun. Didn’t... have to wait in line. As soon as we got there we got a table. The service was great. The waitress kept on checking up to see if we needed anything. I definitely suggest the fried pickles and the Mac balls to start off. I love how it’s all about Top Gun. I would definitely recommend this place to eat if you’re in San Diego.read more
O G
02:57 06 Sep 20
Poor quality food. Pulled pork was not good and Cole slaw was terrible. Only Onion Rings were good.
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