We use cookies for essential site functions and, with your permission, for analytics and advertising. California residents can opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information at any time. See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
Mission Valley · $6–14 drinks · Ranked in 1 list
Last updated
Bull's Smokin' BBQ is a Mission Valley spot ranked #4 of 7 in our Best Sports Bars in San Diego list, scoring 84/100 in our Best Sports Bars in San Diego. Order the pitcher and a brisket plate. The best out-of-market NFL setup in the county, with real barbecue attached.
Bull's Smokin' BBQ is in Mission Valley, San Diego. Give yourself a few extra minutes for parking on weekends — Mission Valley fills up early on sunny days.
Explore Mission ValleyOn our Best Sports Bars in San Diego list, Bull's Smokin' BBQ lands at #4 of 7, just behind The Field Irish Pub (86/100) and ahead of Hooleys Irish Pub (84/100). The Local Eastern holds #1 with 88/100, so the gap is 4 points.
See the full Best Sports Bars in San Diego rankingBull's Smokin' BBQ scores 84/100 against a best sports bars in san diego field that averages 84.7, running from 82 at the bottom to 88 at the top. That is 0.7 points below the category average, though it still finishes ahead of 2 of the 6 other places we scored. It lands 4th of 7, and the category leader is 4 points clear.
Judged criterion by criterion, Bull's Smokin' BBQ separates itself most on value (92/100 versus a 85.4 category average). Its softest showing is drinks at 78, 4.3 points under the field. Those two numbers are the honest summary: this is a place you pick for value, not for a clean sweep of every category.
| Criterion | Bull's Smokin' BBQ | Category avg. | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinks | 78 | 82.3 | -4.3 |
| Consistency | 88 | 87.7 | +0.3 |
| Value | 92 | 85.4 | +6.6 |
| Atmosphere | 86 | 87.7 | -1.7 |
| Uniqueness | 88 | 81.7 | +6.3 |
Scores are Sandi Spots editorial judgments, compared against every other place we ranked in best sports bars in san diego.
Mission Valley is dense enough that Bull's Smokin' BBQ rarely needs to be a standalone trip. We have scored at least six other ranked spots in the same neighborhood, so it is easy to stack a visit with The Escape Game San Diego (90/100 in our best escape rooms in san diego list) or Mesa Rim Mission Valley (85/100) and turn one stop into an afternoon.
90/100 · #1 in best escape rooms in san diego · $38–45/person
85/100 · #5 in best climbing gyms in san diego · $25–35 day pass
84/100 · #5 in best escape rooms in san diego · $32–40/person
84/100 · #4 in best mini golf in san diego · $8–15
83/100 · #5 in best thai food in san diego · $14–20
83/100 · #8 in best golf courses in san diego · $60–110
Worth it for the right craving, not a destination trip.
Bull's Smokin' BBQ scores 84/100 in our Best Sports Bars in San Diego list (#4 of 7). It is strongest on value (92) and consistency (88). The best out-of-market NFL setup in the county, with real barbecue attached.
Skip it if drinks matters most to you — that is its weakest category (78/100).
Bull's Smokin' BBQ is a good fit for sports bars. Because it ranks #4 on our best sports bars in san diego list, it makes the most sense to pair it with nearby stops in Mission Valley rather than build a day around a long cross-town drive. Check live hours and availability before leaving, especially for a weekend visit.
Best tactical tip: Call ahead on Sundays to reserve a screen for your team's game.
No reader reviews yet for Bull's Smokin' BBQ. Be the first.
Claim this listing to correct details, send us updated hours or a menu, and get the verified badge for your site. Claiming is free and does not change your ranking position.
Score 84/100 on this list's criteria · Order: Pitcher and a brisket plate · $6–14 drinks
Bull's carries the packages that matter and will genuinely tune a screen to your team. The barbecue is better than sports-bar food has any right to be, and the prices are Mission Valley-reasonable rather than downtown-inflated.
Local tip: Call ahead on Sundays to reserve a screen for your team's game.
Scored with our ranking methodology — sports-bars.
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking.