# The Smoking Gun San Diego: BBQ, Cocktails, And Fun *By James Hills — Updated May 2022* Sometimes you just walk by a place and have no idea what you've been missing. That was the case up until a few days ago with The Smoking Gun in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. I live just a few blocks away and have walked by the place regularly, without stopping in. On the outside it looks like just any other "hipster bar" downtown but what we found inside was surprisingly good quality cocktails, a very creative menu and a great atmosphere that I can't wait to return to sometime soon. [The Smoking Gun](https://www.thesmokinggunsd.com/) is located at the corner of Sixth and Market with a very open air layout, perfect for San Diego where you can get plenty of fresh air ... even while dining inside. The atmosphere here during the day was extremely relaxed and laid back with even a few canine visitors enjoying the shade and a cool box of water. ### What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv First-timer guide to booking a boutique hotel in Tel Aviv for a guys trip - how to spot real boutique properties, pick the right neighborhood, and avoid the beachfront premium trap. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uqvogSS2iz2VIt6da_Xy5A.2154) ### Six-Course Whiskey Pairing Dinner at High West's Nelson Cottage High West's Nelson Cottage delivers six-course prix fixe dinners with expert whiskey pairings in historic Park City home. $110 per person, $80 for elevated pairing. Laid back atmosphere, creative cuisine, exceptional value. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uqvogSS2iz2VIt6da_Xy5A.1480) ### 14 Day Classic Highlights of Vietnam and Thailand A 14 day tour of Vietnam and Thailand with hand-picked accommodations, 24/7 support, and local cultural experiences for comfort-focused travelers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uqvogSS2iz2VIt6da_Xy5A.555) ### Fire & Sunset Soirées 4-night voyage on Scarlet Lady Round trip from Miami, Florida, USA Virgin Voyages (affiliate) [View Sailing Details](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uqvogSS2iz2VIt6da_Xy5A.495) Promoted by FlowAds   Perhaps one of the most surprising things here is that the cocktails are really good. Not just "ok" but seriously impressive in both the creativity and also excellence in preparation. We tried a few of them and despite our visit being during an "off time" when the main bar staff was not on duty, they were still fantastic. This says a lot in terms of both the bar team here as well as management in general since it was clear that whoever made our drinks recieved proper training. Sadly this is NOT the case in many other bars in the area where mid-day bartenders are more tap jockeys than skilled drink makers. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4vbnd-WD3kFH72swWGwwhA.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4vbnd-WD3kFH72swWGwwhA.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4vbnd-WD3kFH72swWGwwhA.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/4vbnd-WD3kFH72swWGwwhA.2396) Promoted by FlowAds The Smoking Gun's claim to fame is their smoked meats. So, we tried their brisket tacos, ribs, and the brisket "TV Dinner" as well. All were excellent with generous portions. Frankly though, I wish the TV dinner - Priced at $30.36 included two meats and not just one since as you can see below ... that's a huge amount of brisket. The tacos were also delicious  though ... as you have to sorta expect here in San Diego. Along with the brisket we tried the Brussels Spouts topped with fresno chilies, lemon zest, and bbq gastrique as well as a mountain of and Mac 'n' Cheese. However, you can get a variety of other sides including chips, tots, red chile slaw, cornbread, and battered fries or a side salad. I'm not sure how I didn't get better photos and video of it but the unsung hero on their menu is the Smoking Gun Burger that you can see in the background above. This burger featured 2 1/2 pound wagyu patties, smoked gouda cheese, home-made pickles, red onion, tomato, spring mix, garlic aioli, and sits in a homemade bun. You can also get it as a single. As you may have noticed from the video it was one of my favorite things that we tried during our visit. While not necessarily a dessert only drink, the Smith +Wesson features Captain Morgan spiced rum, Mr Black coffee liquor, and whipped coke-cream. Was the perfect dessert drink but frankly you could enjoy it any point in your meal just as easily. To conclude our dining experience we had to try the Funnel Cookie - a giant chocolate chip cookie that has been dipped in funnel cake batter then fried and topped with vanilla ice cream and berry coulis. So good and the perfect sinful way to end an fun and tasty dinner. While we visited here as part of a lunch / full meal experience, the variety of happy hour specials they offer makes this a compelling spot to come back to just for drinks and bites as well. For instance, every Thursday night from 3-9:30pm it's All-You-Can-Eat wings and nugz for only $18.94! During the Padres games you can even get Pacifico draft for only $3.94. They also have happy hour and late night happy hour specials as well as monthly drink specials - right now is $11 specialty margaritas for May - including Watermelon Mint, Spiced Cilantro Pineapple, and Strawberry Basil. There aren't that many places downtown that feel truly like a neighborhood "hangout" but now that we've discovered [The Smoking Gun](https://www.thesmokinggunsd.com/), I can't wait to bring some friends back to try more of their menu. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/T5RW3JlfMCW2nftFiZwftQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 17 May 2022 Last Updated: 17 May 2022 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC Oct 04, 2026 [Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/nocs-zero-tube-monocular-review.html) #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Mancation Survey Results - 500 Men Told Us What Their Top Mancation Pick Would Be Jul 18, 2017 [Mancation Survey Results - 500 Men Told Us What Their Top Mancation Pick Would Be](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/mancation-survey-results.html) #### How To Commemorate A Guys Trip With A Custom Challenge Coin Jun 03, 2026 [How To Commemorate A Guys Trip With A Custom Challenge Coin](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/custom-challenge-coin-guys-trip.html) #### The Best Places to Go Prospecting and Treasure Hunting in America Aug 13, 2026 [The Best Places to Go Prospecting and Treasure Hunting in America](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/best-places-to-go-prospecting.html) ### Related Articles #### Lump Charcoal Wins Every Time For Grilled Kabobs! [Lump Charcoal Wins Every Time For Grilled Kabobs!](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/lump-charcoal-grilled-kabobs.html) #### The Nelson Cottage: Park City's Chill Vibes Meet Fine Dining At This Whiskey Pairing Dinner [The Nelson Cottage: Park City's Chill Vibes Meet Fine Dining At This Whiskey Pairing Dinner](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/the-nelson-cottage-where-whiskey-meets-culinary-excellence-in-park-city.html) #### BJ's Restaurants MVP Bundle: The Perfect Homegate Helper For The Big Game [BJ's Restaurants MVP Bundle: The Perfect Homegate Helper For The Big Game](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/bjs-restaurants-mvp-bundle-the-perfect-homegate-helper-for-the-big-game.html) #### Montana Knife Company's Meat Church Chef Knife Review - A 6-Inch Blade That Punches Above Its Weight [Montana Knife Company's Meat Church Chef Knife Review - A 6-Inch Blade That Punches Above Its Weight](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/meat-church-chef-knife-review-montana-knife-company.html) #### 8 Things Great Steakhouses Do That Even Master Grillers Can't Match at Home [8 Things Great Steakhouses Do That Even Master Grillers Can't Match at Home](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/things-great-steakhouses-do-that-even-master-grillers-cant-match-at-home.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [The Smoking Gun San Diego: BBQ, Cocktails, And Fun](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/the-smoking-gun-san-diego.html)* **Tags:** San Diego Guys Trip Ideas, Restaurant Review, Meat