Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill Restaurant Review:

This San Diego outpost of Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill makes its home at Hazard Center in Mission Valley. Among menu highlights are the dry-rubbed and smoked Texas-style brisket and the flavorful St. Louis smoked ribs with chipotle-cherry or habanero-peach barbecue sauce (if you like them fiery hot). Chef Alex Benes draws from his North Carolina roots for the Carolina pulled pork with slaw --- a balanced bite, as the flavors of pork are not drowned in heavy sauce. Benes, nicknamed the "Sultan of Smoke," uses four kinds of wood to create his smoke-kissed meats: hickory, apple, pecan and oak. Try the "burnt ends," or nuggets of charred brisket that are cubed, sauced and cooked with brown sugar --- think brisket bon bons with a candy glaze. Other solid choices include the moist barbecue chicken breast and brisket burger. The Tuscan kale salad is a healthier option for those who prefer greens. Start with the shredded onions, and don’t skip the smashed sweet potatoes as a side. The casual, modern setting; sizeable patio; craft cocktails and friendly service make for a nice overall experience.