The smell of BBQ wafts through the parking lot of the Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill in Hazard Center. If that doesn’t lure you in, nothing will.
This upscale barbecue restaurant, although it is relatively spacious offers a cozy, warm, and rustic dining experience where you can enjoy the casual ambience and have a quiet conversation with your dining companions.
For starters, diners are treated to Wood Ranch’s famous garlic rolls. Light and fluffy, sprinkled with dried herbs, garlic salt and drizzled with olive oil. Bet you can’t eat just one.
Burgers and sandwiches are unique and intriguing, such as Carolina Pulled Pork with Carolina slaw, pickles, Swiss cheese and Carolina BBQ sauce (which is a sweet and tangy vinegar sauce made with apple cider vinegar, sugar, oil and mustard. There is no mayonnaise in this sauce.) Ethan’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Carolina slaw, has pickles, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. America’s Best BBQ Tri-tip Sandwich, has thinly sliced beef with caramelized Original BBQ sauce on a toasted baguette.
They offer small plates or entrees in many meat dishes such as Wood Ranch Tri-tip, Smoked Brisket, Carolina Pulled Pork or Baby Back Ribs.
“I have been in search of a tasty, zesty coleslaw. Win! The peanut slaw was a nice change from uninspired slaw that is so common at BBQ places throughout San Diego. The Tri-tip, which was slow cooked for 13 hours, couldn’t have been more tender and bbq-y. Definitely my new favorite BBQ restaurant,” said diner Marc Simpson.
For a good ole steak, they offer center-cut Filet from Omaha, Nebraska, fresh, hand-cut and aged to perfection or a Ribeye or Top Sirloin. If you are in the mood for seafood, there are two options fresh Atlantic salmon (prepared either simply wood-grilled, skillet-blackened or pan seared) or Mediterranean Sea Bass (wood-grilled or skillet-blackened).
Signature side dishes are equally appetizing, such as Lauren’s Favorite Mac & Cheese, Original Peanut Coleslaw, grilled Corn on the Cob, Smashed Sweet Potatoes and fresh Broccoli. For premium side dishes, some choices are Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus.
For vegetarians, there is a variety of salads offered. Although foods are cooked in a mixed kitchen, gluten-free and gluten-sensitive diners have many options.
The friendly and attentive staff are another highlight to the dining experience.
Good food, good service, good ambience – all a win/win for your dining dollar.
Located at 7510 Hazard Center Drive. Call (858) 727-3619 for more information.
You can order online for pick-up at: woodranch.com.
Photos by Robin Dohrn-Simpson