Brett’s BBQ serves authentic slow-smoked Southern barbecue

I love authentic barbecue and Brett’s BBQ is overflowing with authenticity, passion and the unbridled enthusiasm of its proprietors Brett Nicholson and Bruce Weisman. Everything about this place makes me happy.
Their motto “If It’s Not Smoked, It’s Not Barbeque” should also be a lesson to those who think barbecue is throwing a steak on the grill or those restaurants who offer “barbecue ribs” that are no more than pre-cooked, pre-packaged ribs that they warm up in the oven. A smoker is required for barbecue and Brett’s has two massive units that made me smile.
To achieve their authentic southern barbeque flavor, they have hickory wood shipped in from out of state and all of their meats are hand-rubbed with a special blend of spices, then slow-cooked in the smoker for up to 16 hours. To finish it off they add their all-original Brett’s BBQ sauce which they make daily from scratch. Most of the menu is made from scratch on site at the restaurant. Not a lot of restaurants in this area can make that claim and it speaks again to the passion and dedication these guys have to doing things the right way.
OK, on to the menu. I could just skip this and say everything on it is out of this world, and it is, but some details are in order because some of this stuff is really spectacular.
All the starters are solid including the barbecue and Cajun chicken wings, and the onion rings are a real treat. I can’t say I’ve tried the salads as I’m not really in a salad mode when going for barbecue but they are a nice option and the pit master salad sounds great with your choice of meat on mixed greens with smoked gouda, roasted sweet corn, black beans, jicama, tomato and sweet onion served with barbecue sauce and ranch dressing.
All the sandwiches are really, really good. The pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken sandwiches are perfect and even better when you pile some cole slaw on top.  The Texas rope sausage is topped with sautéed onions, peppers and jack cheese.
Now to the barbecue promised land — Brett’s entrées. One note of interest, all of these dishes are smoked between four and 14 hours. The baby back ribs are the most tender and succulent I’ve had. Barbecue spare ribs are long, meaty pork ribs that are very tasty. The beef ribs are meaty and full of flavor. Beef brisket is one of my favorite barbecue dishes and they do it right.  The pulled pork is unreal and the chicken is by far the moistest, most delicious I’ve ever had.
If I had to pick my favorites it would be the pulled pork sandwich self-doctored up with coleslaw and baked beans. Then the baby back ribs and the brisket … wait, what am I saying, I can’t pick just three. I would be very happy with everything on this menu.
Sides include cole slaw, potato salad, BBQ baked beans, French fries, sweet potato fries, corn pudding and hush puppies. The cole slaw, baked beans and corn pudding are standouts in a stellar field. Put a little beef or pork in your beans and prepare to bow down and praise King Brett.
To top it off, Brett’s offers only one dessert and it’s so good there really is no need to offer more. Their homemade, down-home bread pudding served with a delectable whiskey sauce should not be missed. I really need to remember to make room for it more often. Brett’s has beer and wine and offers catering for your next event. If you are a fan of barbecue, or curious about what real barbecue is all about, please check these guys out as they are passionate about what they do and it shows.
Brett’s BBQ is located at 1505 Encinitas Blvd. Call (760) 436-7427 or visit www.brettsbbq.com for more information.