The first thing you do when you come to Del’s Hideout in Del Cerro is order the onion rings.

Then you can look around and notice that it is part sports bar, part BBQ, part family restaurant and part neighborhood hangout with retro arcade games, a secure kid’s play area for children under 10, and many televisions.

Executive Chef Tim Eylens (pictured below) has been barbecuing since he was a teenager in Indiana.

He honors his Indiana roots in the fine meats smoked with White Oak in his Southern Pride Smoker. He smokes meatloaf, house made hot links, prime beef brisket, pulled pork, and baby back ribs. Vegetarians, don’t worry, you can also enjoy a tasty plant-based impossible burger.

“In Indiana, I had a variety of influences including people who loved collard greens, and this has become a side dish that we offer in our menu,” Eylens said. Other popular side dishes are mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, brisket chili, and street corn. Two desserts are served to sate your sweet tooth; bourbon pecan pie and banana bread pudding.

You can purchase meat by the pound or a feast that includes two to four side dishes, depending on the amount of meat purchased.

With 36 beers on tap, an intriguing wine list, and fun cocktails, the Hideout is a great place to enjoy a drink along with a sports game. Chef Tim even has his own cocktail. Tim’s Old Fashioned is a bacon fat-washed bourbon, Mr. Black’s cold brew liquor, Grand Classico Amaro, and a droplet of salt.

Families are welcome here. Children 12 and under can try sloppy joes, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, or mac and cheese. Too bad you have to be a kid to get one of these, or to play in the kids’ play zone.

Bring your Valentine here for a special BBQ Dinner for Two. For $49.95 per couple, you get a green salad to share, three types of meat, three sides, and a choice of dessert to share- either bourbon pecan pie or banana bread pudding.

Check out the daily specials offered all week long, including Whisky and Wings Wednesday. Bring your children along on Wednesday; kids under 12 eat free from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Located at 5351 Adobe Falls Rd, San Diego, (619) 255-8175. Go to: cohnrestaurants.com/delshideout for the menu and daily specials.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays open until 9 p.m.

Don’t forget the onion rings! You’re welcome!

– Robin Dohrn-Simpson is a local food and travel writer. Reach her at: robindohrnsimpson.com.