Navy veteran Jeffrey Nicoletta and his wife Ali founded Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ in 2009 on Prospect Street in La Jolla, alongside co-founder Bruce Long, building a neighborhood following around slow-smoked meats and house-made sides. The barbecue operation relocated to Pacific Beach in May 2024, taking over the kitchen inside Society PB, a decades-old bar, pool hall, and live-event venue at 1051 Garnet Ave in the 92109 ZIP code. Bubba's identifies as veteran-owned, women-owned, and Latino-owned, and the kitchen smokes USDA Prime brisket, baby back ribs, Texas Black Angus beef ribs, pulled pork, and whole chickens in-house. A cider-vinegar-based hot sauce with chipotle peppers has become a signature condiment that guests frequently mention in reviews, alongside the chili fries and bourbon pecan pie. Garnet Avenue's bar-hopping crowd often starts at Coaster Saloon before settling into Society for a rack of ribs and a game of pool. The Bubba Combo plate lets diners choose multiple smoked proteins with a side and cornbread, and catering packages extend the menu to office parties and large group events. Happy hour brings discounted cocktails, including the Nightmare Nectar margarita that has picked up a following of its own. A 4.5-star rating across more than 850 Google reviews reflects the loyal customer base that followed the brand from La Jolla, and a sister location in Escondido now carries the same menu. Drinks on the patio pair well with a sunset walk to Flamingo Deck for rooftop views over the neighborhood. Society PB opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends, with the kitchen running until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.