Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – San Diego
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - San Diego
Photo from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue at a glance
San Diego Montezuma Mesa
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 142 of the guests
#114 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#25 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
376
Reviews
85.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent service
- Good food
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Parking issues
- Card surcharge
The restaurant L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in San Diego’s vibrant Montezuma Mesa neighborhood offers a delightful escape for those craving authentic island flavors. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re dining in or enjoying the fresh air on their outdoor seating.
This spot is known for its welcoming vibe and convenient service options, making it a local favorite.
Overview: Introducting L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers a taste of the islands, with many praising its chicken katsu and the generally good quality of its dishes. Guests often appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding price discrepancies, especially with card payments, and occasional reports of food making them sick. Finding parking can also be a bit of a challenge for some patrons.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
376
Reviews
85.9%
Satisfaction
47
negative
6
neutral
323
positive
Overall, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue earns a solid 8.4 out of 10, with customer satisfaction also quite high at 85.9%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons.
A standout is the Service (9.2), which consistently receives high marks for its welcoming and helpful staff. The Ambience (8.5) also contributes positively, often described as clean and pleasant.
While the Food (8.1) is generally well-regarded, particularly for its generous portions, the Value (6) is more of a mixed bag, with some finding it reasonable and others noting concerns about pricing. These insights come from over 370 customer comments, with 323 positive remarks outweighing 47 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent Service
- Good Food Selection
- Welcoming Atmosphere
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Parking Challenges
- Card Surcharge Issues
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue generally delivers a satisfying experience. If you’re seeking a place with genuinely friendly service and a good selection of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of potential parking difficulties and clarify pricing, especially if paying by card. While the food is often a hit, some occasional inconsistencies mean managing expectations can lead to a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
Diving into the food here, its clear many diners are having a great time! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 81.9%, the culinary experience is generally good. Out of 182 comments, a whopping 149 rave about the delicious offerings, especially the "garlic chicken, " "bulgogi fries, " and "katsu curry.
" Many appreciate the "generous portions" and "freshly prepared" meals. However, not every bite is perfect. There are 28 less enthusiastic remarks, with some mentioning "undercooked rice" or "fatty beef.
" A few found the "chicken" to be "dry" or felt the "portions" werent as hearty as expected, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
182
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
28
negative
5
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Generous portions
- Freshly prepared meals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Undercooked rice
- Fatty meat
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this brand new location was positive. The chicken katsu had a generous portion and the food was good. However, be aware that the parking lot is extremely tight.
- chicken katsuMy family and I had a good experience at this restaurant. We ordered a variety of BBQ plates, including the BBQ chicken and beef bowl, musubi, and chicken katsu. The child portion was generous and came with a side of macaroni salad.
- Chicken Katsu PlateThey offer a yummy Hawaiian food option, which is a nice addition to the San Diego area. I particularly enjoyed the Chicken Katsu Plate.
- garlic chickenmy favorite is the garlic chicken!
- Hawaiian foodit’s the only Hawaiian food we ever get!
- chickenThe chicken was crispy
- chicken katsu curryI got the chicken katsu curry, my favorite.
- kalua porkMy favorite is the kalua pork
- katsuThe katsu was properly fried and crunchy.
- portion sizesL&L has great portion sizes
Frequently criticized
- foodThis food made me sick. It was obviously old
- riceThe fatty pieces seemed to be intentionally added to make the portion look larger, which is unacceptable. The mac salad was terrible, and the rice tasted strange. Overall, the food was terrible, and I ended up throwing it away.
- beefbeef, it was super fatty
- chickenThe chicken felt rubbery, almost as if it had spoiled
- Mac saladI got 2 scoops of rice and 1 Mac salad.
- Siracha hot sauceno more Siracha hot sauce only cheap brand
- cheap brandonly cheap brand
- chicken katsudidn't give me katsu sauce with my chicken katsu
- chicken plateThe chicken plate was not prepared well
- extra scoopit was literally just an extra scoop of rice
If youre craving flavorful Hawaiian comfort food with generally generous servings, this spot is a good bet. While there might be occasional hiccups with consistency, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and full. It's definitely worth a try for a hearty meal.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 94.7%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. People rave about the "friendly staff, " "great service, " and "rapid service, " often mentioning a "warm welcome.
" Based on 108 positive remarks out of 114 total, youre in for a treat. While overwhelmingly positive, a handful of the 5 negative comments mention issues like an occasional attitude or that an order was wrong. A few experiences noted no one in the front for a short period, and one customer didn't get a response from customer support.
These seem to be rare exceptions to an otherwise stellar service record.
Service
114
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great, rapid service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Occasional wrong order
- Slow customer support
Often praised
- serviceThe food was very delicious, and the portions were definitely worth every dollar. I was also impressed with the great service. Overall, a wonderful dining experience.
- staffThe staff are always friendly and polite.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was awsome! Eduardo provided super friendly and great customer service, making my first visit a great one. The overall place is fantastic.
- cashierthe cashier still took my order and was very polite
- LunaLuna greeted with Aloha, an uplifting greet!
- friendly staffgreeted with a friendly staff
- big smileimmediately welcomed in with a big smile
- convenientIt’s very convenient for me
- CynthiaCynthia was such a sweetheart!!
- EduardoEduardo is super friendly
Frequently criticized
- attitudewhen they come they have an attitude
- customer supportI reached out to customer support but never got a response
- health codethat's a violation of health code.
- order was wrongMy order was wrong.
- serviceno one in the front for 10 min
If friendly faces and efficient service are high on your list, this place is definitely worth a visit. You can expect a smooth and pleasant experience, making it a solid choice for your next outing.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel of the place, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.5 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 87%, guests consistently praise the clean and vibrant atmosphere. Many love the good vibes and its convenient location right on campus, making it a favorite for students.
These positive sentiments come from 60 out of 69 comments. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 69 comments, specifically 9, point out some challenges.
The parking situation can be a bit tight or difficult to find, and some have noted issues with the restroom being unavailable. Being on a busy street' also adds to the parking woes, so be prepared.
Ambience
69
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, vibrant atmosphere
- Convenient campus spot
- Indoor/outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- No available restroom
- Busy street location
Often praised
- atmosphereabsolutely love the atmosphere and how amazing it is
- placeMy experience at the restaurant was great! The food was very good, the service was quick, and the place was clean. Overall, it was a great experience!
- vibesvibes are nice and chill
- cleanrestaurant is very clean
- environmentAlso, shoutout to one of their cashiers, Luna. She makes the environment so welcoming and is eager to help out when deciding what to get :)
- experienceShe also pointed out the day's specials, which I might have otherwise missed. Overall, it was a great food and a great experience!
- locationOverall, it was a fantastic experience. I also loved the spot and location.
- musicThe music in the shop is always the best
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- air freshenerNot from the food the air freshener
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- parking lotMy experience at this restaurant, located near SDSU but open to everyone, was very positive. The parking lot is small, but there's a parking garage nearby by Trader Joe's. Our favorite dish was the chicken katsu curry, which was excellent.
- restroomthe restroom was out of service
- atmosphereit can get really crowded
- busy streetit's also on a busy street
If youre looking for a clean, vibrant spot with great energy, especially if youre on or near campus, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that parking might be a bit of a puzzle, and don't count on a restroom being available, so plan accordingly.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6. Many folks appreciate that the food is often described as "cheap and filling, " with comments highlighting "affordable" options and "portions are worth every dollar. " Youll find some great deals, especially if youre looking for a lot of food for a reasonable "price per person.
"However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 54.5%, reflecting some concerns. While 6 positive remarks praise the value, 5 negative comments point out that it can feel "expensive" or "costly. " There are also mentions of issues with "card payment" leading to extra charges, which can certainly impact the perceived value.
It seems the "meal plan" isnt an option either, which disappoints some.
Value
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous, filling portions
- Affordable price points
What people don't like
- Card payment surcharges
- Not on meal plan
Often praised
- pricepretty good price for a LOT of food
- affordableMy experience with the catering party pack was incredibly positive. It was super affordable and absolutely delicious. Everyone at the party loved the food.
- cheap and fillingThe bowls are cheap and filling
- cheeseburgerThe cheeseburger was less than $7
- price per personprice per person was reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceMisquoted the price of the order
- card paymentBRING CASH! They charge you like $5 above the menu price if you pay with card. The food is good but nothing life changing.
- expensiveseems expensive
- meal planSadly not on meal plan
If youre looking for generous portions that wont break the bank and are prepared to pay with cash, youll likely find good value here. However, be mindful of potential card surcharges and dont expect it to be the absolute cheapest option, especially if you're on a meal plan.
How are the prices at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 142 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the spread, most diners spend within this $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 142 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a mid-range restaurant. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Great Service, Worth Every Dollar
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was very delicious, and the portions were definitely worth every dollar. I was also impressed with the great service.
Overall, a wonderful dining experience.
- food10
- portions9
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. I never used to understand the hype around [food], but after coming here, I get it all the time. The food was truly exceptional, and I found myself wanting it repeatedly.
The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Spam Masubi & Chicken Katsu are Gas!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I got the spam masubi and chicken katsu, and they were both absolutely gas. As you can see in the photo, my boy loved his meal too.
I highly recommend hitting them up. Sadly, it's not on the meal plan.
- spam masubi10
- chicken katsu10
- meal plan3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I ordered the garlic chicken combo. Initially, I felt there wasn't much chicken and it was mostly breading.
However, when I mentioned this, they immediately made an additional order without hesitation. :) The food was great and the service was great!
- additional order10
- food10
- service10
- garlic chicken combo4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Musubi in San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's the best little gym for Hawaiian Musubi you can find. We make it a point to come here every time we visit San Diego.
The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch. We had no wait time and the price per person was reasonable at $10–20.
- Hawaiian Musubi10
- food10
- atmosphere10
What L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in San Diego accessible for all guests?
Absolutely! You’ll find that L&L Hawaiian Barbecue prioritizes accessibility. The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and even a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options and amenities does L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offer for families?
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a great choice for families. They offer a dedicated kids’ menu and are considered good for kids. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with seating available, and convenient amenities like restrooms are on-site.
What is the overall rating for L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue holds a strong overall score of **8.4** out of 10. This is supported by excellent **Service** (9.2), good **Ambience** (8.5), and generally good **Food** (8.1), though **Value** (6) is considered average.
What are the popular food items at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Many customers enjoy the chicken katsu and garlic chicken, often praising the generous portion sizes. The kalua pork is also a favorite for some.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Some diners have reported concerns about price discrepancies, particularly with card payments, and occasional inconsistencies in food quality. Parking can also be a challenge at certain locations.