Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue – San Francisco
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue - San Francisco
Photo from Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#2189 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#16 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
174
Reviews
55.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Poor service
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood invites you to experience a taste of the islands. This Hawaiian restaurant offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite or a full dinner.
You’ll find it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner, perfect for families with kids, and accepts reservations for your convenience.
Overview: Introducting Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue offers a taste of island cuisine, often praised for its generous portions and generally satisfying food. Many appreciate the affordable pricing, making it a practical choice for a meal.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, particularly with service and the overall cleanliness of the dining area. While the food can be a highlight, these aspects sometimes detract from the visit.
Average
5.9
out of 10
174
Reviews
55.7%
Satisfaction
64
negative
13
neutral
97
positive
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9, placing it in the average category. Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 55.7%, indicating that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from 174 customer comments, with 97 positive and 64 negative observations. Diving deeper, Food (6.3) is generally well-regarded, often described as delicious and offering good portions.
Value (6.6) also performs reasonably well, with many finding the prices fair. However, Ambience (4.8) and Service (4.7) lag behind, frequently cited as areas needing considerable attention, from staff interactions to the dining environment.
What people like
- Delicious BBQ dishes
- Generous portion sizes
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor service interactions
- Cleanliness concerns
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue presents a mixed bag. If you’re seeking a casual meal with potentially satisfying portions and reasonable prices, it could be a decent option.
However, be prepared for variability in both food quality and service. With a Recommendation Score of 6.1, it suggests a cautious endorsement.
It’s worth trying if your priorities align with value and a taste of Hawaiian BBQ, but manage expectations regarding consistency and the overall dining environment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners found a lot to love, with 65 positive remarks out of 108 total. The overall score for food sits at an average 6.3, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 60.2%, suggesting a somewhat balanced experience. Guests frequently praised the generous portions, authentic Hawaiian food, and the delicious flavor of dishes like the bbq mix plate and short rib.
However, not everyone was thrilled, with 36 negative comments pointing out some concerns. Issues like a strange taste, food described as old tasting, and general food quality concerns were mentioned. Some also found certain items, like the ribs, to be too salty or tough, and missed key components like Katsu sauce.
Food
108
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
36
negative
7
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Authentic Hawaiian food
- Delicious flavor
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Food tastes old
- Too salty/tough
Often praised
- foodWe ordered our food through DoorDash out of desperation because it was getting late and we couldn’t drive anywhere from our motel. Turns out we made a great decision; our food was hot, fresh, and delicious. Thanks!
- Hawaiian foodOn a Friday night, some friends and I decided to have a night in, complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, and music. We thought Hawaiian food would be a perfect addition to our fun night, and we were right! We ordered rice, Hawaiian BBQ Beer, Short Ribs, and Mac n Cheese.
- Chicken KatsuMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best made Spam Musubi, Chicken Katsu, and fried shrimp. I believe these are the best offerings of any Hawaiian Barbecue spots in the City.
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially considering the great price and good portions. I consistently order the chicken katsu, and the accompanying sauce is truly amazing!
- ricethe chicken and the rice are perfectly
- BBQ meats and chickenBBQ meats and chicken were cooked and marinated to perfection
- BBQ mix plateI ordered the BBQ mix plate
- French friesI lived in SF down the street from here around 2016 and I still think about these cheeseburgers all the time. French fries too. There aren’t enough stars in the galaxy so I’m giving them 5.
- HamburgerHamburger was great
- Hawaiian BBQ BeerWhen the good came it was THE BOMB.COM
Frequently criticized
- foodI don't understand why this place has over 4 stars, but the food is super mediocre. Everything is so salty.
- meat21 😩. They had the nerve to give us that kind of meat 😡.
- BBQ Beefbbq beef... were old tasting
- Chicken KatsuChicken katsu... were old tasting
- Katsu sauceFor the past 2-3 orders (Postmates), they've left out the Katsu sauce of the chicken Katsu. It's so disappointing to get the food and be missing such an important part of the dish. It's ruined my experience here.
- Portuguese Sausagewhat they got was not what they expected. It was basically a thin slice of Portuguese sausage flavored luncheon meat
- beef kalbiThe beef was so tough and chewy it was practically inedible
- cabbageDO NOT even include the cabbage
- chicken Katsuleft out Katsu sauce of the chicken Katsu
- eggOver cooked egg
If youre craving generous portions of Hawaiian comfort food and dont mind a bit of inconsistency, this spot might hit the spot. Just be aware that while many rave about the flavor and variety, some experiences point to occasional quality issues.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many customers praised the friendly staff and quick service, noting that the wait time is often "on point. " With 14 positive remarks out of 34 total, it seems there are some genuinely good experiences to be had, especially with the person at the counter.
However, the service isnt without its challenges. The overall score of 4.7 (average) and 41.2% customer satisfaction (mixed) reflect a mixed bag. There are 17 negative comments, with some mentioning rude employees, disorganized service, and a slow system.
Issues with delivery and communication also popped up, suggesting some areas need attention.
Service
34
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Efficient wait time
What people don't like
- Rude employees
- Disorganized service
- Slow system
Often praised
- serviceThe service was excellent
- staffstaff are nice
- take outThanks! I definitely suggest giving this place a try, great take out. :) Picture: Half & Half Combo with Kailua Pork and Chicken Katsu.
- cashierFriendly cashier
- foodThis was the best fast service Hawaiian BBQ I’ve ever had. We ordered the Kailua Pork and Chicken Katsu, and they were both delicious.
- friendly staffthe staff is always friendly
- menuMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The menu was clear and the staff were nice and busy. I was initially skeptical about ordering a Hamburger, but it turned out to be great.
- peoplethe people are pretty nice
- person at the counterNice person at the counter
- takeaway75. You can eat there or order for takeaway.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is terrible. No hello. No greeting. Rather grumpy old male and female working.
- staffhudling in a group at the register yapping
- communicate in Englishhard to communicate in English
- deliverythis place is the worst in delivering
- delivery listI found this aggressive and felt no obligation to tip. The driver then demanded a tip, stating he needed it, and threatened to take the food back and put us on their "do not deliver" list if he didn't receive one. He then snatched the $14 from my fiance's hand, threw the $40 back in my fiance's face, and took the food back.
- door deliveryUnfortunately, I can’t take a chance anymore. You need to get them off door delivery 🚚.
- driverthe driver demanded a tip, saying he needed a tip
- female employeesVery rude female employees!
- hygiene practicesMy experience at the restaurant was concerning due to a lapse in hygiene. The same person who took my order and payment proceeded to prepare my food without changing their gloves.
- orderGot our order confused so we had to pay more
So, whats the verdict on service? Its a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter friendly, efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of rudeness or disorganization, especially if youre relying on delivery.
If youre dining in and the staff are on their game, you could have a great experience, but there's a noticeable inconsistency.
Ambience (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
The vibe here has some definite upsides! Many folks appreciate it as a great neighborhood spot, with some even calling the atmosphere a perfect 5/5. There are 4 positive remarks, with some customers noting the restaurants cleanliness. However, with a score of just 4.8, the overall ambience is leaning towards average, and customer satisfaction sits at a poor 33.3%.
On the flip side, there are 6 negative remarks that highlight some significant issues. Concerns about cleanliness, particularly dirty tables, are a recurring theme, with one guest even having to clean their own. The interior can also be quite chilly, and some feel there isnt much of an atmosphere inside, making it feel less inviting.
Ambience
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great neighborhood spot
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Cold interior
- Lacking atmosphere
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5
- neighborhood spotgreat neighborhood spot
- restaurant cleanlinessThe restaurant is very clean
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereNot much of an atmosphere inside
- cleanlinessmaintaining the cleanliness of their restaurant
- insidewas cold inside
- placesolo el lugar no es tan bonito
- tableFurthermore, they did not include the cabbage, which is a standard side at other BBQ spots. The cleanliness of the restaurant was also a major concern; I had to pick the least dirty table and clean it myself. Instead of congregating and chatting at the register, the staff should focus on maintaining the restaurant's cleanliness, which felt like pure laziness.
- table temperatureit was pretty chilly at our table
If you're looking for a cozy, clean, and warm environment, this might not be your best bet. While it has potential as a neighborhood spot, the current state of its ambience, especially cleanliness and comfort, could be a real letdown.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many customers rave about the generous proportions and fair pricing, often finding the meals affordable and a great deal for what you get. With a solid 6.6 score and a 70% customer satisfaction rate, its clear that most diners feel theyre getting good bang for their buck, as seen in 14 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is convinced. A few customers (5, to be exact) have voiced concerns, particularly regarding some items being overpriced or combos feeling a bit steep. While the overall sentiment leans positive, some feel certain portions don't justify the cost, suggesting you might want to pick your dishes carefully.
Value
20
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Fairly priced
- Accepts card
What people don't like
- Portions can disappoint
- Some items overpriced
- Combos are pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially considering the great price and good portions. I consistently order the chicken katsu, and the accompanying sauce is truly amazing!
- pricesWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It was a great restaurant with a lot of variety of dishes to choose from at very reasonable prices. The bbq mix plate has different types of meat.
- reasonable pricesfood at reasonable prices
- Price per personAffordable
- affordablemuch affordable
- fair pricehuge portions for a fair price
- fair priceddelicious most fair priced thing out here
- proportionsAdditionally, the fried chicken was really tender and “clean”, clearly fried with fresh oil. The proportions were great for the price. Unless you're absolutely starving, I suggest the “mini” size is plenty big for a full meal as it comes with rice and salad.
- take cardtakes card (which other near by places don't)
- valuePretty good value
Frequently criticized
- changeThe driver only gave back $14
- combosmost combos are about $19 ( taxes included)
- half tray6 spam masubii all half tray $198.21
- priceBot worth $18 food for a mini portion. Rip off and fraud.
- spend my moneyI will NOT ever spend my hard earned money here.
Overall, if you're looking for generous portions at a generally fair price, this place is a solid bet. Just be mindful that a few specific items or combos might feel a bit pricey, so choose wisely to ensure you get the best value.
How are the prices at Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue?
You’re looking at roughly 24 $ per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 24 $, many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 bracket. There are also a few folks who splurge, pushing the average up, so prices are quite spread out.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How this Hawaiian Restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Francisco. You’re getting a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Mediocre Food, High Prices
My experience at the restaurant was just okay. The food was described as "ok" but didn't seem or taste fresh. The portions were not very generous, and most combos were around $19, including taxes.
The reviewer rated service, atmosphere, and food a 3 out of 5.
- food3
- portions4
- combos5
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Hawaiian BBQ in the City!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best made Spam Musubi, Chicken Katsu, and fried shrimp. I believe these are the best offerings of any Hawaiian Barbecue spots in the City.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5. The food itself was rated 4/5, which is still very good. This was a great dinner experience with a price range of $20–30 per person.
- Spam Musubi10
- Chicken Katsu10
- fried shrimp10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Hawaiian Food, Good Value
My experience at this restaurant was centered around finding Hawaiian food that wasn't poke. The food I received tasted great, although it wasn't the best choice for my personal dietary needs. The value was pretty good, and I appreciated that they take cards, which is something other nearby places don't offer.
- Hawaiian food8
- value7
- take card9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Experience, Tiny Portions
My first time here was also my last. The service was terrible, with no greeting and grumpy staff. I received a tiny portion of food for $18, which was a rip-off.
The rib looked like it had already been eaten, and the meat and chicken were of terrible taste. I would recommend the BBQ place across the street for bigger portions and lower prices.
- service1
- portion1
- taste1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Delicious Comfort Food, Mostly Takeout
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their affordable and tasty comfort foods, made with love. I particularly enjoyed the Musubi, with the spam and katsu chicken being standouts. The mac salad was a great accompaniment to everything 🤤😋.
It's primarily a takeout operation.
- comfort foods9
- Musubi9
- spam and katsu chicken9
What Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue?
At Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner. They offer a variety of small plates perfect for a quick bite. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a more substantial dinner, you’ll find options to satisfy your cravings.
Is Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms. It’s also a great place for kids, making it a convenient and welcoming spot for families.
How does Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue rate overall?
Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9, with Customer Satisfaction at 55.7%. Customers generally find the Food (6.3) and Value (6.6) to be average, while Service (4.7) and Ambience (4.8) are areas that often receive lower marks.
What positive aspects do customers highlight at Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue?
Many customers appreciate the generous portions and affordable prices, finding it to be a good value. Specific dishes like Chicken Katsu and BBQ meats are often mentioned as delicious and satisfying.
What are the common criticisms regarding Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue?
Recurring concerns include inconsistent food quality, with some mentioning salty or old-tasting items, and missing components like Katsu sauce. Additionally, service can be perceived as rude or uncommunicative, and cleanliness in the dining area is sometimes an issue.