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 Carmel Mountain Ranch
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#577 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
534
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Long waits
Overview: Introducting L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers a taste of island cuisine, often praised for its satisfying dishes and generous portions. Many find the food to be a highlight, with particular appreciation for the tender chicken and varied menu options.
However, experiences can vary, particularly concerning the service. While some encounters with friendly staff are noted, others report inconsistencies, including occasional long waits or issues with order accuracy.
Good
6.3
out of 10
534
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
181
negative
35
neutral
318
positive
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue registers an overall restaurant score of 6.3, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at 59.6%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from 534 customer remarks, with 318 positive and 181 negative observations.
Looking closer, the Food (6.9) and Ambience (6.9) topics perform well, suggesting a generally pleasant dining environment and enjoyable dishes. The Value (6.5) also holds up reasonably, often cited for generous portions.
However, Service (4.9) appears to be a more challenging area, reflecting some customer frustrations.
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Long wait times
- Hidden fees
Considering the mixed feedback, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue could be a worthwhile stop if you prioritize satisfying portions and a taste of Hawaiian fare. With a Recommendation Score of 6.4, it suggests a generally acceptable experience for many.
However, be prepared for potential variations in service and possibly longer waits, especially during busy times. If you value consistent, swift service above all else, you might find the experience less ideal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
Many diners find the food here quite satisfying, with 203 positive remarks out of 300 total. The overall score for food sits at a respectable 6.9, indicating an average to good experience. Guests frequently praise the generous portions and authentic Hawaiian food, often highlighting favorites like the Katsu Chicken and the flavorful BBQ mix.
However, the customer satisfaction, at 67.7%, suggests a mixed experience for some. Concerns include mentions of greasy food and dishes lacking taste, particularly the Kahlua pork. There are also notes about inconsistent portions and occasional issues with food quality, like chicken being overcooked or chewy.
Food
300
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
77
negative
20
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Authentic Hawaiian food
- Delicious Katsu Chicken
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Greasy or bland food
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive, similar to other locations I've visited. The staff is friendly, and the food is good. I particularly enjoy ordering the bbq combo platter and requesting a substitution of the bbq chicken for chicken katsu.
- Chicken KatsuI was satisfied 100%. The Chicken Katsu was crispy, the bbq chicken has great flavor, and the katsu sauce is on point. The mac was so creamy.
- macaroni saladMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their BBQ mix. It's incredibly cheap and comes with a generous portion of bulgogi, short rib, and chicken, all served with rice and macaroni salad. Smothering it all in their teriyaki sauce made it perfect!
- chickenThis was our first visit to this restaurant, and we're already planning our return. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the chicken, which was incredibly tender. We were also impressed with the affordable prices and the generous servings.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the excellent service, delicious food, and massive portions. It's also very affordable, making it a great value.
- riceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their BBQ mix. It's incredibly cheap and comes with a generous portion of bulgogi, short rib, and chicken, all served with rice and macaroni salad. Smothering it all in their teriyaki sauce made it perfect!
- Hawaiian foodMy experience at this restaurant was very chill, offering a great taste of Hawaiian food. I tried ramen with spam for the first time, and it was good.
- Loco MocoLoco Moco and Garlic Shrimp, both were tasty
- bbq chickenI was satisfied 100%. The Chicken Katsu was crispy, the bbq chicken has great flavor, and the katsu sauce is on point. The mac was so creamy.
- portion sizeamount of rice and meat in a regular size platter is enough for 2
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food tasted like it was cooked days before and just reheated
- chickenthe chicken is given to u in bits instead of whole pieces. The bits tend to be dry and tastes off
- Kahlua porkKahlua pork was sooooo bland
- food poisoningvomiting because of food poisoning.
- food qualityThe food is inconsistent
- gravyhamburger patties and gravy had a horrible smell
- greasy foodI feel like a ball of grease after eating this
- lumpiaWhile the food itself is absolutely delicious, I was consistently disappointed by the availability of certain items. Specifically, they have never once had lumpia in stock any of the times I've visited. This lack of availability for a specific item was a significant drawback.
- portion sizeThis was my 3rd visit, and I was disappointed to find that they no longer had mango ice cream. Furthermore, the owners seem to be cutting clients portion size, serving a half cup instead of overflow swirls. I will never go back to this location!
- spam musubidisappointed by the spam musubi
If you're looking for hearty, authentic Hawaiian flavors and generous portions, this place is often a hit. However, be mindful that some experiences point to inconsistency in quality and taste, so choosing popular items might be your best bet.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
It seems the service here offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.9 score indicating an average experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 40.9% mixed level. On the bright side, many guests rave about the friendly and well-trained employees, often highlighting speedy and exceptional service. With 65 positive remarks, terms like friendly staff, speedy service, and great customer service frequently pop up, making ordering online or via the app a convenient breeze.
However, the 85 negative comments point to some significant areas for improvement. Customers often face frustrating waiting times and bad service, with some encountering sullen service or even incompetence from staff. These issues, including delays and occasional rudeness, contribute to the overall mixed sentiment and suggest that consistency can be a challenge.
Service
159
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
85
negative
9
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Speedy service
- Easy online ordering
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff encounters
- Order inaccuracies
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was amazing. The food was great, but the service was even better. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mayte, who was absolutely amazing and ensured everything was perfect.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was positive, similar to other locations I've visited. The staff is friendly, and the food is good. I particularly enjoy ordering the bbq combo platter and requesting a substitution of the bbq chicken for chicken katsu.
- customer serviceI absolutely loved the food. A special shout-out to Alex for providing great customer service; they were very friendly and fast. It's also good that they have a new hire who is contributing positively.
- ServiceService:5
- appordering on the app they make it so easy
- friendly staffalways greeted by friendly staff with a big smile
- Alexthanks to Alex who helped me out
- MayteShe was absolutely amazing
- call it incall it in well ahead of time
- carry out orderI had made a carry out order, and the order was made and ready as promised. I ordered BBQ Chicken plates with extra rice and Mac salad.
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt seems they don't care anymore. We used to love this place, but the prices went up, and the service and food went way down.
- waiting timeIn the last few store visits, they have either never ordered my food or messed it up completely. Today was the final draw when my food had not been started after 40 minutes, despite me bringing it up to the clerk. Four people got their food in front of me, one of them had the same order I did.
- customer servicefirst impression was terrible with Customer service, rude
- orderMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The order was incorrect and the food was overcooked. It seems like the quality of food can be hit or miss, and the same goes for the service.
- cookthe cook did not have a very happy look. ... the cook yelled with an angy voice
- disrespectful womanMy experience at this restaurant was marked by encountering a sullen and disrespectful woman. The service was rated 1, atmosphere was rated 1, and food was rated 1.
- order accuracyLiterally Did not have 2/3 things I ordered
- ordersOrders can take a little while at times
- wait time😋 However, I strongly recommend ordering online or calling ahead of time. Currently, with pick-up or delivery only, expect a wait time of at least 30 minutes for your order to be fulfilled, not including delivery times. Still, the food is well worth it!
- BAD serviceBAD service not coming back to this place.
If youre looking for quick and friendly service, you might just hit the jackpot, especially with online ordering. But be prepared for potential long waits and occasional rude staff that could dampen your experience. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits a good note, with a 6.9 score indicating a good experience for many. Guests frequently praise the friendly and welcoming place, highlighting the clean environment, cozy feel, and the pleasant music playing. With 29 positive remarks out of 42 total comments, you'll often find plenty of seating both indoors and out, making it quite family-friendly and suitable for various party sizes.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69%, suggesting some areas for improvement. While some find parking easy, others report parking a challenge due to the location. A few comments mention a less-than-ideal vibe or concerns about the hygienic environment, and some feel the atmosphere has gone downhill, indicating an inconsistent experience for some visitors.
Ambience
42
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean environment
- Friendly atmosphere
- Ample seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Inconsistent vibe
- Hygienic concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereGood atmosphere with AC on a hot day!
- placeFriendly and welcoming place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- parkingEasy to find parking
- seatingPlenty of seating inside
- cleanIt’s very clean
- environmentCozy environment
- family-friendlyits very family-friendly
- indoor seatingIndoor and outdoor seating
- interiorInterior is clean
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe food is great, and we always have a good experience with the service and atmosphere. Parking can be a bit difficult to find as it's in a hub, but it's free parking once you find a spot.
- atmosphereatmosphere was rated 1
- hygienic environmentprepared in bad hygienic environment.
- locationThis location has gone downhill.
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- vibeVibe is like dont come here i don't wanna work.
This spot offers a generally pleasant atmosphere, especially if you value cleanliness and family-friendly seating. Just be prepared that parking might be a bit tricky, and the vibe could be hit or miss depending on your visit. It's worth a try for its positive aspects, but keep those potential parking woes in mind.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.5 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 63.6%. Many folks appreciate the generous portions for a reasonable price, often highlighting great prices and how affordable the food is, especially with generous servings. Out of 33 total comments, 21 leaned positive, praising the bang for your buck.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 10 negative comments pointing out some downsides. Concerns include extra charges, food being overpriced, and specific issues like a credit card fee that can make you feel like it's a waste of money. While the food might be delicious, some feel the costs are a bit steep for what you get.
Value
33
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
- Discounts available
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected fees
Often praised
- pricefood is affordable and tastes okay for the price
- great priceI tried the spam musubi and the chicken katsu plate, and both were so good. The food is definitely good, and it's at a great price.
- pricesThe prices are great for the amount of food served
- $5 off $20 couponThe food portions are large, which is a definite plus. If you happen to shop at Ralph's, keep an eye out for a $5 off $20 coupon on the back of your receipt for L&L Hawaiian BBQ – it's an awesome deal 👍.
- Military DiscountThey offer Military Discount.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordablevery affordable
- affordable pricesThe food was absolutely delicious, especially the chicken, which was incredibly tender. We were also impressed with the affordable prices and the generous servings. It's a great spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- better optionsnot hard to do better in that neighborhood
- cheapits cheap and you get bulgogi, short rib, and chicken
Frequently criticized
- priceIf you're a fan of Hawaiian food, you absolutely have to make it here. The food was simply delicious, though it was a bit expensive. However, it was worth every single penny!
- costsBut the costs are pretty up there.
- credit card feecharge for any use of credit card 3% and do not disclose until after
- extra chargecharged us 50 cents or some silly number
- mealpaying a decent amount for a meal but getting short changed
- overpricedFood is overpriced
- overpriced foodgreasy overpriced food
- pricesPrices went up
- waste of moneyThe restaurant appeared understaffed, with only one person managing the counter and taking phone calls. This was a waste of money, and I will not be returning to L&L for "Hawaiian food" again.
If youre looking for generous portions and keep an eye out for deals, youll likely find good value here. However, be mindful of potential extra fees or a slightly higher price point that might make it feel less like a steal for some.
How are the prices at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most diners spend in that sweet spot, the prices also show a nice spread. You can find options for a quicker, cheaper bite, or go for a slightly more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar ones in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Diego. It offers a good range, so you can find something whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal or something a bit more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointed by Missing Macaroni Salad
What! No macaroni salad with the Kalua Pork with Cabbage? !
I was VERY disappointed. The dish came with steamed veggies instead, which weren’t bad, but macaroni salad on the side is a classic must. Service: 4, Atmosphere: 3.
- Kalua Pork with Cabbage5
- steamed veggies5
- Service7
- macaroni salad2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Generous Portions, Hit-or-Miss Flavors
My experience at this Hawaiian fast-food restaurant offered generous portions. The Chicken Katsu was a reliable choice, though other dishes proved to be hit or miss. Among the BBQ options, chicken was the best bet, while the beef was disappointing.
The BBQs were too heavily seasoned for those watching their salt intake. Overall, it's a place with potential, but consistency in flavor could be improved. 3.
5 ⭐
- portions8
- Chicken Katsu7
- BBQ choice5
- beef3
- BBQs3
- seasoning3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Katsu Experience
I am usually a big fan of this place, but my coworkers and I had a very disappointing experience recently. During workplace appreciation week, our company purchased katsu meals for us. Unfortunately, the katsu chicken for myself and two colleagues was incredibly tough and chewy, like fried chicken jerky.
I only managed to eat a few pieces before discarding the rest of my meal due to its unpleasant texture. I believe the person who served us this food should be reprimanded, as they must have known the chicken was of poor quality and still served it.
- katsu chicken2
- fried chicken jerky2
- chewy like jerky2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Decline in Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food tasted like it was cooked days before and just reheated, which has happened multiple times now. It seems they don't care anymore.
We used to love this place, but the prices went up, and the service and food went way down.
- food2
- service1
- prices2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best L&L in San Diego
My experience at this L&L was fantastic! It's the best L&L in all of San Diego, offering more options than other locations. The food is excellent, and the value is great.
The restaurant has plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, and the tables are clean. Finding parking is easy, and there's plenty of it, making it a very family-friendly spot, best suited for medium or smaller parties. Despite the ample parking, it can still get busy.
- food10
- options9
- seating8
What L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
How does L&L Hawaiian Barbecue generally perform?
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue holds an overall score of 6.3, indicating an average experience. Food and Ambience both score well at (6.9), while Value is solid at (6.5). However, Service is a weaker point at (4.9).
What do customers appreciate most about the food at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Many customers enjoy the delicious and tender chicken, generous portions, and variety of Hawaiian dishes like Chicken Katsu and Loco Moco, often finding the food satisfying.
Are there any common issues customers report at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Some customers have noted inconsistent service, occasional long waiting times for orders, and concerns about order accuracy or unexpected credit card fees.