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 Little India
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#699 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Average
4.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
71
Reviews
33.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Value
- Quality BBQ Beef
- New Management
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Inconsistent Food
- Unreliable Hours
The restaurant L&L Hawaiian Barbecue brings a taste of the islands to San Diego’s vibrant Little India neighborhood. This Hawaiian restaurant offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You can easily enjoy authentic flavors, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for convenient delivery. It’s a go-to spot for satisfying your cravings for island-inspired dishes.
Overview: Introducting L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue presents a mixed experience, often praised for its generous portions and the positive impact of a new manager/owner. While many find the food to be a highlight, some encounters are unfortunately marred by inconsistent quality and service issues.
Customers frequently commend the EXCELLENT FOOD, particularly specific dishes, suggesting that when it’s good, it’s quite satisfying. However, reports of slow service and occasional operational inconsistencies indicate that the experience can vary significantly.
Average
4.7
out of 10
71
Reviews
33.8%
Satisfaction
39
negative
8
neutral
24
positive
The overall assessment for L&L Hawaiian Barbecue yields a Restaurant Score of 4.7, placing it in the average category. However, customer satisfaction stands at a poor 33.8%, indicating a notable gap between the general score and how patrons truly feel.
This suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, a significant portion of diners leave less than impressed, based on 71 customer observations, with 24 positive remarks against 39 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food scores an average (5.3), despite being the most discussed topic.
Service, however, registers a poor (3.1), reflecting common frustrations. On a brighter note, Ambience is rated as average (6.5), and Value truly shines with an excellent (9.5), often highlighted for the substantial portions received for the price.
What people like
- Excellent Value
- Quality BBQ Beef
- New Management Impact
What people don't like
- Slow Service
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Unreliable Hours
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers a compelling value proposition, especially if you prioritize generous portions and specific well-regarded dishes. It’s a place where you might find a satisfying meal, particularly if the new manager/owner‘s positive influence continues to spread across all aspects of the operation.
With a Recommendation Score of 5, it’s a place worth considering if you’re in the mood for Hawaiian barbecue and are prepared for potentially inconsistent service or food quality. If you catch them on a good day, you’ll likely leave full and content, but be aware that experiences can fluctuate.
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Verdict: Our expert take on L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Food (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers found dishes like the katsu curry fries plate lunch and BBQ beef to be quite delicious, with some even calling it EXCELLENT FOOD. The portion size was a frequent highlight, often described as generous enough for multiple meals, and the Chicken Katsu was praised for being cooked to perfection. However, the overall sentiment for food is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.3 and customer satisfaction sitting at a poor 39.5%, based on 17 positive and 19 negative observations out of 43 total.
Many experienced issues with food quality and flavor, noting items were dried out, tough beef, or rubbery chicken. Serious concerns included terribly prepared garlic shrimp and even finding human hair in a dish.
Food
43
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Delicious Katsu
- Tasty BBQ beef
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Inconsistent flavor
- Unacceptable hygiene
- Bad shrimp preparation
Often praised
- foodThe food was good
- BBQ beefBest meat is the bbq beef
- Chicken KatsuChicken Katsu. Cooked to perfection
- EXCELLENT FOODto find EXCELLENT FOOD and Service
- Hawaiian BBQ chickenabsolutely delicious! Had their Hawaiian BBQ chicken
- amount of foodABSURD amount of food for $12.99
- best L&Lbest L&L I have eaten at
- chicken katsu curryordered the chicken katsu curry
- fantasticevery one was fantastic
- flavorpleased with the meal and flavor
Frequently criticized
- food qualityfood quality was also poor
- Mac saladNo flavor in Mac salad
- beefBeef didn’t taste fresh, it was tough to chew on
- chickenChicken felt like chewing on a rubber. Too salty.
- chicken katsuchicken katsu... had no flavor
- dried outWhile other vendors cleared their long lines, the few people ahead of me were still being served. I didn't personally eat the food as it was for a friend, but it looked very dried out. The staff's demeanor also contributed to the negative experience; the guy behind the counter seemed frustrated, and the woman had an 'I don't care' attitude.
- food flavordidn't have the flavor like other L&Ls
- food textureIt was hard to chew
- garlic sauceThere was no garlic sauce.
- garlic shrimpthe garlic shrimp was terribly prepared and nothing like I've been served
If you're seeking generous portions and specific items like katsu, you might find a satisfying meal here. However, be aware that food quality and consistency can be a significant gamble, with potential for disappointment and hygiene concerns.
Service (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
Despite an overall challenging picture for service, a few bright spots shine through. Out of 24 customer observations, 4 highlighted positive interactions, often praising the friendly cashier or the positive impact of a new owner/manager. These instances suggest that when things go right, the personal touch can make a real difference.
However, the majority of feedback paints a less favorable picture, with 19 negative observations contributing to a 3.1 (poor) score and a very low 16.7% customer satisfaction. Many customers reported incredibly slow service and long waiting times, often encountering an I dont care' attitude from staff or issues with phone answering and inconsistent hours. Clearly, there are significant areas needing improvement.
Service
24
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly cashier
- New management positive
What people don't like
- Incredibly slow service
- Poor staff attitude
- Unreliable availability
Often praised
- ServiceEXCELLENT FOOD and Service
- cashierI'm thankful to whoever provided such a generous portion. The cashier was also nice, though I didn't catch her name.
- new manager/ownerThis location is by far the best L&L I have ever eaten at. KUDOS to the new manager/owner for making this place great. Keep it up!
- new ownerThe new owner and lady who runs this location
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by incredibly slow service. Despite there not being a line and only one person ahead of me, I waited 22 minutes.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by incredibly slow service. Despite there not being a line and only one person ahead of me, I waited 22 minutes.
- I don't care attitudewoman appeared to have an 'I don't care' attitude
- availabilityThe restaurant is never open
- closing signsThe restaurant is never open, and they never answer the phone. To make matters worse, they don't even hang a "closed" sign when they close early and leave. It's impossible to know when or if they will be open.
- frustratedguy behind the counter seemed frustrated
- order accuracyOther people got their order before us who ordered after.
- phone answeringthey never answer the phone
- slow serviceincredibly slow service
- staffthe girl came to help me, she had an attitude
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for potential frustrations with the service. While a few positive interactions exist, the overwhelming feedback points to significant issues with speed and staff responsiveness. It might be best to manage your expectations or consider other options if service is a top priority for you.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
The vibe here has received some praise, with one person feeling it really has this place top notch now. While the overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 50%, its clear theres potential. This positive feedback, though from just 1 opinion, suggests a promising side to the atmosphere, highlighting the top notch aspect.
However, the experience isn't universally glowing. One customer noted a lack of lights at the front, making the place appear shut down initially. This single negative observation, focusing on the lights, points to an area needing attention, especially when considering the overall mixed sentiment despite the average score.
Ambience
2
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Atmosphere is top-notch
What people don't like
- Lacks front lighting
- Appears shut down
Often praised
- top notchreally has this place top notch now
Frequently criticized
- lightsAlthough the place looked shut down due to a lack of lights and people at the front, someone came out and assisted me. I ordered the chicken katsu curry, which took about 15 minutes to prepare.
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. While some find it truly excellent, others have been put off by a lack of lighting that makes it look closed. If you're looking for a consistently vibrant atmosphere, you might find it hit or miss, so go with an open mind.
Value (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place really hits the mark! Diners are raving about getting an absurd amount of food for a great price, with many feeling their meals are well worth every penny. With an excellent score of 9.5 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear that the pricing here is a major win, based on two positive remarks.
Whats even better is that there are absolutely no negative comments or concerns about the value here. It seems everyone agrees that you're getting a fantastic deal, leaving no room for improvement in this department.
Value
2
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Excellent price point
- Great value
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThis dish cost around $10 and it is well worth it
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Customers consistently find the portions generous and the prices incredibly fair, making it a solid choice for excellent value.
How are the prices at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 14 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix. While the average is 23, most guests tend to spend in the $11–$20 range. However, a few diners do enjoy a more premium experience, with some spending in the 41 – 60 $ brackets, which helps shape that average.
It suggests there’s something for different budgets here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant with similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian spot. With options ranging from more budget-friendly to a bit more indulgent, it seems like a good value for what you get.
Customer Reviews: what people think about L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Long Wait for Musubi and Mac Salad
I ordered 3 musubi and 2 mac salads. What should have been a quick 5-10 minute order took 30 minutes. The food itself was fine, but the extended waiting time was a significant drawback.
- musubi6
- mac salads6
- waiting time2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Good Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a high rating. However, the service was practically non-existent.
The staff appeared bored and unhappy. Ordering ahead is not an option, and since the food is made to order, the waiting time is excessively long. This makes it impossible to grab a meal during a short 30-minute lunch break.
If you have ample time to spare, then this place might be worth a visit.
- food10
- service1
- waiting time1
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing L&L Experience
I normally love L&L, but this visit was a terrible experience. Upon arrival, it appeared the restaurant was closed due to a lack of staff at the front. When I was finally assisted, the server displayed an unpleasant attitude, seeming uninterested in being there.
It took nearly 20 minutes to receive my food, which was also disappointing in quality. The food was hard to chew and lacked the usual flavor found at other L&L locations. I am very dissatisfied and expected better service, especially considering the restaurant's location on a military base.
It was a truly disappointing visit.
- staff2
- waiting time3
- food quality2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Garlic Shrimp, Long Wait
My experience ordering takeout on a Saturday at 2: 20 PM was disappointing. Despite being the only one in line, it took 30 minutes to receive our order. To make matters worse, other customers who ordered after us received their food before us.
Upon arriving home, I discovered the garlic shrimp was terribly prepared and unlike anything served at other locations. The shrimp were unpeeled, not deveined, and fried to a crisp, making them hard as a rock. The black vein waste was still attached and fried on.
There was also no garlic sauce, rendering the dish inedible. I am incredibly disappointed with this experience.
- waiting time2
- order accuracy1
- garlic shrimp1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Value and Fresh Food!
Although the place looked shut down due to a lack of lights and people at the front, someone came out and assisted me. I ordered the chicken katsu curry, which took about 15 minutes to prepare. While that's a bit of a wait, I received an ABSURD amount of food for $12.
99. It was enough to feed two people easily, and the food was fresh and piping hot. I'm thankful to whoever provided such a generous portion.
The cashier was also nice, though I didn't catch her name.
- chicken katsu curry9
- amount of food10
- food9
- lights3
What L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- 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?
Yes, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue prioritizes accessibility for you. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for every visitor.
What dining and parking options are available at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
You can enjoy lunch or dinner at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, with catering services also offered. For your convenience, the location provides both free street parking and a free parking lot.
How does L&L Hawaiian Barbecue generally rate?
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue holds an average Restaurant Score of 4.7, though customer satisfaction is poor at 33.8%. While Value (9.5) is excellent and Ambience (6.5) is average, Food (5.3) is also average, and Service (3.1) is considered poor.
What are the standout dishes or best aspects of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Customers frequently praise the excellent value, noting the absurd amount of food for the price. Specific dishes like the BBQ beef and Chicken Katsu are often highlighted for their flavor and quality when prepared well. The positive influence of a new manager/owner has also been noted.
What are the main concerns or issues at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Key concerns include incredibly slow service, with long waiting times even when there’s no line. There are also reports of inconsistent food quality, with some dishes like beef and chicken being tough or lacking flavor, and issues with the restaurant’s availability and phone answering.