Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » L&L – San Francisco
L&L - San Francisco
Photo from L&L
L&L at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#2147 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
247
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Affordable food
- Catering option
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Cleanliness concerns
- Small portions
The Hawaiian restaurant L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood invites you to experience a taste of the islands. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving lunch or dinner, this spot offers a welcoming setting for you and your family, making it a great choice for kids too. It’s a convenient stop for authentic flavors in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting L&L
L&L offers a straightforward dining experience, often praised for its satisfying food and diverse menu options, making it a popular choice for quick meals. Many customers consistently commend the service for its friendly and attentive staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality, with occasional concerns about preparation or flavor. The overall atmosphere can be a point of contention, as some find the dining environment could use more attention to detail, particularly regarding cleanliness.
Average
6
out of 10
247
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
95
negative
13
neutral
139
positive
This establishment holds an average overall score of 6 out of 10, reflecting a generally acceptable experience for most patrons. Customer satisfaction registers at a mixed 56.3%, indicating that opinions are somewhat divided.
This assessment is based on 247 customer observations, comprising 139 positive and 95 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food scores an average (6), with many finding it tasty and filling, though some report issues with consistency.
Service stands out as good (6.9), frequently described as attentive and friendly. The Ambience is average (5), offering a laid-back vibe but facing criticism for cleanliness and disposable packaging.
Lastly, Value is also average (4.9), with affordable options but some feeling portions are small for the price.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Affordable, filling food
- Good catering choice
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Ambience/cleanliness issues
- Small portions sometimes
L&L presents a practical option, particularly if you prioritize value and a friendly interaction for a casual meal. With a recommendation score of 6.2, it’s a place that can certainly satisfy, especially when seeking an affordable and quick bite.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food preparation and a no-frills dining environment. While it might not be the destination for a special occasion, for a convenient and generally satisfying meal, it holds its own.
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Verdict: Our expert take on L&L
Food (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's a bit of a mixed plate, with a score of 6 putting it squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 57.3%. Many diners, accounting for 94 positive remarks out of 164 total, rave about the authentic Hawaiian flavors, generous portions, and delicious items like chicken katsu and loco moco, often made with fresh ingredients. However, 62 negative comments point to some inconsistencies.
Issues like bland or dry meat, disappointing ramen burgers, and overall food quality concerns occasionally pop up, suggesting that while some dishes hit the mark, others might leave you wanting more flavor or better execution.
Food
164
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
62
negative
8
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Hawaiian flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, dry meat
- Disappointing ramen burger
Often praised
- foodI've ordered L&L Hawaiian Barbecue catering for work lunches several times, and everyone in my office LOVES it! Millie, who takes our orders and delivers them, is so friendly and wonderful to work with.
- chicken katsuFood was good- got the chicken katsu
- FoodI already knew it would be good.
- food qualityowner cares about food quality
- loco mocoMy experience at this restaurant was great for a quick meal. I enjoyed their musubi, mixed grilled meat & rice plates, and loco moco. The food was tasty and filling, making it an excellent choice for affordable food, which is why I like it.
- musubiespecially the musubi s
- ramen burgerI had to stop here because I’ve always wanted to try a ramen burger, but have never found one with a veggie patty. It was pretty good.
- #9Loved the #9 fresh steamed vegetables succulent chicken
- 3 spam masubi mealMy experience at the restaurant was a good value, especially during their specials from 3pm to 6pm. They offer a 3 spam masubi meal for $6, which is a fantastic deal.
- BBQ chicken bowlThe BBQ chicken bowl was good packed bowl
Frequently criticized
- foodMy food was pre-packaged lettuce with little shredded carrots
- portionsknow the portions perfectly well...but now, when I ordered to go, I open the boxes and I find the rice and others significantly less!!
- chicken katsuMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the chicken katsu with fried egg and spam slices, but unfortunately, everything was undercooked and tasted like day-old food. I had to ask for it to be re-cooked, but it still didn't taste right.
- food tasteThe food lacks flavor. I’ve tried other locations and they taste significantly better; it feels like their food is more sweet and flavorful here. This location's food is not as good as others.
- meatmeat was chewy and tough
- portion sizethe portion is a bit small for the price
- ramen burgerthe ramen 'buns' ruin everything beneficial about both buns and ramen
- ribs and other meatthe ribs and other meat were really bad.
- riceThe rice was overcooked and extremely dry
- BBQ saucedid not have enough bbq sauce
If you're craving classic Hawaiian comfort food like chicken katsu or loco moco, this spot could be a tasty choice. Just be aware that some menu items, like the ramen burger or certain meat dishes, might be a hit or miss in terms of flavor and quality.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 6.9. Many customers rave about the friendly service, fast service, and attentive staff, especially noting efficient delivery services. With 30 positive remarks among 44 total, it seems many have had pleasant interactions, often praising specific individuals like Millie or Brandon for their helpfulness.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.2%. There are 12 negative comments pointing to issues like terrible service, long waiting time, and poor staff response. Some felt the staff could skimp on to-go orders' or were reluctant to assist, suggesting inconsistency in service quality.
Service
44
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Attentive staff
- Good delivery options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Long waiting times
- Reluctant staff
Often praised
- serviceThe food, the service and the ordering process were all great!
- ServiceThe cashier had thankfully stowed it behind the counter
- deliveryordering and delivery were easy
- ownermet Millie, the woman owner of franchise location I was impressed
- BrandonBrandon graciously apologised and offered to replace the entire order
- MillieMillie who takes our orders and delivers them is so friendly and wonderful
- attentiveThis location was attentive and aiming to please
- cashierThe cashier had thankfully stowed it behind the counter and gave it back
- cateringI think I’ll stop by again this week! As a bonus, they also cater both private and corporate events.
- customer serviceThis location was incredibly attentive and focused on pleasing customers. They did more than that; the customer service helped someone from being hungry that day with a good meal. For this reason, I give them 5 stars for going far and above the call of duty.
Frequently criticized
- serviceTerrible service
- advance orderThe whole reason of me ordering AHEAD OF TIME BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME!!!
- cup of waterasked for a cup of water. Dude said no.
- order the MusubiMy experience on Spam Musubi day was a scam. They didn’t know how to order the Musubi in the app. The service was terrible.
- re cook the foodit not taste right still
- sauceHowever, the service was really bad. The staff was reluctant to elaborate when I asked about the sauce. They also don't serve actual plates, opting for plastic to-go boxes.
- staffif your staff does not show even a single sign of kindness
- staff responseTold the person at the registrar but he just kept saying "it will be out soon"
- to-go bagLesson learned for next time. Open your to-go bag!
- to-go ordersskimp on the to-go orders
If youre looking for generally friendly and fast service, especially for delivery or pickup, this place is often a good bet. However, be aware that service can be inconsistent, so you might encounter longer waits or less attentive staff on occasion. Its worth a try, but manage your expectations for every visit.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, leaning towards needing some love. While the score sits at an average 5, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 37.5%, indicating a significant disconnect. Many appreciate the good music and laid-back vibe, with some finding the atmosphere charming and a perfect setting for enjoying food, as noted in 6 positive remarks.
However, the overall impression is dragged down by 9 negative observations. Patrons frequently mention the place looking filthy, with an unclean interior that hasn't been dusted. There are also strong concerns about the environmental impact of using giant plastic lidded containers and plastic to-go boxes instead of actual plates, with some even noting a rotten smell.
Ambience
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good music
- Laid-back vibe
- Charming setting
What people don't like
- Filthy appearance
- Unclean interior
- Excessive plastic use
Often praised
- atmosphereFrom tender, smoky meats to vibrant, fresh ingredients, every dish is a celebration of Hawaiian cuisine. The laid-back atmosphere adds to the charm, creating the perfect setting for enjoying delicious food with friends and family. Whether you're craving classic favorites or adventurous twists, the chicken meals are my best, and I recommend them strongly.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicThe music is typical Hawaiian and Polynesian, so the vibe is good.
- paper plate or something reusablethey should have a paper plate or something reusable and washable
- vibeThe music is typical Hawaiian and Polynesian, so the vibe is good.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereKind of typical of that area, be forewarned!
- environmental impactwish places would think more about their environmental impact
- giant plastic lidded containersstop using giant plastic lidded containers for every meal
- interiorinterior itself looked like it had not been cleaned or dusted
- placePlace looks filthy.
- plastic boxgo into a plastic box that will just go into landfill
- platesThey don’t serve actual plates, but plastic to-go box
- rotten smellsmelled rotten
- well keptThis is what we elderly call the local greasy spoon. Maybe not well kept, but the food is good most of the time and reasonably priced.
If you prioritize a laid-back vibe and good music over cleanliness and environmental concerns, you might find this place acceptable. However, be prepared for a potentially unkempt interior and a lot of plastic packaging, which could be a dealbreaker for many.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found quite a few bright spots, with 9 positive remarks out of 23 total. Many appreciated the good value and affordable food, especially noting the specials that made meals reasonably priced and worth the money. While the overall score sits at an average 4.9, these guests clearly felt they got a good bang for their buck.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 12 negative comments indicating some significant concerns. Many felt the price was too high for the portion size, leading to feelings of being overcharged and even scam vibes. This sentiment is reflected in the poor 39.1% customer satisfaction, suggesting that for many, the value just didnt add up, with some even calling it a waste.
Value
23
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value meals
- Affordable food
- Great special deals
What people don't like
- High price for size
- Feeling overcharged
- Scam vibes reported
Often praised
- affordable foodI enjoyed their musubi, mixed grilled meat & rice plates, and loco moco. The food was tasty and filling, making it an excellent choice for affordable food, which is why I like it.
- catering choiceI love that there are lots of options, so I can accommodate people who have dietary restrictions, allergies, and different food preferences. It's such an affordable catering choice for satisfying a large group of people at work, and I'm so glad I found L&L. Thanks Millie, you're the best!
- good pricesgood food at good prices
- good valueMy experience at the restaurant was a good value, especially during their specials from 3pm to 6pm. They offer a 3 spam masubi meal for $6, which is a fantastic deal.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant in FIDI was very positive. I found the food to be very tasty and affordable. They offer classic island dishes like Moco Locos and Kalua pork.
- pricesthe prices were more than fair
- reasonably pricedThis is what we elderly call the local greasy spoon. Maybe not well kept, but the food is good most of the time and reasonably priced.
- specialsthey have specials for 3 hours
- worth the moneyWorth the money
Frequently criticized
- priceI received a delivery order and was somewhat disappointed with the portion size. Even though I ordered the small size, I felt I paid more than I should have. Overall, the food is good.
- customersdefinitely taking advantage of their customers
- overchargedI was overcharged
- pricesprices went way too high
- scam vibesgives scam vibes
- time nor moneyDont Waste Your Time nor Money
- wasteA waste on every front
If youre looking for a deal, especially during their specials, you might find some good value here. However, be mindful of portion sizes relative to the price, as many felt overcharged and disappointed. Its a bit of a gamble, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at L&L?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 46 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 folks usually spend, most diners actually keep it in the $11–$20 range. While your 21 is a bit above that sweet spot, it’s still well within what some guests are happy to pay, with a few even going for pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
How this Hawaiian spot in San Francisco stacks up on value compared to similar restaurants.
Considering it’s a Hawaiian spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a tasty meal without breaking the bank, especially if you stick to the more common spending range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about L&L
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Service and Unique Menu Items
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner is super nice, contributing to a very welcoming atmosphere. I was also impressed that this location has items not on other locations' menus, such as the Chicken Volcano Sandwich and the Ramen Burger.
The overall experience was excellent, with high ratings for service, atmosphere, and food.
- owner10
- menu items9
- Chicken Volcano Sandwich9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Disgusting Hawaiian BBQ - Avoid!
My experience at this restaurant was extremely unpleasant. The Hawaiian BBQ was the naughtiest I've ever had. The meat was incredibly chewy and tough, and excessively fatty.
I felt disgusting after eating it. To make matters worse, there was a rotten smell coming from the meat. I absolutely would not recommend this place.
For $32, it was absolutely NOT worth it. Do yourself a favor and just close.
- Hawaiian BBQ1
- meat1
- rotten smell1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
6
Great Food, High Prices
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great, but the prices have become way too high, especially for a little hole-in-the-wall spot.
- food8
- hole in the wall spot5
- prices3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Chicken Teriyaki Instead of BBQ
I ordered the Healthy BBQ Chicken, expecting a chicken breast as shown on the menu. However, upon returning to my hotel, I discovered what appeared to be Chicken teriyaki. I was not impressed.
It was too late to return the order, so I learned a lesson for next time: always open your to-go bag before leaving. I had already eaten a few pieces of the chicken and rice before deciding to write this review.
- Healthy BBQ Chicken2
- Chicken teriyaki2
- to-go bag3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Flavorful but Pricey Katsu Chicken
My experience at L&L Hawaiian BBQ was centered around their katsu chicken. The chicken itself is really good, but the sauce is truly exceptional, in a league of its own. While the portion sizes are decent, they feel quite small relative to the price.
I wouldn't choose to pay for it myself, but the food is very flavorful. I'd recommend it if you have a credit for lunch.
- katsu chicken8
- sauce10
- portion sizes6
- price4
What L&L offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is L&L Hawaiian Barbecue accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in San Francisco offers wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. When it comes to parking, you’ll typically find paid street parking, though spaces can sometimes be challenging to locate in the Union Square area.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and is it suitable for families?
You can enjoy a casual dining experience at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, perfect for lunch or dinner, and they also offer catering. It’s considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot for a quick bite or a full meal.
How is L&L generally rated by customers?
L&L receives an overall score of **6** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a **mixed** 56.3%. The **Food** scores an average (6), **Service** is good (6.9), **Ambience** is average (5), and **Value** is average (4.9).
What do customers appreciate most about L&L?
Many customers highlight the friendly and attentive service, often praising specific staff members. The food is also frequently noted for being tasty, filling, and an affordable choice, especially for catering.
Are there any common complaints about L&L?
Some customers have noted inconsistent food quality, with issues like undercooked items or a lack of flavor. Concerns about the dining environment’s cleanliness and the use of disposable packaging are also mentioned.