When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.
Why Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q., located in Austin, Texas, stands out as a beloved destination for those craving authentic Chinese barbecue and a wide range of traditional Cantonese dishes. This restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience perfect for meeting up with friends thanks to its extensive menu, featuring expertly prepared classics such as barbecue pork, roast duck, and a variety of fresh seafood options including lobster, crab, and prawns. The ambiance is casual and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for group gatherings looking to enjoy flavorful, hearty meals together. Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. also caters to convenience with options for online ordering, takeout, and delivery, enhancing its appeal for both spontaneous meetups and planned outings. The combination of authentic tastes prepared by skilled Chinese chefs and the availability of diverse dishes ensures that every visit promises a satisfying culinary adventure for all guests.
Here's what people think of Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.
As of recent, Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1874 reviews.
Reviews for Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. reflect a generally positive reception with a rating of 4.1 from over 1800 reviews, indicating strong customer appreciation. Positive comments frequently highlight the restaurant's authentic flavor, especially praising the Chinese barbecue items such as plum-sauced pork and the expertly roasted duck. Many reviewers commend the freshness of seafood and the vast menu variety, recommending dishes like wonton noodle soup and Chinese broccoli as reliable favorites. Additionally, customers appreciate the accommodating service when staffed well and the quality consistency that makes repeat visits enjoyable. On the other hand, some negative feedback focuses on occasional issues with service, notably inconsistency in attentiveness from servers and lapses like not refilling water, which detracts from the overall dining experience. Some find the large menu overwhelming for first-timers. Despite these critiques, the consensus remains that the food quality and authentic preparation overshadow the service limitations. In conclusion, Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. is celebrated for its delicious and authentic Cantonese BBQ offerings with minor service shortcomings that do not significantly diminish its appeal as a go-to spot for flavorful Chinese cuisine in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Chase McMillan
Went in here for lunch during the week. Has a great lunch special for $10.50 that comes with an entrée, side of rice, egg roll, and choice of three kind of soups. Ate the General Tso chicken with fried rice and wonton soup. Chicken was very flavorful but slightly chewy. Fried rice felt a little lacking in flavor and kinda dry but still pretty tasty. The egg drop soup my partner had was very tasty, wonton soup was a little lacking. The cream cheese Rangoon appetizer was perfectly fried and we enjoyed the egg rolls as well. Service was very attentive and friendly. Atmosphere is kinda lacking but still had an overall great lunch experience. Definitely recommend for a decent lunch Chinese spot.
John Creswell
We have been coming here for many years . Food has always been consistently great. In addition to the normal Chinese dishes, they have a really good wonton soup and their pork barbecue is very tasty Prices are very reasonable, considering the portions you get. The lunch menu has great options and is really reasonably priced and you get a lot of food. Vegetarian options are plenty. Not much more to say than good selection, quality of food and quick service has always been my experience.
T S
Ho Ho Chinese BBQ is a hidden gem for Cantonese-style roast meats in Austin. The roast duck and BBQ pork are flavorful, juicy, and have that perfect crispy skin and caramelized glaze. You can see the meats hanging by the window—always a good sign! Portions are generous, and the prices are fair, especially for the combo plates. The interior is no-frills, but the food more than makes up for it. Service is fast and efficient, and they do a brisk takeout business. If you’re craving authentic Chinese BBQ, Ho Ho delivers the real deal.
Phuong “Sabrina” Chau
This is an old Chinese restaurant with fantastic food. My family and I always order the live lobster, which is incredibly fresh and tender. We especially love the salt and pepper seasoning, and the fried garlic on top is a must-have. It’s one of the main reasons we keep coming back. In addition to the lobster, they offer a wide range of sautéed dishes that attract food lovers who enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. The food comes out quickly, so we never have to wait long. We also make sure to order the Peking duck and roast pork, both of which are excellent choices. Highly recommended! I’ve rated the atmosphere lower, though, because the restaurant is quite old and could really use a renovation to update the furniture.
GK
Most folks come here for the barbecue. My wife loves the duck, her family loves the lobster. I have a preference for their crispy noodles, fried pork chop and wonton soup. Good wait service but the bathrooms are always a nightmare. Really good prices. Lots of veggie options.
Chase McMillan
Went in here for lunch during the week. Has a great lunch special for $10.50 that comes with an entrée, side of rice, egg roll, and choice of three kind of soups. Ate the General Tso chicken with fried rice and wonton soup. Chicken was very flavorful but slightly chewy. Fried rice felt a little lacking in flavor and kinda dry but still pretty tasty. The egg drop soup my partner had was very tasty, wonton soup was a little lacking. The cream cheese Rangoon appetizer was perfectly fried and we enjoyed the egg rolls as well. Service was very attentive and friendly. Atmosphere is kinda lacking but still had an overall great lunch experience. Definitely recommend for a decent lunch Chinese spot.
John Creswell
We have been coming here for many years . Food has always been consistently great. In addition to the normal Chinese dishes, they have a really good wonton soup and their pork barbecue is very tasty Prices are very reasonable, considering the portions you get. The lunch menu has great options and is really reasonably priced and you get a lot of food. Vegetarian options are plenty. Not much more to say than good selection, quality of food and quick service has always been my experience.
T S
Ho Ho Chinese BBQ is a hidden gem for Cantonese-style roast meats in Austin. The roast duck and BBQ pork are flavorful, juicy, and have that perfect crispy skin and caramelized glaze. You can see the meats hanging by the window—always a good sign! Portions are generous, and the prices are fair, especially for the combo plates. The interior is no-frills, but the food more than makes up for it. Service is fast and efficient, and they do a brisk takeout business. If you’re craving authentic Chinese BBQ, Ho Ho delivers the real deal.
Phuong “Sabrina” Chau
This is an old Chinese restaurant with fantastic food. My family and I always order the live lobster, which is incredibly fresh and tender. We especially love the salt and pepper seasoning, and the fried garlic on top is a must-have. It’s one of the main reasons we keep coming back. In addition to the lobster, they offer a wide range of sautéed dishes that attract food lovers who enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. The food comes out quickly, so we never have to wait long. We also make sure to order the Peking duck and roast pork, both of which are excellent choices. Highly recommended! I’ve rated the atmosphere lower, though, because the restaurant is quite old and could really use a renovation to update the furniture.
GK
Most folks come here for the barbecue. My wife loves the duck, her family loves the lobster. I have a preference for their crispy noodles, fried pork chop and wonton soup. Good wait service but the bathrooms are always a nightmare. Really good prices. Lots of veggie options.
How to reach Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.
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Why Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. with your friends?
Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. offers a compelling setting to gather with friends due to its combination of authentic flavors, ample menu variety, and a casual atmosphere that suits social dining. The restaurant specializes in Chinese barbecue favorites such as roast pork, roast duck, and other Cantonese-style dishes, which are highly praised for their consistency and quality. Its reputation for delivering bold, rich flavors makes it a natural choice for food lovers who enjoy sharing and savoring recipes together. The communal nature of Chinese barbecue dishes, often served family-style, encourages sharing and conversation—perfect for meetups where you want to try multiple dishes and sample a range of tastes. Additionally, its accessible location in Austin along with a friendly pricing structure facilitates easy planning for groups. The casual, bustling environment filled with other families and groups further enhances a sense of community and festivity, making it ideal for celebrations, casual dinners, or even informal get-togethers. This place strikes a balance between being lively enough to boost your social energy without overwhelming your gathering with noisy or pretentious vibes.
Sharing the experience of authentic Chinese BBQ dishes with friends adds a memorable culinary dimension, coupled with great food and ample choices to satisfy diverse palates. It’s a restaurant where the cuisine speaks for itself, providing a consistently excellent backdrop to enjoy camaraderie and rich flavors together. Whether you’re craving crispy salt and pepper shrimp, rich duck fried rice, or savory crab Rangoon, Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. invites you to indulge with your friends in a comfortable, flavorful setting that feels like a celebration of both food and friendship.
What activities can you enjoy at Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.?
While Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. primarily focuses on delivering authentic Chinese barbecue cuisine, the activities revolve around enjoying a communal dining experience that emphasizes sharing and tasting multiple dishes. Group dining itself is a key activity, where participants order an array of meats like roast pork, crispy duck, and barbecued pork to sample alongside classic Chinese sides and soups. This collective sampling encourages conversation and engagement around the table, making every meal interactive and dynamic. The atmosphere caters to families and groups, making it common to see larger parties sharing platters—a social experience that invites everyone to participate and bond over food.
Another activity is savoring the different textures and flavors unique to Cantonese barbecue, such as the crispy skin of roast duck or the tender, juicy pork. The menu often encourages culinary exploration, as many diners try popular dishes like the eggplant with shredded pork and garlic or the flavorful wonton soups. This "tasting tour" within a single meal can become a fun and immersive culinary activity for friends who appreciate food diversity and experience.
For those interested in takeout or delivery, Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. also offers convenient options to bring the feast home, letting groups continue their festivities in a private setting while enjoying restaurant-quality barbecue. Delivery services accommodate group orders with ease, adding flexibility to planning meetups. Group ordering and sharing food at home adds a relaxed, comfortable layer to your social activities, where you can mix casual conversation with your love of good food.
Why is Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. perfect for group meetups?
Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. excels as a venue for group meetups primarily due to its emphasis on dishes designed for sharing, its generous portions, and the variety of flavors offered. The restaurant’s menu features numerous barbecue staples that cater well to groups: roast pork, roast duck, and salt and pepper shrimp are popular choices, each presenting robust flavors and textures that appeal to many people. This variety ensures there is something for everyone—from those who love meat-heavy dishes to those who want lighter vegetable or soup options like Chinese broccoli or pork and shrimp wonton soup.
The spacious, family-friendly dining environment supports large groups comfortably, encouraging social interaction without the restrictions or formality of smaller, more intimate settings. Despite some reviews noting that the ambiance or service may not be the main attraction, the quality of food and the tradition of communal Cantonese barbecue create an authentic and satisfying experience that compensates. Groups feel welcome and relaxed enough to stay awhile, sample extensively, and even order additional dishes based on everyone’s preferences.
Additionally, the restaurant’s efficient food preparation means that even larger group orders are served promptly, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted conversation and fun. The affordability and steady quality also help groups stay budget-conscious while still inviting everyone to indulge in multiple dishes. For those who prefer a quieter or more private meetup, the restaurant’s strong takeout and delivery reputation allows groups to gather wherever they like while enjoying the same delicious food.
What dishes make Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. a great place to host friends or family?
Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.’s menu showcases classic Cantonese barbecue dishes that are both crowd-pleasers and conversation starters at the table. Signature meats such as juicy roast pork and crispy-skinned roast duck stand out for their combination of tender meat and flavorful seasoning. These dishes are often the highlight because they deliver an authentic taste of traditional barbecue techniques, offering a depth of flavor that sets the tone for any shared meal. Salt and pepper shrimp provides a crispy, savory seafood option, creating textural balance alongside the rich barbecued meats.
Complementing these are satisfying sides and soups—such as Chinese broccoli and pork and shrimp wonton soup—that bring freshness and variety to your group’s plates. The wonton soup, in particular, stands out with its delicate broth and flavorful morsels, perfect for sharing as a starter or lighter option. Other popular dishes like the eggplant with shredded pork and garlic add dimension and are beloved for their unique flavors and ability to balance the richness of the barbeque.
The generous portion sizes and variety encourage ordering multiple dishes for sharing, a perfect model for group dining that allows everyone to taste multiple items without committing to a single entrée. This variety appeals not only to traditional palates but also to those seeking new or authentic Chinese flavors. The favorable reviews highlight the consistency and quality of these dishes, assuring groups that their choices will be satisfying.
How does the location and pricing of Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. support group gatherings?
Situated in North Austin near the intersection of Parmer Lane and Interstate 35, Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. offers convenient access for locals and visitors alike. Its location along a major corridor makes it easy for groups coming from various parts of the city to convene without complicated travel arrangements. This accessibility is especially valuable for meeting up after work, school, or weekend errands, reducing the barriers that sometimes complicate group plans.
In terms of pricing, Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. is known to be affordable, offering excellent value for the quality and quantity of food served. The menu prices are moderate, fitting well within budgets for both casual friends’ meetups and family gatherings. Affordable pricing paired with generous portions allows groups to indulge in multiple dishes and share widely without overspending. This economic balance makes the restaurant a go-to for groups who want delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, but without the premium cost of trendier or more upscale venues.
Moreover, the option to order delivery or takeout adds flexibility for groups that might prefer hosting their gatherings at home or another preferred location, but still want the restaurant-quality flavors and specialties that Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. offers. This helps broaden planning options for group events, celebrations, or casual dinners.
What do customer reviews reveal about the experience of dining at Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.?
Customer feedback consistently praises the authenticity and taste of the food served at Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q., often highlighting the well-prepared barbecue pork, roast duck, and other signature dishes as standouts. Many reviewers emphasize the consistency of flavor and the generous portions, which help build trust that the meal will meet expectations every time. People who regularly order emphasize the dependable quality and the pleasure of returning for favorite items like the crab Rangoon, duck fried rice, and the eggplant with pork and garlic.
However, reviews also suggest that the main appeal lies in the food rather than the service or ambiance. Some diners note that the atmosphere is simple, and the service can be inconsistent or rushed, but this is generally regarded as a minor drawback compared to the overall value and taste. For many, the priority is genuine, flavorful Chinese barbecue rather than fine dining polish, and Ho Ho meets those expectations well.
The overall rating of about 4.1 from nearly 1,900 reviews reflects a solidly positive experience for most visitors, marking it as a reliable choice for groups seeking excellent Chinese barbecue. The popularity and volume of reviews suggest a steady flow of satisfied guests, supporting its reputation as a favored spot for gatherings that prioritize flavor, sharing, and communal enjoyment.
Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q. consistently delivers an authentic, flavorful Chinese barbecue experience that is ideal for hosting meetups with friends and family. Its menu encourages sharing multiple dishes, its location and pricing support group logistics, and the hearty, rich flavors ensure every gathering is memorable. Whether dining in or ordering out, this spot is a dependable and welcoming choice for social dining centered on exceptional Cantonese barbecue cuisine.