When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Why L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a vibrant and welcoming restaurant chain known for delivering the true taste of Hawaiian plate lunches, a beloved comfort food originating in Hawaii. This business is an exceptional place to meet up with friends due to its inviting atmosphere, diverse menu offerings, and consistent quality that appeals to a wide range of palates. Their menu features classic Hawaiian favorites such as Chicken Katsu, Loco Moco, Kalua Pork with Cabbage, Barbecue Chicken, and a flavorful Seafood Combo consisting of fried shrimp and fish fillet paired with your choice of beef, chicken, or short ribs. These dishes bring authentic Hawaiian flavors straight to the mainland, presenting a unique and satisfying culinary experience. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue also embraces convenience and accessibility, offering multiple locations, including areas such as Seatac and Tumwater, Washington, with delivery services via platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Many locations provide comfortable seating and are wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal spot for gatherings. Whether catching up over a hearty lunch or enjoying dinner after work, the consistent quality and casual ambiance make L&L Hawaiian Barbecue a fantastic choice for friends seeking delicious food and a taste of Hawaii.
Here's what people think of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
As of recent, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue holds a 4.8-star rating based on 62 reviews.
Customer reviews of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue are highly positive, reflected in an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Reviewers frequently praise the restaurant for its authentic Hawaiian flavors, generous portions, and friendly service. Many appreciate the variety on the menu, which caters to different tastes with hearty, flavorful plate lunches that remind them of traditional Hawaii cuisine. Positive reviews often highlight signature dishes such as Chicken Katsu and Loco Moco as consistently delicious and well-prepared. Additionally, the convenience of delivery options and the availability of mobile ordering contribute to an overall satisfying experience for many customers. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions occasional inconsistencies in food temperature or wait times during peak hours, which can affect the dining experience. A few patrons have also noted limited seating space in certain locations, potentially impacting comfort during busy periods. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is very favorable, with most customers returning for the reliable quality and unique taste that L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers. In conclusion, reviews suggest that L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a popular and well-loved spot for fans of Hawaiian cuisine seeking a casual and flavorful meal with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mantis 3D
Tried L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in East Harlem for the first time and it honestly hit the spot. I ordered the Lava Chicken plate with rice and mac salad and a BBQ Beef Bowl.Everything was fresh and tasted just right. The portion size was great too. It’s not easy to find local Hawaiian-style food in NYC, so this place was a nice surprise. The staff was welcoming, and the service was quick. I’ll definitely be back to try the Loco Moco next time.
Sarah Moser
Greeted with an aloha and left with a belly full of delicious food. My order: Lumpia Loco Moco Spam Musubi Hawaiian Sun POG juice The lumpia is 8 pieces with two sides of sweet chili dipping sauce which I appreciated. The lumpia were a good size and crispy with good flavor. The Loco Moco is a hefty portion - I could definitely make two meals out of it. It’s exactly as you’d expect it - rice, beef patties, eggs, and gravy. It comes with a side of mac salad which was tasty as well. As for the spam musubi, I’m not a big seaweed girl (I know, I’m weird), and here the seaweed covers basically the entire musubi (sometimes other places just use a strip) but I was able to peel it off to enjoy the rice and spam - which always hits. I loved the variety of the Hawaiian Sun flavors - POG is my favorite so I was happy they had that one. While this location is a trek from where I live and work, I’ll definitely be back. And hopefully they’ll open a location in Queens or Midtown next!
Ken
Good for when you have a craving for Hawaiian food. Only 1 guy working both the register and cooking the food when I went for lunch but he was very good.
Josh H
They're finally open! I've been waiting since the very moment they announced coming to NYC. Downtown got their location first, now it's time for Harlem! I got the Half & Half combo plate - Chicken Katsu, and I chose the BBQ Short Rib. It was perfect, exactly what I expected, and tasted like all the plate lunches I had with friends in Hawaii. The restaurant is a very small space, but there are 2 tables to eat there if you wish. Service was friendly and fast. I will 100% be back, hopefully this location gets on the L&L app soon so I can start earning rewards points!
Vanessa Castillo
Their kitchen creates dishes that satisfy completely. The guest care is exceptionally thorough! Their food offers unique pairings that wake up your palate. This eatery maintains visual appeal and proper sanitation. The price point reflects the standards here.
How to reach L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
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Why L&L Hawaiian Barbecue may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue with your friends? Because it offers a unique and flavorful dining experience focused on the beloved Hawaiian plate lunch tradition, perfect for sharing good times and good food. Whether you're craving tender BBQ beef, crispy chicken katsu, or savory kalua pork, L&L combines these with generous portions of rice and macaroni salad, creating a satisfying and casual meal that appeals to a diverse group. The relaxed atmosphere and approachable menu make it ideal for informal gatherings where conversation flows as easily as the delicious dishes. With a solid 4.8-star rating from 62 reviews, the quality and consistency of the food create a reliable destination to host meetups. It encourages camaraderie by serving flavorful meals that capture the tastes of the Hawaiian islands without the need for formal dining, which means you and your friends can enjoy a no-fuss hangout filled with warmth and communal vibe. Plus, dishes like the BBQ Mix, featuring tender short ribs and bulgogi-style beef, are great for sharing, further enhancing the group dynamic during your visit.
What activities can you do at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue that make it perfect for group meetups? While L&L is primarily a fast-casual dining spot, its strength lies in the shared experience of eating classic Hawaiian fare together. The setup encourages ordering a variety of plate lunches to sample and trade among friends, effectively turning your meal into a fun tasting session. Group members can mix and match from options such as chicken katsu curry, BBQ beef, and galbi ribs, all served with rice and macaroni salad to balance the savory flavors. This sharing of dishes fosters a lively and interactive experience without the need for additional entertainment. Additionally, many L&L locations have outdoor seating or a casual, inviting environment that can accommodate gatherings efficiently. Though not a traditional venue with games or events, L&L’s strength is its ability to bring people together over hearty, flavorful food in a relaxed manner that puts the emphasis squarely on fellowship.
How is L&L Hawaiian Barbecue's food suitable for groups and what variety do they offer? L&L excels at offering large, shareable portions perfect for groups, making it easy to accommodate everyone's tastes. The signature Hawaiian BBQ dishes, including tender beef short ribs, chicken katsu, and kalua pork, are complemented by staples like their rice and creamy macaroni salad, which balance the rich flavors and satisfy different appetites. The BBQ Mix plate is particularly designed for sharing between two people or small groups, offering an array of proteins that appeal broadly. Those who want a taste of everything can order a mixed plate to try various meats and styles. Even for groups with dietary preferences, the menu’s diversity ranging from grilled meats to chicken and pork allows multiple options. This flexibility helps ensure everyone finds something they enjoy, making L&L a seamless choice for casual meetups where food is both a social and culinary highlight.
What makes the atmosphere and service at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue friendly for gathering with friends and family? L&L is designed for casual, fast, and friendly dining — the kind of environment that suits spontaneous meetups or planned gathering alike. The ordering process is simple; patrons walk up, select from the menu displayed above the counter, and typically have their meals quickly prepared, which helps keep the energy upbeat and wait times short. This setup is great for groups who want to spend more time catching up than waiting for food. Many locations offer outdoor seating or spacious indoor arrangements that accommodate groups comfortably. The staff generally provide attentive and cheerful service, ensuring your experience feels welcoming and smooth from start to finish. This ease of access and relaxed vibe means less fuss and more fun with friends or family.
Why choose L&L Hawaiian Barbecue over other casual dining spots for your group event? L&L’s strength is in its authentic Hawaiian comfort food presented in an accessible, affordable way that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank. Unlike some casual chains with limited flavor profiles, L&L brings a unique taste of the islands, combining sweet, savory, and tangy notes that stand out. The large portion sizes mean fewer trips back to the counter or extra orders, which streamlines group dining logistics. It also encourages sharing and sample-swapping among friends, making the meal interactive and memorable. The laid-back environment and consistent food quality, highlighted by overwhelmingly positive customer ratings, make it a dependable choice. Whether it’s a quick bite after work, a weekend hangout, or a casual family celebration, L&L provides a flavorful and communal atmosphere that suits a wide range of social occasions.
How does the menu diversity cater to different tastes and dietary needs within a group? L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s menu includes a wide array of choices spanning chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian options, ensuring that diverse dietary preferences can be comfortably met. For meat lovers, options like BBQ beef, kalua pork, and chicken katsu provide rich and satisfying protein servings. For those who prefer lighter fare or need something non-meat based, side items such as cabbage salad and mac salad add variety. Additionally, the rice base can be substituted or accompanied by different side combos, giving room for customization within each plate. Some locations occasionally offer special daily items, which brings excitement and novelty to repeat visits. This variety allows groups with mixed tastes and needs to dine together seamlessly, ensuring that no one feels left out or restricted when choosing their meal.
What about affordability and convenience for groups at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue? L&L offers reasonably priced meals considering the portion sizes and quality of the food, making it a cost-effective choice for group dining. Many of their plates are designed for sharing or are generous enough to satisfy even big appetites, allowing groups to keep spending efficient. The chain’s fast-casual model also means your group isn’t tied to long waits or reservations, offering flexibility in planning your gathering. For groups on the go or looking for takeout, L&L also accommodates quick pickup orders without sacrificing the quality of the meal. This ease and economical pricing make it an appealing option for gatherings that want good food without elaborate preparations or high costs.
How does L&L Hawaiian Barbecue support a memorable and fun group experience beyond food? Apart from great food, L&L’s vibe is imbued with Hawaiian spirit — a relaxed, welcoming feel that helps groups unwind and enjoy each other’s company. The environment is casual and unpretentious, allowing everyone from families with kids to groups of friends to feel comfortable and at home. Some locations are situated near other entertainment venues, making it easy to include L&L as part of a larger meetup plan. Its bright, colorful branding and upbeat service further contribute to a joyful dining experience. The focus on sharing hearty plate lunches naturally sparks conversation and engagement, turning a simple meal into a small celebration of friendship or family bonds. This intangible warm atmosphere is a core part of why groups return and why it remains a go-to spot for casual social gatherings.