When asking yourself about something to do near me in Dallas with a group of friends or family, consider
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
Why Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar stands out as a lively and innovative dining destination perfect for gathering with friends. Born from the collaboration of James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin, this restaurant masterfully blends Asian-inspired cuisine with Texas-style smoked meats. The atmosphere is casual and energetic, reminiscent of a bustling dining hall but with a refined twist, making it ideal for relaxed after-work drinks or celebratory occasions where guests arrive at different times. Loro’s menu is centered around meat-forward dishes such as curry chicken over rice, char siu pork belly, and oak-smoked brisket, alongside creative offerings like a cheeseburger with yuzu thousand island and Malaysian-inspired bo ssam chicken. The dining style encourages sharing, enhancing the sense of community. Guests can enjoy a variety of seating options, including an inviting outdoor bar area where frozen cocktails like the mango sake slushy are popular. Unlike its influential predecessors, Loro offers a more accessible experience without intimidating wait lines or difficult reservations. With its exceptional food quality, dynamic atmosphere, and craft cocktails, Loro provides a welcoming and flavorful experience that makes it a top choice for meeting up with friends in Austin or Dallas.
Here's what people think of Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
As of recent, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1348 reviews.
Reviews reveal that customers generally appreciate Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar for its inventive Asian fusion barbecue and approachable dining atmosphere. Positive reviews highlight the consistently delicious food, creative menu, and excellent drink selection. Many guests praise the relaxed vibe and outdoor seating options, which make it a great spot for both casual hangouts and larger gatherings. Friendly and attentive staff receive special mention in several reviews, along with the efficient service and fast food delivery. Customers particularly enjoy the blend of Asian and Texan flavors, the sharing-style portions, and happy hour offers. However, some negative reviews note issues such as wait times—even though the setup for ordering at the counter speeds up turnover, it can still be inconvenient during peak hours. A few reviewers mention that the portion sizes felt modest relative to the prices, and some cocktails were considered pricey for what they offered. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus is that Loro delivers on flavor, quality, and a fun dining experience. The positive aspects of innovative cuisine and vibrant atmosphere strongly outweigh the occasional drawbacks, making it a favored destination for food lovers looking for a unique twist on barbecue and Asian flavors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jason
The design seamlessly blends the rustic charm of a Texas smokehouse with the vibrant feel of an Asian restaurant, creating a truly distinctive ambiance that sets the stage for a great dining experience. The wood tables, bench seating, and ample indoor and outdoor spaces contribute to a comfortable and engaging environment. Okay ready, the food – it's truly a revelation! Loro masterfully marries the smoky richness of Texas BBQ with the bold and exciting flavors. Crispy Thai Pork Ribs!! These are highly recommended, with a beautiful, subtle smokiness and a touch of sauce to enhance the flavor. Brisket is wonderful. The flavor is something truly unique and rad!
W S
Loro is a lively place with both outdoor and indoor seating. Hubby ordered Smoked Beef Brisket, and I ordered Crispy Thai Pork ribs. Our sides were Crunchy Sweet Corn Fritters and Coconut Scented Rice. The portion sizes were decent. I absolutely loved my ribs. They were flavorful and tender. Hubby loved his brisket.
Willow Bean
Returning to Loro a few years later…hmmm, some interesting menu changes. We were only 3 people but ordered enough for 7! 🤭 For starters, we tried the Smoked Shishito Queso w/ Brisket, it came with tostadas; also got their Chicken Karaage. Have to say the queso did not disappoint, was not spicy, flavors went great with pretty much everything we dipped into it. Chicken Karaage (which we order at every Japanese or fusion resto that has it) was surprisingly crispy, not oily, did not need the sauce it came with since we also dipped it in the queso. 😆 These came in the middle of the meal though. They started bringing the Sesame Rice noodles and Seaweed salad first. Noodles had a nice flavor, can’t say the same for the seaweed…to reminiscent of tropical summers when the tide was low and seaweed by the shore was roasting in the sun. Not the best aroma. The salads arrived, and we shared a Chilled Ginger Noodle Salad, I expected rice noodles so that was a bit disappointing, but still flavorful and topped with curry shrimp. Then the Char Siew Pork Belly in Lettuce wraps came, was ok, tasted better when I added the radish from another dish and topped it with queso (I’m telling you it’s great on anything). We also tried the Oak Smoked Grilled Steak rice bowl, which had the thin sliced radishes that went on the Lettuce wraps. What can I say, we like to complicate our food ☺️ Some of the sides we tried were the Coconut rice and Charred Broccoli. The coconut rice was m’kay, but was already full from all the veg, but the broccoli was nicely done, also great with queso. In a nutshell, the food had definite winners, and some flavors are an acquired taste. The service was also good, we also came at a less busy time, so we got our orders pretty quickly. Thank you also for the Piña Horchata and Mango Rodeo samples. They were gone pretty quickly. ❤️ FYI, they gave us a 20% discount as Healthcare workers. Yes! Better than the $15 Target gift card we got every Christmas LOL
Alvin K
Fun place, more self serve cafeteria theme but I love the Thai and Japanese flavors, though the broccoli is a little too acidic for my taste. Brisket was fantastic, right amount of fat, smokiness from the oak, and cilantro. Good for outdoors or indoors.
Nina Van Blarcom
The perfect spot for a date night! This place has a really unique and delicious menu- if you’re into Asian fusion, you’ve got to come here. Excellent service with fantastic recommendations from our server! The meats are fantastic and I highly recommend the brisket (so good that the phone did NOT eat first) and the Thai smoked ribs were a standout. Crispy potatoes as a side were also a huge hit and perfect for sharing. Absolutely will be coming back!
How to reach Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
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Why Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar with your friends? Because it offers an exceptional fusion of Asian flavors and Texas barbecue in a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for social gatherings. With a stellar 4.5-star rating from over 1,300 reviews, Loro is known for its vibrant environment where the energy feels like a camp dining hall but elevated with exceptional cuisine and craft cocktails. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning an after-work hangout, or just want an easygoing spot to meet friends at your convenience, Loro’s casual counter-service model means no waiting in endless lines or struggling with complicated reservations. Friends arriving at different times can still order and pay separately without hassle. Add to that an inviting outdoor patio with shady oak trees, dog-friendly seating, and a broad menu with flavorful smoked meats and Asian-inspired dishes, and you have a venue crafted for excellent group experiences. Plus, inventive frozen cocktails like mango sake slushies keep spirits high while you enjoy the company. This combination of accessibility, flavor, and atmosphere makes Loro a natural rallying point for friends and family seeking a special meal and good times together.
What makes Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar ideal for group meetups? It’s the perfect place to enjoy shared dining experiences with friends, thanks to its menu structure and social layout. Many of the dishes are designed for sharing, featuring small plates and large-format servings like char siu pork belly and oak-smoked brisket that invite communal splitting. This fosters a sense of connection and variety at the table since everyone can taste multiple items without committing to a single entrée. The casual counter-ordering system streamlines group visits—no need for awkward bill splits since guests order individually at the counter indoors but can enjoy their meals wherever they choose to sit. Loro also offers generous outdoor seating under old shade trees with ample space for large parties, making it comfortable for groups to gather and linger. The staff’s friendly and attentive service further enhances the experience, making everyone feel welcome. Having a versatile spot that accommodates dogs too broadens the appeal for groups who want an inclusive and relaxed setting. Whether your group is family, longtime friends, or coworkers, you’ll find the atmosphere and menu conducive to lively conversation and shared enjoyment.
What activities can you enjoy while at Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar with your group? Beyond dining on their innovative Asian-smokehouse cuisine, there are several things about the experience that make it more than just a meal. First, the outdoor bar area invites socializing with craft cocktails, including unique frozen options such as slushies made with sake or tropical flavors that add a playful twist to happy hour. It’s a great spot for casually sipping while chatting or waiting for your food. The venue often features lively music, creating an energetic ambiance that’s festive without overwhelming conversation. Additionally, there’s ample parking and no requirement for reservations, making planning a fun group outing hassle-free. Families with children are accommodated with a kid-friendly “Lil Loro” menu served dine-in only, so even multi-generational groups can enjoy a meal together comfortably. For guests who want to extend the celebration, Loro offers catering and takeout options, allowing groups to enjoy their signature flavors at private meetups or parties beyond the restaurant. The dog-friendly patio is an extra bonus for pet owners looking to include their furry friends in the gathering.
Why does the food at Loro make it the perfect place for a group feast? The culinary offerings represent a masterful fusion of Southeast Asian flavors and Texas smokehouse tradition, developed by renowned James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin. Every dish embodies a blend of soulful smoky meat and vibrant Asian spices, making the menu abundant in variety and deep in flavor complexity. Signature plates like brisket, char siu pork belly, and curry chicken over rice deliver rich tastes that are familiar yet refreshingly inventive. With a menu geared toward sharing, guests can sample several items from bowls to small bites like addictive corn fritters and chicken karaage, encouraging a communal dining dynamic. Vegetarian options and a Lil Loro kids menu ensure the group’s diverse tastes are accommodated. This pairing of quality, creativity, and shareability turns meal times into memorable social moments. It’s an ideal culinary backdrop for bonding over great food in a convivial environment.
What about the drinks and atmosphere at Loro? Loro’s bar program is renowned for its bold frozen cocktails and thoughtfully crafted drinks that complement the smoky, savory dishes. The mango sake slushy and “killer colada” are crowd favorites, providing refreshing contrasts to the rich flavors of the food. The outdoor bar area creates a lively social hub with ample seating under Austin’s iconic oak trees, perfect for mingling or relaxing in the sun or shade. Music selections add to a vibrant vibe that energizes the space without overwhelming it. The restaurant’s dog-friendly patios mean no one in the group is left out, adding to the inclusive feel. Additionally, no reservations are needed, so groups can convene spontaneously, and plenty of parking options ease accessibility for everyone. Loro’s knowledgeable, friendly staff contribute to an atmosphere where groups feel taken care of, whether it’s a casual weekday meetup or a celebratory gathering. This balance of great drinks, welcoming ambiance, and flexibility makes Loro an outstanding venue to create lasting memories together.
How does Loro accommodate special group needs such as kids, pets, and large parties? Loro goes beyond typical smokehouse offerings to ensure all members of your group, including families with children and pet owners, are comfortable and well-catered for. With a dedicated “Lil Loro” kids menu available for dine-in, younger guests have tasty, smaller-portion options that delight without overwhelming since the menu is carefully crafted for children’s palates. Dog-friendly patios welcome your furry companions, ensuring pet owners can bring their dogs to join the fun in a relaxed outdoor setting. For large parties, the generous seating capacity both indoors and outdoors allows groups to spread out comfortably beneath shady trees or at communal tables. This openness means your gathering doesn’t have to be confined or rushed, and the casual order-at-the-counter method keeps group dynamics easy and efficient. The inclusive atmosphere, combined with these thoughtful accommodations, makes Loro a destination where every member of your group—from toddlers to dogs—can feel at home.
What convenience features at Loro make group meetups effortless and enjoyable? A standout convenience is Loro’s no-reservations policy, which removes the stress of formal bookings, allowing groups to arrive on their own schedules, perfect for casual meetups or variable attendance. The ordering system involves guests placing food and drink orders individually at the counter, which simplifies bill handling and speeds up service—no need for splitting checks or waiting on distant servers. For those wanting to enjoy Loro flavors elsewhere, there are takeout and delivery options, including partnerships with UberEats, DoorDash, and catering services through EZcater for larger sized orders or events. Ample parking and an accessible location make arriving easy for all members of your group, while shaded outdoor seating and dog-friendly spaces add extra comfort. Happy hour specials and seasonal menus provide additional incentives for groups to gather at socially friendly times with great value. These practical features combine to make hosting a successful, fun, and relaxed gathering at Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar straightforward and memorable.
How do customer reviews reflect the group-friendly appeal of Loro? Consistently, reviewers praise Loro for its friendly staff, delicious and diverse food options, and inviting atmosphere—all crucial elements that appeal to groups. Many mention the perfect mix of casual and lively vibes suited for both family dinners and friend meetups. Guests appreciate the efficient counter-service style that allows flexibility and no pressure on timing or reservations, as well as the ample outdoor seating which welcomes pets and children. Food items like the smoked brisket, corn fritters, and creative Asian-inspired dishes are repeatedly highlighted as ideal for sharing. Drinks garner enthusiasm, with many highlighting innovative cocktails and frozen slushies as crowd-pleasers. Despite occasional wait times, reviewers note this is manageable with drinks at the bar and overall worth it for the experience. This strong positive feedback from a wide variety of patrons confirms that Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar excels as a destination for group gatherings, combining great food, welcoming hospitality, and a relaxed social environment.
What makes Loro stand out compared to other dining options for group meetups? The unique melding of Asian smokehouse flavors paired with Texas barbecue forms a culinary niche that few other restaurants can claim, offering guests something both adventurous and comforting. The fusion concept elevates traditional barbecue into a sophisticated yet approachable dining event. Unlike typical barbecue joints or Asian restaurants, Loro’s focus on communal plates, walking the line between counter service and full restaurant experience, and an engaging outdoor social space distinguishes it as an ideal venue for groups who want variety and vibrancy without formality. Furthermore, the presence of award-winning chefs behind the menu adds authenticity and culinary prowess. This combination of cuisine, ambiance, and service approach means Loro not only feeds your group well but also creates an experience centered on connection, conversation, and celebration—key ingredients for successful meetups with friends or family.
In summary, if you’re seeking a venue where you can enjoy excellence in smoked meats infused with Asian flair in a lively, accommodating atmosphere, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar stands out as an exceptional choice. Its innovative menu, inclusive design for families and pets, flexible ordering system, and inviting outdoor space make it a natural hub to rally at with your friends or family for memorable, fun gatherings. Whatever the occasion, Loro offers the perfect blend of comfort, creativity, and community to elevate your next group meetup.