When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Pacific Flame - Island Grill

Why Pacific Flame - Island Grill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Pacific Flame - Island Grill is a standout dining destination in Austin, Texas, offering an authentic taste of island-inspired cuisine. This family-run establishment specializes in delectable Island BBQ with culinary influences drawn from Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific regions. The restaurant is renowned for its vibrant flavors and warm atmosphere, making it an excellent spot to gather with friends and family. With a menu that showcases the rich heritage of Polynesian and Hawaiian cooking, Pacific Flame presents a unique twist on classic soul food and American fare, expertly blending traditional spices and cooking techniques.
The restaurant’s inviting ambiance and dedication to quality make it a great place for casual meetups or special occasions. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes that emphasize freshly grilled meats, savory BBQ, and island-style sides, all served with a flavorful punch that transports diners to the tropics. The presence of a food truck component adds to its dynamic appeal, allowing customers to enjoy Pacific Flame’s offerings at different locations and events throughout Austin. With a strong emphasis on family values and culinary excellence, Pacific Flame - Island Grill consistently delivers a memorable dining experience that highlights the richness and diversity of island cuisine.
Here's what people think of Pacific Flame - Island Grill
As of recent, Pacific Flame - Island Grill holds a 4.7-star rating based on 94 reviews.
Customer reviews of Pacific Flame - Island Grill reflect a highly positive reception, with an impressive rating of 4.7 based on 94 reviews. Many diners praise the restaurant for its authentic island flavors, generous portions, and friendly service. Positive reviews often highlight the unique and flavorful BBQ that captures the essence of Hawaiian and Polynesian culinary traditions. Customers appreciate the casual, welcoming environment, noting it as an enjoyable place to meet friends and share a meal that stands out among local dining options. The food truck presence is also mentioned as a convenient and fun way to experience these island tastes across Austin.
On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional wait times during peak hours and limited seating, reflecting the popularity of the place. A few reviewers note that the price point is on the higher side, though many justify it based on food quality and portion size. There are also comments about variability in food consistency, suggesting that while most visits are excellent, a few have fallen short of expectations.
Overall, the consensus is that Pacific Flame - Island Grill offers a rewarding and authentic island barbecue experience with a strong community vibe. The positive aspects far outweigh the negatives, marking it as a favored destination for those seeking flavorful island cuisine and a hospitable dining setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Erika Gonzalez
The garlic butter shrimp plate was so delicious! I added the grilled pineapples and a side order of musubi. The plate itself has a nice balance of textures and the flavors compliment each other well! The mac is refreshing and the Hawaiian roll adds a nice sweetness. It was my first time trying musubi, it tasted amazing! I will definitely return and eat in the patio area because the vibes were nice with plenty of seating and tropical music playing.
Monica C
The food was okay. It was all cooked well, the mac salad was average. I ordered 🍱 the adobo salmon and shoyu chicken🍗. They oddly came with the same sauce mixture of soy sauce and onions of some sort. My personal opinion, it was to flavor the two protein choices, and it wasn't great, sadly. The pineapple 🍍 options were great, a lot smaller than expected- imagine sliced smaller chunks of pineapple on a kabob stick. The portion servings for the protein choices were small for the price, if you ask me. I do like that this place offers different foods on their menu. However, if you've had Hawaiian🌺, or are looking for a better Hawaiian spot, I suggest going just 3 mins down the road to Shoyu Sugar. Edit (Post-owner response): Thank you for sharing what the mixture is called and educating me on that. (Genuine statement, no sarcasm.) My review was just an honest review. I shared pictures of PART of my order. Not pictured was the shoyu chicken, the grilled pineapple, or the li hing mui & chamoy pineapple. I genuinely tried various things on your menu, and spent a decent amount of money to provide a fair review. I prefer Shoyu Sugar over your food truck, and for you to say they are sending people to leave negative review(s) is a far stretch and wild accusation considering I actually ordered from you. Surely, that slander against Shoyu can't be "the island way," you mentioned. Your food just isn't for everyone, no disrespect.🤙🏽✌🏽
Bryan W
All the food was delicious. The staff/owners were wonderful. Kahlua pig, the garlic shrimp and the shoyu chicken were all excellent. The location feels quiet for being in the middle of such a busy area. They have a little patio with tables and trees to eat on site. The kid-sized and small portion plate options are much appreciated. Highly recommended.
Charlene Perez
Placed a DD order for pickup and everything was phenomenal!!! This is my second time ordering and Pacific Flame is easily becoming one of our go to places. Salmon/Chicken/Shrimp have been cooked to perfection each time and everything is so flavorful! I highly recommend!
Marissa Wise
This spot is down a weird alleyway but it’s worth it. Don’t get worried, it’s there you don’t want to skip this spot. Pacific flame One of THE BEST meals I’ve had so far this year! The owner chef provides a perfect meal and amazing service too. The loco moco is🤌🏻 even better than the times I had it on the big island! Grilled pineapple to start is a good choice too. I cant wait to go back again soon.
How to reach Pacific Flame - Island Grill
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Why Pacific Flame - Island Grill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Pacific Flame – Island Grill with your friends?
Choosing Pacific Flame – Island Grill as the destination for your next group gathering is a surefire way to guarantee a memorable and flavorful experience. This small, family-run restaurant brings authentic Pacific Island BBQ flavors to Austin, Texas, offering a unique culinary adventure that is perfect for sharing with friends. Its outstanding 4.7-star rating based on over 90 reviews highlights the consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere that attract patrons time and again. With roots tracing back to Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Okinawa, the restaurant’s dishes are infused with rich cultural heritage and expertly marinated, grilled, and sauced meats cooked over lava rocks, rather than fried or microwaved, ensuring fresh, mouthwatering flavors. Whether your group is looking for a casual lunch or a vibrant dinner spot, Pacific Flame’s warm, friendly environment and delicious tropical cuisine set the stage for a fun and fulfilling meet-up. Beyond the food, it’s a place where good company meets excellent flavors in a relaxed setting, making it an ideal rally point for friends or family who want to enjoy both great eats and a great vibe.
What activities are available for groups at Pacific Flame – Island Grill?
Pacific Flame – Island Grill specializes primarily in offering a delectable culinary experience rather than traditional entertainment activities. However, the vibrant atmosphere and communal seating arrangements foster a lively social environment ideal for group meetups. The outdoor seating available adds to the relaxed, island-inspired ambiance, providing a scenic and breezy setting that encourages lingering conversations and shared moments. It’s an exceptional spot for food lovers to bond over unique dishes such as slow-cooked island BBQ meats bursting with smoky, tangy flavors that celebrate Pacific Island heritage. Groups can enjoy simple but meaningful activities like tasting contests of signature menu items or pairing their meals with refreshing tropical beverages, heightening the communal experience. Additionally, because the restaurant is family-run and deeply connected to its cultural and community roots, guests often find opportunities to learn about the heritage behind each dish, giving an educational twist to their gathering. Overall, while there aren’t formal games or entertainment, the focus on quality food, community feel, and inviting outdoor seating make it a perfect place for meaningful group interactions.
Why is Pacific Flame – Island Grill perfect for a group meetup?
Pacific Flame – Island Grill excels at creating an environment where groups feel welcome and comfortable every time they visit. The restaurant's commitment to authentic, handcrafted food means that your group can enjoy a variety of delicious options that cater well to different tastes, including meat lovers and fans of island-inspired barbecue. The casual setting, complete with outdoor seating, lends itself naturally to relaxed group conversations and easy socializing without the distractions commonly present in larger, noisier venues. Its family-run nature imparts a warm, personal touch to the service, often making guests feel like part of an extended family, which is ideal for fostering connections during group meetups. Moreover, the location with convenient hours from Tuesday through Friday, including evenings, supports flexible scheduling for friends or family to get together after work or on weekends. The combination of excellent food, friendly service, and a quaint, inviting space ensures an enjoyable experience that reinforces Pacific Flame’s reputation as a top choice for hosting intimate gatherings and casual celebrations.
What kind of food and drinks can groups expect at Pacific Flame – Island Grill?
Groups visiting Pacific Flame – Island Grill are greeted with an enticing menu deeply rooted in Pacific Island BBQ traditions. The highlight of their offerings is their expertly marinated and grilled meats, cooked over lava rocks for a distinctive smoky flavor that sets them apart from typical barbecue styles. You can expect a variety of juicy options such as island-style chicken, beef, and pork, all prepared to showcase the diverse culinary influences from Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Okinawa. The restaurant emphasizes no fryers or microwaves; instead, every dish is freshly made, ensuring vibrant and authentic tastes with each bite. Accompanying these savory mains, you can find flavorful sides and tropical-inspired sauces that complement the bold meat flavors and add complexity to your meal. While the core focus is barbecue, the menu’s variety is broad enough to satisfy a group with diverse preferences, including options that cater to lighter or more adventurous palates. Though details about beverage offerings are more limited, tropical drinks and refreshing non-alcoholic options frequently enhance the island dining experience, making every meal an immersive tasting journey for your group.
What makes Pacific Flame – Island Grill’s atmosphere ideal for social gatherings?
The atmosphere at Pacific Flame – Island Grill perfectly balances a laid-back island vibe with the warmth of a close-knit family business, making it ideal for social gatherings of friends and family. Its outdoor seating area adds a refreshing outdoor element that encourages relaxed and open conversations, well-suited for groups looking to enjoy both their food and each other’s company without feeling rushed. The decor and ambiance reflect Pacific Island culture, transporting diners to a tropical setting that complements their flavorful BBQ plates with a sense of escape and leisure. Service here feels personal and attentive, attributed to the restaurant’s family-run nature, which often results in a welcoming, community-focused dining experience where guests feel appreciated and at home. This combination of cultural richness, casual comfort, and friendly hospitality makes Pacific Flame not just a place to eat but a destination to gather, share stories, and create lasting memories in a warm, inviting environment.
How accessible and convenient is Pacific Flame – Island Grill for group meetups?
Pacific Flame – Island Grill is conveniently located in Austin, Texas, with clear accessibility that suits groups looking for convenient meetup options. Operating Tuesday through Friday with generous lunch and dinner hours, the restaurant accommodates various schedules, whether your group prefers midday meals or evening get-togethers. Its address at 13170 Pond Springs Rd, Ste D, positions it well for locals in the Austin area and those coming from nearby neighborhoods or suburbs. The presence of outdoor seating accommodates groups needing flexible arrangements, ideal for larger parties or those wanting more spacious seating alternatives. With a focus on fresh, made-to-order food and no reliance on microwaves or fryers, it’s a reliable choice for delivering quality consistently, whether dining in or ordering to-go. Additionally, the family-run structure and active connection to community support, veterans, and families highlight a restaurant culture geared toward inclusiveness and care, giving groups an added sense of comfort and trust when planning a meal together at Pacific Flame.
What kind of client experience does Pacific Flame – Island Grill offer to groups?
Pacific Flame – Island Grill offers a client experience that prioritizes authenticity, community, and delicious culinary tradition, making it especially attractive to groups seeking a meaningful and flavor-packed meal together. Reviews and ratings reflect consistent praise for their food quality and service, enhancing guests’ confidence that their group will be well cared for throughout the visit. The team’s careful culinary craftsmanship ensures every dish is made with respect to island flavors and cooking techniques, providing groups with a taste adventure that’s both unique and comforting. Since it is a small family-run business, personalization in service is a common theme, allowing groups to feel valued and receive thoughtful recommendations or accommodating assistance tailored to their preferences. This client-first mindset extends into the restaurant’s community involvement, adding a layer of goodwill to the dining experience that resonates with socially conscious diners looking for restaurants that give back. For groups, this translates into a more intimate, satisfying, and culturally rich outing beyond just sharing a meal.
Why should your group consider Pacific Flame – Island Grill for recurring meetups?
Choosing Pacific Flame – Island Grill as the venue for recurring meetups offers a dependable and exciting option for groups who value a consistently high-quality dining experience combined with friendly, personal service. The restaurant's dedication to authentic Pacific Island BBQ ensures that each visit brings delicious meals full of bold, satisfying flavors that can keep enthusiasm high among regular diners. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere encourages comfortable, sociable interactions, making it a natural spot where groups want to return again and again to enjoy quality time together. The fact that it’s family-run adds stability and a sense of community trust, as the owners and staff are deeply invested in maintaining great food, service, and a welcoming environment. Convenient hours and outdoor seating options further enhance its appeal for planned gatherings, celebrations, or casual drop-ins. Ultimately, Pacific Flame serves not only as a restaurant but as a dependable gathering place where your group’s traditions can grow, celebrated with memorable food and hospitality each time.