L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
| Address: | 579 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110, USA |
| Phone: | +1 408-920-7772 |
| Site: | hawaiianbarbecue.com |
| Rating: | 3.6 |
| Working: | 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 65
Reviews 22
AL
alex carter
This would have been 4 stars but after reading some of the other reviews Im gonna make it 5 just to tick some of you guys off. "kailua" pork? Its kalua pork, or as we used to say it in Hawaii, "kalua pig" lol. "bland rice"? Hello, its rice. If you want it non-bland, dump some Sriracha on it, or you know, just drown it in shoyu, oops I mean "soy sauce" like mainlanders always do anyway. This is the only "Hawaiian" place I go to because it actually started in Hawaii (duh) and while Id really like to see poi, lomi salmon, and haupia on the menu, at least they serve lau-lau, and a decent one at that. This is where I go to get my lau-lau fix. I advise you do not try the lau-lau. "No can handle". Its got fatty meat (yikes!) and is at least half taro leaves, (eww, leaves!) and will taste funny - thats the butterfish, that adds that special yummy taste to any real lau-lau. I never noticed the lack of free water - maybe they just charge for the cup? I always get my good old Passion-Orange Hawaiian Sun drink, that hasnt changed since I started drinking them at about age 12. Theyre very refreshing. So after going on about how youd hate the lau-lau, what *should* you try? Well, the Spam musubi, thats nice and exotic. And pretty much any of the dishes, like the healthy garlic shrimp, anything with mahi-mahi, anything really, is gonna be pretty ono (taste good). Chicken, spare ribs, kalua pork (which is pretty much the best "pulled pork" youve ever had) are all good. There are a ton of ersatz "Hawaiian" places around but L&L is the real thing.
OV
OverTheTopCargoTrailer Jerry
I requested a free cup of ice water but received a bottle of water for which I was charged $1.00 when I complained cashier just blew me off said we dont offer free water. After that I asked to refund entire $11 meal, was also refused a refund. Continued to protest until after 10 minutes Chinese owner - male age 50+ came to counter & after much additional hassle about cup of free ice water he finally gave me the bottle of water for free. AFTER waiting another 15 minutes, owner finally brought meal to my table. Food was already 1/2 cold. If you are not happy with something at this place, the staff and owner really dont care. This is the worst experience ever, over something that should be free.
CA
Catherine Palomo
I go here only to get my boss lunch now because of my experiences. The woman at the counter/cashier is always rushed and rude. One time I came in to pick up a phone order and asked for chopsticks, she replied that I needed to tell her on the phone next time or I wont get chopsticks. So the next time I came in person and ordered, asked the cashier for chopsticks and she said ok. When the rude woman handed me the food, I asked for chopsticks again and she said that they do not give out chopsticks for that menu item. I have to use my hands to eat this now? I understand that this is a cultural thing, but I cant eat with my hands at the office. Terrible service.
PA
Patricia Brisbane
Were regulars here because theyre just arent very many fast food joints which are remotely healthy. My plate of choice is the spicy bbq chicken with brown rice and steamed veggies. Chicken is always juicy and just enough spice with the jalapeños and onions, yum. The veggies are always perfectly steamed still crunchy. And the rice is never over or under cooked. Reliable each time.
PE
Pedro Narciso
Typical L&L settings, food n flavor which I rank a 4. No free water here is the main reason for the 3 score. Had saimin with chicken and tasted good but salty. Daughter had mixed plate n was tasty too. I would go to the other L&L or try the other Hawaiian restaurants in the area before I come back to this one. Pricing is about on par with good quantity.
JA
James Chang
Food is decent, but they dont offer water cups and they have a sign on their fountain that says one refill only. If you cant handle the pennies loss on the fountain, just sell only bottled soda. Most other l&ls dont have this issue. Nothing here is special enough to justify the hassle and extra cost. I just want a cup of water.
KU
Kurt Hamm
Went there today. Customer service sucks. The food isnt that great. Seems like this business is struggling with all there paper signs plastered all around. One major point of contention is they dont offer free water to customers. A bad businessman looking for a hill to die on. Wont eat here again.
DA
Daniel Ramirez
Overall good, I got the mix and match plate, however they didnt cut the meat or the chicken and just gave me the piece whole and they didnt bother to cut off the fat. When getting a large, consider subtituting the rice for fries or more macaroni salad because their rice portions are quite large.
AT
Atli Thorkelsson
Really poor food... admittedly, I only had one dish, the kutru(?) chicken, but it was dry, under seasoned fried chicken, served with comically large steamed vegetables that were raw, plain white rice, and sickly sweet barbeque sauce (I think...). Not a good restaurant.
ZA
Zachary Karis
Food is good and portions are generous, but they dont serve tap water cups! Shouldnt have to BYOCup. They "claim" its to detour soda theft, but they just want you go spend $2-3 bucks on soda! Im trying to get off of soda, I dont need that kinda attitude.
TY
Tyler Emerick
Lacking taste. Fatty meat. Bland rice. And they wont give you water. Make you pay for a bottle. I didnt even know that was legal. Then they have the nerve to limit refills. How cheap.
RA
Rachel Steinberg
The food is great but customer service here is horrible. Ive come on multiple occasions and never received good customer service. Plus they charge for water cups...
RI
Richard Rowan
Mochiko chicken is a must try. Great food, but no water cups are provided, so be sure to bring your own cup unless you plan on buying a soda or bottled water.
MA
Martin Quan
Service is awful (cashier was rude and rushing me, I was the only one on line) as well as the food… food was tasteless, had BBQ Chicken and Katsu Chicken
TO
Toshinobu Kubota
Large portiona for lunch and decent barbecued meats to choose from. Come here hungry, and leave satisfied. Parking can be dicey, so come at your own peril.
NO
Nova Tacas
I called and the lady who took my order was very rude. The way she ask for info was very rude. Manager or supervisor should have a talk to their employees.
DA
Dat Nguyen
Food is decent, but I bought a canned drink and they would not give a cup of ice nor a cup of water. Be prepared to pay for any extras you request for.
MA
Mark Bett
L&L is L&L, is it authentic Hawaiian fusion food, not really, but if you want tasty food thats consistently good, then L&L is terrific!
MI
Michelle Poscharsky
Kailua pork is always great and comes with cabbage if you want. Some goodies you can get in Hawaii as well like drinks and cookies.
BI
Billy M
While the food may be good, the fact they dont offer water cups and have the "one refill only" sign rubs me the wrong way
RO
Robert Correa
I love this place. The owner is friendly cares for its customers. Yummy food for lunch time. I come here all the time.
WI
William Marion
The manager was trained by the owner of the company. Needless to say, the food is amazing. Portions are generous as well!
