What L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is and where to find it
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a casual restaurant chain that serves Hawaiian plate lunch food — a style that combines grilled meat, two scoops of rice, and a side vegetable or macaroni salad on a single plate. The chain started in Hawaii and has expanded to locations across the mainland United States, with restaurants in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and other states. Each location operates as a quick-service restaurant where you order at a counter and eat in or take food out.
The restaurants are designed for speed and affordability. You walk up to the counter, choose your protein and sides, pay, and receive your food within a few minutes. Most L&L locations are open for lunch and dinner, though hours vary by location. The atmosphere is casual — plastic trays, straightforward seating, and a focus on getting a filling meal quickly rather than table service or ambiance.
Key Takeaways
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue serves Hawaiian plate lunch meals with grilled meat, rice, and a side, designed to be filling and affordable.
- The most popular proteins are kalua pork, chicken, and beef short ribs, each cooked on a grill and served with your choice of sides.
- You can find current locations and hours by searching the L&L website or calling ahead, since hours and availability vary by restaurant.
- Most locations offer dine-in and takeout, and many accept online ordering through their website or third-party delivery apps.
The most common menu items and how they are prepared
The core menu centers on three proteins: kalua pork, chicken, and beef short ribs. Kalua pork is shredded pork that has been slow-cooked until it falls apart, then served with a light sauce. Chicken is typically grilled and seasoned, served as a breast or thigh. Beef short ribs are marinated and grilled until the meat is tender and slightly charred on the outside.
Each protein comes as a plate lunch, which means it arrives with two scoops of white rice and one side. The most common sides are macaroni salad (a creamy pasta salad with a slightly sweet dressing), mixed vegetables, or cabbage. Some locations offer additional sides like potato salad or kimchi. The plate is designed to be substantial — most people find one plate filling for a single meal.
Beyond plates, L&L also serves chicken katsu (breaded and fried chicken breast), spam musubi (spam and rice wrapped in seaweed), and various combination plates that let you choose two proteins on one plate. Beverages are typically canned or bottled sodas, iced tea, and water. Desserts are limited and usually include shave ice or haupia (a coconut custard dessert).
Pricing and what to expect to spend
A single plate lunch typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on the protein and location. Kalua pork and chicken are usually on the lower end, while beef short ribs and combination plates cost more. Sides like macaroni salad are included with the plate, so there is no additional charge for choosing one. Beverages add $2 to $4, and desserts run $2 to $5.
Prices vary by location — restaurants in California and Nevada tend to be higher than those in other states. Some locations offer lunch specials during certain hours that reduce the plate price by $1 to $2. If you are ordering for multiple people, a combination plate (two proteins) can be a better value than buying two single plates, since you pay one plate price for two proteins.
How to order and payment options
At most L&L locations, you order at a counter. You tell the staff member which protein you want, which side you prefer, and what beverage you would like. They ring it up, you pay, and you either wait at the counter or sit down while your food is prepared. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from order to receiving your food.
Payment options include cash and card at the counter. Many locations also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you prefer not to visit in person, most L&L restaurants accept online orders through their website or through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Delivery times and fees vary by app and location.
Dietary considerations and customization
L&L does not market itself as a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, and the menu is meat-focused. However, you can order sides only — for example, two scoops of rice and macaroni salad — though this is not a standard menu item and availability depends on the individual location. Some people order just the macaroni salad and vegetables as a lighter option.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, ask to speak with a manager at the counter. They can tell you which items contain common allergens like soy, sesame, or shellfish. The kalua pork and grilled chicken are generally simpler preparations than items with sauces, so they may be easier to customize. Gluten-free options are limited, since many sauces and sides contain soy sauce or wheat.
Finding your nearest location and checking hours
L&L maintains a location finder on its official website where you can enter your zip code or city to see nearby restaurants. The finder shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Hours vary — some locations open at 10:30 a.m. for lunch and close at 9 p.m., while others have different schedules. Calling ahead is a good idea if you are traveling to a location you have not visited before, since hours can change seasonally or for holidays.
If you cannot find a location near you, L&L also sells some products through grocery stores and online retailers, though these are limited to packaged items like sauce or seasoning mixes rather than prepared meals. The restaurant experience — ordering at the counter and eating fresh-grilled meat — is only available at physical locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my plate or substitute sides?
Yes. You can choose which protein you want and which side you prefer from the available options. If you want to substitute a side that is not listed, ask the staff — some locations can accommodate requests depending on what they have prepared. Substitutions may cost extra if you are upgrading to a premium side.
Do L&L restaurants deliver?
Most locations accept orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Some restaurants also offer their own delivery through their website. Delivery fees and times vary by app and location. Calling the restaurant directly can tell you which delivery options they support.
Is L&L Hawaiian Barbecue only in Hawaii?
No. While the chain started in Hawaii, it has expanded to the mainland United States with locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and other states. Use the location finder on the L&L website to see if there is a restaurant near you.
What is kalua pork?
Kalua pork is a Hawaiian dish made by slow-cooking pork until it is tender enough to shred. At L&L, it is served with a light sauce and comes with rice and a side. It is one of the most popular items on the menu and is generally milder in flavor than the grilled chicken or beef short ribs.
Can I order online?
Yes. Most L&L locations accept online orders through their website or through delivery apps. You can place an order for pickup or delivery depending on what the restaurant supports. Check the L&L website or call your nearest location to confirm which ordering methods they offer.