Ono Hawaiian BBQ serves Hawaiian-style grilled meat and rice plates at casual counter-service locations across the western United States

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Hawaiian barbecue — grilled chicken, beef, and pork served over rice with sides like macaroni salad and vegetables. The restaurant operates on a counter-service model where you order at the register, pay, and receive your food. Most locations are in California, Hawaii, and a handful of other western states, though the chain has expanded to some locations in other regions.

The menu centers on protein-and-rice combinations. You choose your protein (typically chicken, beef, pork, or occasionally fish), select a heat level for the sauce, and pick your sides. Portions are generally large, and many people split a single plate or save half for another meal. The restaurant also offers plate lunch combinations, which bundle protein, two scoops of rice, and two sides for a fixed price.

Key Takeaways

  • Ono Hawaiian BBQ uses a counter-service ordering system where you order and pay before receiving your food, not table service.
  • The core menu consists of grilled proteins served over rice with sides like macaroni salad, vegetables, and sometimes kimchi or other Asian sides.
  • Plate lunch combinations offer a set price for protein, rice, and two sides, making it easier to budget than ordering items separately.
  • Most Ono Hawaiian BBQ locations are in California and Hawaii, though some exist in other western states and a few other regions.

How to Order at Ono Hawaiian BBQ

When you arrive, you will see a menu board above the counter listing proteins, sides, and combination options. You step up to the register, tell the staff member your choices, and they prepare your order while you wait or move to the side. Payment happens at the register before your food is ready. Most locations accept cash and card payments.

You will be asked to choose your protein first, then your sauce heat level (usually mild, medium, or hot), then your sides. If you are ordering a plate lunch combo, the sides are often pre-selected as part of the deal, though some locations let you swap them. The staff will ask if you want your rice white or brown at some locations.

Portions are substantial — a single plate lunch often contains enough food for two people or one person with leftovers. If you are unsure how much to order, ask the staff what is popular or what they recommend for your appetite.

Menu Items and Protein Options

The most common proteins are chicken (usually the most affordable option), beef short ribs, and pork. Some locations offer kalua pork, which is slow-cooked and shredded. Fish or shrimp appear on some menus but are less standard across all locations. Vegetarian options vary by location — some offer tofu or vegetable-only plates, while others have limited non-meat choices.

Sides typically include macaroni salad (a creamy, slightly sweet pasta salad common in Hawaiian plate lunch culture), steamed vegetables, kimchi, or fried rice. Two scoops of rice come standard with most plates. Some locations offer a choice between white rice, brown rice, or fried rice for an additional charge.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ also sells beverages, desserts, and sometimes appetizers like spam musubi or chicken wings, though the core business is the protein-and-rice plates. Menu items and pricing vary by location, so check the specific restaurant's offerings before you visit.

Pricing and Portion Sizes

Plate lunch combinations typically cost between $10 and $16, depending on the protein and location. Individual proteins ordered à la carte cost more. Chicken is usually the least expensive protein, while beef short ribs and specialty items cost more. Sides and drinks are sometimes included in the combo price and sometimes charged separately.

A single plate lunch is designed to feed one person generously or two people moderately. The rice and sides make up a large portion of the plate, so the actual amount of protein is smaller than it might appear. If you are very hungry or plan to eat again soon, you may want to order two proteins or add an appetizer.

Finding Locations and Hours

Ono Hawaiian BBQ locations are concentrated in California and Hawaii. You can find a restaurant near you by visiting the chain's website or using Google Maps to search "Ono Hawaiian BBQ near me." Hours vary by location — most are open for lunch and dinner, but some close between lunch and dinner service or have limited weekend hours.

Because locations are not everywhere, you may need to travel some distance to visit one. If you are planning a trip to California or Hawaii, checking the location list in advance will help you find a restaurant near your hotel or destination.

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery Options

Most Ono Hawaiian BBQ locations offer both dine-in and takeout. You order at the counter the same way for both — the difference is whether you eat at a table in the restaurant or take your food elsewhere. Some locations have a small dining area with a few tables, while others are primarily designed for takeout.

Delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub is available at many locations, though not all. If you want to order for delivery, search for Ono Hawaiian BBQ in your delivery app to see if a nearby location participates. Delivery fees and wait times vary by app and location.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

If you have dietary restrictions, you can request modifications at most locations. You can ask for no sauce, extra sauce, sauce on the side, or substitutions for sides. Gluten-free options are limited — the sauces and some sides may contain soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients, so ask the staff if you need to avoid gluten.

Vegetarian and vegan options depend on the location. Some restaurants offer tofu plates or vegetable-only combinations, while others have limited non-meat choices. Call ahead or check the menu online if you have specific dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a plate lunch and ordering items separately?

A plate lunch combo bundles a protein, rice, and two sides for one price, which is usually cheaper than ordering each item separately. The combo price is fixed, so you know what you will pay before you order. Ordering à la carte gives you more flexibility to choose exactly which sides you want.

Can I customize my order or request no sauce?

Yes, most locations will customize your order. You can request sauce on the side, no sauce, extra sauce, or different sides than what comes with your combo. Tell the staff member at the register what you want, and they will note it on your order.

Is Ono Hawaiian BBQ the same as other Hawaiian plate lunch restaurants?

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is one chain among several that serve Hawaiian plate lunch style food. Other chains and local restaurants offer similar menus. The style — grilled protein, rice, and sides like macaroni salad — is common across Hawaiian and Asian-fusion casual dining, but each restaurant has its own recipes and sauce flavors.

Do I need to tip at Ono Hawaiian BBQ?

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is counter-service, so tipping is optional, not expected. Many locations have a tip jar or a tip option on the card reader, but you are not required to add a tip. Some people tip a dollar or two, while others do not tip at counter-service restaurants.

How long does it take to get my food?

Wait times vary depending on how busy the location is. During peak lunch or dinner hours, you may wait 10 to 20 minutes. During slower times, your order might be ready in 5 to 10 minutes. The staff grills your protein to order, so there is always some wait time.