What L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is and where to find it
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a casual fast-casual chain that serves Hawaiian plate lunch style food — typically a protein (kalua pork, chicken, beef) served over rice with a scoop of macaroni salad on the side. The chain started in Hawaii and has expanded to locations across the mainland United States, with the largest presence in California, but also in states like Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and others depending on the year.
Most L&L locations are standalone restaurants or small storefronts in strip malls, not sit-down dining rooms. You order at a counter, pay, and either eat at a few small tables if the location has them or take your food to go. Some locations are franchised, so menu items and pricing can vary slightly between restaurants, though the core offerings stay consistent.
The chain is known for quick service — your food is usually ready in 5 to 10 minutes — and for portion sizes that are large relative to the price. A typical plate runs between $8 and $12 depending on the protein and location.
Key Takeaways
- L&L serves Hawaiian plate lunch style meals with a protein, rice, and macaroni salad as the standard format.
- Most locations are counter-service only with limited or no seating, so plan to eat there quickly or take food with you.
- Menu items and prices vary by location because many are franchised, so calling ahead or checking the specific restaurant's website is useful if you have questions.
- The chain has hundreds of locations but is concentrated in the West; you can find a nearby restaurant through their website location finder.
The standard plate lunch format and how to order
Every L&L meal follows the same basic structure: you choose a protein, it comes with two scoops of rice (or one scoop of rice and one of macaroni salad if you prefer), and you get a scoop of macaroni salad on the side. This is the "plate lunch" format that originated in Hawaii as a working person's meal.
The most popular proteins are kalua pork (shredded pork cooked in an underground oven), chicken (usually teriyaki or grilled), and beef (often as a short rib or as part of a mixed plate). L&L also offers fish, spam musubi (spam and rice wrapped in seaweed), and chicken katsu (breaded and fried chicken cutlet). Some locations rotate seasonal items or regional specials.
When you order, you tell the person at the counter which protein you want and how many scoops of rice versus macaroni salad. You can also add a drink and a side like a spring roll or fried chicken wing. The staff will prepare your plate while you wait and hand it to you in a disposable container.
Pricing and what affects the cost
A single protein plate typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on the protein (chicken is usually the cheapest, kalua pork and beef are mid-range, and fish or specialty items may be higher) and the specific location. A combo that includes a drink and a side item usually adds $3 to $5 to the base price.
Prices are higher in California and Hawaii than in other states, and they vary between individual franchised locations. A kalua pork plate that costs $9.50 in one city might cost $11 in another. Checking the specific location's menu online or calling ahead is the most reliable way to know what you will pay.
L&L does not typically offer a loyalty program or frequent-buyer discounts, though individual franchised locations may run their own promotions. Some locations accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but not all do.
Dietary restrictions and menu transparency
L&L's website and in-store menus do not always list full nutritional information or detailed ingredient lists. If you have a food allergy, celiac disease, or other dietary restriction, calling the specific location you plan to visit is the safest approach. Staff can tell you whether a dish contains gluten, soy, or other common allergens, though they may not have detailed information about cross-contamination in the kitchen.
The macaroni salad is typically made with mayonnaise and contains dairy. Most proteins are cooked with soy sauce or other soy-based seasonings. Rice is usually plain, but you should confirm with the location. Vegetarian options are limited — some locations offer a vegetable plate or tofu, but this varies.
How L&L compares to other Hawaiian plate lunch chains
L&L is the largest Hawaiian plate lunch chain on the mainland, but it is not the only one. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck (primarily in Hawaii but with some mainland locations) focuses on shrimp. Ono Hawaiian Plate Lunch and Kona Grill are smaller regional chains with similar menus. Local independent plate lunch restaurants exist in many cities, especially in areas with larger Hawaiian or Pacific Islander communities.
L&L's main advantage is consistency and availability — you know roughly what you will get at any location. Independent restaurants may have more authentic or creative versions of the same dishes, but you have to find them and they may not be as convenient. Prices are usually comparable across all these options.
Finding a location and what to expect when you arrive
L&L's website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code and see nearby restaurants. The listing usually includes the address, phone number, and hours. Some locations are open for lunch and dinner, but others close in the afternoon or are only open for lunch.
When you walk in, you will see a counter with menu boards above it. There is usually a line, especially during lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). You move forward, tell the person at the register what you want, pay, and then move to the side to wait for your food. If the location has tables, they are usually small and fill up quickly during peak times.
Most L&L restaurants are casual and fast-paced. There is no table service, no reservations, and no expectation to linger. If you are eating there, plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes total from arrival to finishing your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L&L Hawaiian Barbecue actually Hawaiian?
L&L was founded in Hawaii in 1984 and the menu is based on Hawaiian plate lunch tradition, which is a real local food style. However, the chain is now primarily mainland-based and franchised, so it is a commercialized version of that tradition rather than an authentic local restaurant. Many people in Hawaii view it as a casual chain option, similar to how mainland diners view a regional burger chain.
Can I order online or through a delivery app?
Some L&L locations accept online orders through their website or third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but not all do. Delivery is available in some cities but not others. Calling the specific location directly is the most reliable way to find out whether they take online orders or delivery.
What is the difference between kalua pork and regular pork?
Kalua pork is traditionally cooked in an underground oven (called an imu) for many hours, which makes it very tender and gives it a smoky flavor. At L&L, it is shredded and served over rice. Regular pork would be a different cut or cooking method. Kalua pork is the signature L&L protein and is what most people order.
Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?
Most L&L locations offer a vegetable plate with rice and macaroni salad, though the vegetable selection varies by location. Vegan options are very limited because the macaroni salad contains mayonnaise and dairy. Calling ahead to ask what vegetables are available that day is your best option.
What is macaroni salad and why does it come with every plate?
Macaroni salad is a Hawaiian side dish made with cooked pasta, mayonnaise, and usually a little sugar and vinegar. It is creamy and slightly sweet. It became standard on plate lunch plates in Hawaii and L&L includes it as part of the traditional format. You can ask for extra rice instead if you prefer, but macaroni salad is the default.