Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar — Restaurant in Addison

Loro Addison has gone to the south very quickly recently. I have enjoyed food and service before. However, last two days of experience definitely changed my mind. I went there with my co workers (6 of us) for lunch on 01/16/24. As we sat down and ordered our food as a group order. Then the app had an issue to check out for the payment. I had to find any server available. It was so hard to get any help to finalize our orders for about 10 minutes or so. We finally got one server to help us. He eventually reordered manually on his small hand-held machine and asked me to pay. When I tried to pay, it was asking me to pay the tip! I asked him how I could pay the tip even before the order??? Isn't the tip for the service that I pay after the meal? It was almost like the huge pressure to pay the tip as a part of the price of the food. I paid the tip anyway. Another 10 minutes later or so, server delivered only two out of four appetizers and told us the other two would come soon. Then the main meals were provided. in the middle of the main meals, I asked one of the servers that we didn't get the appetizer orders yet. It seems they totally forgot. When we finished up all our main meals, the other two appetizers came out! We could not enjoy the other two appetizers as we finished out meals. We, 6 of us left the restaurant with very disappointing feelings. Then I decided to order take outs on 01/17/24, a day after the bad experience, because I still thought their food was decent. I ordered fritters, rice bowl, and salad for to go @ 04:15 and was told the food would be ready by 04: I arrived at the take out parking spot @ 04:35 and sent them a message I was here to pick up. I got an reply saying one of the staffs would come out with the order very quickly. Well, I waited for 20 minutes till 04:55, but no one came out. So I decided to come in the restaurant and check. Once I came in and asked for my order, a staff told me they have been busy. Guess what?! There were only two tables with the customers. Restaurant was almost empty! I was shocked for what I was told. Then a staff tried to offer a free cookies. Are you kidding me? I have been waiting for 20 minutes and the food was already cold on the shelf! I was quite frustrated and disappointed again! I rejected the free cookie and picked up my order and quickly left the restaurant. Once I came home and open the food.... well food were not good at all. Salad was soaked with too much of the dressing. (see the picture!) Vegetable was not fresh. Fried tofu was like it was fried multiple times and full of oil. Rice bowl was very small and tasted very plain. Fritters were same soaked with oil and too greasy. I totally felt that the staffs were just looking for tips and more tips even before the service, food has been gone south very much and tasted very oily and plain. Prices were hyped, just because of the concept of the Asian fusion, which doesn't make sense and didn't deliver the concept to the food at all. After two days in a row pretty bad experiences, I gave up Loro Addison. If you really want to try this restaurant, be prepare to pay the big tip even before the food, expect you would have to keep looking for the services even the tips, see the lots of staffs doing nothing, but looking for the money, wait for your food which staffs will...

I’ve been to Loro twice in the last week — it was the last meal I had before leaving town and the first meal I had when I came back. That alone should tell you how much I enjoy this place.

The food is just killer. The smoked brisket is a standout — deeply flavorful, perfectly smoked, and melts in your mouth. I love the way they incorporate fresh herbs and Asian influences into classic Texas BBQ. It’s bold, balanced, and just plain delicious.

The crispy potatoes with a tangy aioli were a surprise favorite — crunchy, savory, and addictive. My buddy had the smash burger, and for two guys who literally make smash burgers for a living, he said it was one of the best he’s had in a long time. I also brought another Kansas City native to try the BBQ, and he was thoroughly impressed.

And then there’s the frozen gin & tonic — seriously, one of the best frozen cocktails I’ve had. Super refreshing and full of character. Their drink menu overall is creative and worth exploring.

Now, about the atmosphere: From the outside, Loro looks like a sleek, upscale spot — modern and almost high-end. But once you walk in, it’s got more of a laid-back, beer hall vibe. High ceilings, communal seating, a few TVs on the wall — nothing over the top. It’s casual, a little noisy, and clearly designed to seat as many people as possible. It’s not trying to be glamorous on the inside, but it doesn’t need to be — the energy is relaxed, and it works.

The hiccup.. The service model.. 1st visit, we sat at the bar and were taken care of entirely by the bartender — smooth and simple. Second visit, we sat at a table, but had to order at the counter and close out there, even though servers were bringing food. It just felt a little clunky for a place that feels so polished in every other way. A more consistent, intuitive service style would really elevate the experience.

Still, the food is more than worth it. Loro is packed with flavor, creativity, and good energy. Once they tighten up the service approach, it’ll be one of the best casual dining spots in the area.

On July 7, I returned to the restaurant with even a larger group this time. I grabbed the table around of frozen gin tonics after bragging about how great they are, and then we all patiently waited in line to place our orders.. thankfully, the restaurant was not too busy so in hindsight, I guess it’s really not that inconvenient but at the same time, for that type of elevated food and the overall demeanor of the restaurant you just expect some type of table side...

Loro has been one of my fav restaurants in Dallas. The Smokey char they get on the meats and vegetables is unreal. I love all of their salads and veg offerings.

(April 2024) enjoyed our dinner! Weather was perfect for the patio. The food was great! Had the melon/tomato salad which is one of my favs, but not as much this time, maybe just because it’s too early for tomato season. The coconut rice, brisket and zucchini were all fantastic! Enjoyed the slushees … the sangria and a combo slushee of the gin and tonic with the mango sake. Had ordered the salmon but it never came out (but was full anyways), so they packed it to go for us along with an additional to go order we made. The to go packaging is awesome! They label everything, so nice! The leftovers have been so good! Including the key lime pie (just wish it was bigger 😛) enjoyed the 1/2 chicken and salmon in our to go order. The zucchini dish heated back up nicely! Overall great experience, and continues to be one of my favs … just sometimes , some dishes are a little inconsistent at this location but overall really solid

Was excited when they announced a second location and on our first visit, they exceeded expectations and were just as delicious and consistent as the other location. But on the second visit (4/10/23) the food was disappointing. I have raved for years about how good the brisket is at Loro without having to wait in bbq lines, but it was dry and tough today, needed to grab knives to cut it. Flavor was still good but just not the same quality that I’ve experienced at the other locations. The pork ribs (a Monday special) were also a little tough and dry but good flavor. I also noticed that the brisket was served differently at this location, sliced much thinner. Hopefully it was just an off day but I’ve never had anything but fantastic brisket at the east Dallas and Austin locations.

Back to the first visit (Feb 2023) - Got the zucchini this time. Also tried their limited time ramen. It’s more of a curry sauce , not a more clear broth ramen but regardless, it was really really good. Got it with the brisket (also comes with shrimp), only available Tuesday and Wednesday. Would def get the ramen again. The burger was also phenomenal. They have great happy hour items too. I actually think the layout for the outdoor space at this location is better than the other Dallas location. They did a really great job here inside and...