Maui Hawaiian BBQ — Restaurant in Brea

I’m reluctant to give it one star. Was just there and ordered one of their larger plates; three meats, mac salads and white rice. Got there about 7:35pm, about 3-5 guests were in restaurant, received my order about 7:50 and began to enjoy it. At 8:07 one of their employees comes over and tells us if we’d (I was with my wife) like a bag for our plates. I’m like why, we’re in the middle of eating? He said they are closed and need us to leave. I thought he was joking. Then he proceeded to stand there and watch us eat and began to badger us, letting us know we need to go. Now mind you, I’m looking around and there is lots of closing prep work that needs to get done. I wanted to respect that they are closed but it would have been nice to warn us, or say hey guys five minute warning, or we’re closing in 10 minutes and I have a few things to do so please beware that I’m going to be cleaning up around you guys. Just anything other than you gotta get out. But none of that. Just you gotta go. We had come maybe three- four times before and if we’d known that’s how they treat their guests, we would not have come tonight.

I asked for the managers name and he would not give it, but said I can leave a review. So I am. I think he must do this a lot and is prepared because he didn’t seem to care. Obviously we will not be back....

Great Hawaiian barbecue meat plates, mac salad and pork lau lau in a clean and spacious environment. Food is generously portioned. Many Hawaiian can fruit drinks are available.

This location in Brea also serves many Japanese entrees with meats, chicken and grilled salmon, bento combinations and special rolls with raw fish. I've ordered many of their Japanese items in the past and am often disappointed when ordering their specials, having had more misses than hits.

The rice they serve is a different variety and/or they are cooking it incorrectly. It's often more on the dry side, harder and doesn't stick together making it harder to eat with chopsticks. The miso soup served in a foam takeout bowl is usually lukewarm after a 5 minute drive home.

The most recent combo orders of bbq chicken bento and bbq pork bento was the most disappointing. Rice wasn't up to par again, California rolls tasted way, way off like spoiled unknown ingredients. Mixed shrimp and vegetable tempura was cold, chewy and thick with batter. The meats were good as always.

On a positive note, their counter help is always helpful, patient...

I've been to Hawaii and have consumed the native food there. I have also been to many, and I mean many so called Hawaii BBQ places in California. But this particular one IS the standard at which all "Hawaiian BBQ" joints should be judged by. Please know that I have absolutely no affiliation with this particular place and so I am NOT biased as some are. The owners of this location have another location... In case you were wondering.. And please note that there are others with the same name but are imposters. You can tell by the "katsu sauce" and the "macaroni salad". But you know what? If you don't wanna come here, better for me because I don't have to wait so long in line. Sucker M.C.'s....