L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — Restaurant in San Jose

My colleague had been telling me what great food L&L Hawaiian Barbecue serves. She said it was the closest to the food she had when she was in Hawaii.

I decided to try it today but had no idea where to start.

When I walked in, there weren't very many people inside. But considering it was between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., I wasn't too surprised.

There was a gentleman waiting and a group of others having lunch. I was approached by Howard (the cashier), but I needed more time, which he graciously gave me.

When the gentleman got his order, I asked him if he could recommend anything. He very kindly told me he was partial the #2 BBQ Platter (or combo). He said he couldn't recommend anything else because the #2 was all he ever had.

Then a lady came in, saw I was new, and recommended any of the bowls.

Finally, I spoke with Howard. He explained some of the terminology and then he asked me what foods I prefer more.

In the end, I went for the #2 just as a place to start. But I REALLY appreciated the time Howard took to walk me through the menu and offer his guidance.

He also let me know if I didn't want the macaroni salad that comes along with the #2 or the white rice, then I could swap with any of the things listed on the whiteboard in the restaurant. So I swapped with French fries (which looked good in the menu picture).

And so I got my overflowing-with-food box home (just see my picture--the box barely closed!) and sat down to lunch.

To a VERY hearty and GOOD lunch!

There were ribs and beef and chicken--all grilled to perfection. Almost melt-in-your-mouth tender. (And there was a lettuce salad under the meat.)

So I'll go back to try the bowl and some other items on the menu. Because what I had was good.

I recommend the restaurant and this location specifically because Howard had excellent customer service.

(But I gave 3 🌟 to the ambience because, frankly, I was expecting something a little more...

Quick and relatively cheap, that's what keeps people coming back!!! Hawaiian food, in general, isn't known as health food but you can find some options here. I ordered the Musubi Trio. The Spam Musubi and Grilled Chicken Musubi were fairly healthy. The Katsu Chicken Musubi, not so much. To be honest, it wasn't my favorite either. The chicken was pounded so thin it was barely recognizable. The crunchy exterior was delicious but I would like a little more chicken. $8 for the Trio and they are so big that you can easily cut them in half, share between two people or save half for later. Comes with a small container of Katsu dipping sauce that their website describes as "piquant", I'd say it's sweet with a little vinegar tang. #Hawaiian #Cheap #Fast...

Not that hated it I just walked in 10 min ago and someone just walked in Infront of me and of course aisian and they were helped first so I left and went to subway! This establishment is a racist I'm view and this is the third time this has happened to me here! Will be contacting the owner and better business bureau. The owner needs to do reviews on who really is wanting to work and who doesn't honestly this has always been a friendly and a favorite establishment for me but after tonight's experience I feel like my kind isn't welcomed here so I will take my business elsewhere and pay someone...