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Aloha BBQ
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Aloha BBQ
8.1
Excelsior counter spot for Hawaiian BBQ plates, including marinated short ribs (kalbi) with rice and mac salad. Portions run large and the line moves quickly at peak meal times.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Short Ribs (kalbi) plate, BBQ Mix Plate (beef, chicken, short ribs), Loco Moco
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Plate-lunch short ribs with classic sides and quick counter flow.
Who should go: Hungry diners craving hefty plates
When to visit: 11:30am–1pm moves fast; late lunch is calmer
What to order: Short ribs plate; BBQ mix; spam musubi
Insider tip: Swap mac for tossed salad if you want a lighter plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight during lunch hours but generally available within a block or two.
Dress code: Casual; shorts, tees, and workwear all common—come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate; steady counter bustle but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush; moves quickly thanks to efficient service.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5-minute wait at most, even when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—1–2 sides like mac salad, rice, or tossed salad can be made without meat.
Vegan options: Very limited; no dedicated vegan mains, but rice and salad can form a light plate.
Gluten-free options: Partial—most meats and rice are gluten-free, but soy marinades and sauces may contain gluten; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it's more casual and quick-serve, but great for a laid-back lunch or low-key dinner where conversation flows easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; walk-ins only. Tables turn quickly, so even during peak times you’ll usually find seating after a brief wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—portions are generous and the casual setup suits families. High chairs available upon request.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and larger portions than most sit-down BBQ joints nearby; excellent value for families or hearty appetites.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambience or smoked-style BBQ—this is Hawaiian plate-lunch comfort, not Texas pit barbecue.
Aloha BBQ
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Excelsior plate-lunch spot serving Hawaiian-style barbecue classics at wallet-friendly prices. Expect fast tickets, hearty portions, and staples like BBQ chicken, kalua pork, and spam musubi.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Plate, Kalua Pork Plate, Spam Musubi
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Hawaiian plate lunches with dependable portions and pricing.
Who should go: Value-focused BBQ fans and families
When to visit: Lunch hours before the after-school rush
What to order: BBQ chicken, kalua pork, spam musubi
Insider tip: Add mac salad and extra BBQ sauce for the classic combo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mission Street and surrounding residential blocks; usually available within a block before 6pm, tighter after.
Dress code: Completely casual—T-shirts, shorts, and sandals fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quiet enough for easy conversation at other times.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; grab-and-go orders move fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mac salad, steamed rice, and some sides only.
Vegan options: Minimal options; most proteins and sauces include meat or dairy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but rice plates can be made without soy sauce upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re bonding over casual comfort food—ambience is more lunch-counter than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—first come, first served. Most diners take their plates to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and booth seating make it great for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and larger portions than many Hawaiian BBQ spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for slow-smoked mainland-style barbecue or a sit-down dining experience.