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Friends’ BBQ
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Friends’ BBQ
8.1
Friend BBQ is a late-night Chinatown hangout focused on cumin-dusted skewers and grill-your-own platters, where short rib and other cuts come on sticks instead of slabs. Groups treat it as a casual place to drink, cook, and snack on charcoal-kissed meats well past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cumin Lamb Skewers, Fatty Beef Skewers, Grilled Chicken Wings
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Skewer-focused Chinese BBQ where you can build a rib-and-offal feast from small, heavily seasoned bites.
Who should go: Late-night groups wanting smoky skewers and casual drinking.
When to visit: Post-dinner or after events for late-night grilling energy.
What to order: Cumin lamb skewers, fatty beef skewers, assorted chicken wings and offal pieces.
Insider tip: Start with milder skewers first, then layer on the spicier options so the chili rub doesn’t overwhelm everything.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown can be limited at night; metered spots and nearby paid lots are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — most guests come in everyday wear suitable for a late-night hangout.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially late — conversation is doable in small groups but can feel loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 20–40 minutes during late-night rushes, especially after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service — evenings usually have short waits before prime late-night hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — most of the menu is meat-centric skewers, though a few vegetable sides may be available.
Vegan options: Minimal to none — this is primarily a meat and offal grill concept.
Gluten-free options: Some skewers may be gluten-friendly, but marinades and spice mixes can vary — confirm with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, adventurous date than a quiet or formal one — the smoky grills, skewers, and late-night vibe feel more playful than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits are walk-in friendly, but expect short waits during late-night peaks; smaller groups are seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to late hours, charcoal grilling, and strong spices — better suited for adults or older teens comfortable with the atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Late-night skewers, cumin-heavy flavors, and casual group snacking where you can try lots of small cuts instead of a single large rib plate.
Skip if: You want traditional American-style BBQ ribs, a quiet dining room, or a menu with broad vegetarian or kid-friendly options.
Friends’ BBQ
8.0
Friend BBQ is a late-night Chinatown hangout built around charcoal-grilled skewers, cold beer, and casual, linger-as-long-as-you-like energy. Reviews highlight cumin-dusted lamb, offal skewers, and a menu that encourages building a shared, snacky feast instead of one big entrée per person.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cumin Lamb Skewers, Fatty Beef Skewers, Spicy Noodle Pot
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Casual, skewer-focused Chinese barbecue bar where cumin, smoke, and late-night hours define the experience.
Who should go: Night-owl groups craving smoky skewers and drinks after hours.
When to visit: Post-dinner or late nights when the room is buzzing.
What to order: Cumin lamb skewers, fatty beef skewers, spicy noodle pot.
Insider tip: Order skewers in waves instead of all at once so everything hits the table hot off the grill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the surrounding blocks; can be competitive on weekends and late nights — allow extra time or consider rideshare
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — streetwear, hoodies, and jeans are common
Noise level: Lively and on the louder side during late hours; conversational with raised voices at peak times
Weekend wait: Often a short wait for larger groups during peak late-night windows; smaller parties are usually seated faster
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily an evening and late-night destination
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable skewers and sides, but most of the menu is meat-forward
Vegan options: Very limited — menu centers on grilled meats and skewers with few fully vegan options
Gluten-free options: Some skewers may be workable, but marinades and spices can include soy-based sauces — ask staff before ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if the vibe you want is casual, energetic, and snack-style dining — less ideal for quiet conversation or a formal, candlelit date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits are walk-in friendly, especially for small groups. Arrive a bit earlier on weekends or plan to wait a short while during late-night rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens — the menu is skewers and late-night oriented, with limited space and a bar-style atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group hangs, casual drinking, and building a shared skewer spread with bold cumin-forward flavors
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a full plated-entrée experience, or a menu with strong vegetarian or dietary-restricted coverage