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BBQ King
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
BBQ King
8.4
In Chinatown Square, BBQ King House has long specialized in Cantonese roast meats—ducks hanging in the window, crispy pork belly, and char siu sliced to order. Locals use it for quick rice plates and takeaway whole ducks that anchor family dinners and holiday spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Duck (Peking Style), Crispy Pork Belly, BBQ Pork (Char Siu) over Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running Chinatown counter where Cantonese roast meats are cut fresh to order.
Who should go: Roast-duck and pork obsessives chasing classic Cantonese BBQ.
When to visit: Daytime or early evening before popular cuts sell out.
What to order: Half roast duck, crispy pork belly, char siu over rice.
Insider tip: Order a whole duck or pork belly earlier in the day if you need it for a gathering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Chinatown Square mall lot and nearby metered street parking; the lot can fill up on weekends and evenings.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service setting where everyday attire is standard.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but usually fine for conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: Often a short line at peak hours; typically 10–20 minutes for food or counter orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, with faster turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a few rice or vegetable sides, but the menu is primarily roast meats.
Vegan options: Minimal — not recommended for strict vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Possible with plain roast meats and rice, but sauces and marinades may contain gluten — ask to keep sauces on the side.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual, food-focused outings rather than romantic dates — it’s counter-service with a practical, no-frills dining room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only; find seating after ordering, though tables can be limited during busy weekend periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families comfortable with casual seating and shared plates; portions are easy to split, but there are few kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Classic Cantonese roast meats sliced to order, quick rice plates, and strong value for takeout or casual meals.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, a quieter sit-down experience, or a menu with strong vegetarian or vegan coverage.
BBQ King
8.5
BBQ King House is a long-running Chinatown counter specializing in Hong Kong–style roasted meats where BBQ ribs share the spotlight with duck and crispy pork belly. Regulars build rib-heavy plates or rice boxes from the carving window, taking advantage of late hours and consistent execution at modest prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Ribs over Rice, Roast Duck and BBQ Pork Combo, Crispy Pork Belly with Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Hong Kong–style BBQ shop where you can add proper Chinese BBQ ribs to classic roast duck and pork plates.
Who should go: Roast-meat fans who want Chinese-style ribs with rice.
When to visit: Daytime or early evening before popular roasts sell out.
What to order: BBQ ribs over rice, roast duck and pork combo, salt-and-pepper sides.
Insider tip: Ask for ribs cut a bit meatier and mix gravies from the steam table over your rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Wentworth and nearby side streets; can be tight during evenings and weekends. Public lots along Archer Ave within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service setting where everyday clothes are appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — busy during meal rushes, but conversation is still manageable at the small dine-in tables.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes at peak hours while trays are cut to order; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of tour-group rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — menu is centered on roast meats with only a few rice or vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Minimal — not ideal for vegan diners beyond plain rice and select sides.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free handling; some items may be wheat-marinated or sauced. Best to ask at the counter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual, no-frills Chinatown eats — it’s more about great roast meats than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and walk-in only. Seating is limited, so many guests take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals — portions are shareable, but seating is tight and there are no high chairs or kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Rib-and-roast combos, value pricing, and late-hour reliability when you want classic Hong Kong–style BBQ without ceremony.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, broader non-meat options, or a quieter, linger-longer sit-down experience.