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Hon Kee BBQ & Seafood
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hon Kee BBQ & Seafood
8.1
An Asia on Argyle staple for Cantonese BBQ and rice plates where roast meats are the reliable move. Treat it like a build-your-own combo: pick one roast, add one second meat for contrast, and round it out with something brothy or seafood-forward.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast duck on rice, BBQ pork, Clams in black bean sauce
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Cantonese BBQ rice plates and roast meats done the old-school way.
Who should go: Roast-duck fans and quick rice-plate regulars
When to visit: Lunch for the fastest in-and-out
What to order: Roast duck on rice, BBQ pork, clams in black bean sauce
Insider tip: Order a two-meat rice plate to get better contrast and value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Argyle and nearby side streets; availability can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; easy for group conversation, less ideal for a quiet, intimate chat.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours; quicker if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable stir-fries and tofu-based dishes, but the menu is meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with simple vegetable dishes if you confirm sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice plates work best, but many sauces contain soy; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet than a romantic first date—the focus is fast, satisfying food over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in–friendly spot with quick turnover, especially at lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—rice plates and familiar flavors work well for kids, though seating can feel tight during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Cantonese BBQ rice plates, quick meals, and value-driven roast-meat combos.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, extensive seafood banquet menus, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.
Hon Kee BBQ & Seafood
7.9
A neighborhood Hong Kong BBQ room that shines when you order from the hanging-meat lane: roast duck, char siu, and crispy pork that land best with rice and one supporting noodle or soup. It’s less about polish and more about getting the core roast-meat hits on the table fast and hot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking duck (dinner format when available), Crispy pork belly, BBQ pork (char siu) over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A classic Uptown Chinese BBQ counter-and-dining-room built around roast meats.
Who should go: Roast-meat fans who order decisively.
When to visit: Lunch for quickest service and full window.
What to order: Peking duck, crispy pork belly, char siu over rice.
Insider tip: Go window-first: pick two BBQ meats, then add one noodle/soup—skip extra fillers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Argyle and nearby side streets; can be tight during dinner hours but usually manageable at lunch.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversations are easy, but it’s an active dining room during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak times; shorter if you’re flexible on table size.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable stir-fries and noodle options, but the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with plain vegetable dishes, but not a strong fit.
Gluten-free options: Limited — roast meats themselves are generally gluten-free, but sauces and marinades may contain soy; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance — it works if you both like no-frills food and ordering quickly, but it’s not polished or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard here, especially at lunch and early dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are shareable, and the menu is approachable for kids who like rice and roasted meats.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward Hong Kong-style BBQ plates served fast, with reliable roast-meat execution at a neighborhood price point.
Skip if: You want tableside duck service, polished pacing, or a broad non-meat menu — other Uptown spots offer a more refined experience.