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Clement BBQ
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Clement BBQ
7.8
Old-school Cantonese barbecue counter turning out honey-glazed pork ribs with a lacquered snap. Lines move fast and rice plates deliver solid value for a quick ribs fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cantonese BBQ spare ribs over rice, Three-meat rice plate (add ribs), Roast duck quarter
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Lacquered Cantonese ribs sliced to order at a classic Clement counter.
Who should go: Grab-and-go BBQ lovers
When to visit: Late morning to early afternoon for peak turnover
What to order: BBQ spare ribs over rice, char siu add-on, roast duck
Insider tip: Ask for a mix of end cuts for extra char and chew.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and nearby cross streets; metered during business hours but usually open mid-morning.
Dress code: Completely casual — think T-shirt and jeans, no fuss.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quick counter chatter but fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait since most orders are takeout-focused.
Weekday lunch: Short 5–10 minute line during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mainly rice or noodle plates without meat if requested.
Vegan options: Very limited — sauces and roasts use honey or soy glaze.
Gluten-free options: Not guaranteed — soy-based marinades contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a no-frills counter spot best for a quick lunch, not an extended sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with a few dine-in tables on a first-come basis.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy BBQ plates; limited seating and no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and crispier Cantonese ribs than larger dim sum or BBQ restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a leisurely sit-down meal or Western-style smoked BBQ experience.
Clement BBQ
7.6
Roast meats shop that also runs a compact dim sum counter—useful for mixing siu mei with a few baskets of dumplings. Not a tea-parlor experience, but portions are generous and lines move fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rice noodle rolls (cheung fun), Shrimp chive dumplings, Baked BBQ pork bun
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Dim sum case inside a roast-meats shop—one-stop, efficient lunch run.
Who should go: Busy diners mixing BBQ plates with dim sum
When to visit: Early lunch for best selection before trays turn
What to order: Cheung fun, shrimp chive dumplings, baked char siu bao
Insider tip: Order roast meats first, then add dim sum at the counter to minimize wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and 6th Avenue; easier before noon or after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most patrons are in streetwear or weekend attire.
Noise level: Moderate—lively with kitchen sounds, but easy enough for conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: Usually no dinner service—closes early around 7pm; limited selection late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak lunch; walk right up before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—few vegetable dumplings or tofu options, but most trays include meat.
Vegan options: Minimal—dumpling wrappers and sauces typically contain animal ingredients.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep; soy sauces and dim sum doughs contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—seating is sparse and more grab-and-go than romantic, but great for a casual shared lunch if you both love dim sum and BBQ.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. You’ll find a few counter seats, but most diners take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family lunches—staff are patient, portions generous, and there’s no fuss about noise. Strollers can be tight inside, so smaller groups fare better.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, and more flexible than sit-down dim sum spots—perfect when you want roast duck and dumplings in one stop.
Skip if: You’re seeking a leisurely tea-house experience or wide vegetarian selection; try Hong Kong Lounge nearby instead.
Clement BBQ
7.9
Counter-service Chinese BBQ turning out roast duck, crispy pork belly, and char siu over rice from a no-frills window on Clement. Locals use it for fast, satisfying plates at wallet-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Duck over Rice, Crispy Pork Belly (siu yuk), Char Siu with Greens
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Classic Cantonese roast-meats counter with generous portions under $15.
Who should go: Char siu and roast-duck devotees
When to visit: Late morning before prime lunch lines
What to order: Roast duck rice; crispy pork belly; char siu combo
Insider tip: Ask for mixed meats over rice to sample multiple roasts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Clement Street; expect limited availability during lunch rush but easier spots mid-afternoon.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; no dress code or table service.
Noise level: Moderate—kitchen clatter and conversation carry in the compact space but not overwhelming.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; takeout line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during peak hours for counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mainly side greens and rice plates without meat.
Vegan options: Very limited—most dishes use soy glaze or meat drippings.
Gluten-free options: No—soy sauce marinades contain gluten and no alternate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is a quick counter spot focused on fast service, better suited for casual solo or group eats.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted; grab one of the few small tables or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, fast service, and affordable plates make it great for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-frills roast-meat rice plates that beat pricier sit-down spots for value and speed.
Skip if: You’re looking for atmosphere, variety, or non-meat dishes—opt for a full-service Chinese restaurant instead.