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Keung Kee BBQ
Master Critic Review
Keung Kee BBQ
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Bare-bones Chinese BBQ deli with hanging roast ducks and steam trays of prepared Cantonese dishes. This husband-and-wife operation chops fresh roast meats to order, serving combo plates under $6 that pack serious flavor and generous portions for Chinatown's working-class crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Duck, Roast Pork Belly, BBQ Pork with Chow Fun
Scores:
Value: 9.6
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Authentic Chinese BBQ deli serving impossibly affordable combo plates under $6
Who should go: Solo diners and BBQ purists seeking traditional Cantonese roast meats
When to visit: Weekday mornings for freshest selection of roasted meats
What to order: Two-item combo with roast duck and pork belly
Insider tip: Limited English spoken; point to what you want behind the counter
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway/Hill St (metered, competitive). Public lot at 777 N Broadway $2-3/hr. Best bet: park once and walk Chinatown.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - gym clothes, work uniforms, whatever. This is a no-frills counter spot.
Noise level: Moderate - meat cleavers chopping, steam trays clanging. Can chat but expect deli atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 5-10 min during lunch rush (11:30am-1pm). Counter service moves fast.
Weekday lunch: Peak lunch (12-12:30pm) means 10-15 min wait. Off-peak is walk right up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited - steamed bok choy and tofu sides only. This is a meat specialist.
Vegan options: Not recommended - nearly everything contains animal products or fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Difficult - soy sauce in most preparations. Steamed chicken is safest bet but cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it. This is a fluorescent-lit counter service deli with plastic chairs. Perfect for showing someone authentic Chinatown on date #3+, terrible for impressing anyone initially.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted or needed - it's counter service. Order at the front, grab a table (6-8 tables total). Weekend lunch is the only time you might circle for a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ - fast service, mild flavors available, kids love the hanging ducks. Not ideal for toddlers (hard chairs, no high chairs, hot food served quickly).
Best For
Better for: Authentic Cantonese BBQ at unbeatable prices, solo quick meals, experiencing real Chinatown working-class food culture. More genuine than any 'modern Asian' spot charging $18 for the same duck.
Skip if: You want ambiance, English explanations, or need vegetarian options. Also skip if you're intimidated by pointing at meat behind glass - there are more tourist-friendly spots 2 blocks over.