0 Followers
Lee's BBQ & Boba
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lee's BBQ & Boba
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lee’s BBQ & Boba is a compact Cudahy counter-service spot mixing Chinese-American comfort plates, grilled meats, and a long list of milk teas. Regulars treat it as a go-to for quick, affordable combo plates and boba runs along Atlantic Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ beef short rib plate, Orange chicken combo, Spam musubi with milk tea
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Strip-mall Chinese-BBQ hybrid with generous plates and full boba bar.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners wanting hearty plates and milk tea.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for smoother counter and pickup flow.
What to order: BBQ beef short ribs, orange chicken, boba milk tea.
Insider tip: Call ahead for larger family orders—pickup moves faster than walk-in during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small strip-mall lot with limited spaces; usually manageable outside peak lunch and early-dinner hours.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are; streetwear, work attire, and everyday outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and to-go traffic; easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on to-go rush; rarely a long sit-down wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless a large pickup order is ahead of you.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fried rice, vegetable sides, and some boba drinks work, but entrées skew meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—few dishes can be made fully vegan beyond plain rice and select sides.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—no dedicated prep area and many sauces contain soy or wheat; best to ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a very casual, no-pressure meet-up; the counter-service setup and quick pace aren't ideal for a longer, romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only, and tables turn quickly. Even during busy hours, waits are short.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—fast service, affordable plates, and familiar flavors make it friendly for elementary-age kids and up, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper combo plates and a big boba menu compared to traditional BBQ spots or sit-down Chinese restaurants.
Skip if: You want slow-smoked barbecue, a more polished dining room, or broader vegetarian/vegan options.
Lee's BBQ & Boba
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lee's BBQ & Boba is a casual counter on Atlantic where Chinese-style barbecue plates, including beef short ribs, share space with stir-fries and milk teas. Regulars come for the value-heavy combos, smoky ribs, and the ability to add boba drinks without pushing the bill too high.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Beef Short Rib, Ribs and Chicken Combo, Kung Pao Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Counter-service Chinese BBQ shop where smoky ribs meet budget-friendly combo plates and boba drinks.
Who should go: Diners wanting affordable ribs, rice plates, and milk tea.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for the best selection of fresh barbecue items.
What to order: BBQ Beef Short Rib plate, Ribs and Chicken Combo, Kung Pao Chicken with rice.
Insider tip: Ask for extra sauce on the ribs and add a boba drink to turn it into a full meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza parking lot with generally open spaces; can fill up during peak lunch hours but turnover is fast.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; streetwear, shorts, and everyday attire are all typical.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly kitchen clatter and takeout traffic, but conversations are easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on takeout volume; dine-in seating usually turns quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; occasional short line during local worker lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few veggie stir-fries and sides, but ribs and BBQ dominate the menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible to piece together a vegan plate with plain rice and vegetable stir-fries; verify sauces.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free protocols; grilled meats and plain rice may work but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual; the focus is on fast, budget-friendly plates, not ambience or lingering meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; tables are almost always available except during brief lunch spikes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals — simple plates, mild flavors available, and no long waits; no dedicated kids’ menu or high-chair amenities.
Best For
Better for: Affordable BBQ rib plates with smoky Chinese-style flavor and the unique combo of boba drinks at low price points.
Skip if: You want slow-smoked American BBQ, a sit-down dining environment, or a wider selection of gluten-free or vegan options.