L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena
Restaurant in Pasadena, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Casual
Why go
A practical Pasadena pick for Hawaiian-style plate-lunch takeout, especially when speed and portability matter more than ambiance. Choose it for lunch or an easy low-effort dinner; cross-shop Saladang, Saladang Garden, Gale's, Amara Cafe & Restaurant, or Parkway Grill when the occasion needs a fuller sit-down experience.
About L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a casual option in Pasadena with daily hours. Consider it when you want an informal meal and the posted schedule fits your plan, rather than building expectations around a specific menu format, service style, or reservation setup.
Use it for a casual Pasadena meal
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is in Pasadena, the dress code is casual, it is open daily. Hours run 10:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Sunday.
If the occasion calls for a different kind of dining experience, compare it with other Pasadena options. Gale's and Parkway Grill may be better fits for a more traditional sit-down meal, while Saladang and Saladang Garden are other nearby restaurants to consider when the group wants a different direction.
The practical play: check the hours and match the mood
The best reason to keep L&L Hawaiian Barbecue on the shortlist is convenience within its schedule. It opens at 10:30 AM Monday through Saturday and at 11 AM on Sunday, making it an option across much of the day and evening.
Pasadena has broader choices when the occasion changes. Amara Cafe & Restaurant is another casual option to compare, depending on the mood of the meal. For broader browsing, use our full Pasadena restaurants guide, or branch into our full Pasadena bars guide, our full Pasadena hotels guide, our full Pasadena wineries guide, our full Pasadena experiences guide when the meal is only one part of the day.
Planning details
- Location
- 319 S Arroyo Pkwy Ste. 10, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Website
- hawaiianbarbecue.com
- Phone
- +16265834960
The take
The Take
The Vibe
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Pasadena presents itself as a classic, working‑class plate‑lunch outpost that preserves a specific regional eating tradition. The copy situates the spot in a functional stretch of South Arroyo Parkway and stresses the generational continuity of the format that pairs a protein with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. Rather than staging an elevated interpretation, the restaurant leans into an unpretentious, relaxed register—the kind of place built to fuel long days rather than to perform for food tourists—so expect straightforward food and a no‑frills dining environment.
Best For
This location is best encountered at lunch, when the plate‑lunch format is most literal and service rhythms match local routines. It suits families, groups and anyone looking for a filling, affordable midday meal: the menu staples—BBQ Mix, BBQ Chicken, Katsu Chicken, Short Ribs and Fried Fish—are built for shareable, hearty plates. The Pasadena setting also makes it a practical stop for workers and commuters on the South Arroyo Parkway corridor; it reads as an everyday neighborhood option rather than a destination for special‑occasion dining.
Ordering Tips
Order in the spirit of the plate‑lunch tradition: pick a protein and expect it to come with two scoops of white rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. Given the menu highlights, the BBQ Mix is the canonical choice for sampling multiple preparations; BBQ Chicken and Katsu Chicken are reliable single‑protein options, while Short Ribs and Fried Fish represent richer and lighter directions respectively. The format encourages straightforward, filling selections rather than elaborate tasting strategies, so keep orders simple and focused on the protein combos.
Venue details
Ambiance
Casual, quick-service counter environment with a lively, informal atmosphere typical of Hawaiian plate lunch establishments.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Counter Service
- Meal Pacing
- Quick Bite
- Capacity
- Small
Signature Dishes
- BBQ Mix
- BBQ Chicken
- Katsu Chicken
- Short Ribs
- Fried Fish
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Where to go if this is not the right fit
If the group wants a proper sit-down meal instead of counter-service takeout, start with Saladang Garden or Gale's. If the occasion calls for American dining rather than a plate-lunch format, Parkway Grill is the cleaner match.
Restaurant context
How it compares in Pasadena
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is the easiest choice in this set when the goal is a quick, casual meal that travels well. Saladang and Saladang Garden are better for a sit-down Thai meal with more dining-room focus, while L&L makes more sense for takeout, solo meals, or a low-friction lunch.
For ambiance, Gale's and Parkway Grill are the stronger choices. Parkway Grill, in particular, fits a more traditional American dinner occasion; L&L is not trying to compete on service polish or room quality. It competes on ease.
Amara Cafe & Restaurant is the better alternative for a daytime café stop or a lighter casual meal. Choose L&L when the priority is value, speed, a plate-lunch format; choose the peers when the meal itself is the plan.
Explore Pasadena
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full L&L Hawaiian Barbecue guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| L&L Hawaiian Barbecue | Pasadena | ; | No published awards |
| Saladang | Pasadena | ; | No published awards |
| Saladang Garden | Pasadena | ; | No published awards |
| Gale's | Pasadena | ; | No published awards |
| Amara Cafe & Restaurant | Pasadena | ; | No published awards |
| Parkway Grill | Los Angeles | American | Star Wine Lists 20262026 OAD Casual in North America Recommended2025 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #7652024 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #779 |
How L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Pasadena compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lunch or dinner better at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Pasadena is open from 10:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and from 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Sunday. Choose the time that fits your plan.
What should I order at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
How far ahead should I book L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
Plan around its Pasadena hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Sunday.
Can I eat at the bar at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue?
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a casual Pasadena venue with daily hours.
What are alternatives to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Pasadena?
For other Pasadena dining options, consider Saladang, Saladang Garden, Parkway Grill, Amara Cafe & Restaurant, or Gale's, depending on the kind of meal you want.
