Seemor
Waikikie Hawaiian BBQB-Worth Trying
2160 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
· Hawaiian restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Barbecue restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1336 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Generous, affordable Hawaiian-style plates with friendly counter service; great for hearty casual meals, though quality and authenticity can be inconsistent.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Waikikie Hawaiian BBQ delivers solid casual dining through warm, personable service and generous portions at fair prices, but inconsistent food quality—ranging from crispy and flavorful to bland or soggy—prevents a higher grade. The dated interior and worn signage further limit appeal, though the hole-in-the-wall charm and family-friendly energy resonate with loyal regulars seeking quick, hearty plate-lunch comfort rather than polished dining.
Restaurant Summary
This small counter-service spot feels like a hole-in-the-wall where the friendly crew trades dad jokes while cranking out big plates fast. Portions draw raves, and one diner said the room felt like eating in a family home. Expect casual vibes and a dated space that some find charming and others call out for a refresh. The cooking leans toward plate-lunch comfort over purist Hawaiian tradition: chicken katsu, BBQ chicken, loco moco, Spam musubi, and heaping scoops of rice and mac salad. Fans love the value and speed; detractors mention bland or reheated textures and a flavor profile that can read more generic Asian than island. Order staples for the best experience and manage expectations on polish. For families, this is an easy win. There is a true kids menu (tenders, katsu, teriyaki chicken) and plenty of simple sides like fries and edamame. Even picky eaters can assemble a plate from rice, chicken, or fried shrimp, while adventurous kids might enjoy Spam musubi or plantains.
At a Glance
- Huge portions and fast service deliver strong value
- Friendly counter team with welcoming, family-style energy
- Quality can swing from flavorful to bland or soggy depending on item and timing
- Dated, worn interior and signage reduce ambiance
- Not purist Hawaiian; flavors skew to adapted plate-lunch comfort
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_plate_lunch_format
- exceptionally_large_portions
- kids_menu_value
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed like regulars
- Big, satisfying plates that travel well
- Crispy chicken katsu and solid mac salad
- Convenient parking and easy ordering
Points of Concern
- Quality inconsistency with reports of blandness or reheated textures; choose popular items for best results
- Spam musubi rice can be mushy and Spam under-seared per several reviews
- Interior feels dated; some diners are put off by maintenance issues
- Review patterns show mixed authenticity claims about cuisine style; flavors adapted rather than strictly Hawaiian
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-28 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair katsu with fries to avoid cabbage sogginess
- Customize egg doneness on loco moco when ordering
Perfect For
- Hearty casual lunches near Emory/CDC
- Budget-friendly takeout with leftovers
- Families needing kid-friendly options
- Solo diners who want quick, filling plates
Location Insights
Area: Suburban commercial corridor near Emory/CDC; practical, car-oriented strip centers with mixed eateries.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked in daytime; some reviews note dated upkeep but no major safety issues.
Nearby: Near medical/office hubs and residential neighborhoods; convenient for quick lunches and casual dinners.
North DecaturNorth Decatur offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces with a growing dining scene that includes casual eateries, ethnic restaurants, and family-friendly spots. The area is accessible and generally safe, attracting locals who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with convenient access to Atlanta.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–19:45
Wednesday11:30–19:45
Thursday11:30–19:45
Friday11:30–20:15
Saturday11:30–20:15
Sunday11:30–19:45
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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