Seemor
L&L Hawaiian BarbecueB-Worth Trying
201 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
· Hawaiian restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (178 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Accessible Hawaiian comfort plates with friendly vibes and generous portions; best bets are katsu, loco moco, and kalua pork, while combo meats can be salty or dry; counter-service wait times vary.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue delivers solid casual dining with strong food quality anchored by exceptional chicken katsu and loco moco, though consistency challenges on multi-meat combos and saltiness prevent a higher grade. Friendly, welcoming service and a clean, inviting space with Hawaiian character make it a reliable neighborhood choice, but it lacks the execution polish or distinctive appeal of grade A establishments. Fair value and loyal repeat customers confirm solid performance within the casual counter-service category.
Restaurant Summary
On Allen Street, this counter-service spot feels like a mini island getaway with aloha energy and Hawaiian tunes. Diners talk about clean tables, easy dine-in, and staff who make them feel welcome: "The room was casual, friendly, and my order was packed neatly." Expect fast-casual pacing with occasional longer waits for combo plates. The cooking leans classic Hawaiian comfort: chicken katsu, loco moco, kalua pork, and SPAM musubi. Guests rave about katsu crunch and loco moco nostalgia, while multi-meat combos can run salty or dry. If you focus on single-protein plates, you will likely leave happy; go combo for variety but manage expectations on texture and seasoning. For families, it is an easy win. The menu has plenty kids will eat—chicken katsu and rice, BBQ chicken bowls, burgers, and musubi. No formal kids menu is mentioned, but portions are shareable and sides are simple. If your crew avoids pork or fried items, stick to bowls or the lighter BBQ chicken with salad.
At a Glance
- Crispy, satisfying chicken katsu and comforting loco moco
- Friendly staff and clean, casual space
- Combo meats can be salty or dry with smaller-feeling protein portions
- Wait times vary; complex plates may take longer
- Good value for NYC with generous portions on many plates
What Sets It Apart
- Authentic-style Hawaiian plate lunch in LES
- Friendly aloha-style service
- Broad menu of island classics
What People Love
- Nostalgic flavors that echo trips to Hawaii
- Hearty portions that feel like a full meal
- Warm greetings and aloha spirit
- Go-to staples: katsu, loco moco, kalua pork
Points of Concern
- Combo plates are frequently reported as overly salty or dry and lighter on protein
- Occasional cashier/menu confusion on combo rules and add-ons
- Inconsistent fry color on katsu reported by a few diners
- Variable wait times even when not busy
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Prioritize single-protein plates like Chicken Katsu or Kalua Pork for best texture; request extra gravy for loco moco if you want more sauce coverage.
Perfect For
- A quick, filling casual dinner on the LES
- Craving Hawaiian comfort classics without a flight
- Solo bites or low-key friend meetups
- Families wanting familiar, shareable plates
Location Insights
Area: Lively Lower East Side corridor with casual eats and nightlife; attracts students, locals, and visitors.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban awareness advised at late hours.
Nearby: Near bars, cafes, galleries, and tenement-era side streets; close to Delancey/Essex transit and late-night foot traffic.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side offers a dynamic dining environment with a mix of trendy restaurants, casual eateries, and traditional delis. The social atmosphere is lively and diverse, attracting a crowd interested in both contemporary and classic New York dining experiences.
East Village BorderThis micro-area blends the Lower East Side’s historic grit with the East Village’s bohemian vibe, featuring numerous bars, music venues, and innovative dining spots popular among a younger, artsy crowd.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–00:00
Friday11:00–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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