These days, with L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locales conveniently located throughout the island, the eatery has become a go-to for many when it comes to plate lunches.
“We are so ubiquitous — we’re everywhere,” says L&L marketing director Brandon Dela Cruz. “You can get a plate lunch from L&L within 20 minutes from any part of the island.”
It all started in the 1970s, when Eddie Flores purchased the first L&L on Liliha Street as a gift for his mother, who had always wanted to run a restaurant. After she retired from the operation, Flores took the reins, alongside partner Johnson Kam.
L&L not only has establishments islandwide, but in recent years, it also has expanded to the Mainland. More recently, L&L went international opening in Guam, and is slated to open in Malaysia this summer.
L&L creates its local-style plate lunches from a range of influences, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Filipino, Dela Cruz explains.
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- Garlic Shrimp (healthy plate $12.95) and Sobe Life Water ($2.15)
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- Garlic Ahi Healthy Plate ($12.95)
And although L&L has transformed into a growing empire since its humble beginnings, its menu still is loaded with standby classics, which people have come to love throughout the years. One dish in particular is Barbecue Chicken (prices vary by location), which Dela Cruz says always has been a popular seller.
“The marinade is very similar to teriyaki,” notes Dela Cruz of the dish, which comes with two scoops of white rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. “It’s really hearty.”
And ask any loyal patron, they’ll say Crinkle-Cut Fries (prices vary by location) also have been a longtime customer favorite.
“They’re thicker than most fries. A lot of people have come to love our french fries,” says Dela Cruz.
L&L recently kicked off a new promotion called Seafood Fridays, in which diners receive a small fountain drink for free with any purchase of a regular seafood plate such as Garlic Shrimp (prices vary by location).
“Our shrimp is fried, and cooked with a healthy serving of garlic. It’s very good,” Dela Cruz says.
For the majority of L&L’s tasty selections, you can opt for a healthy plate, served with one scoop of brown rice and tossed green salad.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
310 Kamakee St., Honolulu (and other locations)
597-9088
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96814
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