L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in South Carolina: Local Locations and What to Order

Where to find L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in South Carolina

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue operates several locations across South Carolina, with the largest concentration in the Lowcountry and around Charleston. The chain brings Hawaiian-style kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, and plate lunch traditions to the state, blending island flavors with American barbecue expectations. Most locations are in shopping centers or standalone buildings in suburban areas rather than downtown districts.

The easiest way to find current locations is through the L&L Hawaiian Barbecue website or by calling ahead, since restaurant locations can change. Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and the Charleston area have had active L&L locations in recent years. Hours typically run from late morning through early evening, with some locations staying open for dinner service.

Key Takeaways

• L&L serves Hawaiian plate lunches with two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein choice—a format different from traditional Carolina barbecue.
• Kalua pork and teriyaki chicken are the signature proteins, though most locations also offer beef, shrimp, and vegetarian options.
• Prices are typically moderate, with most plates in the $10 to $15 range depending on protein and location.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service model where you order at the register and pick up your food, not table service.

The menu: Hawaiian plate lunch format

L&L's menu centers on the Hawaiian plate lunch, a working-person's meal that originated in the plantation camps of Hawaii. Each plate comes with your choice of protein, two scoops of white or brown rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. This three-part structure is consistent across the menu, so you're choosing the protein rather than building a custom plate.

Kalua pork—slow-roasted pork shoulder with a smoky, tender texture—is the most popular protein and the closest thing L&L has to traditional barbecue. Teriyaki chicken offers a sweeter, glazed alternative. Beef, shrimp, and a vegetarian option (usually tofu or vegetables) round out the protein choices. Some locations offer combination plates that let you pick two proteins on a single plate.

Side dishes beyond the standard plate are limited but include items like chicken katsu (breaded and fried chicken cutlet), spam musubi (grilled spam and rice wrapped in nori), and seasonal specials. Beverages are standard fast-casual fare: sodas, iced tea, and sometimes local options depending on the location.

How L&L differs from traditional South Carolina barbecue

L&L is not a pit barbecue restaurant in the South Carolina sense. There are no whole hogs smoked over hickory, no regional sauce traditions, and no sit-down dining room. Instead, you're getting Hawaiian plantation-style cooking adapted for a quick-service format—closer to a fast-casual chain than to a barbecue house.

The rice and macaroni salad are non-negotiable parts of the meal, not optional sides. The flavors lean toward teriyaki, soy, and island spices rather than the vinegar, mustard, or tomato-based sauces of the Carolinas. If you're looking for traditional pulled pork or whole-hog barbecue, L&L is a different experience entirely. But if you want something warm, filling, and quick with a different regional American food tradition, it fills that gap.

Pricing and what to expect when you visit

Most plates run between $10 and $15 before tax and drink, depending on the protein and location. Kalua pork and teriyaki chicken are usually on the lower end; shrimp and combination plates cost more. Drinks add $2 to $4, and sides like spam musubi or chicken katsu are typically $3 to $6 if you want to add them to your order.

The ordering process is straightforward: you walk up to the counter, tell the staff your protein choice and rice preference, pay, and wait a few minutes while they plate your food. Most locations have a small dining area with tables, though some are pickup-only. Portions are generous—the two scoops of rice and macaroni salad make for a filling meal that often leaves you with leftovers.

When L&L makes sense as a barbecue alternative

L&L works well if you want barbecue-adjacent food but are short on time or prefer counter service to a sit-down restaurant. The meal is consistent, predictable, and faster than waiting for a table at a traditional barbecue house. It's also a good option if you're traveling with people who have different tastes—the menu variety means everyone can find something they like on a single stop.

The restaurant also appeals to people familiar with Hawaiian food culture or those curious about how regional American cuisines work outside their home states. It's not a replacement for a Carolina barbecue experience, but it's a legitimate alternative if you want something different in the same general category of casual, hearty food.

Finding current locations and hours

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations in South Carolina change periodically, so the best approach is to search the company's official website or call ahead before making a trip. Google Maps and Yelp also list active locations with current hours and customer reviews. Some locations may be temporarily closed or have adjusted hours seasonally.

If you're in a major city like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Columbia and can't find an L&L location, check whether the nearest one is still operating—the chain has expanded and contracted in different markets over time. Calling the location directly also lets you ask about any daily specials or menu items that might not be listed online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is L&L Hawaiian Barbecue the same as traditional barbecue?

No. L&L serves Hawaiian plate lunches with rice and macaroni salad, using teriyaki and island flavors rather than smoked meat and regional sauces. It's a different food tradition that happens to use some proteins (like pork) that overlap with barbecue, but the cooking method and presentation are distinct.

Can I get just the protein without rice and macaroni salad?

Most L&L locations build their plates with the standard components, but it's worth asking at the counter. Some locations may accommodate requests for modifications, though this varies by restaurant and staff discretion.

Are there vegetarian options at L&L?

Yes, most locations offer a vegetarian protein option, usually tofu or mixed vegetables. You get the same plate format with rice and macaroni salad, so it's a complete meal rather than a side dish.

How long does it take to get food at L&L?

Counter-service ordering typically means your food is ready in 5 to 10 minutes. During busy lunch hours, it may take longer, but it's generally faster than waiting for a table at a sit-down restaurant.

What's the best protein to order if I'm new to L&L?

Kalua pork is the signature item and a good starting point—it's tender, flavorful, and the closest thing to traditional barbecue on the menu. Teriyaki chicken is the second most popular choice if you prefer something sweeter and less rich.