Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Honolulu area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Honolulu area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Honolulu based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Honolulu were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. Topped Waikiki
- Rating: 4.3/5 (459 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 333 Royal Hawaiian Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Juice Bars & Smoothies
- Read more on Yelp
#29. Palisades Drive Inn
- Rating: 4.3/5 (186 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2321 Auhuhu St. Ste C Pearl City, Hawaii
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Spicy Ahi & BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (349 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 98-1254 Kaahumanu St. Ste 150 Pearl City, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp
#27. New Town Cafe
- Rating: 4.3/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 98-330 Kaʻahele St. Aiea, Hawaii
- Categories: Cafes, Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#26. The Surfing Pig Hawaii
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1289 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3605 Waialae Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Cocktail Bars, Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Smokin' Wings and Southern Things
- Rating: 4.4/5 (91 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 915 North Road Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Southern, Soul Food, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Bozie Jones Bar B Q
- Rating: 4.4/5 (76 reviews)
- Address: 2105 South King St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Whiskey Smoke 808
- Rating: 4.4/5 (356 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 45-1118 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Guava Smoked
- Rating: 4.4/5 (336 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1637 Republican St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Volcano Skewer House
- Rating: 4.4/5 (126 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 808 Sheridan St. Unit 109 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Chinese, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#20. M & M BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (229 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 99-149 Moanalua Road Ste 104 Aiea, Hawaii
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Chong Qing Hot Pot Waikiki
- Rating: 4.4/5 (26 reviews)
- Address: 1778 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Hot Pot, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Liliha Drive Inn
- Rating: 4.4/5 (363 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1408 Liliha St. Ste 101 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Kogi Aina
- Rating: 4.4/5 (355 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 46-138 Kahuhipa St. Kaneohe, Hawaii
- Categories: Hot Pot, Barbecue, Shaved Ice
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Kau Kau Grill
- Rating: 4.5/5 (525 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 852 Mapunapuna St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Easy 'Que
- Rating: 4.5/5 (649 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 767 Kailua Road Ste 106 Kailua, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, New American
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Guava Smoked
- Rating: 4.5/5 (516 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 567 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Niu Baguette BBQ & Noodle Soup
- Rating: 4.5/5 (118 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 709 Cooke St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Vietnamese, Noodles, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Papi's Smoke Meat and Grindz
- Rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1958 Kalākaua Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#11. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2752 Woodlawn Drive Ste 5-111 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Mei Mei Chinese BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1120 Maunakea St. Ste 123 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Han's Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste E-1 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Kam's Meat Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (28 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 145 North King St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Meat Shops
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Japanese BBQ Yoshi
- Rating: 4.6/5 (398 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 1316 Young St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Japanese, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Khan Skewer Restaurant
- Rating: 4.6/5 (315 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 925 Isenberg St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Chinese, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Sunset Texas Barbecue
- Rating: 4.6/5 (519 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 443 Cooke St. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Fong's Meat Market
- Rating: 4.7/5 (97 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 145 North King St. Ste 15 Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Meat Shops, Barbecue, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
#3. No Name BBQ Sandwich
- Rating: 4.7/5 (746 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3394 Waialae Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Sandwiches, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Joes Backyard Bbq Lunchwagon
- Rating: 4.8/5 (82 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 98-291 Kamehameha Hwy Aiea, Hawaii
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. TY's BBQ and Grill
- Rating: 4.9/5 (65 reviews)
- Address: 1913 Dudoit Lane Honolulu, Hawaii
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Tacos
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
