L & L Hawaiian Barbecue - Hillcrest

It used to be that I'd eat plate lunches at least 3-4 times a week. You could say it was the backbone of my diet back then. But having lived on the mainland for over a decade now(has it really been that long?), my diet has changed in some pretty significant ways. That would mean no more 3 squares a day featuring that carbo-licious staple, rice. It seems that a plate of protein with at least 2-3 carbs(or in the case of Chili Spaghetti-Rice with Macaroni Potato salad, 4 carbs) has kinda fallen by the wayside for me. And to make matters worse, when I had my latest Loco Moco craving, I realized that I hadn't had a plate lunch since January; over 4 months! My how things have changed.

I don't know why, but I always thought that Hillcrest was an interesting location for an L&L. And even though I work in walking distance of this location of L&L, I had never made an effort to eat there. But, suffering from severe Loco Moco withdrawals, I decided to check them out.

In addition to the standard issue L&L menu, this location also offers "Healthier" options. After all, this is Hillcrest.

One thing I did notice was that my Loco Moco was going to cost $8.29! But, since I made the effort to walk over........

  So how did this measure up? Using the "Modified Rubio Scale for Loco Mocos", originally developed by James Rubio, who does the food blog Big Island Grinds, here's how the scoring(on a scale of 1 thru 5) went.

BURGER: Standard burger was well seasoned, moist(!), and mildly beefy. Pretty good for a Hawaiian BBQ joint. - 3.0

EGGS: Could be more crisp around the edges, and not seasoned. Yolk was nice and runny. - 3.0

RICE: Kinda hard. - 2.0

GRAVY: On the light side, but nice and salty. Pretty decent. - 3.5

STUFFS: Too much mayo on the macaroni salad, which could have used a shake of salt. - 2.0

Total: 13.5 - Not bad for one of these Hawaiian BBQ joints.

This location of L&L was bit better than some of the other locations, so I may just have another meal here one day. The service was fine, the young lady manning the register was very nice, but a bit spacey.....she forgot to charge me for my drink, I had to remind her.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
3803 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103

You can find my "collection" of Loco Mocos here.

Comments

[Tommylovebottom]

Is this place considered to be good by Hawaiian standards? I've eaten there about 3 times and I was happy with what I got. I just don't know if it's close to the real deal since I've never been to Hawaii.

[Kirk]

Hi TLB - It's ok, by Kama'aina standards...the menu is just standard stuff, it is very one dimensional. It only scratches the surface - Mo's is better, and I kinda explain the Hawaiian food vs plate lunch thing:

http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2007/07/plate-lunch-w-1.html

I hate to do this posting link kinda thing, but at the end of this post is my opinion of the whole L&L thing.

http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2007/07/post.html

In some ways it's kinda sad, because all these Hawaiian BBQ places really don't approach what the good plate lunch places serve. But, if you look at it from a value stand point, you can get a good value at some of the better places.

[howie]

Looks like a decent loco moco. It's funny how much these places vary in quality.

[nhbilly]

I'm so full from dinner but after reading and looking at this post I want some loco moco now. I thought balut and pho would be enough but guess not ;-)

[Kirk]

Hi Howie - These places are only as good as the effort the staff wants to put in. In many situations, it's only about making money.....

Hi Billy - Balut & Pho...that should have been enough....but I'm thinking you needed a pork component...some lechon kawale, or something like that!

[kat]

most places in Japan feel that if they put any kind of gravy (like teriyaki sauce) on something they can call it a loco moco...it is just wrong...

[Kirk]

Hi Kat - Really! That is wrong, I'll be looking through your previous posts just to see!

[GF/moowiesqrd]

Hey Kirk!

It's good to know that the Hillcrest location is one of the better ones. The location by the UCSD campus gives me nightmares. It's like taking a bowl of water, mixing in enough cornstarch until it's goopy, then putting it on rice and eating it. Ew. By the way, I've been faithfully reading your trip recaps on my Google Reader and they're fantastic!

[Kirk]

Hi GF - I've had some terrible meals a various L&L's as well. I'm glad you're enjoying our trip posts.

[Carol]

I've had some terrible meals too, even at the ones on the islands.

Whoa, 4 months without a plate lunch? Check that man's ID! ;-)

[Kirk]

Hi Carol - I think an instant deportation back home is called for!

[aeabubo]

The L & L in San Marcos serves pork adobo!