OMG. Seafood combo w/ BBQ chicken as the second side. the bbq chicken is teriyaki and has way too much teri. flavor for my buds. I suggest seafood combo b/c the k. pork/chicken meals here become overwhelming after a few bites. the mahi mahi here is divine, even though i tend to frown @ breaded mahi. the breaded shrimp in the combo is Hhuge. So cheap, soooo much food. You could likely share a combo, especially at lunch time, unless you eat quintessential mississippi portions. the chilli here is clean and tasty and comes in a huge bowl. perfect place to grab food for a picnic that will make your fat a&$ pass out on the shore.
(4)
Michael H.
I got into Waimanalo as the sun was setting. Unfortunately I had a challenge getting into my lodging and was beat but very hungry. Yelp told me my selections were thin on this side of the island. I know I had a Jack in the Box, 7-11, and a golf course grill (could be fantastic but it wasn't the time to find out). L and L Drive Inn won hands down - and by default... As previous Yelpers notes, service was wicked fast, but my experience with the servers was quite different than a previous reviewer had. In a word - delightful. They are Chinese but I found them full of great information about the area and boy did they love to hear about my travels and ND (go figure). The food was good, standard L and L fare, though the Mac salad was particularly yummy. Slightly sweet, well seasoned, and the noodles weren't mushy. I also had the Saimin (ramen) burger. I always find it a good bite, but recommend using Sriracha on it as the sauce can be a bit cloying.
(3)
Krysten I.
This is an A-OK L&L, like so many others on the island. It's located right across the street from shimas. They offer the usual fare.... Plate lunches, breakfasts, burgers and fries, it's all good. There's a small parking lot too that is hardly ever full, although when I have been here, there have been other customers purchasing food inside. The workers here are chinese, they speak mandarin and are not the friendliest people in the world. Don't expect a smile out of them when you order.... They are fast though, you'll be in and out within a few minutes. Unless you want to stay and eat, there are a few tables inside, but the decor and ambiance is non existent. Although there are some other take out kinds of places in the area, I'd prefer to come to L and L for breakfast because they do open early and close late. L and L food is a little uninspiring for me, but with limited options in waimanalo, it's a-ok.
(3)
Brent W.
Probably one of the bigger disapointments on the island. I've seen good reviews, but frankly I would just stick to the other stands. I had the mixed grill, and the meat was average in flavor. It felt like the meat needed some extra sauce or something. Plus, the chicken had a lot of fat and skin which wasn't great. My wife had the lau lau and kalua pork combo. The lau lau was just plain weird, and had a very unappealing smell, perhaps from the leaves it was wrapped in. The Kalua pork was better, but still somewhat lacking in flavor. Overall, I would try any of the number of other places before hitting this chain. Maybe if you're in Texas the exotic appeal would win out, but not here.
(2)
Scott R.
I frequented this place, until I saw the prep cook yesterday cutting the chicken. He was cutting the chicken up on the cutting board over the sink. Guess where the container was for the finished pieces of chicken? No, not next to the cutting board, nope not on a shelf, and it certainly wasn't hung next to him either. It was sitting directly on the floor. No doubt from the time I finished placing my order (chicken Katsu curry none the less ) he had dropped at least one chicken breast onto the floor (that I saw) and put it in the container with finished pieces. He could have at least gave it a thorough rinse, but not even that. I will be going to a different L and L in hopes there techniques are Better. You've been warned. Only pro I can say about this place is the portion sizes.
(1)
Mike B.
Great L&L location with both some indoor and outdoor seating. They had plenty of parking off the street and great food. The place was clean and the mac salad here is amazing!
(4)
Brad B.
BBQ chicken was ok but when I left one of the employees was sitting on the outside dinning area digging her nose and flicking her boogers. Made me wanna throw my lunch up
(2)
Laurie T.
This is my first time eating at the L & L heard it was good and it was. We had a seafood combo plate and it was great. Hubby and I shared, I ate the shrimp and fish while he ate the beef and pork. I like the macaroni salad as well. The only thing that was not good was no free refills on the drinks
(4)
dave h.
Dee eeeelicious! Large portions! Local flavor, fast service and huge menu. Easy go-to food!
(5)
Michael C.
I'm hungry. Lets go to L&L. Put some cold beers in the trunk.
(3)
Cintamani A.
Definitely one of the better L&Ls I've ever been to. Very friendly, clean, affordable as always and better food in general. For years I have avoided the place until this last year and the change in the business is refreshing. I didn't expect much but when I tried a plate lunch I was shocked that I enjoyed it. The chili fries are interesting since it was clearly influenced by their home country. Had celery in the chili which seemed strange but worked. It was one of the best chilis I've had from any restaurant in years and is perfect when you're starving. Generous amounts of perfectly sauteed garlic on certain dishes adding a nice burst of flavor without being obnoxious. One of the 'healthy' options was way over-priced for what you get. Two small cutlets of somewhat lightly battered fish that's only with sauteed garlic, a small scoop of brown rice and too much salad that is really mediocre for a price tag close to $10. Teri cheese burger was dry, needed more sauce and a bit bland. It was very disappointing but it was the best beef I tasted in the past few months even though I try various places frequently. Also, I tried to order the Mahi Mahi once but couldn't since they had sign stating that they couldn't always get it and have an alternative which was still good nonetheless. A big plus that they have a public restroom. The keychain is hysterical.
(3)
Jeff T.
Good amount and quality of food for the price. Plate lunch places are a dime a dozen in Hawaii and L & L has some of best prices. The workers at the Waimanalo one are nice and professional.
(4)
Sarah L.
Bought several trays of Chicken Katsu from this L&L for my wedding reception and it was out of this world!
(5)
Patrick G.
Great lunch stop after a long day of swimming. This L&L had a line of about 6 people when I showed up for lunch, but they were moving people through the line very quickly. I was impressed how efficient the staff was. They were also very friendly and talkative. I ordered the chicken katsu plate, an old favorite, and my cousin ordered the bbq mix plate. They were both stuffed to the brim with rice, macaroni salad, and meat. This was a huge amount of food for $8. The food tasted great for a fast food equivalent and the restaurant itself was very clean. I was very impressed with this L&L. I also loved the fact that they have nutrition facts on the menu board next to each item. I would definitely recommend this location.
(4)
Joanne A.
I've been to this L&L location several times to pick up breakfast on my way to work. It opens early and is very clean. The food comes out quick and the portions are usually generous. This L&L location is one of the better ones that I've been to and they accept credit cards!
(4)
Dorcas B.
Disappointing all around.
(2)
Jens J.
A vast menu, ranging from burgers to curries to maco. Four stars for all the options, but two stars (maybe even just one star) for food quality. After a week in the islands I gave into a base instinct and ordered a hamburger and hot dog. Meat quality in both cases was very poor. JP ordered a combo that had breaded shrimp, short ribs and mahi-mahi. Combo also came with macaroni salad and rice. Even if you think the salad is over-mayoed...I'm thinking that may be the standard (I know that Noho in Portland does their mac salad with "plenty" of mayo). JP said to mention too that the tartar sauce is mostly just mayonnaise too. Cash only!! Sort of in a seedy location with some scary characters sitting on the sidewalk smoking and drinking. A lady that owns a hair saloon next door to L&L told us that those people are frightening her customers away but the property owner and the police pretty much turn a blind eye to the situation. Despite appearances, I think the street people are harmless. They didn't bother us.
(3)
Lu'isa T.
I've eaten at a few different L&L's and I have to say it really sucks living near an L&L where the food is awful!
(1)
Bill H.
Good BBQ beef and chicken. Mac salad was not too thick and everything was tasty and very timely.
(4)
Lance T.
Mini-Chicken Katsu was not so mini at all. It was a sizable portion with two scoops rice and macaroni salad.
(4)
Olga K.
Nice place to grab a bite during your travel round the island or in case you just ended up in the neighborhood. Note: all meals that named "garlic" are garlicky (which I like). Not 5 starts overall but definitely 5 starts in this particular area!
(5)
Jon T.
My wife and I love these places! We always get consistent food and never have any complaints!
(4)
jenny A.
Though L&L is a chain throughout Hawaii, there is something about this locale that feels more "authentic" Hawaiian. It's a bit run down, not spic and span plastic, clean. And yet, you aren't taking your life into your hands by eating there unlike some plate lunch places. Everything I tried was good and yet I kept coming back to the Kahlua pig. Mmmm pig.
(4)
J.K. P.
As usual, L & L delivered the goods. The chicken cutlet was the bomb. I recommend this place to all. If you're fortunate enough to visit this place...WOW!!! This place is a little tiny place right off the highway. It's real small. This is the kind of meal to order, pay, and take to the beach to eat...rest a little while and then go swim/surf/board/snorkel and six hours later return to eat a different plate lunch. The food is consistent. Oh, chicken cutlet how it is just awesome. The salad is not over saturated...meaning no napkin dabbing mac salad like another of Honolulu's famous landmark drive-in. The perfect compliment to a plate lunch, is a tall, ice-cold, moisture laden cup of fruit punch. Don't argue with me...just try it and you don't have to thank me for that bit of advice. It's only truth. Try it all at L & L. The only thing more fortunate for some of us, is that L & L is now on the mainland in certain cities.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Jasten M.
OMG. Seafood combo w/ BBQ chicken as the second side. the bbq chicken is teriyaki and has way too much teri. flavor for my buds. I suggest seafood combo b/c the k. pork/chicken meals here become overwhelming after a few bites. the mahi mahi here is divine, even though i tend to frown @ breaded mahi. the breaded shrimp in the combo is Hhuge. So cheap, soooo much food. You could likely share a combo, especially at lunch time, unless you eat quintessential mississippi portions. the chilli here is clean and tasty and comes in a huge bowl. perfect place to grab food for a picnic that will make your fat a&$ pass out on the shore.
(4)Michael H.
I got into Waimanalo as the sun was setting. Unfortunately I had a challenge getting into my lodging and was beat but very hungry. Yelp told me my selections were thin on this side of the island. I know I had a Jack in the Box, 7-11, and a golf course grill (could be fantastic but it wasn't the time to find out). L and L Drive Inn won hands down - and by default... As previous Yelpers notes, service was wicked fast, but my experience with the servers was quite different than a previous reviewer had. In a word - delightful. They are Chinese but I found them full of great information about the area and boy did they love to hear about my travels and ND (go figure). The food was good, standard L and L fare, though the Mac salad was particularly yummy. Slightly sweet, well seasoned, and the noodles weren't mushy. I also had the Saimin (ramen) burger. I always find it a good bite, but recommend using Sriracha on it as the sauce can be a bit cloying.
(3)Krysten I.
This is an A-OK L&L, like so many others on the island. It's located right across the street from shimas. They offer the usual fare.... Plate lunches, breakfasts, burgers and fries, it's all good. There's a small parking lot too that is hardly ever full, although when I have been here, there have been other customers purchasing food inside. The workers here are chinese, they speak mandarin and are not the friendliest people in the world. Don't expect a smile out of them when you order.... They are fast though, you'll be in and out within a few minutes. Unless you want to stay and eat, there are a few tables inside, but the decor and ambiance is non existent. Although there are some other take out kinds of places in the area, I'd prefer to come to L and L for breakfast because they do open early and close late. L and L food is a little uninspiring for me, but with limited options in waimanalo, it's a-ok.
(3)Brent W.
Probably one of the bigger disapointments on the island. I've seen good reviews, but frankly I would just stick to the other stands. I had the mixed grill, and the meat was average in flavor. It felt like the meat needed some extra sauce or something. Plus, the chicken had a lot of fat and skin which wasn't great. My wife had the lau lau and kalua pork combo. The lau lau was just plain weird, and had a very unappealing smell, perhaps from the leaves it was wrapped in. The Kalua pork was better, but still somewhat lacking in flavor. Overall, I would try any of the number of other places before hitting this chain. Maybe if you're in Texas the exotic appeal would win out, but not here.
(2)Scott R.
I frequented this place, until I saw the prep cook yesterday cutting the chicken. He was cutting the chicken up on the cutting board over the sink. Guess where the container was for the finished pieces of chicken? No, not next to the cutting board, nope not on a shelf, and it certainly wasn't hung next to him either. It was sitting directly on the floor. No doubt from the time I finished placing my order (chicken Katsu curry none the less ) he had dropped at least one chicken breast onto the floor (that I saw) and put it in the container with finished pieces. He could have at least gave it a thorough rinse, but not even that. I will be going to a different L and L in hopes there techniques are Better. You've been warned. Only pro I can say about this place is the portion sizes.
(1)Mike B.
Great L&L location with both some indoor and outdoor seating. They had plenty of parking off the street and great food. The place was clean and the mac salad here is amazing!
(4)Brad B.
BBQ chicken was ok but when I left one of the employees was sitting on the outside dinning area digging her nose and flicking her boogers. Made me wanna throw my lunch up
(2)Laurie T.
This is my first time eating at the L & L heard it was good and it was. We had a seafood combo plate and it was great. Hubby and I shared, I ate the shrimp and fish while he ate the beef and pork. I like the macaroni salad as well. The only thing that was not good was no free refills on the drinks
(4)dave h.
Dee eeeelicious! Large portions! Local flavor, fast service and huge menu. Easy go-to food!
(5)Michael C.
I'm hungry. Lets go to L&L. Put some cold beers in the trunk.
(3)Cintamani A.
Definitely one of the better L&Ls I've ever been to. Very friendly, clean, affordable as always and better food in general. For years I have avoided the place until this last year and the change in the business is refreshing. I didn't expect much but when I tried a plate lunch I was shocked that I enjoyed it. The chili fries are interesting since it was clearly influenced by their home country. Had celery in the chili which seemed strange but worked. It was one of the best chilis I've had from any restaurant in years and is perfect when you're starving. Generous amounts of perfectly sauteed garlic on certain dishes adding a nice burst of flavor without being obnoxious. One of the 'healthy' options was way over-priced for what you get. Two small cutlets of somewhat lightly battered fish that's only with sauteed garlic, a small scoop of brown rice and too much salad that is really mediocre for a price tag close to $10. Teri cheese burger was dry, needed more sauce and a bit bland. It was very disappointing but it was the best beef I tasted in the past few months even though I try various places frequently. Also, I tried to order the Mahi Mahi once but couldn't since they had sign stating that they couldn't always get it and have an alternative which was still good nonetheless. A big plus that they have a public restroom. The keychain is hysterical.
(3)Jeff T.
Good amount and quality of food for the price. Plate lunch places are a dime a dozen in Hawaii and L & L has some of best prices. The workers at the Waimanalo one are nice and professional.
(4)Sarah L.
Bought several trays of Chicken Katsu from this L&L for my wedding reception and it was out of this world!
(5)Patrick G.
Great lunch stop after a long day of swimming. This L&L had a line of about 6 people when I showed up for lunch, but they were moving people through the line very quickly. I was impressed how efficient the staff was. They were also very friendly and talkative. I ordered the chicken katsu plate, an old favorite, and my cousin ordered the bbq mix plate. They were both stuffed to the brim with rice, macaroni salad, and meat. This was a huge amount of food for $8. The food tasted great for a fast food equivalent and the restaurant itself was very clean. I was very impressed with this L&L. I also loved the fact that they have nutrition facts on the menu board next to each item. I would definitely recommend this location.
(4)Joanne A.
I've been to this L&L location several times to pick up breakfast on my way to work. It opens early and is very clean. The food comes out quick and the portions are usually generous. This L&L location is one of the better ones that I've been to and they accept credit cards!
(4)Dorcas B.
Disappointing all around.
(2)Jens J.
A vast menu, ranging from burgers to curries to maco. Four stars for all the options, but two stars (maybe even just one star) for food quality. After a week in the islands I gave into a base instinct and ordered a hamburger and hot dog. Meat quality in both cases was very poor. JP ordered a combo that had breaded shrimp, short ribs and mahi-mahi. Combo also came with macaroni salad and rice. Even if you think the salad is over-mayoed...I'm thinking that may be the standard (I know that Noho in Portland does their mac salad with "plenty" of mayo). JP said to mention too that the tartar sauce is mostly just mayonnaise too. Cash only!! Sort of in a seedy location with some scary characters sitting on the sidewalk smoking and drinking. A lady that owns a hair saloon next door to L&L told us that those people are frightening her customers away but the property owner and the police pretty much turn a blind eye to the situation. Despite appearances, I think the street people are harmless. They didn't bother us.
(3)Lu'isa T.
I've eaten at a few different L&L's and I have to say it really sucks living near an L&L where the food is awful!
(1)Bill H.
Good BBQ beef and chicken. Mac salad was not too thick and everything was tasty and very timely.
(4)Lance T.
Mini-Chicken Katsu was not so mini at all. It was a sizable portion with two scoops rice and macaroni salad.
(4)Olga K.
Nice place to grab a bite during your travel round the island or in case you just ended up in the neighborhood. Note: all meals that named "garlic" are garlicky (which I like). Not 5 starts overall but definitely 5 starts in this particular area!
(5)Jon T.
My wife and I love these places! We always get consistent food and never have any complaints!
(4)jenny A.
Though L&L is a chain throughout Hawaii, there is something about this locale that feels more "authentic" Hawaiian. It's a bit run down, not spic and span plastic, clean. And yet, you aren't taking your life into your hands by eating there unlike some plate lunch places. Everything I tried was good and yet I kept coming back to the Kahlua pig. Mmmm pig.
(4)J.K. P.
As usual, L & L delivered the goods. The chicken cutlet was the bomb. I recommend this place to all. If you're fortunate enough to visit this place...WOW!!! This place is a little tiny place right off the highway. It's real small. This is the kind of meal to order, pay, and take to the beach to eat...rest a little while and then go swim/surf/board/snorkel and six hours later return to eat a different plate lunch. The food is consistent. Oh, chicken cutlet how it is just awesome. The salad is not over saturated...meaning no napkin dabbing mac salad like another of Honolulu's famous landmark drive-in. The perfect compliment to a plate lunch, is a tall, ice-cold, moisture laden cup of fruit punch. Don't argue with me...just try it and you don't have to thank me for that bit of advice. It's only truth. Try it all at L & L. The only thing more fortunate for some of us, is that L & L is now on the mainland in certain cities.
(5)