Looking for the best BBQ on Oahu? This list ranks 99 qualifying restaurants by real visitor ratings submitted right here on NateEatsHawaii — so you know the order reflects what locals and travelers are actually saying, not just hype.
The list covers the full spectrum of Oahu BBQ: Hawaiian plate-style spots like 808 Hawaiian BBQ in Waipahu, slow-smoked Southern-style joints like Dixie Grill BBQ & Crab Shack in Aiea, and everything in between. Up in Kailua, Easy 'Que has built a following for its brisket and comfort-food menu. Topping the chart is Midtown Eats in Ala Moana — a food hall Nate personally recommends and has verified firsthand, earning the NateEatsHawaii badge on this page.
Spots that Nate has personally visited are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge — keep an eye out for that signal as you browse. Whether you're chasing smoky ribs, Hawaiian BBQ plates, or Korean-style grilled meats, Oahu's BBQ scene has something serious to offer.
The ranking
Top pick1
Honolulu's newest food hall featuring 12 local restaurants with diverse cuisines from sushi to BBQ to banh mi. Located at The Park on Keeaumoku with free validated parking. Note: While the bar stays open until posted hours, most food vendors close between 8–9 PM.
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5$Window-serve shack since 1978 with outdoor seating & late hours, selling Hawaiian BBQ plates.
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9$$Popular window-serve grill offering American eats, plus a market for prepared foods & baked goods.
10$$BBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.
11$$Casual, country-style restaurant serving Southern cuisine including BBQ, grits, catfish & po' boys.
12$$Brisket, fried chicken & other comfort eats served in a hip restaurant offering cocktails & beer.
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14$$Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
15$$Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
16$Snug, family-owned restaurant serving traditional & Hawaiian-style Korean meats, soups & noodles.
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18$$Gyu-Kaku is a mid-range japanese spot in Kaneohe.
19$$Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ brings asian to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
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27$Roadside joint featuring a menu of BBQ fare & plate lunches, plus Christian artwork on the walls.
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29$$Simple strip-mall setting for Korean barbecue & plates to share, plus booth seating & takeout.
30$$Hawaiian kitchen preparing slow-roasted pork sandwiches, platters & more in laid-back surrounds.
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FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Midtown Eats in Ala Moana currently sits at the top of the list — it's also a spot Nate personally recommends and has verified, earning the NateEatsHawaii badge.
Window-serve spots like Bob's Bar-B-Que (open late since 1978) and Best Drive-In in Honolulu are well-known for offering Hawaiian BBQ plates at accessible price points — great options if you're watching your budget.
The ranking is based on real visitor ratings submitted on NateEatsHawaii and is updated as new ratings come in, so the order can shift over time as more people weigh in.
Oahu