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Barbecue lunch spots in Pasadena

Made for those who want a substantial barbecue meal during their midday break.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 1
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 2
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Bright, clean space with lots of TV screens and a full bar creates a lively setting. Atmosphere stays laid-back and welcoming with 80's music playing, making it easy to relax and enjoy. The vibe suits those who appreciate authentic Texas-style barbecue in a casual environment.

Brisket stands out with options like the Smokeโ€™n Brisket Burger and OG BBQ Brisket Sando. Quick service supports a solid lineup of fries, onion rings, and a homemade thin cookie rounds out the meal.

Lunch features a lunch special that offers strong value. Meals suit group outings with staff.

People are saying

"I thought the brisket was immaculate and mouthwateringly good."

"This Barbecue is the best I've had in my life."

"The brisket and pulled-pork at this Lunch Spot are excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across at Vons, which solves the parking problem.

2

The wait might be a bit long depending on the number of people.

3

It could get crowded, so I recommend making a reservation if they allow that.

02
Golden Palace Mongolian BBQ image 1
Mongolian barbecue restaurant

Traditional large stone grill with two cooks creates an engaging cooking scene. Cozy, peaceful atmosphere with soft lighting and Mongolian-inspired dรฉcor offers a warm, inviting vibe. Small, comfortably arranged space attracts families and those seeking an authentic, relaxed dining experience.

Custom stir-fry dishes let you pick fresh meats, vegetables, and sauces cooked with unique methods. The food offers incredible flavors and the service stays friendly and helpful.

Lunch offers all-you-can-eat deals under $15 before tax and tip. Service is quick, making it easy to get in and out during busy hours.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and plentiful."

"I found the Mongolian Barbecue here to be very tasty."

"This lunch spot has great food at an excellent price."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

2

Parking is available on both sides of the building.

3

The price is 60 cents per ounce for the buffet.

03
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small dining area with indoor and outdoor seating offers a casual vibe. The place serves classic Hawaiian fast food with large portions and affordable prices. Easy online pickup and free parking make it convenient for take-out.

Large plates feature BBQ chicken and mix combos with options like garlic chicken and chicken katsu with curry. Portions are generous, often too big to finish in one sitting.

Lunch offers a satisfying island plate experience with dishes that capture the essence of Hawaiian flavors. Meals come together with consistent quality that makes it a solid choice for a midday break.

People are saying

"The Lunch Spot dishes were great and cooked perfectly."

"The BBQ plates here are large and delicious."

"The Barbecue plates here are large and delicious."

Good to know

1

Online pickup is easy and fast.

2

There is free parking outside.

3

They prepared 2 Party Trays in 30 minutes.

04
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese BBQ spot offers interactive in-table roasters and premium meats that grill tender and fragrant. Atmosphere stays relaxed and pleasant with a fun vibe, suitable for groups and date nights. Tables provide ample space for multiple plates, enhancing the shared dining experience.

High quality meat stands out with tender, juicy cuts and evenly distributed fat that grills up fragrant. The stone pot rice offers a crispy, layered flavor that complements the great selection of meats and sides.

Weekday lunch specials cost around $15 and include two meat choices. The menu features an all-you-can-eat option and $4 12oz drinks during happy hour, making it a solid spot for a quick, affordable meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese BBQ here has high-quality, tender, and juicy grilled meat."

"It's a great spot for date nights; my girlfriend loved it."

"The Japanese barbecue here has high-quality, tender, and juicy meats."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Lunch service stops at 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

The all-you-can-eat option is available for $50 per person.

05
Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub image 1

Live jazz music and cover bands create an intimate atmosphere with great vibes. The space shifts into a small club after dinner, attracting those who enjoy generous portions of BBQ and Mexican dishes. Noise levels can be high, making it lively but sometimes overwhelming for families with children.

A huge platter delivers all the BBQ items with multiple flavor explosions. The bbq beans stand out as the best thing on the plate, showcasing authentic and delicious barbecue flavors.

Lunch options include a government provided meal that suits families well. The spot works for a quick, satisfying family lunch during visits.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the Barbecue here to be delicious."

"Eric is a joy at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch is available from 1-3 pm, and dinner starts at 5:30 pm.

2

Happy hour offers two-for-one well drinks at the bar before 7 pm.

3

Music acts are scheduled throughout the week, providing diverse entertainment options.

06
President Thai Restaurant image 1

Large space with authentic Thai decor and both indoor and outdoor seating creates a cozy yet busy atmosphere. Crowds and noise levels rise during peak times, reflecting its popularity and fast-paced service. Unique touches include nugget-style ice and offering both chopsticks and forks.

BBQ beef shows up in different ways here, sometimes perfectly cooked and sometimes a bit burnt. The President BBQ Beef stands out as a signature dish with a strong presence.

Lunch specials offer good value with flavorful dishes and generous portions. A soup starter accompanies the meals, enhancing the lunch experience.

People are saying

"This Thai food is so delicious, I'd eat it as my last meal."

"This lunch spot's food is fresh, authentic, and incredibly delicious."

"The Barbecue beef here is perfectly cooked and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be limited at peak times, especially during weekends.

2

Expect long wait times on holidays like Mother's Day.

3

The set meal offers good value for money for two people.

07
Stonefire Grill image 1
American restaurant

Buffet-style setup with huge covered patio and free parking creates a spacious dining environment. Atmosphere feels casual and welcoming inside, while outdoor seating can be loud with metal chairs scraping. Music adds a pleasant background to the experience.

Tri tip stands out with its flavorful barbecue sauce. Brisket and ribs also draw strong preference, often paired with fresh breadsticks and potato salad.

Lunch specials cost under 20 dollars and provide a nice lunch. Catering for large groups, like 400 people, works well and the food is a hit.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and never disappoints."

"You have to try the garlic bread at this Lunch Spot; it's the highlight."

"The Barbecue tri tip was tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially for patio events.

2

Catering services can accommodate events for up to 75 people.

3

The patio is sometimes closed for private events, so check availability.

08
Lunasia Dim Sum House Pasadena image 1

Dim sum restaurant with two-level seating and private glass cubicles for distancing. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with concrete walls that amplify noise, making conversations challenging. Popular for modern dim sum offerings and suited for large groups despite the noisy environment.

Barbecue pork stands out with exceptional quality and rich flavor. The BBQ pork bao and shrimp dim sum also deliver tasty bites.

Lunch time is usually packed, showing strong demand during midday hours. Visits include both lunch and dinner, but lunch draws a notably busy crowd.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of Chinese food, especially the dumplings and buns."

"The BBQ pork bao were excellent and tasty."

"The Barbecue pork here is tasty and my favorite."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during lunch.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak hours.

3

The restaurant closes early at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Pasadena, California

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