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Pasadena's best

Lunch spots for BBQ

Made for those who believe a midday break is incomplete without a serious serving of smoked meat.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 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.

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

Quick service delivers really good BBQ including standout items like the Smokeโ€™n Brisket Burger and OG BBQ Brisket Sando. Fries, onion rings, and a homemade thin cookie round out the meal.

People are saying

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

"This BBQ is the best I've ever had, seriously."

"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.

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.

Custom stir-fry lets you pick fresh meats, vegetables, and sauces for a flavorful meal. Friendly service supports a solid, consistent BBQ experience with unique cooking methods.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and plentiful."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat option; it was a great deal."

"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.

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.

Large plates feature a mix of BBQ chicken, garlic chicken, and chicken katsu with curry. The BBQ chicken stands out as a favorite, and the portions are so generous they can be hard to finish.

People are saying

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

"The BBQ plates here are large and delicious."

"The Japanese Food here, especially the chicken katsu, is so good and crispy."

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.

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.

High quality meat stands out with tender, juicy cuts and evenly distributed fat that becomes incredibly fragrant after grilling. The menu offers a great selection of meats and side dishes, including a crispy, fragrant stone pot rice with layered flavors.

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."

"This lunch spot's weekday special is a great deal for under $15."

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
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.

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

President BBQ Beef and BBQ chicken come out perfectly cooked with rich flavors. The BBQ dishes pair well with other items like Pad See Ew and yellow curry.

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 BBQ beef here is perfectly cooked and 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.

06
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.

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

A huge platter offers all the BBQ items, each packed with flavor explosions. The menu blends authentic Mexican food with excellent BBQ, and the BBQ beans stand out as a highlight.

People are saying

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

"I found the BBQ 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.

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.

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.

Tri-tip stands out with its rich barbecue sauce. Brisket and ribs draw strong loyalty, often saved for a special dinner. The tri-tip sandwich pairs well with potato salad and fresh breadsticks.

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 BBQ tri tip was tender and juicy."

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.

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

Barbecue pork stands out with exceptional quality and very tasty flavor. The BBQ pork bao also pairs well with other dim sum like shrimp and pork.

People are saying

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

"The BBQ pork bao were excellent and tasty."

"The BBQ pork was my absolute favorite dish."

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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