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Barbecue lunch spots in San Jose

A midday barbecue break is the best way to reset. Grab a plate and get back to the afternoon.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mommy's Banh Mi image 1
Mommy's Banh Mi image 2
Mommy's Banh Mi image 3
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Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy interior and a small outdoor patio offers a warm, mom and pop vibe despite a slightly commercial look. The space feels a bit cramped but maintains a good, lively atmosphere without loud music. It gets very busy during lunch, attracting a steady flow of guests.

BBQ lemongrass chicken stands out with proper grilling and marinated flavor. The meat stays juicy and flavorful in dishes like vermicelli bowls and banh mi.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is delicious with a perfectly crusty bread."

"The Banh Mi sandwiches here are delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The Barbecue lemongrass chicken was excellent."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead on their website to save time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

3

Parking is available out front but can be limited.

02
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant with cozy indoor seating and old school island posters creates a bright, clean, and inviting atmosphere. Music matches the Hawaiian vibe, and the space feels spartan but well-kept. Customers come late into the night, drawn by affordable prices and generous portions.

Beef barbecue stands out with better quality meat than other Hawaiian BBQ chains. Large serving sizes and flavorful dishes like BBQ beef and garlic shrimp offer good value and satisfy hunger.

Serves legit Hawaiian plate lunch with a solid amount of rice and on point mac salad. Portions are well-sized and the spot works well for a quick, no-nonsense lunch.

People are saying

"The BBQ chicken and kalua pork were delicious and generously portioned."

"This lunch spot is legit, just like back in Hawaii."

"The barbecue here is delicious and served in generous portions."

Good to know

1

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ is a takeout place with no tables, only a couple of chairs outside.

2

You can order at your table or at the front counter, but there's a service fee for table orders.

3

Expect large portion sizes, about 1.5 times larger than typical BBQ places.

03
Aina's Vegan Banh Mi image 1
Asian restaurant

Spacious seating blends with a cozy, laid-back vibe highlighted by fresh herbal aromas. A coffee shop atmosphere invites relaxed hangouts with comfortable couches and tables. The spot stands out for its vegan banh mi sandwiches and an attached vegan donut and smoothie bar.

Cheerful Xa-Xiu stands out with its spicy lemongrass and Saigon rolls. BBQ flavors come through as a simple delight in this dish.

Ainaโ€™s vegan Banh mi shop offers a delicious lunch with options safe for food-allergic diners. You can enjoy a meal and pick up a sweet treat to go.

People are saying

"The vegetarian banh mi here is so delicious and reasonably priced."

"This lunch spot's banh mi is the best I've ever had."

"The Barbecue Banh Mi is unforgettable and so fresh and so good."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 3:30 pm.

2

They have a small shared parking lot in the back, but street parking is also available.

3

All menu items are vegan, offering a variety of options.

04
Jon Jon's image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Large smoker fills the air with wood smoke aroma and flavors. Covered outdoor patio offers a casual, family-owned vibe with BBQ memorabilia on the walls. Atmosphere feels like a homey, welcoming gathering spot with a chill, lively energy.

Southern BBQ shines with excellent barbecue sauce and delicious, tasty meats offered at a decent price.

Lunch features tender brisket slow cooked and well seasoned. Various lunch combinations offer consistently excellent flavors.

People are saying

"I had the best BBQ of my life here."

"This lunch spot's ribs and brisket are smoky and tender."

"I had the best barbecue of my life here."

Good to know

1

Jon Jon's opens early at 10 AM, making it a good breakfast option.

2

The restaurant uses a kiosk for auto-ordering; no wait staff is available.

3

Parking in the immediate area is limited, so plan accordingly.

05
Bigspoon korean bistro image 1

Small Korean restaurant offers a homey vibe with a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic flavors. The space feels down-to-earth and cozy, filled with conversation and laughter rather than music. It serves traditional dishes in a clean, humble setting that feels like sharing a meal with friends or family.

Beef BBQ and Korean BBQ Short Ribs stand out with rich flavors and come with Korean style sides. Lunch specials often pair BBQ with tofu soup or spicy chicken, served alongside rice.

Weekday lunch specials offer great value. Meals come with generous portions and a variety of Korean dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Korean and tastes like home cooking."

"The Lunch Spot's banchan refills are plentiful and free."

"The Korean Barbecue dishes here are really tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free in the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect lengthy wait times for seating and service on weekends.

3

A bill for two people usually ranges between $35 and $50.

06
Pho San Jose image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern decor features a grass wall, neon sign, and giant mascot painting, creating a unique and clean atmosphere. Spacious indoor and covered outdoor seating offer a relaxing vibe with warm lighting and festive touches. Younger crowds frequent the place, drawn by its fresh pho noodles and rich broth.

Smoked brisket brings smoky BBQ flavors into traditional pho. The Smoked Brisket Phรถ blends both worlds, combining classic pho with barbecue elements.

Lunch draws a crowd around 12:30 PM, causing waits near 30 minutes. Outdoor seating under umbrellas offers a pleasant spot when weather is good.

People are saying

"The pho here has phenomenal meat and a well-done, flavorful broth."

"I finally tried the bun rieu, it has thinner noodles."

"This lunch spot's pho is fresh, delicious, and amazing."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking at Pho San Jose.

2

Pho San Jose accepts both credit cards and cash.

3

Expect a short wait during peak lunch hours.

07
Mina's Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, casual Korean restaurant with a warm, home-owned atmosphere and friendly staff. Food arrives quickly and features authentic dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi with fresh kimchi made daily. Limited seating and busy lunch hours create a lively, bustling environment.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs come fully cooked, not grilled at the table. The food is delicious with good prices and great service.

Offers a spicy pork lunch special and a lunch deal that suits solo diners or groups. Arriving early helps avoid the busy lunch rush and limited parking.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in large portions."

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing and flavorful."

"The Korean Barbecue short ribs were delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant primarily serves takeout, which is ideal for quick meals.

08
Pho Bel Air image 1
Pho restaurant

Pho restaurant offers authentic pho with high-quality ingredients and a fast casual vibe supported by a pop music playlist. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with a clean and inviting space that can get a little loud during peak times. It serves as a convenient late-night option with quick service and easy parking.

BBQ chicken comes in generous portions and tastes yummy. BBQ pork appears in dishes with shrimp and vermicelli or alongside pho and egg rolls.

A staff member manages the lunch line to speed up delivery pickups during rush. It works well for quick takeout and fast lunch breaks.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has really good broth and noodles."

"This lunch spot's pho broth is so flavorful and boiling hot."

"The pho is authentic, tasty, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Pho Bel Air is open until 11pm, making it convenient for late-night diners.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 10 minutes for takeout, even when crowded.

3

Parking is ample and easy to find near the restaurant.

09
Com Tam Thien Huong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Compact space with modern design and lively atmosphere filled with noise and crowds. Frequented by Vietnamese families creating a communal vibe. TVs display menu items, adding a visual element to the experience.

BBQ plates come with a mix of grilled meats and sides. The #70 combo includes BBQ Pork, Fried Shrimp Cake, and Grilled Shrimp on Sugarcane with rice.

Lines form consistently during lunch and dinner hours, with waits around 20 minutes common on busy days. The crowd size can be large, sometimes up to nine people waiting together.

People are saying

"I had the best broken rice I've ever had here."

"I thought their pho was the best Vietnamese food in the area."

"I thought the Barbecue combo plate was the best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, often over 45 minutes, especially during lunch and dinner.

2

Parking is available in the shopping center, but traffic can be heavy nearby.

3

Prices for dishes like thit nuong with broken rice are around $20.95.

10
Pho Kim Long image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese restaurant with modern upscale decor and outdoor dining options. Atmosphere is loud and lively, often crowded but not cramped. Offers a unique DIY spring roll experience with table-side grilling.

Vietnamese BBQ features pork chops, BBQ chicken, and grilled fish served with rice paper, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. Com Tam with pork BBQ and BBQ shrimp also appear on the menu.

Offers quick lunch options with delicious food. Focuses on value over atmosphere during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, tastes amazing."

"This lunch spot's pho broth is flavorful and not too oily."

"You have to try the BBQ pork with vermicelli noodles."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited since it's shared between all the restaurants in the plaza.

2

Pho Kim Long only accepts cash payments.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours; arrive early to avoid waiting.

11
Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small family-run spot blends Hawaiian BBQ with authentic Henan Chinese cuisine in a warm, clean setting. The place fills up quickly, offering huge portions and a mix of classic and regional dishes. Owners maintain a friendly, attentive atmosphere despite the hole-in-the-wall vibe.

Sticky rice comes with the BBQ meat platter. The pig and cabbage dish has a kiawe smoke flavor. Mac salad pairs well with the BBQ dishes.

Fast service fits a half-hour lunch break well. The lunch special combo offers good value, and the to-go set with ่‚‰ๅคน้ฆ and ๅ‡‰็šฎ tastes delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and among the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot's Katsu chicken plate is excellent."

"The barbecue portions here are huge, enough for two meals."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a great lunch special combo available only during lunch hours.

2

The dishes are peanut-free, making it safe for those with peanut allergies.

3

The portions are large, often enough for two meals.

12
The Barbeque Pit image 1

Renovated space with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy setting. Blues music sets a chill vibe while indoor and outdoor seating accommodate different preferences, including dog-friendly areas. The atmosphere balances casual comfort with a lively bar scene.

Texas-style BBQ shines with excellent BBQ meats and sides that stand out from typical joints. Quality stays consistent across multiple visits.

Ordering happens immediately even on a busy weekday lunch. The spot handles groups well, like three hungry boys after basketball practice.

People are saying

"The brisket here is tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor."

"The brisket barbecue here is super tender and full of smoky flavor."

"The brisket and pulled pork make this a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7am daily with limited menu items until 11am.

2

Expect small portions for the price, with sandwiches around $17.50.

3

The restaurant has no outdoor seating available.

13
Mr. SiuMai image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, modern space with bright lights and self-order kiosks creates a clean, cozy atmosphere. Noise levels vary, with a relaxed vibe that feels like casual takeout dining with seating. Dim sum offerings focus on authentic Cantonese flavors with some standout dishes.

BBQ Char Siu features fine cut meat with a tasty filling and is not rough or junky. The BBQ pork includes a lot of fat, adding richness to the flavor.

Late dim sum lunch offers convenient to-go options and a chance to dine with coworkers. Pricing matches other dim sum spots nearby.

People are saying

"The dim sum here, especially the siu mai and egg tarts, is delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has great dim sum and friendly service."

"The Barbecue Char Siu meat was fine cut and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially on weekends due to nearby crowds.

2

The prices are $6 for 3 pieces of siumai, which is considered high for a casual spot.

3

There are 2 self-service kiosks for ordering, or you can order with staff if paying cash.

14
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Large space with crowded tables and shallow booths creates a lively but cramped atmosphere. Constant loud pop music and close seating make conversations difficult. Features like a sauce bar and tablet ordering system add modern convenience to the experience.

Offers all you can eat BBQ and hot pot with some premium meat options. Lunch runs at an affordable price including two carafes of soju. Good spot for big groups and consistent quality Korean barbecue.

Lunch offers affordable prices ranging from $22 to $27 for adults. The selection of proteins suits both BBQ and HotPot, with all-you-can-eat combos providing good value.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is really good."

"The Korean barbecue here has great meat options."

"This Lunch Spot has great meat and lots of good sauces."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2pm.

2

The restaurant is an all-you-can-eat place with fixed prices.

3

Expect to pay around $50 per person for all-you-can-eat.

15
bb.q Chicken North Park Plaza image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Korean fried chicken with crispy, flavorful wings and well-balanced Tteokbokki. Interior feels clean and cozy, suitable for dine-in or takeout, though space is limited. Atmosphere can be lively with loud music and occasional disruptions.

BBQ chicken stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Meals often include multiple pieces paired with sides of rice.

Lunch specials include a combo with cheese sticks and fries. The deal costs about $13.99 plus tax and offers good value.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I had."

"I had to get the Kimchi Fried Rice again, it was so good."

"I tasted the Barbecue chicken and found it amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for freshly cooked food.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

16
Ono Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Loud environment with a low-budget feel shapes the atmosphere. Super clean space offers plentiful servings that provide good value. The place suits quick lunches and works well for both dine-in and takeout.

Juicy barbecue meats come with mouthwatering sides like mac and cheese and rice. Mixed plates combine chicken katsu and BBQ chicken with consistent, flavorful results that taste good without sauce.

Quick service fits well with lunch hour crowds. Plates offer generous portions and the aloha plate includes a decent-sized salad for a balanced meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I found Ono Hawaiian BBQ to be always super reliable."

"I found the barbecue meats here always cooked pretty well."

Good to know

1

Ono Hawaiian BBQ does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments.

2

The portions are large, providing good value for the price.

3

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness.

17
360 Chinese & Vietnamese Cuisine image 1
Southeast Asian restaurant

Spacious restaurant with high ceilings and colorful lanterns creates a clean, airy atmosphere. Circle tables accommodate groups, making it suitable for family gatherings. The menu offers a fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, highlighted by juicy roast duck praised for its flavor.

BBQ duck stands out with a perfect balance of star anise, not too salty or sweet. Crispy BBQ pork and chicken add variety, while the BBQ duck noodles soup comes with a generous side of meat, though portions are generally small.

Portions come filling enough for lunch. Meals provide a satisfying midday break.

People are saying

"The BBQ duck noodles soup at this Lunch Spot is so good."

"I thought their roast duck was the best I had."

"The Barbecue duck here is marinated and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and wait times are generally short.

2

The restaurant does not serve alcohol, including beer and wine.

3

The portions are American-sized and reasonably priced at around $17 per bowl.

18
Duc Huong Sandwiches image 1

Sandwich shop operates as a take-out only spot with no seating and a pickup window for orders. Lines often stretch outside, creating a busy, crowded atmosphere with a steady flow of sandwich lovers. Known for best banh mi, it draws consistent crowds despite a run-down appearance.

Grilled pork stands out with its rich barbecue flavor and tender texture. BBQ pork sandwiches deliver a balanced smoky taste that matches the grilled pork's appeal.

Lunch hours get busy but the line moves quickly and service is fast even during the rush. Calling orders in 20 to 30 minutes ahead helps if time is tight.

People are saying

"I thought the banh mi sandwiches were the best I'd had."

"The grilled pork barbecue sandwich is seasoned perfectly."

"This banh mi sandwich is the best I've had in a while."

Good to know

1

They have a buy 4 get 1 free promotion.

2

The restaurant is take out only.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, especially during lunch hours.

19
Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet image 1

Large dining room resembles a street food stall with crowded seating and busy atmosphere early on, calming down later. Authentic sushi and seafood selection stands out despite some freshness issues. Noise and crowd levels peak during initial service hours, with a friendly vibe overall.

BBQ pork and roast duck stand out among the Chinese barbecue options. Crispy pork belly also features alongside steamed buns and other familiar dishes like dim sum and noodles.

Buffet options include Poke, Sushi and Sashimi bar, and various Asian dishes like Peking Duck and Orange Chicken. Lunch features a mix of seafood, salads, and desserts such as cheesecake and mousse cake.

People are saying

"The buffet has a great variety of fresh, tasty food options."

"This Lunch Spot has a huge selection of fresh Chinese and Japanese foods."

"The BBQ pork and roast duck here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.

2

The buffet has a two-hour dining limit during peak hours.

3

A free meal is offered for birthdays if you visit on or within three days of your birthday.

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San Jose, California

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