1302 Austin Hwy #1, San Antonio, Texas 78209
(210) 789-2453 Website
Menu Items Reviewed
Reviews
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Tried The Ramen Burger & Other Items
L&L Hawaiian is an experience all its own, offering authentic Hawaiian food that reflects the strong Asian influences found throughout Hawaii’s food culture.
The item that originally caught my attention and brought me in for the first time was the Ramen Burger. It’s essentially a burger patty topped with teriyaki sauce and green onion, but instead of being served on a traditional bun, it’s sandwiched between two ramen noodle patties made fresh in the kitchen.
The process is pretty interesting. They take cooked ramen noodles, form them into round patties using a mold, then press them on the grill and cook them until they hold together while still remaining relatively soft. The finished ramen patties become the “bun” for the burger. It’s definitely a unique item, and at the time I had only seen it at L&L and a handful of other places online.
I've tried several other items here, including the ribs, burgers, Spam musubi, and katsu, and everything has been very good. My only real criticism would be the fries. They appear to be frozen crinkle-cut fries, and I think a better-quality fry would improve the meal. Other than that, the menu has been consistently enjoyable.
There are plenty of other Hawaiian favorites on the menu as well, including Loco Moco, Kalua Pork, and Spam Musubi. The restaurant also offers daily specials, although some of those are available only until they sell out.
The food is good and the prices are fair, but there is one thing to be aware of: this place gets busy at lunch. If you're stopping in during the weekday lunch rush, be prepared to spend at least an hour here. It's not unusual for food to take 30 - 40 minutes to come out. If you're short on time, ordering ahead would probably be a good idea.
You'll also see a wide variety of customers here. For some, it's a taste of home and a chance to enjoy Hawaiian food they're familiar with. For others, it's a unique dining experience and an opportunity to try foods they may not have encountered before. The restaurant also seems to be particularly popular with military personnel.
The staff has always been friendly, greeting you when you come in and sending you off when you leave with an “Aloha.”
Overall, L&L is one of those restaurants where the menu offers something a little different from the usual options. The Ramen Burger was what initially brought me through the door, but the variety of Hawaiian dishes is what keeps me coming back.— Paul