Hawaiian BBQ Santa Maria Spots Locals Quietly Prefer
- 01. Hawaiian BBQ Santa Maria: Complete Guide to Top Restaurants & Authentic Plates
- 02. Top Hawaiian BBQ Restaurants in Santa Maria
- 03. Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ - Highest-Rated Choice
- 04. D & A Hawaiian BBQ - Classic Plate Lunch Destination
- 05. Must-Try Hawaiian BBQ Dishes in Santa Maria
- 06. Signature Protein Options
- 07. Unique Hawaiian Favorites Available
- 08. Comparative Restaurant Data
- 09. Catering and Group Dining Options
- 10. Zoe's Ohana Meal Packages
- 11. Pricing and Value Considerations
- 12. Ordering and Delivery Information
- 13. Popular Menu Categories
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian BBQ in Santa Maria
Hawaiian BBQ Santa Maria: Complete Guide to Top Restaurants & Authentic Plates
Santa Maria, California offers two standout Hawaiian BBQ restaurants that deliver authentic island flavors: Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ (4.3 stars, 596 reviews) at 2880 Santa Maria Way Ste A-2, and D & A Hawaiian BBQ (3.6 stars, 240 reviews) at 1836 N Broadway. Both establishments serve traditional Hawaiian plate lunches with generous portions of steamed rice, macaroni salad, and charbroiled proteins like teriyaki chicken, Kalbi short ribs, and chicken katsu.
Top Hawaiian BBQ Restaurants in Santa Maria
Visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian cuisine in Santa Maria will find two primary options that have established strong local reputations through consistent quality and island-style preparation methods.
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ - Highest-Rated Choice
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ holds a 4.3-star rating from 596 Yelp reviews, making it the top-rated Hawaiian restaurant in Santa Maria as of May 2026. Located at 2880 Santa Maria Way Ste A-2, Santa Maria, CA 93455, this restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am with Monday closures. The establishment specializes in custom catering for birthdays, weddings, company events, and grand openings, offering multi-cuisine options beyond Hawaiian BBQ including Italian, Oriental, Filipino, and Mexican.
The restaurant's signature Zoe's Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs feature USDA CHOICE beef short ribs marinated in special garlic sauce and charbroiled to seal in flavor, available in Mini (5oz) and Regular (8oz) portions. Their famous Loco Moco combines two 1/3 lb thick Chuck Angus patties on steamed white rice topped with two eggs and smothered in brown gravy.
D & A Hawaiian BBQ - Classic Plate Lunch Destination
D & A Hawaiian BBQ operates from 1836 N Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454, with hours Monday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. This charming spot is renowned for generous portions and vibrant menu showcasing classic Hawaiian BBQ favorites including Hawaiian BBQ chicken, teriyaki chicken, katsu chicken, Hawaiian BBQ beef, and Kalbi short ribs.
All plate lunches come standard with two scoops of steamed rice and one scoop of macaroni salad, embodying the authentic Hawaiian plate lunch tradition. The restaurant offers limited-time promotions saving up to $3 on favorite plates and provides online ordering for pickup or delivery from either location.
Must-Try Hawaiian BBQ Dishes in Santa Maria
Understanding authentic Hawaiian BBQ menu structure helps visitors make informed choices when visiting Santa Maria's island-style restaurants.
Signature Protein Options
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken - tender BBQ chicken with steamed rice and mac salad
- Teriyaki Chicken - grilled teriyaki chicken marinated in special teriyaki sauce and charbroiled Hawaiian style
- Chicken Katsu - boneless skinless chicken thighs coated with seasoned panko, cooked to golden brown crispy
- Hawaiian BBQ Beef - tender BBQ beef with steamed rice and mac salad
- Kalbi Short Ribs - USDA CHOICE beef short ribs marinated in garlic sauce
- Crispy Shrimp - golden crispy shrimps with steamed rice and mac salad
- Fried Mahi Mahi - boneless skinless fillets lightly breaded and deep fried
Unique Hawaiian Favorites Available
Zoe's offers distinctive plates not found at typical BBQ restaurants, including three slices of SPAM topped with two eggs on rice (Zoe Moco), chicken katsu with eggs and gravy (Roman Moco), and slow-roasted pork with chicken long rice noodles in ginger broth (Hawaiian Special).
- Loco Moco - 2 Angus patties on rice with 2 eggs and brown gravy
- Zoe Moco - 3 slices SPAM with 2 eggs on rice flooded with gravy
- Roman Moco - Chicken Katsu with 2 eggs on rice swimming in gravy
- Hawaiian Special - 6 oz slow-roasted pork with 6 oz chicken long rice
- Surfside - 3 oz Mahi Mahi and 5 fried shrimp
- Curry Katsu - Chicken Katsu topped with veggie curry (local all-time favorite)
Comparative Restaurant Data
The following table provides direct comparison data for Santa Maria's Hawaiian BBQ options to support informed dining decisions.
| Restaurant | Rating | Reviews | Address | Hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ | 4.3 stars | 596 | 2880 Santa Maria Way Ste A-2, Santa Maria, CA 93455 | Tue-Sun 11:00 am+, Mon Closed | 357-7635 |
| D & A Hawaiian BBQ | 3.6 stars | 240 | 1836 N Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 | Daily 10:30 am - 9:00 pm | 739-8868 |
Catering and Group Dining Options
Both restaurants accommodate group dining through comprehensive catering services tailored to various event sizes and budgets.
Zoe's Ohana Meal Packages
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ structures catering around the Hawaiian concept of "ohana" (family), welcoming all who step through their door as part of their family dining tradition. Their Ohana Meals include Family Pack feeding up to 6 people (1 lb each of Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Beef & Chicken Katsu plus 8 scoops rice & 4 scoops mac salad) and Big Family Pack feeding up to 10 people.
For larger gatherings, the Tail Gate package feeds up to 25 people with 5 lbs each of Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, Kalua Pork and Chicken Katsu plus half pans of rice and macaroni salad. The Block Party serves up to 50 people with 10 lbs each protein plus full pans of sides.
Pricing and Value Considerations
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ recently announced necessary price adjustments to address inflation and rising overhead costs, requesting customer understanding while maintaining quality food service. Regular plates come with 2 scoops steamed white rice and 1 scoop macaroni salad, while mini plates include 1 scoop rice and 1 scoop mac salad.
Fried rice substitution costs an additional $1.25 per scoop on any plate, and King's Hawaiian Bun represents an additional cost for burger orders. D & A Hawaiian BBQ currently offers limited-time savings up to $3 on favorite plates.
Ordering and Delivery Information
Both establishments support modern ordering convenience through multiple channels.
- D & A Hawaiian BBQ: Order online for pickup or delivery from either location
- Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ: Order online through their website with pricing available online
- Zoe's: Call 357-7635 to schedule tasting for catering events
- Both: Catering available 7 days a week 8am-10pm (minimum purchase required Sundays)
Popular Menu Categories
Beyond traditional plates, Zoe's offers burgers (Char Broiled Angus Beef, Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, Mahi Mahi, Grilled Vegetable), SPAM musubies (single, double, teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef, Portuguese sausage, "The Big ONE" all-in-one), salads, and beverages including Hawaiian Sun juice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian BBQ in Santa Maria
Key concerns and solutions for Hawaiian Bbq Santa Maria Spots Locals Quietly Prefer
What is the best Hawaiian BBQ in Santa Maria?
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ is the best Hawaiian BBQ in Santa Maria with a 4.3-star rating from 596 Yelp reviews, compared to D & A Hawaiian BBQ's 3.6 stars from 240 reviews. Zoe's offers more extensive menu variety including unique Hawaiian favorites like Loco Moco variations and SPAM musubis.
What are the hours for Hawaiian BBQ restaurants in Santa Maria?
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ operates Tuesday through Sunday starting at 11:00 am and is closed Mondays. D & A Hawaiian BBQ operates daily from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm including Mondays.
Does Santa Maria have authentic Hawaiian plate lunches?
Yes, both Zoe's and D & A Hawaiian BBQ serve authentic Hawaiian plate lunches with the traditional combination of two scoops steamed white rice and one scoop macaroni salad. Their menus feature authentic Hawaiian proteins including teriyaki chicken, chicken katsu, Kalbi short ribs, and slow-roasted kalua pork.
What catering options exist for Hawaiian BBQ in Santa Maria?
Both restaurants offer comprehensive catering with Zoe's providing Ohana Meal packages feeding 6-50 people and party platters with individual proteins. D & A Hawaiian BBQ also offers authentic Hawaiian plate lunches, bowls, appetizers, and catering options with generous portions.
Where are Hawaiian BBQ restaurants located in Santa Maria?
Zoe's Hawaiian BBQ is at 2880 Santa Maria Way Ste A-2, Santa Maria, CA 93455. D & A Hawaiian BBQ is at 1836 N Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Both locations are easily accessible within Santa Maria with dedicated parking.
