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San Jose, CA

North America

United States

# Olioli Hawaiian BBQ – Authentic Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose, CA
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose, CA, is a beloved family-owned restaurant known for its authentic Hawaiian barbecue offerings. This cozy eatery has garnered a loyal following for its made-to-order dishes, generous portions, and quick service. Established with a vision to bring the flavors of Hawaii to the South Bay, Olioli has become a go-to spot for locals craving traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Customers rave about the BBQ Mix Plate, featuring galbi short ribs and BBQ chicken, as well as the flavorful garlic shrimp. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, making it a popular choice for both takeout and dine-in meals.

## History
### The story of Olioli Hawaiian BBQ
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ was founded with the intent to share the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii with the San Jose community. The restaurant's name, "Olioli," reflects the joy and happiness associated with Hawaiian culture, emphasizing the founders' commitment to providing an enjoyable dining experience. The establishment aims to recreate the authentic flavors of Hawaiian barbecue, drawing inspiration from traditional recipes and cooking techniques.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a family-owned business, focusing on quality and consistency.
- Gained popularity through word-of-mouth and positive customer reviews.
- Expanded menu offerings to include a variety of Hawaiian dishes beyond BBQ.
- Maintained a loyal customer base, becoming a staple in the San Jose community.

### Cultural and local influence
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ has played a significant role in introducing Hawaiian culture to the local community. By offering traditional dishes such as loco moco and garlic shrimp, the restaurant has become a cultural touchstone for those seeking an authentic Hawaiian dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality and community engagement has fostered a sense of belonging among its patrons, making it a cherished part of San Jose's culinary landscape.

### Continuing the tradition
The owners of Olioli Hawaiian BBQ continue to uphold the traditions of Hawaiian cooking by sourcing fresh ingredients and preparing meals with care. They regularly update their menu to include seasonal items and special dishes, ensuring that the flavors remain vibrant and true to their roots. The restaurant's dedication to authenticity and quality has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for Hawaiian cuisine in the area.

## Community
### Community involvement
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ actively participates in community events and initiatives, showcasing their commitment to local engagement. The restaurant often collaborates with nearby businesses and organizations to support community gatherings and celebrations. Their involvement helps foster a sense of unity and pride among residents, making them a well-respected establishment in the area.

### Community notion about the place
Locals regard Olioli Hawaiian BBQ as a hidden gem, appreciating its family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming service. Many customers express a strong sense of loyalty, often returning for their favorite dishes and recommending the restaurant to friends and family. The casual vibe and attentive staff contribute to a positive perception, making it a favored choice for casual dining.

### Events and gatherings
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ hosts various events throughout the year, including special promotions and themed nights that celebrate Hawaiian culture. These events often feature live music, traditional Hawaiian performances, and special menu items, drawing in both regulars and newcomers. The restaurant's ability to create a festive atmosphere has made it a popular venue for gatherings, whether for casual lunches or special celebrations.

## Offerings
### What Olioli Hawaiian BBQ offers
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ offers a diverse menu that highlights the best of Hawaiian barbecue cuisine. The restaurant specializes in a variety of BBQ plates, seafood dishes, and traditional Hawaiian sides. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The menu caters to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Olioli Hawaiian BBQ is characterized by quick service and generous portions. Customers can choose to dine in or take out, with many praising the restaurant's efficiency in fulfilling orders. The casual atmosphere allows for a relaxed meal, whether enjoyed alone or with family and friends. Signature dishes like the BBQ Mix Plate and seafood combo are particularly popular, often receiving high praise for their flavor and value.

### Events and packages
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ offers various meal packages that cater to groups, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and celebrations. These packages often include a selection of popular dishes, allowing diners to sample a variety of flavors. The restaurant also features daily specials and promotions, encouraging customers to explore different menu items and enjoy a unique dining experience.

### Facilities and features
- Casual dining area with takeout options
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Clean and welcoming environment
- Convenient location with ample parking
- Quick turnaround for takeout orders

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Customer reviews of Olioli Hawaiian BBQ highlight a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Many patrons appreciate the generous portion sizes and the authenticity of the flavors, while others note occasional inconsistencies in dish preparation. Overall, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for quality and service.

### Compliments and strengths
- Generous portion sizes that exceed expectations
- Quick and friendly service, both for dine-in and takeout
- Authentic Hawaiian flavors that resonate with customers
- Clean and inviting atmosphere conducive to casual dining

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many dishes receive high praise, some customers have noted that certain items, like the fried fish, could benefit from a crispier batter. Additionally, while the macaroni salad is generally well-received, some diners have mentioned a preference for less mustard in the recipe. These contrasts highlight the subjective nature of dining experiences, emphasizing the importance of personal taste.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Olioli Hawaiian BBQ stands out as a top choice for Hawaiian cuisine in San Jose. The combination of generous portions, quick service, and authentic flavors makes it a favorite among locals. While there are occasional critiques, the restaurant's strengths far outweigh any shortcomings, solidifying its place in the community.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ is conveniently located at 1657 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95132, in a bustling neighborhood that offers a variety of shopping and dining options. The restaurant is situated near Dai Thanh Supermarket and across from Boba Bliss, making it easily accessible for those in the area. The vibrant community surrounding Olioli adds to its appeal, with customers often enjoying a meal before or after exploring local shops and attractions. The restaurant's proximity to major roadways also makes it a convenient stop for travelers.

## FAQs
**What are the restaurant hours** Olioli Hawaiian BBQ typically operates from 11 AM to 9 PM daily.  
**Is there parking available** Yes, there is ample parking available, though it can be busy during peak hours.  
**Do they offer takeout options** Yes, takeout is available, and orders can be placed over the phone.  
**Are there vegetarian options** While the menu primarily features meat dishes, there are some vegetarian sides available.  
**Can I make a reservation** Reservations are not typically required, but it's advisable for larger groups.

## Visit Olioli Hawaiian BBQ Today
Experience the vibrant flavors of Hawaii at Olioli Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose, CA. With a menu that celebrates traditional Hawaiian barbecue, this family-owned restaurant offers generous portions and quick service that keeps customers coming back. The welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality make it a perfect spot for casual dining or takeout. Join the community of satisfied diners and discover why Olioli is a beloved destination for Hawaiian cuisine.

c1cd2bb9-1623-40e8-911f-501cf4ab379e

My all-time favorite Hawaiian stop in the south bay! It's a small family owned location that I frequent often because of the quality and consistency of the food. The food is made-to-order and there's always a quick turnaround. Food BBQ Mix Plate Comes with galbi short ribs with the bone, bbq chicken, teriyaki chicken, rice, vegetables, and macaroni salad. I always request for the rice to be substituted with all macaroni salad - plus that there's no extra charges. Seafood Mix Plate Fried garlic shrimp, chicken katsu, and teriyaki chicken. This is another dish to try if you miss the garlic shrimp from Oahu, Hawaii. The batter is not overly fried and has a nice crunch. Customer Service Quick customer service is always provided by the staff for take out or dine-in orders. They always pick up their phone in case you may need to call for order updates. Ambiance Very casual take out or dine-in tables for a quick bite. There's a restroom and chairs in front of the cashier area to wait for take out. Location/Parking It's located in the same strip plaza a couple of doors from Dai Thanh Supermarket and across from Boba Bliss. During peak times, parking can be a bit scarce and you may need to find a spot further from the entrance.

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I ordered the mini chicken katsu, mini fried fish, and malasadas. Both the fried fish and katsu were decent. The fish tasted fresh, but the batter was a bit of a letdown, not as crispy as I'd hoped. The chicken katsu was much better, nice and crispy, and for a "mini" portion it actually felt like a good value. The malasadas were tasty, but they had a slight old-oil aftertaste, which was kind of a bummer.

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My husband and I were in the area and saw a Olioli, which we had never heard of before. He's a huge fan of Hawaiian bbq, so we had to try one of their plates. The place was clean and simple. Felt more like a mom's and pop's shop than a chain restaurant like Ohana or L&L's. Overall service was fine. The staff member taking our order was friendly. The food took about 10 minutes to be made for our to-go order. We ordered a chicken combo plate to share that included chicken katsu, bbq grilled chicken, mac salad, rice, and fresh cabbage. I was surprised by how plentiful the food was. The combo was more than enough for both of us, and I appreciated how generous they were on the protein. The flavors and textures of everything pretty much was on par with what I expected, so I was pretty satisfied with the meal. I'll be back soon to try other things off their menu!

6fbfd1c0-a52c-41c0-ac79-22eec8d353c5

Solid Hawaiian food and generous portions. I ordered the seafood combo plate and katsu musubi and was only able to finish half of it. The seafood combo came with a meat option and I opted for the short ribs for an additional $1.50. It was totally worth it. The pieces of short ribs were meaty and not full of fat like L&L or some other Hawaiian places. Can't wait to come back and try the other dishes!

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Love that they offer a mini option for lighter bites. Mac salad was really good. Rice and pork were pretty simple and basic, but nothing absurd to complain about. Sizable portions, as expected with Hawaiian BBQ. Solid value and pretty filling. Kalua Pork - mostly meat without the fatty pieces which is good and bad. Less fatty oil and sweetness overall but more protein. Pork had a smokey taste which was nice but the meat was slightly dry so I think some fatty pieces could have helped tenderize. Cabbage was fair.

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Called ahead and Ordered takeout on a Saturday early evening and it was ready in 20 minutes. They didn't answer at first but they called me back. We ordered the BBQ Combo and it only had one short rib and some chopped beef with more chicken. We also ordered the chicken combo. My husband, toddler, and I all ate and still had enough leftover for lunch the next day. All the meat and chicken was tender and not dry. The chicken felt a bit too salty for my taste but I appreciated the glaze sauce. The macaroni has a lot of mustard than I am used to but I don't eat much of that anyway (too rich with mayo). My toddler loved the bbq chicken and chicken katsu. We appreciate it is right off the 680 so this will definitely become our go-to take out spot when we are traveling and don't want to cook.

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Looking for a great lunch special at a reasonable price with generous portion more than what you expect. Then Olioi Hawaiian BBQ is where its at been coming here for the past two years and the staff are so gracious and very attentive. Bro and I came by on a Thursday morning right before the lunch crowd sets in everything on the menu looks appetizing. I chose chicken katsu comes with rice and macaroni comes with a cup of dipping sauce for only $15.50 whereas Bro chose hamburger combo comes with fries and soda for a mere $11.45 probably cheaper than at In N Out Burger or McDonald's. It's a great place to dine-in ample parking though it can be very busy in the afternoon. Definitely my go to for a quick take-out.

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I'm obsessed with Olioli! My sister first put me on with their garlic shrimp and Mac salad. I don't know many places that do garlic shrimp really good. Super flavorful and delicious. On Mondays, you can get a full Tonkatsu meal for $12! Portion size goes crazy and the Mac salad is fire.

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Was craving some loco moco late night so I went here. Loco moco (5/5): comes with 2 eggs and subbed a rice for Mac salad. Loco mocos come with a beef patty drenched in gravy. I thought this was one of the best loco mocos I've ever had. It was very comforting and soothing. The patty was hearty and it's a dream mixing the egg yolk with the rest of the dish.

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Biggggg ups to the folks at Olioli. The serving size here is spectacular. The variety in the food on your plate is diverse enough to keep the otherwise heavy meat bearable. The white rice can be substitued for greens or brown rice. The food is well-seasoned with nothing too overbearing as long as your plate is t all BBQ. The musubi was good enough that I didn't get any sideshot before my girlfriend and I ate them all. The people here are chill and they keep the place clean enough. You can order at your table or at the front counter but do note that there's a service fee, ordering at the table. If you enjoy Hawaiian BBQ, you owe it to yourself to stop by if you're in the area.

Discover Olioli Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose for authentic Hawaiian flavors and a vibrant dining experience. Visit us today and indulge in tropical tastes.

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose | Authentic Hawaiian Flavors

San Jose

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ

California

Explore the full menu at Olioli Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 1657 N Capitol Ave.

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ Menu – Food & Drinks in San Jose

Learn about Olioli Hawaiian BBQ in San Jose. Authentic Hawaiian flavors, friendly atmosphere & convenient location at 1657 N Capitol Ave. Experience the taste of Hawaii.

About Olioli Hawaiian BBQ, San Jose, CA

Opening hours for Olioli Hawaiian BBQ, San Jose. Find opening hours for Olioli Hawaiian BBQ, San Jose on 1657 N Capitol Ave.

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Olioli Hawaiian BBQ

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