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KCL BBQ Drive Inn
About
A Taste of Island Comfort in Lihue
When you find yourself cruising through central Kauai, KCL BBQ Drive Inn serves as a reliable pit stop for those craving a hearty, no-frills plate lunch. This local staple embodies the quintessential Hawaiian drive-in culture, where the focus remains strictly on providing fuel for the day rather than white-tablecloth service.
Menu Staples and Island Flavors
The kitchen specializes in heavy-hitting comfort food that defines the region. You will find massive portions of BBQ chicken and flavorful kalbi short ribs that arrive glistening from the grill. Each plate is traditionally served with the required two scoops of white rice and a side of macaroni salad—a combination that feels like a foundational part of the Kauai dining experience. The aroma of char-grilled meat hits you the moment you step out of your vehicle, a signal that you are in for a filling meal.
The Drive-Inn Experience
KCL BBQ is designed for efficiency. It is the perfect spot for hungry surfers, local construction crews, or anyone needing a quick, calorie-dense meal before heading to the North or South Shore. Be prepared for a casual environment; the seating is functional, and the surrounding area can get quite busy during the lunch hour rush. Parking is tight, requiring a bit of patience, but the quick turnaround time of the orders makes it manageable. If you are looking to eat like a true Lihue local, grab your styrofoam containers and find a nearby park to enjoy the island breeze while you dig in.
Amenities & Features
Location
3-3100 Kuhio Hwy #3100c, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766-1186
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 32 community reviewsMoodew metalGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food and good prices for island food.
Melanie YinGoogle Maps
Recently
Would highly recommend the steak sizzling platter!
??Google Maps
Recently
Very poor quality, a bunch of watery grease in the bottom of our plates. Dead Fly in our rice. Bugs crawling on the table. Do not eat here.
Miloslav KučeraGoogle Maps
Recently
nice restaurant, fast service
Thomas AdolphoGoogle Maps
Recently
STAY AWAY! Dishonest owner!!! A terrible experience. Check your receipt before paying. Kathy charged our family of 4 $15 over the food amount. When questioned about it she said there’s a $9 service charge, $4 for WATER, $2 for something I couldn’t understand. When I asked she said “no need tip, I already put in.” I said you don’t deserve a tip I just want to pay for my food. No extra charges. She said I have to pay more for water and the service charge because we asked for refills of WATER. She said the price of the food is not enough to stay in business and we had to pay for the dishwashing and bringing the food out to us. HORRIBLE SERVICE AND DISHONEST BILLING!
Marlon J (MJ)Google Maps
Recently
My wife and I ordered vegetable fried rice and fried chicken. It was so much food we couldn't finish it all. It was so good that it still tasted good cold the next morning. The lady that took our order and seated us was very nice and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this place for a good meal.
laurenGoogle Maps
Recently
ordered the roast duck plate and the garlic shrimp. very good and good portions. the lady was also really nice and the prices are excellent!
Maíísnéz ClawGoogle Maps
Recently
3 of my co workers and I ate here for lunch. My burger tasted like fish and was under cooked. One co worker found a cockroach in his pork fried lice. And a big op cockroach scurried across the table. That should have been the first sign to leave. Health Dept has been notified.
Andrew LauGoogle Maps
Recently
The decor was a little eerie, it looks like things haven't changed for 30 years, there was loud bassy music leaking from the bar next door, but somehow... the vibes were just right! The portions were large and the food was really yummy! Definitely come here if you get the chance! Fried rice upgrade was super worth it as well.
Jason PhillippiGoogle Maps
Recently
I got the katsu chicken and bbq pulled pork with cabbage, and my wife got the orange chicken. Both were great. We wish we had more time to eat other dishes. Love it. Will come back someday.
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Frequently Asked Questions about KCL BBQ Drive Inn
Common questions from diners about KCL BBQ Drive Inn in Lihue.
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