Customers` Favorites
“We had my dad’s retirement party here at JJ’s Island Grindz and our host was Ellis I cannot speak highly enough on the service he provided for us it will be unmatched. He treated us like family, very attentive, very respectful, on time with everything very professional. I just want to thank him and his crew for providing excellent customer service love and care to our family and friends. The food was amazing the drinks were delicious and had a great presentation. JJ’s Island Grindz is a good vibe. Thank you again for hosting our event.“
Customers` Favorites
“Monisa .. aka marissa dont you have kids to set an example for.. immature behavior. Supporting all small business is a better way to go.“
Customers` Favorites
“The food is so flavorful and fresh! The workers are also so incredibly kind and were so much help when we were deciding what to eat since we have never been there before. I just wish they had more variety of toppings for the poke but they also have a wide range of other dishes. I would definitely go again.“
Customers` Favorites
“Best Hawaiian BBQ I’ve ever had. They give you a decent amount of food so the prices are fair valued. And on top of that the food is delicious and packed with flavor. Also had a good customer service experience. Definitely recommend this place to anyone that is looking for some great food.“
Customers` Favorites
“Located near the sdsu campus, this location is accessible to students and community members alike. The food was fresh and the katsu had a delectable crutch that left a good taste in my mouth. The cashier was a kind soul that made our L & L experience one that we’ll never forget.“
Customers` Favorites
“Love the Huli Huli and the spicy Poke Bowl oh so ono. The Haupia is a out of this world too. Just perfect and delish.“
Customers` Favorites
“My food was not horrible, but not tender and had no sauce it was dry. The macaroni salad was ok. When I ate a bite of beef with the macaroni salad, it was great. I had two scoops of rice and only one macaroni salad. It would be nice to have a choice“
Customers` Favorites
“The coconut shrimp is amazing! Excellent food and service! The owner Paul does a fabulous job!“
Customers` Favorites
“Good protein options. I went at a not too busy time of day so I also got to quietly sit and enjoy the meal. I only had the PYOP so I can only say that I enjoyed that, but I am sure everything else on the menu is good as well“
Customers` Favorites
“Restaurant is clean and well lit. It’s located in a very busy location.
There’s a kiosk to order as well as a cashier. They have daily specials listed in front which is perfect if you don’t know what to pick.
Parking can be busy during rush hours so plan accordingly!
Check photos for menu prices as of 6/4/25 - can be pricey but the amount you get is usually
Enough for 2 portions (at least for
Me)“
Customers` Favorites
“friendly, fresh, great customer service.“
Customers` Favorites
“I'm not from around this area and I googled food near me and homestyle Hawaiian came up. Hawaiian sounded good I didn't even really know what Hawaiian food was. Anytime I think of Hawaiian food I think of a luau and a pig with an apple in its mouth. Its kind of in a weird location. It's between a dentist office and a Valvoline oil changing place. There's one lady that got out of her car and went inside and come back out right as I walked in. There was a lady sitting down and eating, a couple off to the side waiting for their food and a man asking how long it was going to take cuz he needed to run across the street real quick. Is really warm in there like they didn't have air conditioning on at all but they did have fans going but it was still really warm in there The doors were open It wasn't hot but it wasn't comfortable either Like I didn't stay and eat which I wanted to but I didn't because it was too warm inside. The couple's food was ready and they cashier handed them their food and then didn't say anything to me like hi how are you, Do you need help, What do you want, do you have any questions... he didn't say anything. He was young though not that's an excuse he needs to learn customer service, but he was super nice once I ordered. The menu has different types of food chicken beef I don't remember what else I do remember they had katsu chicken and lava chicken and the description of them is exactly the same One says it has HH sauce I'm assuming the HH is home styles Hawaiian The katsu chicken has it on the side and the lava chicken has a drizzled over the top. I thought it was strange that they had this item on there twice and it's the same exact thing when they could just say Do you want it on the top or on the side. The sauce is like a sweet BBQ sauce, but not too sweet it still had a barbecue kick in it. I'm not a fan but I don't really like barbecue sauce. I believe it's their signature sauce, I'm guessing, it's probably pretty good I'm just not a fan of barbecue sauces. I ordered the katsu chicken meal which came with white rice and it said on the menu macaroni salad or green salad, but he didn't ask me which one I wanted, just gave me macaroni salad which is what I wanted so I was okay with that. And I ordered a strawberry lemonade which is just a lemonade that they add strawberry flavoring and I couldn't really taste the strawberry. They only had two cups left so thank goodness to me I got a cup. I probably waited maybe 5 minutes for my food. I was there 10 minutes from when I parked to when I left the parking lot. The food was hot, macaroni salad was cold. I just don't think I was a big fan of the chicken with the batter or whatever the katsu crunchy part on the outside of the chicken is. I probably won't return. For people who like Hawaiian or who like katsu chicken it's a good place if you're in the area.
Parking: Not a lot of parking spots.“
Customers` Favorites
“Edit: thank you so much for responding. One of my favorites is Hawaiian barbeque so I really look forward to it. The barbeque chicken is really good. It's the other parts that are a little overcooked.
It's almost great, but the dark meat is almost always over cooked. It tastes like it was scraped of the grill. Imagine if there was left over grime in a skillet. It just tastes charcoaly“
Customers` Favorites
“Loved it! Went earlier today and I ordered an iced latte and 6 pack of filled malasadas. My coffee was great, far better than other coffee shops I’ve tried in National City, and was made surprisingly quick. The malasadas were warm and fresh, but some of the fillings were a little too artificial to my liking. Service was also great, the young girl at the front definitely gave off that Aloha vibe, and guided me through the menu as I was a little confused at first. Got my malasadas within 15 minutes, would recommend.“
Customers` Favorites
“Everyone in our house used to like poke. After we found Poke Chop, we LOVE poke! They have so many options of fish and sauces and toppings. I’ve never found as big of a selection. My daughter would eat here every day if I’d let her. There aren’t many places in Hillcrest where a family of 3 can get dinner for around $30, and be totally stuffed, and not feel blah afterwards. The fish is always really fresh. The only thing that could make it better is if they added mango, mmmmm. We try to eat there as much as possible because it will be a very sad day if they close. (It’s a reality in the Hillcrest restaurant business ☹️).“
Customers` Favorites
“I got the plate lunch with spicy garlic butter shrimp, Mac salad, and rice. Also tried a malasada, spam musubi, and a dirty soda. This was so good! You have to try their food. You will not be disappointed. I don't even want to leave - I just want to order more food lol“
Customers` Favorites
“Former Maui resident here. Nice place to pick up Spam Musubi! Not much ambience though. Service was just okay. Food came fast. Glad to have a place close by when I’m wanting Hawaiian. Not as good as local food in Hawaii though, but still glad to have it. You should really lower your prices for the Hawaiian Sun fruit drinks. They’re crazy high to charge when I can buy them at Ralph’s. I think it was a 100% mark up. These are inflationary times. Hawaiian food is salty. If the drinks are cheaper, people might order more food and appreciate you more for not price gouging. Something to consider?“
Customers` Favorites
“Mmm Mmmm Ordered The BBQ Mixed Plate for lunch/dinner (cooked perfectly), malasadas (sooo warm & puffy) ? Pineapple Coconut Smoothie, Strawberry Guava Nectar Hawaiian Sun & Kauai Kookie Macadamia Hawaiian Shortbread to take home. Couldn't wait, so ate there & enjoyed my favorite island reggae jamz. Onolicious 4 Sure? Much Mahalo for your Fantastic & Friendly Customer Service ???“
Customers` Favorites
“I love this place! It's very welcoming from the second you enter the door. Staff greeted each customer as they entered the door. The tables, counters and floors were very clean. The portions were great too! Definitely recommend this place!!!
Parking: It depends on the time of day that you go. During lunch time, finding parking can be a little tricky.
Wheelchair accessibility: Really easy to get to and there's parking right out front.“
Customers` Favorites
“Good protein options. I went at a not too busy time of day so I also got to quietly sit and enjoy the meal. I only had the PYOP so I can only say that I enjoyed that, but I am sure everything else on the menu is good as well“
Customers` Favorites
“I tried the Combination plate Mix BBQ. They are awesome. Plus the portion is very generous. It really filled meup that I could not finish it but they were so tasty.!!!🤙“
Customers` Favorites
“Awesome food. Service is great also. Prices are moderate.“
Customers` Favorites
“Filipina lady is nice and gave us good amount of food that a two person can share in one order. Food was also delicious! I don’t understand with these one star reviews though. I think it’s great price compare the outside base meals. Super filling as well.
Definitely a return customer here!“
Customers` Favorites
“The food is a 10. Fresh, cooked to order and fast service ...“
Customers` Favorites
“I ordered pinakbet, chicharon bulaklak, and menudo for pick-up from Carlitos Family Restaurant, and everything was delicious! The flavors brought me right back to home-cooked meals from my childhood. When I walked in, I was welcomed by a warm, family-style setting—and even karaoke was happening! It felt nostalgic and comforting, like stepping into a family gathering. Although I only grabbed takeout this time, I’m definitely planning to dine in next time to soak in more of that vibe.
Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Filipino food with a side of good energy. 🍽️🎤🇵🇭
Side note: we had the food when we got home, and fyi, best chicharon bulaklak that we’ve ever had. 😍 the menudo and pinakbet was so good too!“
Customers` Favorites
“The food is soooo good, big portions and excellent service.“
Customers` Favorites
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“The food is delicious! I love their chicken kelaquen and the pork ribs. Their food is always nicely presented! Highly recommend if you're craving Chamorro food!!“