Inside the Experience
Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, SH HAWAIIAN BBQ&DONUT serves up hearty, flavorful Hawaiian barbecue with a side of unique donut offerings. This gem on El Camino Real stands out not just for its generous portions but for delivering comfort food that hits all the right notes. Whether you're craving tender BBQ chicken glazed with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, or a mix plate featuring ample servings of chicken, beef, and classic sides like creamy macaroni salad and sautéed veggies, SH Hawaiian BBQ&DONUT consistently satisfies.
What makes this spot truly memorable is the combination of classic Hawaiian BBQ staples with unexpected treats like fresh donuts and refreshing Vietnamese coffee—a pairing that adds an intriguing twist to the traditional plate lunch experience. The chicken fried rice has a loyal following, and the friendly staff, along with late hours until 2 AM, make it an ideal destination for both quick bites and relaxed meals. Despite limited parking, the efficient service ensures your food arrives quickly, even during peak times.
From my experience, the quality of the BBQ shines most in the chicken dishes, with tender meat and well-crafted sauces that elevate every bite. While the beef can occasionally be milder in seasoning, the sauces and sides compensate well, delivering a satisfying, no-fuss meal. The clean atmosphere and attentive service only add to the appeal, making SH HAWAIIAN BBQ&DONUT a dependable spot for anyone seeking hearty Hawaiian flavors with a modern twist.
“ Big servings, nice service, and clean restaurant. I get the keto plate and it's like three meals in one. The food is delicious and they make it quickly even when the crowd is there. I have not tried their donuts because donuts like my stomach fat cells more than me ”
“ I tried the BBQ chicken plate and really enjoyed it. The sauce was flavorful and just the right balance of sweet and savory, and the chicken itself was super tender. Underneath the chicken, they had some sautéed veggies, which added a nice touch. The macaroni salad on the side was also tasty and creamy. It’s nothing flashy or unique, just a classic BBQ chicken plate, but it’s done really well and hits the spot. Definitely one of those solid, go-to meals you can count on. ”
“ Randomly saw this place and was on the way back home so dropped by for their BBQ mixed plate. Overall their portions are larger then any Hawaiian BBQ I've been too but they are a couple bucks more as well. Chicken was great but their beef was a bit unseasoned. It was fine with the sauce but by itself was pretty mid. Mac salad was also decent. Overall not a bad try but again big portions and also a bit more pricy. Parking is nonexistent as well. ”
“ Been going to this place for years, the food never disappoints. I Keep on coming back for that chicken fried rice & did I mentioned they’re open until 2:00 am! Pull up! Very nice staff btw. ”
“ Had the bbq short ribs and quality is the same as usual from other places. I was able to sit inside since no one was there. Very limited parking lot so it might be best to call ahead and pickup. They have plenty of beverage choices and this is the only place I've seen with donuts...very cool. I guess that works great with their Vietnamese coffee. ”