Waikiki-Style BBQ in Atlanta: Where Island Flavors Meet Southern Smoke

If you’re searching for “Waikiki BBQ” in Atlanta, you’re probably craving Hawaiian-inspired barbecue – smoky meats, sweet-savory sauces, maybe some pineapple, rice, or macaroni salad – but you’re in the heart of Georgia, not on Oʻahu.

Atlanta doesn’t have the same concentration of Hawaiian spots you’d find in Waikiki, but there are places and options around the city where you can enjoy island-style plates, grilled favorites, and tropical flavors that scratch that Waikiki BBQ itch. This guide walks you through what to expect, where to look, and how to get the most out of your search in Atlanta.

What “Waikiki BBQ” Usually Means

Most Atlanta diners using the phrase “Waikiki BBQ” are looking for:

• Hawaiian plate lunches (grilled chicken or beef, rice, and macaroni salad)
• Teriyaki or Kalbi-style meats with a sweet-savory glaze
• Tropical twists like pineapple, coconut, or island-style slaws
• A casual, beachy vibe – something that feels more “island grill” than traditional Southern smokehouse

It’s different from classic Georgia barbecue (pulled pork, ribs, Brunswick stew). Waikiki-style BBQ leans more toward:

• Grilled over smoked
• Soy, garlic, ginger, and pineapple flavors over heavy vinegar or mustard
• Rice and salad instead of baked beans and cornbread

If that’s the style you’re after, Atlanta has a few ways to get close – from Hawaiian and pan-Asian restaurants to fusion spots, food trucks, and DIY grilling.

Types of Waikiki-Style BBQ Experiences You Can Find in Atlanta

1. Hawaiian & Island-Inspired Restaurants

You’ll sometimes find Hawaiian or “island grill” restaurants in the metro area that serve:

• Teriyaki chicken plates
• Kalua-style pork or pulled pork with an island twist
• Rice, macaroni salad, and cabbage as sides
• Spam musubi or loco moco on more traditional menus

When you search locally (for example, in areas like Doraville, Duluth, or around Buford Highway, which have a broad mix of Asian cuisines), look for menu terms like:

• “Hawaiian BBQ”
• “Island grill”
• “Teriyaki plates”
• “Plate lunch”

Even if the spot isn’t branded strictly as “Waikiki BBQ,” the plates and flavors may be exactly what you’re looking for.

2. Pan-Asian Spots with Hawaiian-Style Plates

Some Korean, Japanese, or pan-Asian restaurants in Atlanta offer grilled meat plates that feel very close to Waikiki BBQ, such as:

• Kalbi (galbi) short ribs – sweet, garlicky, grilled
• Bulgogi beef over rice
• Chicken teriyaki plates with veggies and steamed rice

Look in neighborhoods like:

• Doraville / Chamblee (Buford Highway corridor) – dense cluster of Asian restaurants
• Duluth / Suwanee – large Korean and pan-Asian dining scene
• Midtown and Westside – more fusion and modern grill concepts

When scanning menus, focus on grilled or barbecued plates with rice and salad rather than purely stir-fried dishes.

3. Fusion BBQ & Tropical-Themed Menus

Atlanta also has fusion restaurants that combine Southern smoke with tropical flavors. A few patterns to look for:

• Pulled pork with pineapple slaw
• Jerk or island-seasoned smoked chicken
• BBQ tacos or sliders with mango or citrus salsas
• Coconut rice or plantains as sides

These spots may not call themselves “Waikiki,” but if you want BBQ plus a beachy, tropical feel, this style can be a good match.

Comparing Waikiki-Style BBQ vs. Traditional Atlanta BBQ

Use this quick table to understand what kind of restaurant to search for, based on the flavors you want:

Where to Start Your Search in Atlanta

Because specific restaurant lineups change frequently, it’s most reliable to use local search tools and delivery apps, but you can narrow things down by area and style.

Intown & Intown-Adjacent Areas

• Midtown / Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park

  • Best for: Modern fusion, creative grill concepts, tropical cocktails with grilled meats.
  • What to search for: “island grill,” “Hawaiian BBQ,” “teriyaki chicken plate.”

• West Midtown / Westside

  • Best for: Trendy smokehouses, fusion BBQ, and places that experiment with pineapple slaws, jerk rubs, or Asian-influenced marinades.

North & Northeast Metro

• Doraville / Chamblee (Buford Highway)

  • Best for: Korean BBQ and pan-Asian grills, where you can often find grilled marinated meats served with rice.
  • If “Waikiki BBQ” to you means marinated, grilled meats in a casual setting, this corridor is a strong bet.

• Duluth / Suwanee / Johns Creek

  • Best for: Larger Korean and Japanese restaurants, sometimes offering plates that are very close to Hawaiian-style BBQ.

Suburban & Family-Friendly Zones

• Alpharetta / Roswell / Sandy Springs
  • Best for: Family grills, chain-style island menus, and casual places with tropical or “polynesian-inspired” dishes.

When you call ahead or check menus, look specifically for:

• Grilled chicken or beef with rice and macaroni/potato salad
• Teriyaki, pineapple, or “Hawaiian” wording on BBQ items
• “Plate” combos rather than only sandwiches or tacos

Takeout, Delivery, and Catering Options

If you’re planning a Hawaiian-themed party, luau, or backyard gathering in Atlanta, you have a few routes:

1. Local Restaurants with Island or Asian Grill Menus

Ask if they can:

• Bulk-prepare teriyaki chicken, grilled beef, or pulled pork
• Provide rice trays, macaroni salad, and mixed greens
• Include pineapple, tropical sauces, or island-style garnishes

Many Atlanta restaurants will do catering trays even if they don’t heavily advertise it; a phone call often gives clearer options than an online menu alone.

2. General BBQ Caterers Willing to Add a Tropical Twist

Some Atlanta-based BBQ caterers can adjust their standard menus to fit an island theme by:

• Using sweet glazes or fruit-based sauces
• Serving rice and fresh slaws instead of only heavy sides
• Adding dishes with grilled pineapple or citrus marinades

When you contact caterers, describe what you mean by “Waikiki BBQ” so they can suggest matching items.

3. Food Trucks and Pop-Ups

Atlanta’s food truck and pop-up scene often features rotating concepts, including:

• Asian street grills
• Fusion BBQ with tropical influences
• Event-only Hawaiian or island-themed trucks

To track these, it helps to:

• Check schedules for Atlantic Station, the BeltLine, or local brewery food truck nights
• Follow nearby event spaces and markets that host rotating food vendors

DIY Waikiki BBQ at Home in Atlanta

If you can’t find exactly what you want on a menu, it’s very possible to build your own Waikiki-style BBQ at home using Atlanta’s grocery and market options.

Where to Shop

• H-Mart (various metro locations) – Often in Doraville, Duluth, Suwanee

  • Good for: Asian marinades, short ribs, rice, sauces (soy, mirin, sesame oil), and produce.

• Buford Highway Farmers Market – 5600 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340

  • Good for: International meats and sauces, tropical produce, rice varieties, and Hawaiian-adjacent flavors.

• Dekalb Farmers Market – 3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

  • Good for: Wide variety of meats, produce, and bulk staples at reasonable prices.

• Major chains around Atlanta (Publix, Kroger, etc.)

  • Often carry teriyaki sauces, pineapple, and grill cuts suitable for quick island-style plates.

Simple At-Home Waikiki-Style BBQ Approach

You can approximate a Waikiki BBQ plate with:

1. Protein

   • Boneless chicken thighs, thin-cut beef, or pork shoulder pieces
   • Marinate in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice

2. Cook Method

   • Use a charcoal or gas grill for a slightly smoky, charred edge
   • In apartments, a stovetop grill pan or broiler can still give good flavor

3. Sides

   • White rice or jasmine rice
   • Macaroni salad with mayo, a touch of sugar, salt, and pepper
   • Optional cabbage or mixed greens salad for crunch

4. Finishing Touches

   • Grilled pineapple rings
   • Scallions or sesame seeds on top
   • A squeeze of lime or a drizzle of teriyaki-style glaze

This is a practical route if you’re in Atlanta and can’t find a dedicated Waikiki-style restaurant nearby, especially for parties or family meals.

Tips for Finding Waikiki-Style BBQ Near You in Atlanta

Use these strategies to narrow down options more efficiently:

• Search by dish, not just “Waikiki”

  • Try terms like “Hawaiian BBQ,” “teriyaki chicken plate,” “island grill,” or “Hawaiian plate lunch.”

• Check photos and menus carefully

  • Look for grilled meats served with rice and salad, not only sandwiches or Southern sides.

• Call ahead 📞

  • Ask: “Do you serve Hawaiian-style or island-style BBQ plates – like grilled chicken or beef with rice and macaroni salad?”
  • For catering, mention “Hawaiian” or “Waikiki-style plates” and see what they can customize.

• Explore neighborhoods with diverse food scenes

  • Buford Highway, Midtown, Westside, Duluth, and Doraville are especially useful starting points.

• Consider timing

  • Some food trucks or pop-ups may only offer island-style menus on weekends, at festivals, or through special events.

When You Might Need to Adjust Expectations

Because Atlanta is a Southern barbecue city first, you may not always find a restaurant literally called “Waikiki BBQ.” Instead, you’re likely to find:

• Hawaiian or island-style dishes within broader Asian or fusion menus
• Korean and pan-Asian grills that taste very similar to Waikiki plate lunches
• Southern BBQ spots that add tropical flavors, even if they aren’t fully Hawaiian

If your goal is flavor and vibe rather than strict authenticity, Atlanta can absolutely deliver grilled, sweet-savory, island-style BBQ experiences – whether through a restaurant, a fusion menu, or your own backyard grill.