Ono Hawaiian BBQ

- 9954 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284

For residents of Arizona craving a taste of the islands, **Ono Hawaiian BBQ** in Tempe offers a unique take on the traditional American "barbecue restaurant" experience. Founded in 2002, this family-owned fast-casual chain specializes in the famous Hawaiian plate lunch, a hearty and satisfying meal that has become a staple of island cuisine. Instead of typical slow-smoked, Southern-style barbecue, Ono Hawaiian BBQ focuses on grilled meats marinated in their proprietary sauces, bringing the "Aloha" spirit and flavor of Hawaii to the mainland.

The core of their menu revolves around island favorites like **Hawaiian BBQ Chicken**, **Kalbi Short Ribs**, and **Kalua Pork**. Each plate lunch is traditionally served with two scoops of steamed rice, one scoop of their famous macaroni salad, and fresh vegetables, offering a full and comforting meal designed to satisfy a serious hunger. This approach makes Ono Hawaiian BBQ a distinct and desirable choice for those in the Tempe area seeking something different from the standard American fare.

While some customer feedback has pointed to potential inconsistencies in food preparation, such as issues with the **Chicken Katsu** being dry or having an oily smell, the business remains a popular destination. As a fast-casual chain, their operational focus is on quick service and spreading the joy of Hawaiian comfort food across Arizona and California, preparing many of their marinades and sauces from scratch daily.

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## Location and Accessibility

The Ono Hawaiian BBQ location serving the Tempe, Arizona community is conveniently situated in a high-traffic retail area, making it easy to access for daily meals or quick pickups. The restaurant is located at:

9954 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

The location on South Rural Road is strategically placed to serve the southern Tempe area, including nearby neighborhoods and Arizona State University’s extended campus. This proximity makes it a great spot for lunch or dinner for locals and students alike. The accessibility of the location is generally facilitated by a large shopping center or strip mall setting, which typically provides ample parking for a fast-casual dining experience.

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## Services Offered

Ono Hawaiian BBQ provides a variety of service options to ensure customers in the Tempe area can enjoy their Hawaiian plate lunches easily and conveniently. Their service model caters to on-the-go meals as well as family dining:

• Takeout / Pickup: Customers can place orders for quick pickup, ideal for busy schedules.
• Delivery: Offering delivery services through various platforms, making it easy to get a plate lunch delivered to your home or office.
• Catering: Providing meal solutions for larger groups and events with their **Ohana (Family) Meal** options, which are hearty meals designed to feed 4-5 people.
• Dine-In: As a fast-casual restaurant, they offer in-store dining with seating available for a quick and casual meal.
• Online Ordering: Utilizing modern technology to allow for simple and efficient ordering via their website or third-party apps.
• Family Meals: The **Ohana Meal** allows customers to choose three proteins and two sides, perfect for feeding a household.

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## Features / Highlights

The menu at Ono Hawaiian BBQ is rich with traditional Hawaiian and fusion items, focusing on protein-heavy plate lunches. Their key features and signature offerings include the following island-inspired dishes:

• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: A highly popular choice of grilled, boneless, and skinless chicken marinated in their signature Hawaiian BBQ Sauce.
• Kalbi Short Ribs: Tender beef short ribs that are marinated in a Korean-style BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection.
• Kalua Pork: Slow-roasted pork with a smoky flavor, served shredded over steamed cabbage—Hawaii’s version of pulled pork.
• Chicken Katsu: Described as one of their best sellers, this features crispy breaded chicken fillets served with a special Ono Katsu Sauce. It is important to note, however, that customer feedback suggests inquiring about its freshness before ordering.
• Variety of Combos and Mixes: For those who want to try multiple meats, they offer combinations like the **Hawaiian BBQ Mix** (BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef & Kalbi Short Ribs), the **Chicken & Beef Combo**, and the **BBQ & Katsu Mix**.
• Island Specialties: The menu also features unique items like **Island Fire Chicken** (a spicier option), **Teriyaki Chicken**, and traditional island dishes such as **Spam Musubi** (a block of rice topped with a slice of Spam and wrapped in seaweed).
• Mini Meals: For lighter appetites or those on the go, they offer Mini Meal versions of their most popular entrees, including **BBQ Chicken Mini Meal** and **Chicken Katsu Mini Meal**, which include one scoop of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad.
• Commitment to Freshness: According to the company, all food is made to order, and their marinades and sauces are prepared from scratch daily, upholding their promise of "Aloha in Every Bite."

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## Contact Information

To reach out to Ono Hawaiian BBQ in Tempe, Arizona, for questions, orders, or catering needs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 9954 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

Phone: (602) 617-4339

Mobile Phone: +1 602-617-4339

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## What Is Worth Choosing

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a compelling choice for Arizona diners seeking authentic Hawaiian plate lunch cuisine. It represents a delightful departure from typical American barbecue, offering savory, marinated, and grilled meats that capture the distinct flavors of the Pacific islands. The restaurant is particularly worth choosing for its signature items and comprehensive meal options.

The **Hawaiian BBQ Mix** is the ideal choice for a meat lover, allowing you to sample the best of their beef and chicken BBQ offerings in a single, generous plate. The **Kalua Pork** is also a key highlight, providing that essential, slow-roasted, smoky Hawaiian flavor. Furthermore, the combination of two scoops of rice and the creamy, savory macaroni salad alongside your chosen protein offers a complete, comforting, and culturally distinct meal that is difficult to find elsewhere in the local Tempe fast-casual scene.

While customer reviews have occasionally noted quality concerns regarding the fried items, such as the **Chicken Katsu** and the **Grilled Chicken** being less than ideal, focusing on their core grilled and slow-cooked Hawaiian BBQ specialties is the recommended approach to enjoy the true "Aloha" flavor. The brand’s focus on using fresh ingredients, making sauces from scratch, and their consistent expansion across Arizona demonstrates a strong commitment to their unique cuisine. For a quick, hearty, and authentic Hawaiian meal, Ono Hawaiian BBQ provides a great, accessible option for Tempe residents.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

9954 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA