King BBQ

Kings BBQ

Food – 7/10

Kings BBQ is not your typical Southern barbecue joint. They proudly describe their cuisine as “Chinatown BBQ with Southern smoke,”blending traditional Chinese barbecue techniques with low-and-slow Southern influences. It’s a unique concept that immediately sets expectations apart from the standard brisket-and-pulled-pork experience. 

For our meal, we ordered the Chinatown Delight, essentially the restaurant’s sampler platter. It featured 5-Spice Chicken, Spare Ribs, Crispy Roast Pork Belly, and Crispy Smoked Duck, along with three sides: Red Rice with Yum Yum Sauce, Hong Kong Curry Corn Pudding, and Spicy Dan Dan Noodles. 

The true star of the meal was undoubtedly the spare ribs. The meat practically melted off the bone, delivering rich flavor with every bite. They were tender, smoky, and expertly cooked. In fact, these ribs alone would be enough reason for me to return. 

The 5-Spice Chicken was another highlight. Juicy and flavorful, it carried a subtle kick that might catch you off guard if you’re not expecting it. Thankfully, the spice level enhanced the dish rather than overwhelming it. 

The crispy smoked duck was cooked beautifully, with tender meat beneath a flavorful skin. Likewise, the crispy pork belly arrived as perfectly cooked bite-sized pieces with excellent texture and crunch. 

As for the sides, they were more of a mixed bag. The Hong Kong Curry Corn Pudding surprised me the most. Calling it a pudding feels slightly misleading—it reminded me more of a stuffing or casserole. While the texture was pleasant, the curry flavor was much stronger than I personally prefer. I’m glad I tried it because it was something completely different, but it’s not a side I would order again. 

The Spicy Dan Dan Noodles definitely lived up to their name. Visually similar to ramen, they packed a serious punch. After only a couple of forkfuls, I found myself reaching for my water. Fans of bold spice will likely enjoy them, but they were simply too hot for my taste. 

The red rice with yum yum sauce helped balance out the meal, especially after the fiery noodles. The flavor was excellent and comforting. My only critique was the texture—I personally prefer a firmer rice, though that comes down to individual preference rather than execution. 

Overall, the food was well prepared and flavorful, even if some dishes pushed me outside my comfort zone. 

Service – 7/10

The service model here took a moment to understand. Guests order at the counter, then find a seat while the staff brings the food out when it’s ready. 

Because of this setup, there wasn’t much interaction with the staff during our visit. However, the food arrived surprisingly quickly, which is always appreciated. While there wasn’t anything particularly memorable about the service, there also wasn’t anything to complain about.

Vibe – 7/10

Kings BBQ has a darker, more subdued atmosphere than many casual barbecue restaurants. The dark wood booths and interior decor create a cozy environment, but they also make the space feel a bit muted. 

We visited near the end of Sunday lunch service, and the dining room was calm and quiet. Guests chatted softly at their tables, creating a relaxed atmosphere rather than the energetic buzz often found in busy barbecue spots. Depending on what you're looking for, this could be viewed as either peaceful or lacking excitement. 

Cost Effectiveness – 8/10

For a party of three, the $100 Chinatown Delight represented solid value. Once divided among our group, the cost felt very reasonable considering the quantity of food provided. 

Not only did everyone leave satisfied, but we also had leftovers to take home. A quick glance at the menu suggested that most items are priced fairly, making Kings BBQ an accessible option for those looking to try something different without breaking the bank.

Amenities – 6/10

One major advantage is the plentiful on-site parking, which always makes dining out more convenient. 

However, the restaurant’s location is not in the most desirable part of town. While the parking lot itself felt safe and convenient, it’s not an area where I would feel especially inclined to walk around before or after dinner. 

Final Verdict – 7/10 ⭐⭐⭐

Our very first review was for Jackrabbit Filly, Kings BBQ’s sister restaurant, so when we realized the connection, we were eager to give this spot a try as well. 

What I quickly learned is that Kings BBQ is not serving traditional Southern barbecue. Their approach is rooted in Chinatown-style barbecue, using different cooking methods, seasonings, and flavor profiles than what many barbecue fans may be accustomed to. I went in expecting one thing and received something entirely different. 

That said, I appreciate what Kings BBQ is doing. The food was clearly prepared with care, and several dishes—especially the spare ribs—were outstanding. Some of the more adventurous flavors, particularly the curry corn pudding and intensely spicy Dan Dan noodles, simply didn’t align with my personal tastes. 

Am I glad I tried it? Absolutely. It pushed me outside my culinary comfort zone and introduced me to flavors I might not have otherwise experienced. 

Will I return? Probably not. But that has more to do with my personal preferences than any shortcomings on the restaurant’s part. If you're curious about a unique fusion of Chinese barbecue traditions and Southern smokehouse techniques, Kings BBQ is definitely worth experiencing at least once.