Tucked inside the stunning Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill is a restaurant that surprises just about everyone who walks through its doors. What looks like a hidden gem from the outside turns out to be one of the most talked-about dining spots in the entire region.
With a menu that blends Hawaiian flavors with classic Southern BBQ, this place has earned a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from over a thousand happy guests. Whether you are a local or just passing through, Huli Sue’s is the kind of meal you will be talking about for weeks.
The Grove Arcade: A Historic Home for an Unforgettable Restaurant
Some restaurants are defined by their food alone, but Huli Sue’s gets an extra boost from one of Asheville’s most iconic buildings. Nestled at 1 Page Ave, Suite 150, the Grove Arcade is a breathtaking 1929 structure that once served as one of America’s first indoor shopping malls.
Walking through its grand archways already feels like stepping into something special.
The arcade’s old-world charm provides a striking backdrop for a restaurant bursting with tropical color and energy. Reviewers frequently mention that approaching the restaurant — whether from the outdoor patio or through the arcade’s corridors — gives an immediate sense of excitement.
The contrast between the historic stone architecture and the lively Hawaiian-Southern vibe inside is genuinely one of a kind.
That mix of old and new makes the location itself part of the experience. You are not just eating great food; you are doing it inside a piece of Asheville history.
Hawaiian Roots That Make Every Dish Authentic
Authenticity is not something Huli Sue’s has to fake. The owners are originally from Hawaii and operate another restaurant on the Big Island, which means the flavors on your plate come from a genuinely deep cultural knowledge.
Guests consistently note that the second they walk in, the atmosphere feels like the Hawaiian islands transported to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
One reviewer described it perfectly: “It truly feels like Big Island vibes the moment you walk in.” That spirit carries through everything — from the colorful decor to the handcrafted sauces sitting on every table. It is not a theme; it is a way of life baked into the restaurant’s DNA.
Knowing that the people behind the menu grew up cooking and eating this food adds a layer of trust that is hard to find anywhere else. Every bite carries that genuine story with it.
The Hawaiian Combo Bowl That Guests Drive Hours to Taste
One dish keeps coming up in review after review, and that is the Hawaiian Combo Bowl. Loaded with Huli Chicken, Pork Katsu, and Sweet Chili Shrimp, it also comes with Hawaiian Mac Salad, Pickled Cabbage, and rice.
One guest wrote that the flavors “just don’t stop” from the very first bite to the last.
The pork arrives crispy on the outside and tender within. The chicken carries a beautiful char with just enough glaze to highlight the smokiness without overwhelming it.
The shrimp — described by multiple visitors as enormous — are coated in a sweet chili breading that makes them genuinely hard to stop eating.
At around $26, guests overwhelmingly feel the value is outstanding. One reviewer compared the experience favorably to Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, which is high praise by any measure.
This bowl is the reason people make return road trips.
Brisket So Good It Steals the Show
Asheville has no shortage of BBQ spots, but Huli Sue’s brisket has carved out its own legendary status. Reviewers call it some of the most flavorful brisket they have tasted in years.
It shows up in multiple forms on the menu — as a standalone plate, piled onto nachos, layered into mac and cheese, and even tucked into salads.
The Brisket Mac and Cheese is described as creamy, rich, and absolutely loaded with meat. The Brisket Nachos are called scrumptious and impressively large.
On Saturdays, a special Brisket Reuben appears on the menu, and regulars plan their visits specifically around it.
What makes this brisket stand out is the way it balances smokiness with tenderness. It never feels dry or one-dimensional.
Whether it is the star of the plate or a supporting player in another dish, the brisket at Huli Sue’s consistently earns its spotlight.
Crispy St. Louis Ribs That Redefine Expectations
Ask almost any regular at Huli Sue’s about the ribs and watch their face light up. The Crispy St. Louis Ribs have become one of the restaurant’s most celebrated appetizers, and for good reason.
One guest, a self-described BBQ enthusiast, called them “nothing short of amazing” after his very first bite.
What sets these ribs apart is the texture. The outside achieves a satisfying crispiness that gives way to juicy, pull-apart meat underneath.
They are not your average sauced-up ribs — these have a personality and a technique behind them that reflects the kitchen’s confidence.
Another reviewer flatly stated that the ribs were the best they had ever eaten, which is a bold claim that keeps showing up across multiple independent reviews. When that many different people reach the same conclusion independently, it stops being an opinion and starts feeling like fact.
Order them without hesitation.
Poke Nachos and Poke Bowls That Bring the Islands Inland
North Carolina is not exactly known as a poke destination, which makes Huli Sue’s version all the more remarkable. The Poke Nachos have become one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, earning their own loyal fanbase among both locals and visitors.
Built on crispy chips and loaded with fresh toppings, they are creative, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
The Poke Bowl has drawn equally passionate praise. One reviewer mentioned that their bowl surpassed a poke bowl they had eaten in Cape Town, South Africa — a comparison that speaks volumes about the kitchen’s skill.
Another guest listed poke nachos as their all-time favorite dish at the restaurant, returning for them on every single visit.
For anyone unfamiliar with poke, think of it as a fresh, Hawaiian-style dish built around seasoned raw fish and bold toppings. Huli Sue’s version is a masterclass in doing it right, far from any ocean.
The Four House-Made BBQ Sauces You Need to Try
Here is a fun detail that separates Huli Sue’s from most BBQ spots: four different house-made sauces sit on every table, and guests are encouraged to try all of them. One enthusiastic reviewer described spending time tasting each one individually before deciding how to pair them with different dishes — and concluded that all four were winners.
Among the standouts mentioned by name are the Lilikoi Gold and the Crackseed sauce. A popular combination described by one guest involves adding both to a scoop of rice, scooping it up with pickled cabbage, and layering on a piece of pork.
The result, they said, creates “a very memorable bite.”
Sauce culture is a real thing in BBQ communities, and Huli Sue’s takes it seriously. Having four distinct, house-crafted options at the table tells you everything about how much thought goes into every detail of the dining experience here.
Desserts That Make You Wish You Had Saved More Room
Multiple guests have admitted to the same regret after eating at Huli Sue’s: they filled up on the savory dishes and had no room left for dessert. After hearing what they missed, most vow to leave space next time.
The dessert menu here is genuinely worth planning around.
The Banana Cream Pie has been called the best by more than one reviewer, described as a perfect, creamy finish to a bold meal. The Triple Layer Coconut Cake earned a “to die for” rating from a guest who tried it for the first time.
The Pineapple Upside Down Cake and a rich Chocolate Cake have both drawn their own admirers as well.
For a BBQ and grill spot, the dessert program at Huli Sue’s punches well above its weight class. Think of dessert here not as an afterthought but as a genuine final act worth saving appetite for.
Drinks That Match the Food’s Energy
A meal at Huli Sue’s is not complete without exploring the drink menu. The cocktails here carry the same Hawaiian spirit as the food, and several have built loyal followings among regulars.
The Lava Flow — a tropical, creamy blend reminiscent of a spiked pina colada — is one of the most frequently mentioned favorites.
One regular guest admitted she always orders the Lava Flow but recently branched out to try the Army and Navy cocktail, calling it unexpectedly delicious. POG juice, a beloved Hawaiian staple made from passion fruit, orange, and guava, also appears on the menu — a detail that thrilled guests who had been searching for it since visiting Hawaii.
Non-alcoholic options are handled with the same care. Cold brew coffee, fresh juices, and other thoughtful choices round out a beverage program that feels as intentional as the food menu.
Every sip fits the overall experience.
Service That Guests Compare to Fine Dining
Great food alone does not earn a 4.8-star rating from over a thousand reviews. The service at Huli Sue’s is mentioned in nearly every single glowing writeup, and the praise is specific and heartfelt.
Servers like Jordan, Marisa, Wren, and Ren have each been called out by name for going above and beyond.
One guest shared that their server walked through the entire menu with patience and warmth. Another described a server who noticed a guest feeling unwell and immediately brought a cold brew coffee without being asked.
That kind of attentiveness is rare in any dining setting, let alone a casual BBQ spot.
The owners clearly set a tone that filters through every staff member. Guests describe feeling genuinely welcomed — not just seated and served, but actually cared for.
One reviewer summed it up simply: “A wonderful staff tells me they enjoy working there.” That enjoyment shows in every interaction.
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Word of mouth is powerful, but a feature on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives takes things to a completely different level. Huli Sue’s earned a spot on the beloved Food Network show, and the recognition brought a wave of new fans who were curious to see if the hype was real.
Spoiler: it is.
Several reviewers specifically mention watching the episode as their motivation to finally visit. One family even rearranged their weekly schedule to make it happen after seeing the restaurant featured.
The episode highlighted the house-made SPAM, among other dishes, and the owner’s background as a Hawaii native running an authentic operation.
Being featured on the show is a stamp of approval that carries serious weight in the food world. For Huli Sue’s, it simply confirmed what Asheville locals had already been saying for years.
The cameras just helped the rest of the country catch up with what this city already knew.
Outdoor Patio Seating With Downtown Asheville Energy
Asheville has a reputation for vibrant street energy, and Huli Sue’s outdoor seating puts you right in the middle of it. The patio area outside the Grove Arcade is consistently described as buzzing with activity, especially on warm afternoons.
One reviewer arrived to find every outdoor seat taken — a clear sign of how popular the spot has become.
Sitting outside gives guests a front-row seat to downtown Asheville’s lively foot traffic while enjoying food that feels like it belongs on a beach in Maui. That combination of mountain-town charm and island-inspired cuisine creates an atmosphere that is genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else.
Even on busier days, guests report being seated quickly and efficiently. The staff manages the flow with impressive calm, making sure no one waits longer than necessary.
Whether you grab a patio table or head inside, the energy at Huli Sue’s stays consistently warm and welcoming throughout your visit.
Why People Keep Coming Back Again and Again
Some restaurants are worth a single visit out of curiosity. Huli Sue’s is the kind of place that rewires your dining priorities entirely.
Guests return not just for the food, but for the full package — the atmosphere, the staff, the energy, and the sense that something genuinely special is happening inside those arcade walls.
One couple drove an hour each way for a second visit and tried completely different dishes, only to be blown away all over again. A local family calls it their go-to spot for hosting out-of-town visitors.
Another reviewer said they would choose Huli Sue’s over most Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City.
Operating Thursday through Monday from noon to 8 PM, the restaurant keeps a focused schedule that matches its focused approach to quality. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Reach them at 828-505-0397 or visit hulisuesbbq.com to plan your visit. Some meals just stay with you.
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