Tucked inside the stunning Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill is unlike any restaurant you have ever visited. This one-of-a-kind spot blends Hawaiian flavors with Southern BBQ traditions, creating a menu that surprises and delights every single guest.
With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating and over 1,000 glowing reviews, word has spread fast about this hidden gem. Whether you are a local or just passing through, Huli Sue’s is a dining experience you absolutely cannot miss.
A Historic Home Inside Grove Arcade
Built in the 1920s, the Grove Arcade is one of Asheville’s most beloved landmarks, and Huli Sue’s has made it even more special. Walking through those grand arched hallways to find a Hawaiian BBQ restaurant feels like stumbling upon a treasure.
The architecture alone is worth the visit.
The contrast between the historic stonework and the colorful, tropical energy of Huli Sue’s creates an atmosphere that is truly one of a kind. Guests often mention feeling transported the moment they step inside.
It is the kind of place that makes you stop and say, “Wait, this is amazing.”
Located at 1 Page Ave, Suite 150, the restaurant is easy to find once you enter the arcade. Whether you are visiting Asheville for the first time or the tenth, this spot always feels fresh and exciting.
Hawaiian Roots That Run Deep
The owners of Huli Sue’s are not just inspired by Hawaii — they are actually from there. They also run a restaurant on the Big Island, which means the flavors here are as authentic as it gets.
That island heritage shows up in every single dish on the menu.
Customers are often surprised to find such genuine Hawaiian cuisine in the mountains of North Carolina. One reviewer even said it felt like “Big Island vibes the moment you walk in.” That kind of atmosphere does not happen by accident — it is carefully crafted with love and culture.
From the POG juice on the drink menu to the Hawaiian Mac Salad served with every bowl, the little details remind you that this place is the real deal. Authenticity is not just a buzzword here — it is the whole point.
The Legendary Hawaiian Combo Bowl
Few dishes at Huli Sue’s generate as much excitement as the Hawaiian Combo Bowl. Loaded with Huli Chicken, Pork Katsu, and Sweet Chili Shrimp, it is a plate that delivers three incredible flavor experiences in one generous serving.
Reviewers consistently describe it as a “flavor bomb” that never stops giving.
The chicken arrives with a beautiful char on the outside and tender, juicy meat inside. The pork katsu is crispy yet delicate, and the shrimp are massive — perfectly cooked with a sweet chili breading that makes every bite memorable.
Paired with Hawaiian Mac Salad and Pickled Cabbage, the whole bowl comes together brilliantly.
At around $26, it is considered outstanding value by the guests who order it. One longtime visitor said they would choose this bowl over meals at Michelin-starred New York restaurants.
That is one serious compliment.
Crispy St. Louis Ribs Worth the Drive
Some people drive over an hour just to eat at Huli Sue’s, and the Crispy St. Louis Ribs are a big reason why. Described as “nothing short of amazing” by multiple guests, these ribs have earned a reputation that stretches well beyond Asheville.
They show up in nearly every glowing review for a good reason.
The preparation style gives the ribs a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and full of smoky flavor. They work beautifully as an appetizer for the table, though some guests order them as their main event.
Fair warning — once you start, stopping is very difficult.
The restaurant even appeared on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” which only added to the hype around dishes like these ribs. If that does not convince you to try them, nothing will.
Poke Nachos — A Crowd Favorite
Poke nachos might sound like an unusual combination, but Huli Sue’s makes it work in the most delicious way possible. Regular visitors call them a “must-order” and many guests say it is one of the first things they recommend to anyone new to the restaurant.
The dish blends the freshness of poke with the satisfying crunch of nachos.
The portions are generous — guests frequently mention that the appetizers alone are large enough to share comfortably. The vibrant presentation also makes it one of the most photographed items on the menu.
Every element on the plate feels intentional and well-balanced.
Whether you are a poke lover, a nacho enthusiast, or just someone willing to try something new, this dish will win you over quickly. It has become a signature item that keeps guests coming back visit after visit, trip after trip.
Brisket That Steals the Show
Brisket lovers, rejoice — Huli Sue’s takes this BBQ classic to a whole new level. Reviewers describe it as “some of the most flavorful brisket in a very long time,” which is high praise in a state that takes its BBQ very seriously.
The meat is tender, rich, and deeply satisfying.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the brisket is in the Brisket Mac and Cheese — a creamy, indulgent dish topped with a generous pile of smoked meat. The Brisket Nachos and Brisket Salad also showcase just how versatile this protein can be.
Each preparation highlights a different side of its bold flavor.
On Saturdays, guests can also enjoy a special Brisket Reuben that has developed a dedicated fan base. Planning your visit around that weekly special is absolutely worth rearranging your schedule for.
Desserts That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Saving room for dessert at Huli Sue’s is not just recommended — it is practically required. The Banana Cream Pie has been called the best by multiple guests, and the Triple Layer Coconut Cake has been described as “to die for” by a repeat visitor who finally tried it after several visits.
These are not afterthoughts on the menu.
The Pineapple Upside Down Cake is another standout that fits perfectly with the restaurant’s Hawaiian identity. Even the Chocolate Cake, mentioned by guests who ordered Sunday specials, has drawn rave reviews.
Every dessert option feels thoughtfully crafted and genuinely special.
Many guests admit they were too full to try dessert on their first visit and made a return trip just to fix that mistake. If that does not tell you everything you need to know about the dessert menu, nothing else will.
Drinks That Match the Food’s Energy
At Huli Sue’s, the drink menu is just as exciting as the food. The Lava Flow is a guest favorite — a tropical cocktail that is as fun to look at as it is to sip.
Guests who branched out from their usual orders discovered gems like the Army and Navy, which one reviewer described as a genuine “wow” moment.
For non-alcoholic options, the POG juice — a Hawaiian blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava — appears on the menu and has thrilled guests who had not found it since visiting Hawaii. It is a small but meaningful touch that reinforces the restaurant’s authentic island identity.
The bar is visible from the dining room, adding to the lively, open atmosphere. Sitting at the bar on a busy Friday night is a perfectly enjoyable experience, as many guests have happily discovered on spontaneous visits.
Staff That Genuinely Makes a Difference
Great food gets people in the door, but the staff at Huli Sue’s is what makes guests want to come back again and again. Servers like Jordan, Marisa, Wren, and Ren have each been called out by name in glowing reviews, praised for being attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm.
That kind of personalized service is rare and memorable.
One reviewer shared that the owners once provided hotel rooms for employees during icy weather so no one had to risk a dangerous drive or lose a paycheck. That level of care for the team trickles down directly into how guests are treated every single day.
Visitors consistently describe being greeted warmly, checked on regularly without feeling rushed, and made to feel like valued guests rather than just customers. A wonderful staff is a sign of a healthy, happy workplace — and Huli Sue’s has exactly that.
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Being featured on Guy Fieri’s iconic show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” is a huge deal, and Huli Sue’s earned that spotlight fair and square. The exposure brought a wave of new visitors who were curious to see if the hype was real — and almost everyone left a convert.
Several reviewers mentioned the show as the reason they finally made the trip.
One family had walked past Huli Sue’s multiple times before seeing it on the show and decided to rearrange their entire weekly schedule just to visit. They ended up calling it one of the best dining decisions they had ever made.
That story has been echoed by many others across the reviews.
Being on national television did not change what makes this place special. The food, the atmosphere, and the people remain exactly as authentic and welcoming as they were before the cameras ever showed up.
Outdoor Seating With Downtown Asheville Vibes
Sitting outside at Huli Sue’s on a warm afternoon is one of Asheville’s great simple pleasures. The patio buzzes with energy, filled with lively conversations and the unmistakable smell of great food coming from the kitchen.
On a nearly 80-degree Saturday, guests have described the outdoor scene as absolutely electric.
The Grove Arcade setting adds a layer of charm that is hard to replicate anywhere else. Guests enjoy the fresh mountain air alongside their Hawaiian bowls and BBQ plates, creating a combination that feels both relaxed and exciting.
It is the kind of meal that sticks in your memory long after the plates are cleared.
Even on busy days, the staff manages the seating flow impressively well. One reviewer noted being seated within minutes despite arriving without a reservation on a packed afternoon — a testament to how smoothly this restaurant operates.
Hours and Location Worth Planning Around
Huli Sue’s keeps a focused schedule that is worth knowing before you make the trip. The restaurant is open Thursday through Monday from 12 PM to 8 PM and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
One family in the reviews admitted they had walked past the restaurant several times without realizing it was closed on their usual “Family Day” — a mistake they deeply regretted once they finally tasted the food.
The address is 1 Page Ave, Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801, right inside the Grove Arcade in the heart of downtown. Parking downtown can be a bit tricky, but guests consistently say it is worth the extra walk.
The restaurant is also reachable by phone at +1 828-505-0397 or through their website at hulisuesbbq.com.
Making a reservation is a smart move, especially on weekends. Planning ahead means less waiting and more time enjoying one of Asheville’s most talked-about dining experiences.
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
Loyalty is the truest measure of a great restaurant, and Huli Sue’s has earned it in abundance. Guests regularly describe driving over an hour just for a return visit, changing their weekly schedules to fit in a meal, and immediately planning their next trip before they even finish their current one.
That kind of devotion speaks volumes.
The combination of outstanding food, genuine hospitality, and a one-of-a-kind setting inside a historic arcade creates something that is truly hard to find anywhere else. Reviewers compare it favorably to Michelin-starred restaurants and international dining experiences — and mean every word of it.
From the first warm greeting at the door to the last bite of Banana Cream Pie, every part of the Huli Sue’s experience feels crafted with care. If you have not visited yet, the only question worth asking is: what are you waiting for?
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