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    WaBa Grill

    3.1 (92 reviews)
    InexpensiveFast Food, Asian Fusion
    Closed 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order WaBa Grill Takeout or Delivery

    WaBa Grill Photos

    Business Info

    WABA GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - WaBa Grill

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    they didn't give a straw or ranch and the onion rings are absolutely disgusting like i wish i wasted my money on different food

    Lisette C.

    @ 7:35pm on 12/28/23 I ordered a Salmon Bowl to go. The server Brandon was great. Very kind, humble and focused. However, there was another employee who continuously distracted, Brandon with gossip. Unbeknown to the other employee, Spanish is my first language. She continued with her unprofessional gossip while sweeping/cleaning and returned to the grill to handle food without washing her hands or wearing gloves. I immediately had to call her out on it, as it is a health concern and a health code violation to Brandon. Which he notably addressed with said employee. Said employee made it known out loud her discontent with my concern. New management, please do better. Thank you!

    Bowls with no veggies didn't even notice till  I added my carrot and jalapeños

    every time I come here I have to double check to see if I have all my items since they always forget came in on 2-12 -2025 at 6pm for my food got everything but veggies in my bowls even though I ordered rice and veggie Bowles staff are nice just would hope they would double check orders and honor my order because the bowls with veggies cost more than the ones without them

    Nail
    Kimberly M.

    I FOUND A METAL NAIL IN MY PLATE!!!! I am still in disbelief about this situation. My 60 year old aunt was lucky to have not found this nail in her mouth. It took the staff 4 hours to get back to me after I had called and sent photos of this issue. I was told they had no idea how this happened. The fact that they don't know worries me. Is the staff lacking food safety training? A training even more important during this pandemic. The solution to this problem was a refund. How is this refund going to reassure me that I am safe to eat Waba again? I am a frequent customer and I am extremely disappointed with the lack of care. It has been over a day since I sent an email with photos and I have I not received a response back from upper management. HOW IS THIS NOT A PRIORITY!

    Both of what I paid for.
    Denise J.

    I came to pickup lunch here after seeing a client. Still in a middle of a pandemic but you can order inside. The woman working the register was very friendly, helping me decide what I wanted. I ordered a chicken and steak bowl. I got all the way home to Santa Monica just to find no steak in my bowl.... I rather the chicken be missing than the steak since the steak cost now. What a bummer! Nevertheless, the food was okay. I wish the veggies were cooked longer. They were all very crunchy. Double check your order before leaving.

    Burnt chicken & so much waba sauce.

    Had the worst experience ever, the food (Chicken & Beef) was burnt and full of nothing but waba sauce. I understand it comes with waba sauce but this time around it was just a whole puddle on my rice, veggies and chicken/ beef. (My husband had also said light waba sauce. )There was even burnt black ashes on my food. To top it off I called to let them know about the situation and they said they would give me back my money because my food wasn't eatable. Yet they went on and charged my husband credit card twice & didn't even fix anything I had told them about. It's not the first time yet we still gave it a second try and the same thing with this location. Don't recommend at all! If possible no star at all.

    Chicken
    Xenia R.

    Worst location ever!!!! They didn't cook the chicken enough! It has no flavor! They cooked it dry with no sauce! I tried calling to complain number doesn't go through. Asked for an extra tray of chicken and they gave me this little cup of chicken!! Never going back there again. I worked all night and took my son to practice this afternoon. If I wasn't so tired and in need of sleep I'd drive back to get get my money back and return the food. $40 down the drain!

    Clean soda machine area
    Peter C.

    The closing of Teri & Yaki on Arroyo in Pasadena made me want to try Waba Grill. The food is actually pretty similar. First of all, this restaurant is CLEAN. As we walked in, people were mopping the floor. The soda machine area is well-stocked. Bathroom was clean. Even the trash cans were clean. The staff here are definitely on it. We got 1 Waba plate and 1 salmon & veggie bowl. Everyone was happy with their food. The only thing that I might change is asking for no sauce, since they also supply their sauce and small containers near the forks & napkins. But the food is hot, fresh and arrived quickly. The ladies behind the counter are so friendly, and even took time to smile, wave and play peek-a-boo with the littler one, and it's such a nice touch to see people interested in customer service that goes beyond their job. If you're needing dinner and your fridge is empty, this place is definitely worth a shot!

    This food was gross
    FD Mack D.

    Gross tofu ever just wrong for $12.89 well lets start with the tofu it's plain with some sauce it doesn't even taste like it's been on the grill. The orange I got was a old slice whatever Rice bland and the there salad sucks. Side avocado stinks like they cut it and the fridge stinks. The vegetables ok

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    WaBa Grill R.

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    8 years ago

    The lady tried giving me an Avocado she dropped. Luckily I caught it, can't imagine if I wasn't paying attention. Nasty.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Always great experience when I eat here. Excellent customer service. Yasmin always very attentive and polite.

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    Waba Grill T.

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

    This spot just opened up in HLP. Great costumer service. Fast service and the environment is so clean!!

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    10 years ago

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - WaBa Grill

    Ine

    Ine

    4.1
    (81 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    Romantic vibe
    Takes reservations

    O V E R A L L Great discovery and new eats to add to your…read morelist of restaurants to try. Small, cozy, intimate vibes~ I do have to say, this was my first restaurant after coming back from an Asia trip... so my standards and expectations are sky high still. This made most of these taste more underwhelming or something that tastes like I could have had it anywhere else. O R D E R Crispy Tuna Rice (5/5) -- Pretty good, def order this! Fatty Tuna Brioche (4/5) -- Such a missed opportunity in getting better quality toast or putting a bit more thought there... currently feels like an after thought. Tempura (5/5) -- Nice and crispy without excess batter! Ine noodle (+ sea bream) (3/5) -- Underwhelming and the sea bream was such a tiny piece. The bonus here is the quantity of noodles felt generous but I don't think this was worth the price point. Ine hand rolls - Hokkaido scallop - Hokkaido Uni - Sweet shrimp - Toro All the hand rolls were refreshing and I love how they served it. I don't think it's anything more special than other experiences I had... it is good but not one of a kind. The toro was not as fatty as I would have hoped. Servet ice cream - I forgot what we got but we tried two. Both were delicious! S E R V I C E They are so packed! Must make a rsvp to eat here. The chef or owner noticed that we were waiting for a while and offered us this complimentary fish that was actually the highlight of the meal. We appreciate the attention to detail and awareness in their own business. O T H E R Parking is assssss just find street parking and don't risk it at the plaza next door.

    The atomosphere is awkwardly unwelcoming for some reason…read more 4 of 5 dishes we wanted were sold out before 8. 2 of 4 desserts on the menu were also sold out. Our server didn't seem concerned but more disoriented and offered us nothing to help the situation. The proper management of inventory and basic consideration from service team are unfortunately missing here. I was expecting more refined food but most of cold appetizers were just immersed in a sauce. All handrolls came with a paper thin slice of fish also soaked heavily in sauce and a tiny piece of dry eel on excessively acidic and wet chunk of rice. Korean owned Japanese fusion is trendy and not a bad concept but I prefer more friendly and vibrant ambience.

    Photos
    Bar Seating
    Bar Seating
    Ine
    Nutty Tuna

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    Nutty Tuna
    Mala Class

    Mala Class

    4.6
    (189 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I drove through the LA area today and decided to try this "hidden" Sichuan restaurant. The vibe…read moreinside is chill and plant-filled, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere that pairs nicely with the bold flavors on the menu. I ordered Mike's Spicy Beef Noodle Soup (I asked for it non-spicy for myself), and my friend had the regular Beef Noodle Soup. The soups were very, very good, and the beef was tender and well marbled, lending a subtle richness to every bite. The noodles had a satisfying chew--slightly springy with a bit of bite that held up well in the flavorful broth without turning mushy. The broth itself was savory with a balanced chili kick that lingered pleasantly. I also tried the Szechuan Salad. The numb, tingling bite from the Sichuan flavors was pleasantly surprising. Will definitely be back!

    Yummy chill spot, but it's tiny so you may be up for a wait. Has some pretty good food, kind of a…read moreSichuan microcosm in Highland Park. Staff is very chill. Street parking in front or nearby. Pleasantly surprising. Beef noodle soup - this was my favorite thing we tried. Comforting numbing spice & the beef is braised well. I wish there was a deeper beef broth flavor though, as it's written over by the spice. Dan dan noodle - plain dan dan noodles. They're good, but I wish they were spicier and used more qq fresh noodles. Sesame noodles - too sweet for me. Not the biggest fan Mapo tofu - wish this was spicier (both spice & numbing).

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Cucumber salad with bean curd.
    Cucumber salad with bean curd.
    Mala Wings with dry pepper rub, Szechuan peppercorn, drizzle of sweet soy

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    Mala Wings with dry pepper rub, Szechuan peppercorn, drizzle of sweet soy
    Bone Kettle

    Bone Kettle

    4.1
    (2.9k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$$
    Family-owned & operated
    Happy hour specials

    I decided to come here for a birthday celebration and ooo la la the ambiance really set the mood…read more Service was spectacularrr. I appreciated our server for constantly checking in. Now, let's get to the important part- the FOOD! -Garlic Prawns: 5/5 WOW chef's kiss. I got this because of all the positive reviews I saw on Yelp. I love love love how they left the shrimp's skin in the dish, where you could eat them like chips! They were not hard at all...and perfectly crisped! -Thai Steak Salad: 5/5 the steak MELTS in your mouth and was not chewy at all. I'm not sure how they were able to make the steak so soft and delicious. -Crying Tiger Lambchops: 5/5 I'm not a fan of lamb, but these lamb chop were deliciouso!! The sauced up lettuce side that it came with, complimented the lamb really well. -Nasi Goreng w/ Wagyu Ribeye Cap: 4/5 This Indonesian fried rice was good, but the Wagyu meat kind of tasted a bit odd, but maybe that's just me because my bf loved it. -Singaporean Chili Lobster: 3.5/5 I wasn't really a fan of this since the based flavor had such a strong tomato/ketchup taste... When I made the reservation, I politely requested if there was a way for them to make the bday celebration special, and I'm glad I wrote that because at the end of our meal, our server brought out a Pandan Crème Brulee: 5/5 !!! It was very delicious that we devoured it all! Overall I will def be back to try the oxtail dumplings that I saw people constantly ordering. Note, there is a 20% tip charge that automatically gets added to your check!

    The food is pretty good and definitely unique compared to what is typically found in the SGV area…read more It's a mix of different southeast Asian cuisines together, with a Western twist. Portion sizes are great, and definitely filling. Service is a bit slow, and the food does take a while to come out.

    Photos
    Bone Kettle, reservations highly recommended, indoor and outdoor dining available
    Bone Kettle, reservations highly recommended, indoor and outdoor dining available
    Loco Moco w/ Garlic Rice, available only at weekend brunch
    Loco Moco w/ Garlic Rice, available only at weekend brunch
    36 hour Bone Kettle bone broth w/ Top Sirloin & noodles, 100% organic beef broth

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    36 hour Bone Kettle bone broth w/ Top Sirloin & noodles, 100% organic beef broth
    Noodle St

    Noodle St

    4.4
    (1.1k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    Kid friendly

    On July 23, My family decided to eat here for dinner. As we…read moreentered we noticed how super clean it was & so were their restrooms. The restaurant is very organized & attention to details. As we were seated we saw the chef actually cooking in front of us, this place is known for their handmade noodles. Leung was our waiter he asked we had any questions, we did & he answered them beautifully! They have appetizers which included: Oinghai clear cold noodle, Four-bared clear cold noodles, chinese chives and garlic Spring mix salad: Seasonal vegetables spring mix greens and peanuts, Cucumber salads, Cucumber garlic and cilantro, potato string shrimps, Potato shrimp served with sweet and sour sauce (5pcs), crispy tofu: Crispy tofu with sweet and sour sauce, fried chicken wings, Battered chicken wings with garlic chili sauce (4pcs) seasoned fries. Noodles : signature beef noodles with rice noodle soup, Bone in rib rice noodle soup, Spring cold noodle, Egg with tomato noodles Savory braised chicken noodles Chicken noodle with rice noodle soup Noodle minced beef soup Seasonal veggie noodles with rice noodle soup Spicy beef and beef tendon noodle with rice noodles soup, stir fry noodle: beef, chicken shrimp or tofu, and white rice. House Choose your noodles : standard round, Flat, triangle, and knife cut. Rice dishes: Korean bbq with rice, egg with tomato over rice, beef fried rice, kimchee fried rice with shrimp, White rice. House special: Lamb skewers, scallion pancakes, beef roiled pancakes, chicken spicy wontons, garlic string beans. So we ordered their signature beef noodles with rice noodles soup (standard round noodles), savory braised chicken noodle , scallion pancakes and chicken spicy wontons. All delicious!! mouthwatering! Leung always made sure that drinks were full without asking! He was on it!! Leung was so sweet, kind, caring , super down to earth, very genuine. He has this upbeat energy about himself that really radiates! I would love to thank Leung for a fantastic & memorable visit! I would like to Thank Noodle St for a wonderful visit! I'll definitely tell all my Family & Friends to visit here!!

    Was here for lunch over 2 weeks ago to meet my friend that works in the area. We walked from her…read moreoffice near Paseo to old town and we ended up here. There's a menu outside of the place so you can browse so you can check it out before going in. Since this was a slow day (most offices were closed day before a holiday) we were seated right away. My friend ordered beef with rice and I of course wanted a noodle dish. The server suggested some noodle dishes but I felt too hot to go for soup so I ordered the eggs and tomatoes over knife cut noodles. So eggs were overwhelming TBH and I wished I ordered what the server suggested but I do love the noodles. You can tell they're freshly made. Will definitely return to try the popular dishes. The tables are close to each other so you can see what the next table ordered. The beef bone soup looks really good. Dining area is clean, casual and good space for friends and families. I see a lot of young kids with parents. I If you're into fresh noodles definitely try this place out.

    Photos
    Stir Fry Noodles with Tofu ($15.80) - onions, spinach, bell peppers and carrots. With triangle noodles.
    Stir Fry Noodles with Tofu ($15.80) - onions, spinach, bell peppers and carrots. With triangle noodles.
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Beef Stir-Fry Noodles

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    Beef Stir-Fry Noodles
    Shiro

    Shiro

    4.2
    (465 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    Tugged away in South Pasadena, a friend told me about Shiro a legacy contemporary French Japanese…read morerestaurant that's been serving delicious fine dining for over 40 years! The decor is very classy and elegant, soft lighting with background piano music but you can still have conversations. They have daily fixe menu specials for Thursdays as well as their regular menu. First timer so we had to try a variety of dishes to get a good feel of their cuisine. Wine and cocktail options: had the Shirotini which is a twist similar to a lemon drop. My friend had the pink crane which is bourbon based. Both cocktails were well balanced and tasty. Appetizers: Their famous ravioli: had very creamy sauce over 4 wobton skin ravioli with plump shrimp inside topped with shiitake mushrooms on top. It's a mini meal in itself! Also tried their grilled octopus, cooked perfectly with a nice crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. The main star was the fried catfish sitting in what tasted like a ponzu sauce and please is big enough to feed 4 people! Also had the scallops which were delicious but truly the catfish stole the show. *The main dishes come with a medley side dish of broccoli, carrots and scalloped potatoes. Dessert was the crepes with strawberries and glazed pecans for the filling. The wait staff was attentive but also the owners were there to check in with all the guests to ensure everything was top notch. Learned that the co-owners are best friends. The original owner/chef was Shiro and his niece is one of the co-owners while one of is staff became the other co-owner. What a unique story. Definitely happy to support a legacy business and hoping others will too from this review.

    I didn't realize Shiro was still around. Boy did this bring me back down memory lane when I passed…read moreby during my week long stay in So Pas. I had to make a reso before we left So Cal and it was available for the next night. So happy we came bc WOW. I remember why I loved this quaint restaurant over 2 decades ago when we used to come for every special occasion. If memory serves me correctly, it's the same host. She was so hospitable and made us feel right at home. Our server was amazing. Gosh, I forgot his name. Tall skinny guy. Nightly specials. Truffle ravioli with spinach ricotta. Delicious. Had to share as it was a bit rich for a starter. Shaved truffles and blanched spinach. 5/5 Chilean Sea Bass 5/5 light and flaky Crème Brûlée with berries and bananas I didn't know I needed until I had the very first bite. Wow. So good and full of vanilla bean specs. Chocolate soufflé was more of flourless chocolate chocolate. Not too rich. Scoop of bold coffee ice cream. I just needed a tad more ice cream to finish the cake with. I didn't get it to try the crepe special since nephew ate most of it. Crispy wonton with poached pear. Raspberry sauce and orange custard was so unique and tasty 5/5 Both Hubs and Bro ordered the Mary's chicken and absolutely loved it. Well seasoned and garnished well. Filet was perfect cooked and seasoned even for an 8 yr old to finish on his own. DD ordered the salmon. It was so tender and fork soft. Her broccoli was so full of flavor and not overly creamy. I remember even saying out loud that this was a more decadent experience than TFL and Per Se without feeling so overstuffed and heavy feeling upon leaving. So glad I found Shiro again. Will definitely return again.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Special menu "Grilled artichoke"
    Special menu "Grilled artichoke"
    Salmon

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    Salmon
    Chateau Lemongrass

    Chateau Lemongrass

    4.1
    (629 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Came here with a friend last week. Our regular spot was closed so we thought to try this place out…read moreand well this will be our new regular spot! The broth was sooo good, service was 10/10. The man standing behind the counter welcomed us in and the lady taking our order was super sweet.

    Upon walking in, the place had a nice lemongrass smell. I was looking forward to trying their food…read more Service was ok. My friend got brisket pho and my other friend had a kid pho, and shrimp rice which isn't shown in picture. I ordered the lemon grass chicken vermicelli noodle. When I receive my food, I notice a lot of gnats was flying around. My lemon grass vermicelli noodles just didn't look appetizing, the chicken tasted alright. I ordered an egg roll as well, and I asked for pork since my option was either tofu or pork. The egg roll tasted like veggie tofu. I wanted to not be biased and give this place a try since my friend always goes here. But after eating here, I was was not too happy. The food was ok, I give a 3.5/5 rating. I've had better pho restaurants that is more seasoned than this. The fish sauce that came w my dish didn't even look like fish sauce. It's not the usual Vietnamese "Nuoc mam" that I get. If you like basic pho, than this is the place for you. If you want good authentic pho this is not the place. I came home and ate my beef stew pho that I made because I was that disappointed and not satisfied. This place definitely missing that authentic Vietnamese food.

    Photos
    Interior - simple, nice decor
    Interior - simple, nice decor
    Shrimp spring roll - this was ok
    Shrimp spring roll - this was ok
    Vietnamese Lemonade - delicious!

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    Vietnamese Lemonade - delicious!

    WaBa Grill - hotdogs - Updated August 2026

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