KAOKAO Grill

KAOKAO Grill

Discover KAOKAO Grill in Berkeley, CA, where American BBQ meets bold Asian flavors. Enjoy smoky, tender grilled meats, spicy cucumber salad, and comforting bowls in a casual, wheelchair-accessible setting. Perfect for lunch, dinner, dine-in, takeout, or delivery with friendly service and great local vibes.

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Hello Dear

Welcome to KAOKAO Grill

KAOKAO Grill
KAOKAO Grill
KAOKAO Grill
KAOKAO Grill

Step into KAOKAO Grill, nestled in the heart of Berkeley at 2993 College Ave. We specialize in reinventing American-style BBQ by infusing vibrant Asian flavors to excite your palate. Picture the smoky aroma of grilled meats paired with bold spices and fresh, crisp salads that harmonize tradition with innovation. Our casual, welcoming atmosphere suits lunch, dinner, or solo dining, creating a neighborhood spot where you feel right at home. Whether you dine in, take away, or enjoy delivery, our friendly staff guarantees an experience featuring quality comfort food that locals love. Join the Berkeley food community and discover your new go-to for BBQ with a flavorful twist.

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Location & Contact

Address

2993 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

Hotline

+1 510-960-0851

Social

Taste the best

Food Menu

KAOKAO Grill offers a unique blend of classic BBQ and Asian-inspired dishes, crafted with attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Our menu highlights include the signature Kaokao Char Siu, tender and glazed, and the spicy, numbing cucumber salad praised as the best in the U.S. We provide dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, ensuring convenience for every schedule.

Accessibility matters here — wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating accommodate all guests. Families are welcome, with kid-friendly options and a casual vibe perfect for everyday meals. Payment is simple with credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments accepted. Street parking options abound, from free to paid, making it easy to stop by. Our kitchen ticks up flavor without rushing, allowing each dish to be perfected even during busy hours, showcasing dedication over speed.

About

KAOKAO Grill

KAOKAO Grill
KAOKAO Grill
KAOKAO Grill
KAOKAO Grill

KAOKAO Grill embodies the creative spirit of Berkeley by combining American BBQ tradition with Asian culinary finesse. Located at 2993 College Ave, this local gem emphasizes quality over quantity, with a carefully curated menu featuring dishes like BBQ Brisket Noodles and Chickpea Curry. The food balances smokiness with spice, freshness with comfort, providing a dining experience that stands apart in the competitive Berkeley food scene. Our team prides itself on high standards — every plate is crafted authentically and thoughtfully.

Patrons often remark on our friendly staff and community feel, where casual seating and counter service create a welcoming environment. We prioritize accessibility and convenience, offering wheelchair accommodations and multiple service options to fit diverse needs. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, KAOKAO Grill serves as a staple for flavorful meals, fueling neighborhood lunches and dinners alike. It's a spot where locals gather—and newcomers quickly become regulars thanks to the perfect blend of flavor, ambiance, and community connection that defines us.

KAOKAO Grill

KAOKAO Grill commits to redefining American BBQ by celebrating the intersection of cultures in one plate. Their vision centers on serving impeccable quality comfort food while highlighting Asian culinary techniques and flavors. The team prioritizes fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and delivering dishes with intentional smoky depth and flavorful layers. Accessibility and community connection are key, demonstrated by inclusive seating and accommodations. Every detail, from the discounted cash payments to accommodating solo diners and families, reflects their focus on creating an inviting, reliable spot for local food lovers. KAOKAO Grill aims to be a cornerstone of Berkeley’s dining scene, offering consistent excellence with a unique cultural twist.

Reviews

What Clients Say

Cute little restaurant. We ordered cucumber salad, bbq chicken set and bbq char siu set. Everything tastes so good. Very very high food quality. A lot of flavors. The spicy and numbing cucumber salad is the BEST I have had in the US. Not exaggerating. It’s counter service and they have discounts for cash. Staff is very friendly. Great neighborhood restaurant for everyday eats. Would come back again when we are in Berkeley next time.

Wei Z.
Wei Z.

Casual vibe but really excellent food. We got the chicken set and the brisket noodles, which were both delicious. The combination of American-style barbecue with Asian elements works well, and the barbecue was grilled nicely and properly smoky

Amy M.
Amy M.

Ordered takeaway from here - got the char siu and green beans! Both were excellent. The only drawback is that it took a while for our order (about 35 min). Definitely recommend calling ahead and getting takeout if you live in the area!

Shirley M.
Shirley M.

The food is spectacular for a small local place. There are so few items on the menu that each one has been perfected. They recently added noodle dishes and so far we’ve tried three of them . The noodles have great chew and lots of flavor. The grilled meats are so smoky, tender and flavorful. This is my favorite place on College Ave and I really wish other people would discover it. One note: it takes a while (not a long time) to get the food. It’s casual so it feels like the food should be out faster, but it’s got restaurant pacing. It’s not fast casual. It takes a reasonable amount of time to make food that good.

CT T.
CT T.

We went a little late and they were out of their popular chicken dishes so we defaulted to the pork. The ‘char siew’ pork was very well done - tender, juicy with a nice shiny glaze on the outside. The cold cucumber salad was also good but could have used a little bit more marinading time.

Ton T.
Ton T.

Mouth-watering smoked charsiu pork and South Asian-flavored chicken. Generous portions, nice accompaniments for each, delicious house soda. I will definitely visit regularly. Their flavor profiles are so fresh, attention-grabbing, and savory.

Julie K.
Julie K.