BBQ King

4.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  6      Value  4     

Old school Chinese place. Not much has changed in 10 years since I was last here. Good for the bbq duck and pork, but these days you can get equal quality for at most places in Chinatown, so they're not really king of anything now. Prices are up there with Golden Century but for the grimy ambience and fairly average dishes its a bit disappointing. Service is efficient.

Dec 09, 2011 

6 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  5     

I was a little curious why my hosts chose BBQ King for our pre-dinner show night, then again we were on a historical 'trip' that night to see 'Queen'. I doubt the only thing that's changed at BBQ King in 30 years or so is the prices. If you have a penchant for 70's Chinese cuisine and decor then don't miss this place !

Our group skipped the banquet and ordered an assortment of dishes starting with Peking Duck Pancakes and they were pretty good, the rest was a little so-so but you won't go hungry with the portion sizes. The Choy Sum particularly good and they appear to do good vegetables all round. The salt and pepper squid turned out to be calamari rings straight out of the freezer bag and have to say I've had better at the RSL club ?

There did appear some mis-communication as a few dishes arrived unannounced and a couple of ours went astray, but that's probably part of the game, as remember this is 1970's 'Chinese'. I can't complain about the service though, they guys were fast and attentive or maybe Freddie Mercury's entourage had this table booked next and they wanted us out !

The decor is very dated but that is half the attraction here, luckily Sydney has moved on to far better Asian dining experiences, but BBQ King holds it's own - more so by it's location and by the steady stream of patrons through the door, it will probably be here in another 30 years long after I've left the planet !

Oct 30, 2011 

2 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  3      Value  1     

Our friends raved about this place especially for the Peking Duck. So we ordered Peking Duck with 2nd course San Choy Bow style, Suckling Pig and Salt 'n Pepper Squid/Prawn. The duck was average, nothing special and the 2nd course (San Choy Bow) was way too salty and only 1 lettuce cup per person (very stingy). The Suckling Pig was simply not good and the Salt 'n Pepper dish was super salty and the squid has an unpleasant fish taste. All this with 3 beers and a little rice cost almost $200, lousy food, too expensive and zero ambience.

Oct 05, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  6     

I love going for the peking duck pancakes. So good after a night on the turps. Pretty dodgy fitout and a little pricey I suppose but don't really care after a few beers and 1 am in the morning. Owner looks like the guy from iron chef, he gave us a tour of the kitchen and area where they make the ducks which was cool.

Aug 21, 2011 

2.3 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  3      Service  2      Value  1     

What an absolute rip-off. $44 for a plate of fat and bones (platter of pork, duck and chicken) all served with a poor attitude on the side There is nothing to recommend this place, and I would recommend people look elsewhere. The place looks like a "cheap eats" place and the food matches, whereas the prices are those of a fine dining restaurant. Absolutely nothing to recommend here at all, there are so many better alternatives to this place.

Jun 26, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  5      Service  6      Value  7     

Service is a bit hit and miss. The place does look a bit tired and in need of some fresh paint and furniture but let's face it, late night feed and succulent bbq meats, that's why you head to bbq king. Never leave there without feeling extremely stuffed and always enjoy sharing plates of food with my friends. I like.

May 02, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  7     

We come here for the duck pancakes and the crispy skin pork. It's a wonderful mix of kitsch and the seedier side of Sydney's history. My partner loves this place quite simply for the hoi sin sauce. I love it because you can mix with some fun and offbeat people and maybe even a celebrity or two.

Feb 08, 2011 

2.3 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  1     

Came here for takeaway soya sauce chicken and rice for a late night snack. Instead, I got a pile of bones and skin. Was not impressed when I went home to find out that I had not much meat to eat off the chicken bones for the money that I paid!

Oct 27, 2010 

3.3 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  3     

I have to agree with beast-of-bourbon's review. Went there early last night (6.30 on a Friday), so it wasn't busy. The duck pancakes were cold, sang choy bow too sweet and the salt and pepper squid poorly seasoned. Most disappointed, this used to be one of my favourite places to eat. Commented when paying the bill and the waitress noted they had a problem with the sang choy bow sauce, so why hadn't they fixed it before? Not going back any time soon.

Oct 23, 2010 

3.8 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  4     

I have been going here for years but it has changed for the worse since they redecorated some years ago. Still some of the best bbq, pork tenderloin and duck are moist and the roast pork or suckling pig very good. However, I get takeaway at the street window as the sitting in is not worth it. Many years ago they made great spicy salt squid but last time it was bland and a poor cut. Still they have some unusual dishes and it still worth a go for the experience.

Aug 01, 2010