Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar

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Caleb Cartervia Google

15 days ago

I was immediately intrigued by Loro. The idea of an Asian smokehouse suggests integration, depth, and a thoughtful fusion of techniques and flavors. Expectations were high, and I was genuinely excited to try it. Unfortunately, those expectations outpaced reality. Rather than experiencing a true fusion, the meal felt like two worlds sitting beside one another. Asian flavors on one plate, Texas barbecue on another, without the cohesion or interplay that would make the concept feel fully realized. We visited in the early evening. Parking was easy, and the restaurant leaned mostly toward dine in service, with some takeout orders moving through as well. The staff was generally friendly and helpful. They explained the ordering process, offered recommendations, and made an effort to connect, which I appreciated. We did have one dish arrive that was clearly off. The wonton chips and dip were overly salty and essentially inedible. Initially, the server pushed back and insisted there was no salt in the sauce. Eventually, they removed the dish and replaced it with the smoked salmon dip at no charge, which was significantly better. While the correction was appreciated, there was no acknowledgment that something had gone wrong, which left the moment feeling unresolved. The standout of the entire meal was the grilled edamame. It was exceptional. The flavor was bold, intriguing, and deeply satisfying. Each pod demanded another bite and genuinely changed how I think about edamame as a dish. For my main, I ordered the sampler with brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, and two sides. The pulled pork was the strongest of the proteins and quite enjoyable. The brisket, however, was dry and dull, which is particularly disappointing when serving barbecue in Texas. The chicken wings were fried and sauced but largely forgettable. The vinegared vegetables did not complement the meal and left the palate searching for balance. The sides followed a similar pattern. The potatoes were unremarkable, while the coleslaw was well done and paired nicely with the barbecue. Three sauces were delivered without any explanation of which paired with which protein. We tried them all, but none stood out as particularly well matched. For a dine in experience, the use of single use sauce cups also felt unnecessary. In the end, this is a solid three star experience. It is close to four stars, but tightening the flavors, refining execution, and delivering on the promise of true integration rather than adjacency would make a meaningful difference. My rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars) Rating scale: 1 star — I will never return. 2 stars — If nearby, I might return, but without urgency. 3 stars — Worth a visit if in the area, though not a destination. 4 stars — Worth going out of your way to enjoy. 5 stars — I would fly around the world for this meal.

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Nick Turnervia Google

about 2 months ago

Very rare a restaurant checks all the boxes, and this place does it overwhelmingly. Adequetly priced food, a wonderful variety of flavors that complement the atmosphere, and a staff that takes pride in every thing they do. I tried the butchers cut and Grayson was able to get me grilled shishitos that weren’t explicitly on the menu without fuss, that’s a love for your workplace and a deviation to the customer experience that is needed more in our society. Jennifer running the show behind the bar made the experience all the more memorable, and made me feel at home. It’s rare I write a review after only trying a place once but this restaurant performed to the highest standard and deserves all the accolades that come with running a great business. I will definitely be coming back and recommending Loro to friends and family. When it comes to fusion type restaurants it can be hit or miss, and this place HITS. The subtle fusion of Asian flavors with a Texas bbq undercut makes it feel like the food is common, and not something foreign to the tastebuds or a “risk” as one feels when trying a fusion dish for the first time. Steaks are cooked to order and they offer a variety of smoked pork products along with a smoked salmon dip appetizer that introduces you to the Smokey Asian flavors they specialize in. I ordered the smoked butchers cut and the shishito salsa verde paired perfectly with the pickled red onions and tenderloin. Seasoned perfectly and plated as if it was a Michelin starred kitchen. The house-made yuzu soda was a gift that kept giving, every sip reminding you this place means business. And the Sapporo beer is an excellent sip to take you out of Texas and into a different place across the pacific, pairing perfectly with the smoked meats and adding to the Asian inspired experience. Overall this restaurant is a 5 out of 5 and I would HIGHLY recommend making a visit.

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Daniel Taivia Google

about 2 months ago

An interesting Asian Smokehouse fusion with good appetizers and BBQ fusion concepts. Went here with a friend on a Tues night. Moderately busy but plenty of seating in tables or booths. A little bit loud for conversation but not too bad. Service was super friendly and helpful with good menu suggestions being it was my first time here. My friend and I got the chicken karaage $12 and the fritters $9. I got the char siu pork rice bowl and he got the salmon bowl. I liked the chicken karaage. It wasn't super fried, a little sweet but not as sweet as I saw with other reviews. Good with the aioli dipping sauce. Not super authentic but tasty. The corn fritters I liked a lot. Actually crisper than the karaage with a nice crunch. Good flavor. For the char siu pork bowl, it had several pickled veggie components fyi if you don't like pickled veggies with a chili fish sauce you can add that added a nice freshness to the bowl and wasn't too spicy. Unfortunately some of the pork was overcooked or tough. Overall an enjoyable meal. The bowl was reasonably priced at $15 but a little pricier than I'd like given the quality. My friend said the salmon bowl $16 had great smoked flavor and was well cooked but the portion size was small compared to the rice and veggies. The char siu portion size was okay but the appetizers definitely helped make sure we were full. Could see this being a good place for groups. Would come again!

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Yael Gowans (untamed genius)via Google

2 months ago

Southern service was great, we went to celebrate and the atmosphere truly set the tone. My partner was very critical of the food, but particularly enjoyed the sides/fixins the most(on top of desserts **chef’s kiss for dimple done right). Came in right towards the end of happy hour, a time was had thanks to our great server, thanks guys!

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Alan Ritchievia Google

4 months ago

We went to Loro to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The atmosphere at Loro is fun and great for a large group birthday celebration. We were able to get in without a reservation and have a table large enough for all of us. Service for the most part was good; however, there was a small error or two in the drinks. The food was generally of good quality. I tried the pork belly, pork ribs, and broccoli and thought all of it was pretty good but not excellent. Overall, I am glad I have been to Loro and think it is a unique concept but I think there would be other restaurants in a similar category that I pick before Loro.