I personally hate leaving bad reviews but I've visited this location many times and never had a good experience. First off the Cashier which I suspect is the owner never greets any of the customers and when he takes your order he seems Extra annoyed. They also give you the stink eye if you dare ask for extra sauce or green onions. lastly the amount of meat they serve on the plates or bowls is very minimal. This location is giving Waba Grill a bad name... read more

Arrived with 7 min to spare, they told me they were closed. Had to settle for Flame Broiler instead :/

Extremely rude male Asian cashier who just stared at me when I came in. I said hi and he just stared at me. I could go on with his customer service skills but you get the point. Give him a job washing dishes. The broccoli was ROTTEN in my wife's bowl. Enough said. read more

Always great customer service Always clean and it's a very nice looking waba grille I come at least 3 times a week for lunch it's healthy and it tastes delicious and there very fast to bring out the food always recommend for a quick bite to eat lunch or dinner read more

WaBa Grill - Half and half bowl - Fast Food Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This place is always closed early. Sign says 9:00 pm, it's 6:55 pm. Not just a one time deal. This has been several times. Closed!!!

I'm staying in Irvine/Laguna Hills area for work.. my husband and I decided to try something new! Very healthy! They have rice bowls! Chicken, beef and salmon! You can add half an avocado! Everything is so fresh! So delicious! Definitely going to go back soon! read more

WaBa Grill - Salmon bowl with avocado and green onions - Fast Food Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I've been a fan of WaBa Grill for the past 8 years up until visiting this particular location. The food quality was extremely poor with crunchy rice and rubbery chicken along with the terrible service given when trying to place a phone order, and deliberately being hung up on twice after being asked to hold. Do Not Recommend this location at all. read more

The food is always fresh and the service is friendly. I always get the Waba Plate and it never disappoints.

The food is good, but the service is not. We have gone to other waba locations and they are all friendly and give great customer service. We have come to this location multiple times and every time, they are unfriendly. They act put out if we ask them for anything and this last time when we asked them for extra sauce, the guy just ignored me. read more

BEWARE! This place closes early. Employees are in store right now. 7:53 pm on Saturday 5/11/19 lights on door locked. Will not answer phone. Employees continue to hang up the phone on me. Find a different location. Save your time and money and find a location that wants your business. Love WaBa but this location should be avoided. I would give zero stars if I could. read more

First time in this Waba Grill location and definitely the last. We ordered chicken and steak bowl and this lady asked us if we want green onions but didn't even gave us. They gave us less meat and half of the bowl for everything. read more

Ordered the family meal. The guy was awesome! And he was doing it all, cook, taking orders, everything. He made everything fresh and my order was ready sooner than promised. read more

Dude working the counter on 08/04/2020 at 11:20 am. needs to be placed somewhere That does not require him to deal with the public. Guy has no personality he is very abrupt does not say please or thank you. I never expect people to kiss my ass in these types of places but I also don't expect people to be anything other than polite. read more

I really like WaBa Grill. Good place for a healthy lunch. Before picking this place to get lunch, I had a frustratingly hard time deciding where I wanted to get lunch, but then WaBa Grill was eventually the last thing on my mind for lunch today. And it's a healthy place to eat too, well, a lot healthier than fast food of course. I had the WaBa Bowl (half-chicken half-steak) with avocado. It was delicious. And good food quality too. Today was a good day. read more

WaBa Grill - Fast Food Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I concur with a lot of the recent reviews. The customer service here leaves a lot to be desired. Never friendly or very helpful. Is this the owner's son who is being forced to work here by his parents instead of playing video games in the basement? The online customer service (Instagram) is also very frustrating to deal with. I have spoken to them a couple times to get issues resolved, most recently I never got the issue resolved despite a few attempts. The issue stems from this location not offering a scanner for the app, so everything has to be done manually when there is an offer on the app (and of course not in a friendly or helpful way). Why don't they have a scanner for the app in this location? In short, I am so disappointed that this location offers such poor service, as I stop by the Nekter and Panera 2-3x a week here and would come to Waba much more often despite what I find to be a bit overpriced options, if this location treated customers better. read more

This place the food was ok and the beef tasted like cheap beef. The service was fast but not super friendly I said thank you twice and the employee never acknowledged me. I don't think I will be going back. read more

I've had constant issues with this location. From incorrect orders to even being out of white rice. How are you out of white rice when that's like the 1 thing you sell? But I saw the posts regarding hours as well. Wasted my lunch hour with my family to drive to Waba, see the Open sign on, yet nobody inside. No hours posted on the store window. Not sure what's going on here, but I hope they can fix it or I'll just have to take my business elsewhere. read more

the better and healthier version of flame broiler! bf suggested that we try waba as recommended by a fitness vlogger on youtube (eye roll)... so then we found ourselves at waba lol. i've always avoided waba grill thinking that it's just another flame broiler, but boy was i wrong. i like that there are options for everyone. chicken and beef for the carnivores, salmon for the pescatarians, tofu for vegetarians, and kids meal for kids! and the variety of choices, plates for those who want a kale salad, orange, and those who just want to stick to a simple bowl with veggies (cabbage and carrot). choice of white or brown rice free of charge. i opted for the salmon plate + brown rice while bf opted for waba (chicken + beef) + white rice. we topped our plates with heaping amounts of green onions and pickled veggies, we were set to go! thoughts? super healthy, and i think that's why the sauces lack a certain oomph of flavor like flame broiler, but maybe that's why flame broiler is less healthy for you. the restaurant itself is well maintained and clean. the kitchen is nice and open and also very clean. they fulfill orders at the speed of lightning, and they're even thoughtful to design a bench for those waiting for carry-out orders without hovering around other tables. i noticed that the plate boxes are even microwavable for those that wish to microwave their food. i appreciate restaurants that pay attention to details. and won't be surprised if we start to make waba a habit! read more

WaBa Grill - salmon and waba plates! - Fast Food Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Fast and friendly service, hits the spot when craving that simple meat and rice dish. The flavor here is a tad different than Flame Broiler, especially the steak. I got the Waba bowl with veggies (half steak, half chicken), and the portion is decent. From what I remember, they give you more broccoli (which I loveeee). They have more options here, with salmon and shrimp, different tofu options and all. I'll most likely always opt for the chicken and steak, but it's nice that they have those options there. When you order to go, they give you four sauce packets (two teriyaki, two hot sauce). Also the jalapeno bar also comes with carrots if you prefer it. And there's lemons! I'd come back again to try their plate options! read more

Bad service, unfriendly. Didn't honor the coupon or didn't even try hard to look into it

I've been eating here average of once a month when I'm down in Lake Forest for work. Their quality of service and food continues to impress me. Love this place. Highly recommend. read more

The male Asian cashier like other reviews has stated, should find a different job. Didn't even say hi to me or anything at all really. Probably -3 words came out of his mouth through our interaction. I'd rather just order off a kiosk. The food was good! But you know maybe a different job for this fellow would allow him to excel or maybe he's being overworked and needs help? Idk I feel bad even stating my review even. read more

I've been to this location several times. There's a heavy concentration of retail surrounding the small parking lot. Good luck in finding a space! Be patient. This location is relatively new and is a spacious venue with high ceilings great furnishings. Very tasteful and motivating artwork with a healthy theme. The menu is standard for all of this restaurant chain. Always high-quality never had a bad meal if any of the locations. Today I ordered the salmon bowl with brown rice which came out prepared perfectly. My food arrived piping hot, my brown rice was healthy and tender and the salmon was a good sized portion They offer fountain drinks and bottled sodas. The prices are moderate and the service is always fast. They could sweep the floor in the restrooms on a more regular basis read more

WaBa Grill - Bowl with brown rice grilled salmon hot sauce, carrots and jalapeño - Fast Food Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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WaBa grill is my go to for a healthy meal that satisfies. I have been to the location in Mission Viejo and was excited to see one closer to home. I got my usual: chicken with brown rice and cabbage, however, you can have tofu, steak, shrimp, no rice, broccoli and carrots. Pretty much you can make this your own. This location has a different set up: there are to-go hot sauces tubs and the onions and jalepenos are on the side where the teriyaki and other sauces are. I douse mine in their signature hot sauce and I love my meal. It's filling and I feel worth the cost. I highly suggest coming here. read more

Foods are ok, at least the chicken is good. Very poor customer service. I rarely write a review but this time, I have to. No smile, no "thank you" from the cashier. I ordered chicken bowl and he did not ask me whether I wanted white rice or brown rice. It came on 12/09 in the afternoon. read more

It is like Flame Broiler but with more of a variety. Price is a wee bit more expensive? I also feel it's a little healthier - maybe because of the kale salad, orange slice and generous portion of avocado. The restaurant is very clean and there's plenty of seating available, even at high noon. Service is excellent- all around a great experience, even parking wasn't painful, and this is a busy center. read more

Not bad! I'll be back because the food is relatively healthy (if you don't drench it with teriyaki sauce), quick, and inexpensive. I also love the unlimited green onion and peppers that you can get on the side. WaBa Grill delivers in what I would expect in a fast casual establishment. read more

This review is for the Asian male worker that was calling out our order. (2/24/2021 @12:30PM) I understand people have bad days, but you are in the service industry my guy. I ordered a $50 order that included a "loaded miso-soup." (Miso-soup that comes with rice and tofu, as advertised on their menu) I understand it's a complicated order and mistakes could happen, not a big deal. When I received my order, I noticed right away that the miso-soup container was light, it was not "loaded," so I pointed it out to him, he brushed me off and was actually upset that I questioned his competence. I stepped aside and opened the "miso-soup," notice how I didn't describe it as "loaded," because it was clearly was not, it contained only broth, no rice, or tofu as described in their menu. Of course he was aggravated that he had to take it back and add the missing ingredients. (He ended up putting in chicken , not tofu, he did not care) If he had apologized for the mistake or acknowledged the mistake the first time, I wouldn't be writing this review. Mistakes happen, I understand that, I never expect my order to be perfect, just own up to it and correct it. This second part is for the store itself, which was a great establishment, I don't want 1 individual to represent the entire store, which is why I still give this location 5 stars. The food was tasty and they took all the needed safety precautions during such uncertain times. read more

Wow. WATCH THEM when they prepare your bowl. Today I watched them as one customer brought back to the counter an open-lid bowl of chicken saying his order was wrong. The guy then takes the chicken from that bowl scoops it out and puts it to the side as he corrects that order. Then I watched them as he used that returned chicken to put into my bowl, put a lid on it and then gives it to me. He clearly wasn't aware that I've been watching this. I promptly asked him to please redo my bowl with fresh chicken instead of chicken returned by a customer! He became startled and embarrassed that this was caught and then apologized as he dramatically drops that bowl into the trash for me to see. He then says something in Spanish to the the person at the cutting board with the knife (who is the same guy I watched reuse returned chicken). So that person says "sorry!" And then prepares a new bowl for me with fresh chicken. Unbelievable. WOW. Totally grossed out by this. I walked away with my food wondering if I can ever come back to this location! Yuck.... *since this review posted i received a message from them asking for my contact info so corporate can reach out. It's been over 2 weeks. No one has reached out nor responded to my email. What a shame. * read more

I ordered the waba plate with avocado.. The chicken, the meat, the rice and avocado combined had a very good flavor along with the sauces they provide.. Good Stuff I'll be back! read more

Love Waba! I used to eat at Flame Broiler during my lunch breaks at work. I recently tried WaBa Grill and love it. The quality is great, portions are great. They are very quick when making your food. The only downside to this place is the terrible parking situation in this strip mall. Other than that, if you can catch it outside of busy hours, you will be good. read more

WaBa Grill - Fast Food Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Food is delicious. First time I walked in there to get food and the guy manning the register was rude.

My first time at WaBa. The owner recommended number 3, which is the chicken and steak entree. I also had it with brown rice. A healthy slice of an orange and some salad were included. Everything was delicious. I plan on going back for more. read more

The Asian cashier man is so RUDE. He never greets the guest, he just stares at you until you start the order yourself. You can say a thousand thank Yous and he will shove your card and receipt back in your face. He acts as if he hates his job. You can choose to work anywhere, if customer service isn't for you try something else. If we spend our money within this establishment at least be respectful. If you're asked a question, respond back. If we call your business DONT leave your phone off the hook as if the lines busy. They need new employees, but every-time they hire new people they're gone after a month. I wonder why?? None of them are friendly there except the lady who bags our food. Do better please. I keep thinking my experience would be different but every time it's the same thing happening. read more

Ordered chicken plates. Clean presentation. Generous plate portions. Chose steamed vegetables over the kale salad; which was okay (although one carrot slice was 3/8" thick). Biggest problem: the flavor was missing. The chicken had no seasoned flavor. And while I prefer not to drown my food in sauces, this one was served with very little sauce drizzled over the top of the chicken. Thankfully, they have serving cups of hot sauce to spice things up. Although, Louisiana hot sauce does not overly compliment the flavor of teriyaki sauce. read more

My review isn't about the food, which is actually consistently pretty good for what it is. It's nice there's a place that actually cooks rice correctly regularly. The only reason I avoid coming here is the staff, I have honestly never been somewhere where ever staff member seems to genuinely hate being there and hate customers. I'm a friendly person, it's important to me to be kind to food service workers, and when you walk in here smiling and saying hi and asking how their day is and all you get in response is what do you want (to order). No smiles, and no customer service, any questions you ask they act as is you are inconveniencing them in someway. It reads like it's a family business where the workers are the kids being forced to work there for free and they hate it. (Not saying that's what it is, just how it come across). Owners please take notice and encourage your staff to learn some customers service and how to be friendly to your customers. read more

What do ya know, there is a brand spanking new waba location in lake forest !!! ... I love going into a fresh new clean store... Upon entry i was greeted and attended promtly with a smile. I ordered a rib plate with brown rice and avocado.. My buddy had the salmon plate same style brown rice avocado ... I never ordered these dishes before at my other favorite location in fullerton and i do regret it, because the waba ribs are delicious.. My buddy enjoyed his dish aswell. We were both full by the end of our meals so it was not skimmpy. Everything was grilled to perfection not overcooked or under, just right. I enjoyed the meal i had here today. Overall had a fantastic experience at this new location and will return when in town on a business meeting .... Way to go wabagrill lake forest keep up the good work ! read more

They are terrible!!!!! the people that work there treat you like crap when you pay they get your card like if they are mad at the world asking me "what do you want" like bro really when i ask for extra waba sauce and hot sauce gentleman just throws it in my bag get to work and everything spilled all over my bag i find that really disrespectful guy honestly doesn't deserve to be working the cashier or dealing with any customers one day hes going to piss off the wrong person and it will go bad for him i definitely wont be going back there again wish i can give a 0 star read more

I highly recommend you avoid this location. I've visited this spot several times before due to the closeness to my job but will no longer go after today's visit. The food isn't the problem, its their customer service. Specifically, the Asian male who is usually on the register. He has a HORRIBLE attitude and has no customer service. You can clearly tell that he hates his job and his life. The thing that bothered me the most was the way he acted once I handed him my card and he jammed it into the machine. It was clear that the machine was not reading the card and after he attempted several times to jam my card in, he had to manually input the numbers and then started throwing things around. Now, you can say that maybe he is just having a bad day or going through something but as I mentioned, this is not my first time at this location. Every time I go in that same Asian male is there with that same rude attitude. They need to get rid of this guy or throw him in the back away from customers. read more

Terrible service. The guy didn't even speak to me. If WaBa is part of a mute hiring program, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Otherwise, probably not going to be a customer there anymore. read more