With Asian flavors and Texas barbecue, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar brings a combination of cultures to West University Place.

At Loro, the barbecue pits stay on 24/7, with meats beginning to slow cook every day at midnight in preparation for the next day, according to the restaurant’s website. The website also states that only the “highest-quality cuts of meat from single-family farms committed to natural protocols” are served.

New items currently being featured on the menu include the Pork Katsu Sandwich, Spicy Japanese Curry Ramen and Smokehouse Sampler. The restaurant is also known for its boozy shakes and offers seasonal flavors such as a bourbon hot chocolate and a frozen espresso martini.

Additionally, Loro serves a variety of mocktails, including a Mistletoe Margarita with a ritual tequila alternative, pomegranate and mint, and nonalcoholic beer.

A closer look



The restaurant opened in September 2024 and practices a “come as you are” mentality, general manager Ashley Wilson said.

“Culture is really important to me,” she said. “So when I was looking for jobs, I really wanted to find a restaurant that really embodied that, and Loro as a whole really does do that.”

Wilson said the restaurant is constantly engaged in community events and is very people-centric.

Most recently, Loro has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and Pathways for Little Feet, a nonprofit that reduces financial barriers for adoption and foster care.

Loro's menu includes a 'Lunch Two Step' option for $15, featuring a Double Smash Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Pulled Pork Sandwich along with a side. (Courtesy Loro)
Loro's menu includes a "Lunch Two Step" option for $15, featuring a Double Smash Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Pulled Pork Sandwich along with a side. (Courtesy Loro)

The impact



Loro’s layout also reflects its melting pot of cultures, joining what resembles a Texas dancehall and Eastern designs to create a communal dining space.

The smokehouse features a large patio with long tables and benches that are often rented out for private events, as well as more intimate seating.

“The great thing about this place is you can make it as big or small as you want it to be,” Wilson said. “We've done corporate events, we've done weddings ... even rehearsal dinners [and] mixers for real estate.”

As a general manager, Wilson said she hires not just on experience, but also on personality. She said it’s important to her to have staff who are friendly and unique in their own ways, who can contribute to Loro’s laid-back, community-driven atmosphere.


Wilson also said she’s appreciative of working at Loro because, in her experience, not many restaurants have a strong community feel and the “drive to actually be people first.”

“When you take care of your people on the inside, then it really shows based on how you take care of your guests too,” Wilson said.