My first delicious taste of varied and intriguing Hawaiian food was on a visit to Oahu, but my first Reno Hawaiian "plate lunch" was at a chain restaurant sometimes known as the "Hawaiian McDonald's". It wasn't amazing, and I haven't been back. From acclaimed food truck and catering origins, Aloha Shack set up shop in the North Valleys a few months ago. My friend, her twin boys, and I recently headed up north 395 to check it out. The service counter sports a varietal pyramid of canned Spam, including the infamous "pumpkin spice" edition. You won't be able to sample this rarity, having been purchased on eBay at above-market cost for the purpose of display. Speaking of spam, warm sushi-ish grilled musubi ($3 each) were enjoyed by the new-to-Spam boys. House-rolled Filipino lumpia ($8, 4 pieces) was similarly well received, with pork, cabbage, and mixed veggies fried in a thin spring roll wrapper, served with a housemade ginger and shoyu sauce. Continuing the Filipino influence, a bowl of rice noodle, spicy sausage, teriyaki chicken, cabbage, and egg Pancit ($10) was exactly what I want from this chow mein-inspired dish. The leftovers were great as the next day's breakfast. One kid chose a mac and cheese bowl ($6), and tater tots with "Island" barbecue sauce ($5). The mac's combination of cheese sauce and melty, stretchy cheese made me wish for more than my sample bite, the tots hot and crispy with a sweet sauce. His brother went loco moco ($11.50), a seasoned burger patty with brown gravy over rice, topped with a fried egg and chopped scallion. Without exaggeration, it was beyond expectations. The burger was tender, flavorful, perfect. The runny egg was similarly well executed, and the savory gravy sealed the deal. An exceptionally solid example of comfort food. Combo plates come with a pair of meats, choice of macaroni salad or Asian slaw, and white rice. The crisp cabbage salad's ginger/soy/vinegar/sesame dressing was excellent with the smoky kalua pork, and the Korean-style kalbi short rib was sweet, spicy, and tender ($17). Another combo with thin-sliced marinated steak, and breaded, fried chicken chunks tossed in spicy/sweet Ono sauce was also terrific ($18). The mac salad was well-seasoned and included black olive and onion, a step above some of the gloppier, bland versions served with lesser Hawaiian plates. Lau lau is available as a Friday dinner special, and Saturdays if they didn't sell-out on Friday. Hand-wrapped packages of salmon and kalua pork in taro leaf are steamed for hours, a mashup of the best cooked greens and meat you've ever had ($7 ala carte, $16 combo plate with another meat and side). It just came out as we were about to leave--already stuffed--but there was no way we weren't sampling this delicacy. The chef noted they hope to eventually offer it weeklong, so here's hoping. Despite having had more than enough food, the boys desired desserts of banana lumpia and malasadas ($6 and 4 pieces each). The crispy/mushy cinnamon-sugar-banana fried spring rolls were topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce, while the heavily sugared Portuguese donuts were reminiscent of beignets, though a whole lot sweeter. The menu includes poke bowls, grilled sandwiches, nachos, tacos, wings, and other specials. There are plans to open a second location in south Reno, which I'm both anticipating and frankly apprehensive about. I could happily ruin my diet and eat these goodies every week. read more

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Oops I did it again. I waited too long. Got lost in the game. Ooh baby baby. Oops I missed my call. That was sent from the Islands. I just had to get some! And so I did. Aloha Shack brings the flavors of the islands to South Reno quite often, and last week the stars (or schedules) aligned and I was able to catch up with them for a taste. When it comes to food trucks it's what's on the inside that matters and Aloha Shack is full of heart and fantastic food. The heart comes from Theresa and Christoper Luke, owners and operators of Aloha Shack. They wear that heart on their sleeves and share it through their food, serving every plate lunch, poke bowl, and spam musubi with a big ol' smile, and maybe a hug too. I met up with a fellow Elite and we sampled the entire menu WITHOUT ordering every dish! How'd we do it? Easy. We asked nicely and the Luke's were super happy to mix and match the poke bowl and put together a plate with both the kahlua pork and chicken teriyaki. Naturally we had to order a spam musubi too... because... HAWAII! Well, everything was absolutely delicious! Biggest surprise was the spam musubi. I planned to hate it and as I write this I already want another. I can't even describe it, but you just need to get one. When it came to the poke bowl, the traditional ahi poke was the winner for me. The wasabi mayo salmon had a solid bite and great fresh texture, but the traditional poke was exactly as I remembered it from the islands. The real kicker on the bowl had to be the marinated cucumbers though. I wasn't expecting them and really liked what it brought to the party. On the plate lunch, the mac salad was a surprise! So often that's boring and bland, but at Aloha Shack it's rocking some serious seasoning and GARLIC! You'll love it. The other surprise was the kahlua pork. That's also a dish I've never enjoyed because it has always been devoid of seasoning, but at Aloha Shack it was full of flavor, and when I had a bite with the mac salad, it was magic! The only dish I wasn't swooning over was the chicken teriyaki. The chicken was moist and delicious, but the teri sauce was a little on the thick side and tasted kind of sweet and tomatoey vs the rich and syrupy sauce I was expecting. I guess I was hoping for a kalbi sauce of sorts, and their version of teriyaki is just so different. Overall though, this is a truck to find. Now go get a taste of the islands ASAP and order that SPAM! read more

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I grew up in Hawaii my whole life, 18 years of my life and I moved here and the homesickness was REAL. I especially miss buying fresh poke bowls for dinner whenever I go to Times Supermarket. No Hawaiian food place has ever satisfied my poke cravings other than Aloha Shack. Meeting Chris was awesome he was really nice, and I felt that Aloha vibe from him and the place itself. Eating just one menu item has cured my homesickness, and my cravings satisfied. So ono! Mahalo Chris! read more

Broke da mouth onolicious. Easily the best MUSUBI in Reno. Love their other plates too: teriyaki chicken and special wonton soup. Haven't had the poke yet. I'm slackin in know. I used to live on Maui for a few years and have missed that original Hawaiian foods. This hits the spot. Staff is also on point. read more

October 18, 2019 Friday - 6:15 PM for a dinner 1 Adult Atmosphere - 4 stars Dinner - 5 stars Service - 5 stars Background - Been to their truck and now time to try their brick and mortar location. Atmosphere - Located in a small shopping center. No big sign on their store front. Just look for their Hawaiian flags in the front windows or their logo on the front door. You can feel the newness of the place. Simple and clean which makes up the open space dining area. A walk up ordering counter is in the back. Food Dinner - I took my order home as I just live around the corner. I ordered a Spam Musubi, I always ordered at least one at any Hawaiian shop. They serve theirs warm and I could smell it through the plastic wrap during my short drive. I could not get that plastic off fast enough. Oh so good. I also had the Kalua pork nachos. The chips and cheese is something you would find at your kids sports game, nothing special. BUT that pork, oh my, it is so worth it. It took me while to actually find the pork. But when I did it never ended, there was a ton of pork on those nacho chips. It was hard just to see it under all that cheese. Service - Place you order at the register and wait for them to call you. I had my food to go and bagged up with napkins and a fork. Future - Like to try that pork on some other items. read more

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Good food, fast service. Great to have an alternative to Mexican or pizza in the north valleys

Always amazing service and food. Our little hidden secret. You won't be disappointed by their menu and don't forget to try the aloha melt. Delish or the poke bowl. read more

Loved this place for lunch! There's not a lot restaurant wise up in the north valleys so this is a happy addition. The pork lumpia were hot and fresh with great flavor. My husband ordered the combo plate with the Ono pork and katsu chicken. Both of which were so perfectly cooked and juicy! I'm always a sucker for Macaroni salad and theirs is fantastic! I enjoyed the Pancit Noodles, great flavor, well cooked. Can't wait to come back soon with the friendly faces and fabulous food. read more

The Teri chicken was well cooked and tasted good. Generous portion as you see in the pickture. read more

Aloha Shack - Teri chicken - Asian Fusion Near Me - reno, Nevada

Food is always delicious here, I live close by, so it's nice to grab dinner on the way home, every staff member I've ever talked to is always super cool, friendly and they always remember the napkins and sauces and forks. I appreciate that so much! Place is always clean and neat. Thank everyone! read more

Don't miss this place! We got the short ribs, kahlua pork, bbq pork Mac and cheese, and dry rub wings all of which were top notch.

Extremely happy that there is another location to eat off red rock! Plenty of parking space. They started off as a food truck and I was driving by and saw that they opened up, there are no signs, but it's right next to the pizza place. Customer service is great. I got the lumpias, and the chicken katsu! Um it was delicious! read more

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Very friendly staff and great food. Feels like your walking into your aunt or uncles home for dinner. Teriyaki chicken is fantastic! Katzo chicken, very good, lightly breaded. Mac salad, absolute fav! read more

Aloha Shack - Katzo chicken and cheeses shell tacos! - Asian Fusion Near Me - reno, Nevada

This place is a great example of what Hawaiian food embodies; Family, Friends and good times! Seriously though quick history lesson. Hawaiian food incorporates five distinct food types that reflect the diverse food history of settlement and immigration through Hawaii! Aloha Shack demonstrates the culture and flavor in their food and it's on point! The restaurant itself is friendly, with open smiles and every guest I've seen leaving always comes up and has thanked the staff before leaving. Is this telling you something? Aloha Shack staff are willing to go the extra mile so you leave full, satisfied and happy. Still have way more of the menu to try, so they will be seeing more of me in the future! Best regards to Aloha Shack staff and owner! read more

A true gem in the North Valleys. The menu is generally pretty simple, but the food is really good. The chicken katsu is a staple! They have specials that pop up from time to time that are well worth it-so keep an eye out for that. It helps to follow them on some of the social medias to see what they have. read more

From an Island girl I was super excited for this place to open! When you walk in it's cold and dull. Nobody greets you or says hello. Staff is not friendly or personable at all! When I ordered a couple masubi's I was told they only had 1. Placed my order watched them put a (1) chicken thigh on the grill completely unseasoned or marinated. After the chicken was cooked they just put it in the box and drizzled teriyaki sauce on it. Macaroni salad was dry and bland. For $14 I will not be back. Side note the man cooking has a long beard the gets in the way while cooking. Watched him serve a plate with his beard in it! read more

Aloha Shack - Combo plate $14 - Asian Fusion Near Me - reno, Nevada

OMG! How lucky were we to stumble into Aloha Shack. Beautiful young Hawaiian girl explained all the food to us. We opted for Kahlua Pork and Shack Chicken with cabbage salad and macaroni salad. Servings were HUGH, could have easily split a meal...but so glad we didn't! Everything was wonderful from rice to salads and pork...But the Shack Chicken was to die for. Tender, crisp chicken in a honey/sriracha/magic goodness sauce. Loved it! Prices were good. Service was great, everyone was friendly and helpful. Nice little family-run places, with photos of family on the walls. GREAT FOOD, GOOD PRICES, NICE FOLKS, what's not to love. We'll be back. read more

shout out to Charlie & the Cashier, they made this a great dining experience. The Moco Loco & Mesquite Dry Run Wings were on point!!

I wish I lived closer to this place, because this is what the true flavors of Hawaii are. Everything is so fresh and seasoned down to the smallest of ingredients. You can definitely tell they take time and care to perfect the flavors in their dishes and it makes all the difference. I enjoyed the pancit with chicken and sweet sausage and it was so addicting, I ended up finishing the entire portion by the end of the day. Their portion sizes are large and their pricing is comparable to any other Hawaiian place in town. I love that they have the classic plate lunch but also some items that you don't always see on Hawaiian restaurant menus. read more

I have been to many places similar, this place was great. The people interacted with us, more than just the basics. When this happens, I know that the staff are good people. While I am not a resident here in NV, I still believe that this place is worth a visit. Enjoy. read more

If you are missing the taste of Hawaii, be sure to grab some Ono goodness from this truck! The truck came to my work for lunch about a week ago. They came prepared to serve Poke Bowls, a chicken option and even a beef option. Since I knew what I wanted straight away, I do not even recall what the chicken or beef options were. I was not disappointed with my bowl. It was amazing. I got it with the spicy may for a little kick, and it was the right amount of spicy. Very good portion for the price, in fact I would even say it is the best deal on a poke bowl that I have seen in town. Should I see them parked in the future, i will absolutely be getting more. read more

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Hawaiian owned and food is amazing!! People were superb!!! The location is close and the inside of restaurant took me back to Hawaii

This food tasted straight out of Hawaii! I came here with my mom who had just recently returned from a trip there. She was missing the food and warm weather and said this food took her right back. We got the loco moco and aloha pork/ chicken katsu plate. I can't choose a favorite. The food was so fresh and the portions were more than generous. It's a cute little restaurant with lots of family decor, which makes it feel homey and welcoming. The location is a bit far out, but it's a drive definitely worth taking. I can't wait to come try the other food. read more

YOU HAVE TO COME HERE! Seriously, one of the meals I've had in Reno and by far the best Hawaiian I've had in town. Everything was made right in front of me after I ordered, and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes even though they had a constant stream of people coming in. The portions are hefty and the quality of food was higher than I expected. That flank steak was so tender I didn't even need a knife. The chicken is ever so slightly fried, it has the perfect crunch but zero breading. And that sauce - there in house made ono sauce. Can I buy a bottle?? I'd put that sh** on everything. It's way north, but so worth it. Give them some love and enjoy an amazing meal. You won't regret it. read more

Aloha Shack - Chefs steak plate $14 delicious!! - Asian Fusion Near Me - reno, Nevada

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Food is amazing locally feels homey and people are super nice . And good portion of food for your buck

Gave it another try and it was excellent. Must have had a bad cook that day or they stepped up their game. Either way, will be visiting more often. read more

Please go try this place! The food is amazing and service is too! Wonderful family restaurant in Red Rock!! We've been a few times and have never had a bad experience. We will keep coming back! read more

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The food makes you want to take a trip to the islands! Love all the options, including spam masubi!! Staff is always awesome and very friendly. read more

Found this Ono restaurant on Yelp based on reviews searching for Hawaiian food. A little hard to find but was worth the search. Upon entering all I could smell was deliciousness. Friendly and fast service. Ordered a keiki size teriyaki chicken and kalua pork with Macaroni salad. Also ordered a side of ahi poke. Everything was really good. Will return soon. Mahalo read more

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Aloha Shack is a delicious option for Hawaiian food and definitely worth the trip. I've had most of their stuff and it's all amazing. Anything described as grilled is delicious and everything else I've had has been awesome. I highly recommend checking their Facebook page for specials since those haven't failed me yet. They don't have fries on their regular menu, but I don't know how they do it, but the fries that come with their occasional specials are insanely good and they need to put them on the regular menu. The one negative for me is that the macaroni salad includes olives and I hate olives. Also the banana lumpia for a sweet option are really good. read more

Called in to make a pick up order tonight to try this place for the first time. We got the teriyaki plates and pork lumpia ... so good!! I'd never had lumpia before but now I'm going to have it all the time. The teriyaki sauce is amazing, can't wait to go back! read more

Aloha Shack - Chicken Teriyaki Plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - reno, Nevada

I'm really happy to have tried this restaurant! My wife was craving some loco moco and the kids loved the katsu chicken. I tried the special of the day, pork adobo. Everything is made from scratch and did not fail to please. I'd have posted some pictures, but it was devoured before it hit the table! read more

I've always been a fan of the staff at this place. Always friendly. Always smiling. Even on a rainy day, this place has a positive atmosphere and cool island vibes. The decor in the restaurant is very well done. If you have the chance to stay and eat, I highly recommend it. My favorite go to item when I get my Aloha is the Wasabi Mayo Poké Bowl. Be sure to give this place a chance if you're in the area! read more

Love the wasabi keto tacos They are made with a cheese shell!!!! Soooooo goood!! The food is always good!!!! read more

Always enjoy their amazing food Lumpia is a must, along with fried rice. The Keto style Kalua pork tacos are ph so tasty and filling! read more

***** Reminds me of home. Love the food. Thank you Luke and family for bring home style food to reno & sparks.

I love this place. BEST Poke in Reno. I have my friends going out there too. I go at least once a week sometimes more. love it. GREAT Friendly people they care about their patrons and the quality of the food they serve. Thanks. Diana Martin read more

Don't order after 7pm I guess. Our nacho chips were very stale. The mac n cheese was dry, hard, and not cheesy. The lumpia needed at least another min in the fryer ( the flavor was good though!) the pancit noodles were good and shack tots were good, needed a little more time frying too. I'd try again but was very sad tonight read more

Aloha Shack - Asian Fusion Near Me - reno, Nevada

Being so far out of the way, it took awhile for me to finally try Aloha Shack. I'm a HUGE fan of Hawaiian food and get it wherever it's good. It pains me to say I don't think I'll be making the drive out for this spot again. The reviews seemed so promising, and I was given pretty lack luster food. I was very excited for what seemed like what was gonna be better than regular old L&L. I got the Shack Chicken with their Ono sauce and it was a pretty basic flavor profile along the lines of most Korean Fried Chicken spots. The rice was also completely mushy, and the musubi seemed to be made the day before as the spam had no flavor and was all mush with the seaweed disintegrating. I can at least say the poke was fresh albeit a bit overpriced. The tater tots tasted like they had no seasoning and overall the food was just very disappointing for what we paid. Maybe I'm just used to my offerings back in my hometown of Las Vegas, but I would rather just stick to my local poke spot and make musubi at home. The service was amazing and the employees are very kind at least, and the space is very homey with the family pictures along the walls. read more

Food here was delicious! Highly recommend. Only negative is that my boyfriend asked for extra sauce and got a rude comment back about how the sauce cost money. When he had already placed a great tip for them in the tip jar. Just unnecessary but other than that it was good. read more