Da Local Boy is one of the best meals I've had in months! I had seen it on yelp but an Instagram post had me rushing to get in! I got the Poke Tacos, Ube Pancakes, Mochicko Chicken, and Garlic Shrimp. Every dish gets a 10/10 and I would order again. I am eager to come back and try more on the menu! read more

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Da Local Boy is one of my favorite Hawaiian pop ups! I was finally able to catch them after a few months of not having them at the Highwood Gourmet Market. The seafood hush puppies were amazing and had a good amount of seafood in them. The hurricane tempura shrimp were crunchy and loved the sauce that was drizzled on top. You can't ever go wrong with their poke nachos too, those wonton chips & fresh ahi tuna is such great combo! Their poke is my favorite thing that they offer, if you ever get the chance to order just the poke, do it!! The pork belly bao buns was something I had ordered when they were offering delivery when I first started ordering from them. The fluffiness of the bao bun and the marinated pork belly was too good. I love these guys and can't wait until they are able to open their food trailer! read more

Da Local Boy - Seafood hush puppies, poke nachos, hurricane shrimp tempura - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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Stopped in on a whim because I saw they were open on Mothers Day morning. Grabbed a plate for my grandma and I to split; the woman working the register was very friendly and helped me make a good choice. I got the "Mochiko Chicken", something I never had before and I LOVE it. My grandma is super sensitive to spice and the wasabi-infused sauce is mild yet delicious. The chicken is perfectly crispy and gives you a little bit of a fight to bite it in half which makes it feel all the more rewarding when you get that burst of flavor. They give you a proper plate with sides for the Mochiko Chicken (white rice and pasta salad) for $14, a very reasonable price. The place is super cute with painted walls and nice decor and a good amount of seating. Definitely coming back, I'm feeling fat and happy!! read more

Da Local Boy - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

We had an amazing experience with Da Local Boys as our wedding late night eats! They were professional, attentive, and incredibly accommodating. They let us customize our food with our favorite dishes mochiko chicken, spam masubi, and huli huli chicken. Our guests talked about their food days after our wedding. They went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect, and their presentation was stunning. Thank you Nate and Diane for making our special day perfect. See you at the restaurant soon. read more

Best place to eat if you're in the area. I ordered the Kolbe ribs and chicken katsu plates. The portions were plentiful and fresh off the grill. Mouth watering ribs, full of flavor and classic Hawaiian Mac kicked up a notch. The atmosphere is definitely laid back Islander style with a taste of Polynesian music playing as we enjoyed our meals. The owner, Diann, came out to greet us and made us feel like Ohana. Get here as often as you can. You won't be disappointed! read more

Food is fantastic. I've been craving authentic Hawaiin for years since my last visit there. I'd try everything on this menu!

So, I know nothing about Hawaiian food, or Hawaiian culture in general, so I'm the last person to ask about whether Da Local Boy is authentic Hawaiian. However, I do know about tasty, and Da Local Boy is definitely that. The pork belly, the chicken (both mochico and huli huli), all fantastic. I tried the loco moco, but it didn't work for me. Seemed a little dry. As I said, don't know if that's how it's supposed to be. The Kahuku garlic shrimp were really nicely flavored, but the shells were tough and chewy rather than crispy and tasty as I'm told it should be. The plates come with macaroni salad, which is sweet and nice, and rice which is plain and makes a good background for whatever your protein is. The restaurant is clean and cheerful, but very simple. Not the place to impress someone, but fine for a quick lunch by yourself or with a friend. The staff are friendly and helpful, and patient with my ignorance. We haven't tried their brunch yet, but we definitely will. read more

New addition to the neighborhood, you know this island raised girl had to check it out. Clean facilities, small dining area and outdoor seating. Walk up order/pay and they bring the food to your table. Right across from the train and surrounded by other shops and bar/restaurants. Island radio playing in the background and great mural on the walls. The food was delicious and then drinks were fun and tasty. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying all the options. My first order was the Poke nachos they use wonton chips, it's V saucy and V spicy. It had a great amount of fish on there each bite was exploding with flavor. The lilikoi bang drink was delicious idk what's in it but I'll be having that again. And lastly, the main dish which I ended up taking home because it was just so much food, the chicken Katsu and kalbi ribs. Can't go wrong with the katsu it hit the spot and the kalbi was good tho not the best I've had same with the mac salad and I love a mac salad. That's just my opinion, it's not going to keep me from going back and trying everything eventually. I would recommend this spot for friends missing island food or wanting to try new food even if they've never been to Hawaii. read more

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I went for the grand opening and fell in love with Hawaiian food! I had Da Luau plate and it came with 3 sides and a dessert. I enjoyed the lomi salmon and the pulled pork. The ingredients tasted fresh and the portions are HUGE. The Haupia dessert was a great way to end the meal. It wasn't too sweet and if you enjoy coconut, you'll definitely like it. The owners are so welcoming and it feel like you're at a family BBQ when you enter. I also tried the Braddah Paul's plate and enjoyed the flavors more on that dish but everything is so tasty it's worth to try. read more

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I'll make this one quick... mostly because I only tried one thing. The shrimp and fish hushpuppies were delicious! They came out quickly and were perfectly fried. Tasty side sauce as well. I can see why they're so beloved around here, I'll have to hunt them down again and try some more stuff! read more

Da Local Boy - Hushpuppies! - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

We've now tried Da Local Boy for dinner and breakfast and we've loved both! Food is excellent, service is quick, vibe is very fun.

Literally.....Literally..... the best chicken on the planet earth!!! Go and get the Huli Huli Chicken plate, do not speak after that, wait 10-15 mins for them to homestyle cook you the BEST CHICKEN ON THE PLANET. This place is a month away from never being able to get a table!!!! read more

Found this gem when I was looking for places to eat around Highwood park after a day of swimming. I'm really glad I saw this. The food is amazing. I got the da og plate and the pork belly plate. Both were 10/10. Flavors were amazing - the chicken was very tender and moist , and the pork belly was cooked to perfection. Both had so much imami and some tangy sweetness . The lava flow drink was good but was slightly too sweet for me. Def recommend this place. read more

Da Local Boy - Pork belly plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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Great food and even better service. Very welcoming and good sized proportions of food. Definitely worth it.

We did take out from here and everything was amazing and held up well during the drive! The pork belly, mochiko chicken and huli huli chicken were our favorites! All the aloha drinks are tasty but never had the lilikoi flavor and it was yum! We'll be back! read more

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I'm from Hawaii. The food here reminds me of home!! Definitely give it a try if you're craving Hawaiian food! The poke was SO good!! The loco moco and ribs were amazing! read more

DELICIOUS! Best chicken I've had in a long time. Feel so lucky to have come across their food truck. So if you ever do, make sure you stop! I got the Mochiko chicken plate and my boyfriend got the Mochiko chicken sandwich. Different flavoring but both absolutely perfect. Highly recommend! P.S. The folks running the truck were super nice too :) read more

Da Local Boy - Delicious menu! - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

My go to place for lunch plate .food taste great the huli huli chicken is better that some of the lunch plate i eat in hawaii

As soon as we walked in we were kindly greeted with an "aloha." Their place was clean and neat and easy to order. We tried a few things on the menu like their new bbq meat, absolutely delicious and flavorful! We also had an ice tea and after a bit they came back to check in on us which is always really nice. What a great business and we wish them all of the success. Great people, great food, great vibes. read more

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A bite into the garlic shrimp from here brought me back a flood of food memories of our dining experiences in Maui years ago. The garlic shrimp was cooked to perfection and the huli huli chicken was super moist and perfectly marinated with a nice char on the skin. Kalbi was good but slightly on the chewy side. There's plenty parking on the street and lots of seating inside. Also there's a nice city park just a minute away with plenty of picnic tables. I am so happy to have a new addition of authentic Hawaiian food options just a short drive from Chicago. Will definitely coming back to try the poke from the menu next time. read more

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Amazing try Tbe poke Nachos and Fried rice. Big portions and friendly service. Great Hawaiian food.

Delicious food. When it came down to push and shove, this place is actually really reasonable for what you get. Ordered with a bunch of family in town and they loved it. read more

Overall it's a great experience.. it's my first time but I have been to Maui a few times and have tasted the original Huli Huli chicken.. I think it's better at danlocalboys .. read more

We went to Da Local Boy today for lunch and everything that we had (Huli Huli chicken combo plate, tuna poke and mochiko chicken) were delicious! The place was packed. We will definite be going back! read more

Driving pass Lakemoor one night, we stumbled on this food truck. Ironically we had just come back from Hawaii about a week or two prior and while having a random conversation with my husband I told him I felt like I didn't eat as much as I would've liked. Then lo and behold we found Da Local Boy!! It was truly a God sent. I have enjoyed all our meals we have gotten from them. From the pork belly to garlic shrimp, the mochiko chicken and poke nachos. Everything we've had, we've enjoyed. Nate and Diane are awesome. They take the time to get to know their customers and remember your faces when your return. They truly are genuinely nice people and carry on the ohana spirit. Thankful to have found them and will continue to support their business read more

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This place is perfect! The food is amazing, the staff is great, and the service is fast. There is plenty of seating and it's a cool atmosphere. I've been to Hawaii personally and it feels like I'm back in Honolulu read more

just great food. owners are wonderful. been multiple times...always excellent. service is great. can't wait to go again.

If you're looking for local Hawaiian food I wouldn't recommend. Rice was hard, Mac salad tasted like Jewel Mac salad. Ordered the short ribs and shrimp and was disappointed. My son ordered chicken katsu and that was actually ok. Atmosphere was good, service was also good, but I couldn't give the place a good review when the food wasn't on par. read more

Food was amazing. Highly recommend any of the mixed plates and the ube pancakes. It brought us all happiness to eat here. The ambiance is happy and the service very helpful read more

Da Local Boy - Ube pancakes - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

First! What a refreshing addition to Highwood's choice of restaurants. Great great food! The owner was amazing and really friendly! Just need to improve some of the staff's knowledge on what they offer! Can't wait to go back eat there again! read more

Da Local Boy is the best taste of Hawaii outside the islands! ... they're better than some of the restaurants in Hawaii! Diane and Nate are amazing people. Diane is so sweet. I don't what made them leave paradise, but I'm happy they brought the flavors with them. read more

Da Local Boy - Poke Nachos are my favorite. - Hawaiian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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Came here for breakfast. Party of 5. All of our food was 5 stars!!! The food was seasoned well and not too salty. This is what Hawaiian food tastes like!! They didn't have calamansi juice but that didn't matter. The service was good. It's a cute spot! And hopefully all the locals will support this establishment! Will definitely be back! read more

We were thrilled to find Da Local Boy Cafe after recently coming back from vacation in Hawaii. The cafe has a laid back island vibe, and the food is absolutely delicious! The huli huli chicken is a total knockout - it is juicy, perfectly charred, and super flavorful. By far my personal favorite item on the menu. Kalbi, katsu chicken, garlic shrimp, and loco moco are all awesome as well. Our kids also love the spam musubi. You really can't go wrong here. We have been back every week! Overall, a great spot for Highwood! read more

Just came back from Hawaii craving some solid Hawaiian food. Just so happened to see Da local boy. This place totally hit the spot! Their Huli Huli chicken reminded me of Mike's in Oahu and their Garlic shrimp was like I was at Gio's or Aloha Shrimp. Spam musubis to go were a nice touch. Will be coming back here A LOT! read more

Definitely one of the best overall food trucks in the area. Their food is unique, high quality, delicious, and fairly well priced. I like that they have a buzzer system to alert you when your food is ready so you don't have to just stand right by the truck waiting. Hope to try their pork belly on bao buns soon, I've seen pictures but it's not been on the menu at any of the events I've been to yet. Highly recommend following them on social media to see where they will be! read more

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I brought my friends and family two weekends in a row. Everything was so good and we look forward to trying more of the menu items next time. The friends and family that I brought have been to Hawaii numerous times and they all agreed that this place has very authentic taste and flavors. Everyone that worked there was super super friendly and they gave some amazing recommendations. read more

As a local residents of Oahu for 14 years we know how authentic Hawaiian food taste like and u can only get it here at Da Local Boy.We were here for the first time yesterday and food is onoliscious I feel like we are in Hawaii again to the point that we have to order take out food while we are eating .The food are amazing and the people who works there are very nice,friendly and check on us every now and then if we need anything else.I have scattered the words about this place to my co workers who loves to eatI can't wait to go back in here for lunch again. read more

This is one of the best lunch spots in Highwood. Good prices, good portions, and the food is incredible. You won't be disappointed!

What a little gem in Highwood. The poke nachos are absolutely fantastic as is the huli chicken. The people there are super friendly and i cant wait to try everything else. We will definitely be back. read more

We ordered the surf and turf as well as the pole nachos. Food was very flavorful and well prepared. We combined the fresh juices with the coconut juice and had fun with all of the flavors. The place is small so don't bank on a table at peak hours. The decor was fun. The staff was helpful in placing an order for food that we didn't plan into. read more