Went in for the first time, on a Sunday. Yeah one of the days that there isn't daily specials that they're known for. What are the chances that I finally remember all the pictures of different dishes, especially garlic chicken, that friends have posted on various social media sights??? Yeah, it would be me to go in on one of them days!!! Anyways, I got their loco Moco, eggs scrambled and asked to pay to change it to all fried rice, no Mac salad, cause I hate Mac salad. It was a tasty homemade hamburger patty which was quite tasty and had even shredded carrots in it. BUT, what was sitting in my mini plate, touching other food ? MAC SALAD!! argh!! So I dug out the Mac salad and threw it out. It was pretty good aside from no specials on the weekends and that the Mac salad I told them I didn't want, was there in my plate and touching other food. 3 stars for now, until I get to hit a daily special. Maybe it'll be so good that I'll generous with another star? We'll just have to wait and see.... read more

Joe's Grill Express - Very casual, little seating space, better for order and go, take out. - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I'm writing this review as quietly as possible, hoping that no one will see it and so that Joe's Grill Express doesn't get too, too busy where you have to wait ridiculously long for your food and service is compromised. Talk about a hidden gem and reasonably priced. I was lucky enough to see my friend's posting on FB and just so happened to be in the area on a Saturday morning. Food is so good! Most menu items were in the $6.75ish range. I don't think there's anything over $10 on the menu. The morning we went, timing was perfect as we were the only ones in there, until right after we ordered..the troops came marching in. Mind you, this place is pretty small with only a few small tables from what I remember. We ordered the Waffles (crispy, tasty and my son loved it!), Pork Adobo (delicious, juicy and tender) & Eggs, and the Ube French Toast with Ube Jam (cooked perfectly with the right amount of sweetness). Yummy yummy yummy! If only I lived closer, traffic wasn't an issue and I could wake up super early to drive to Joe's every morning for breakfast, I'd do it. This place is so worth it! read more

Joe's Grill Express - ...Ube French Toast... - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Huge portions,Great Value, and a Menu that'll make your head spin is what Joe's Grill Express is all about. Located on 3131 N. Nimitz Hwy, near Chan's Chinese Buffet and across Christine's Diner, the Daily Specials and stellar food on the cheap is what keeps me coming back for more. They have very ample parking here, but for some of you townies out there, it may be a stretch, but it's definitely worth coming here because you are definitely getting great value for the price you pay, especially if you are a breakfast person like me who loves big portions and knowing that the owners are Filipino's, I can get my Longanisa or Pork Adobo fix if need be. They also have daily specials like pan seared Opah and other types of fish that are of restaurant quality and you are paying a fraction of the price for this type of fare. There was one catch of the day that was served with a Lobster Cream Sauce and another day it was served with a Kaffir Lime Curry Sauce. And for those Filipino's out there looking for some Pinakbet or some Shortrib Soup, it's available on special on any day of the week. Just call them and ask what the specials are. What I like about this place is that they have a Television Set which is not on the Filipino Channel thank god, and there are a couple of tables and seats along the window if you choose to eat your food there. The service here is very friendly when I came here more than a few times and I can say they do get very busy during the lunch hours because it's located in an industrial area and there a people that come here in suits, work uniforms, and the people that come here must be regulars because the cashier is calling them by their first names and it kind of reminds me of Ray's Cafe in Kalihi. I have never had a disappointing meal as of yet and I have to say they don't skimp on portions here and the food really hits the spot for me without taking a big bite out of your wallet. The prices here are more than just fair, it's downright cheap if you ask me and that's what make Joe's Grill Express one of my go to places if I'm craving awesome local and filipino fare. And for those of you tourists who are heading out to the aiport and don't want to eat that crappy food on the plane, stop by this hole in wall place and get your local food fix one last time and leave a happy camper. You won't be disappointed I can tell you that. read more

Joe's Grill Express - Pork Pinakbet and Baked Chicken Mix Plate - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Read about Joe's via a fellow Yelper's review, and knew I wanted to check it out the next time I visited Honolulu. It's located on Nimitz less than a couple of miles away from the HNL airport, right past Thrifty Car rental. Open early, I made my way there before work. Ordered the Joe's Moco- a loco moco made with fried rice, gravy, two eggs, fresh corned beef hash (I'm always a sucker for fresh corned beef hash), and two pieces of bacon. Wow, it really hit the spot! A very reasonable $6.50 for the plate. They also have plate lunches, mini-plates, and one bento box. Need to try a couple of other items on the menu next time. Great place to grab some local grindz before getting on the plane! Someplace to enjoy, recommend, and repeat whenever I'm in town! read more

Joe's Grill Express - Joe Moco- corned beef hash, 2 eggs, 2 pcs bacon, & fried rice. - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

There's something special about omelets, eggs, pancakes sandwiches and salads prepared by someone other than yourself that makes them taste a million times better than anything you could ever make on your own. Finding a place that can do all of these things without costing an arm and a leg is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. After seeing multiple positive reviews from Yeeps in the know, I decided to meander over to Joe's Grill Express a few months ago to try out their breakfast. Although I was most tempted by their Joe Moco and Darrel P.'s photos of the Big Scramble, I decided to try to be good and got the Denver omelet with taters and it was HUGE and delicious. This weekend, I was able to get my husband over here and he is now a huge fan as well of their GIANT portions and unbelievably fair prices. We had the Western omelet and the Bacon and Steak omelet this weekend. The fried rice here too has converted me to now love rice with my eggs. Everything about this place is spot on, the staff is friendly, the portions are HUGE and the prices are insanely reasonable. If you haven't tried this place yet, go. If you're sick of paying inflated prices for mediocre food, then head over here to pay great prices for good food made by good people. I for one will be back again and again since I can't cook eggs for some reason, and their lunch and dinner specials look delicious too. read more

Joe's Grill Express - Western Omelette w Fried Rice - enough to feed a small village - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

When you land and want breakfast this is the place unless you want to drive 20 from the Waikiki. I had to try the special loco moco. It comes with white rice, hamburger pattie, with gravy, two eggs on top, two pieces of spam and macaroni. Really feeling and heavy. I recommend sharing it or you will be full. Nice small type of cafe will limited seating. read more

Located just outside the airport in an industrial-looking part of the area, this hole-in-the-wall packs some pretty ono grinds! (I've been trying to add more local slang to my vocabulary hehe) I came around 2pm and the lot had plenty of parking and there was no wait to order food. After reading ravings about their breakfast menu, I decided on the Joe's Moco Special (extra egg) and a mini portion of the Chicken Katsu Curry. My total came out to $13 - great price! I enjoyed sitting in the restaurant waiting for my food while watching the cooks prepare my order. The Moco Special consists of 2 eggs, corn beef hash, fried rice, and 2 strips of bacon. Although a fellow Yelper mentioned that the portions are large, I thought it was just average. Keep that in mind because you may not want to share your food once you've dug in! The Katsu curry was simple and delicious, with a scoop of rice and Mac salad. Highly recommended for tourists who are just leaving the airport, hungry, and want to support local! Prices are extremely fair and food is simple and fresh! read more

Joe's Grill Express - Joes Moco Special - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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If you're looking for a quick plate lunch. COME HERE!!! They have a written menu in the front, most items stay the same although depending on the cook, they have different things. My suggestion is if it's not on the menu that day... Don't get it... Almost everything I tried here was super good. My suggestions are the: 1. Sweet Spicy Chili Katsu (Chicken Katsu with the Sweet Chili Sauce that people dip egg rolls in with some added heat) 2. Sesame Garlic Fried Chicken (Little bite size pieces of chicken with Garlic Sauce) 3. Omelets. (Depending on what kinds of meat you like and it comes with Fried Rice) 4. Enchilada (I liked it, order it when it's on the menu only) Things to stay away from: 1. Orange Chicken (Chicken Katsu with Orange Chicken Sauce, did not taste good) 2. Fried Chicken (Pretty dry since they pre cook most things) 3. Burrito (I didn't get this personally but heard it taste worse than dog food.) *He ordered it although it wasn't on the menu so I'm guessing the Mexican chef wasn't working that day. Best part about this place is the price. $6.00 Plate Lunch $7.00 Mixed Plate Lunch (2 Choices of the menu) $5.00 Omelets This place is just WIN! Remember, only order what is on the menu for that day. And if this is your first tie coming here, and you can handle a little spice, get the Spicy Sweet Chili Katsu. I get it every time almost and it never disappoints. P.S. Staff is nice but doesn't always get your order right... but it's still worth it to come here and come back. read more

Joe's Grill Express is a hidden gem! If you are in the airport area it is a great option for a plate lunch or breakfast. The price is nice and the portions are generous! I love the great variety of food the shop offers! This is the best part of this establishment. Explaining all the types of dishes would be crazy but know there are lots of choices. For example, my daughter can get her pancakes, I can get chicken papaya, and da hubs can get the Joe Moco =everybody happy!! You can get regular plate lunch items such as chicken katsu or loco moco. You also choose from a variety of breakfast items from waffles to an array omelets. I tried the lechon kawili and chicken papaya both Filipino dishes were tasty. I would highly recommend the Joe Moco. It's a corn beef hash moco with fresh corn beef in it. It's so yummy! Note: -Cash only -Breakfast and lunch only -Can get busy during peak times (choke airport peeps go) read more

Joe's Grill Express - Chicken papaya - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We ordered the Uber French toast, vegetarian omelette and homemade corned beef hash. It was delicious and filling! read more

Joe's Grill Express - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Nice decent spot near airport. Had their veggie omelette and it was really good. The prices aren't too bad.

Stopped by yesterday for a late breakfast after landing in Honolulu. Since they serve breakfast all day, I had my mind made-up that I was going to find something to my liking upon reading the other reviews. As we walked-in, you get mesmerized by the extensive menu, including the daily specials. Then you see how reasonable the prices are and you do a double take. Sine we got there after 1pm, we found parking and a table to enjoy our grinds. Based upon the number of customers going in and out, this has to be a local fave. My sons ordered the Joe's Special Loco Moco (with corned beef hash, bacon & fried rice) and the Special Loco Moco. My wife ordered the Garlic Fried Chicken and I had the 2-Meat Breakfast. All portions were good-sized and everything was ono. The garlic chicken was really tender and delicious. Service was quick and friendly. We all enjoyed our food and left with our tummies full. We'll be back. read more

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Ladies working that are really nice.Food was just average. Inside little old,nothing fancy. Fast service.

Large portions at an affordable price! Former owner of Drivers Diner on the corner of Ohohia and Ualena. Same huge menu and friendly staff. No extra charge for substitutions (brown rice for white). I had the roast pork with gravy and the pork was moist, juicy, and fell apart with my fork. There were 5 people ahead of me in the line during the early lunch hour but the line moved quickly. Waited only a few minutes for my food. It's the restaurant's grand opening so try it for yourself and you'll love this place too. read more

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The search is over. I'm in hash brown heaven. Perfectly cooked just the way I like it. And breakfast served all day. It doesn't get any better than that. They offer lunch and dinner too, but I'm totally sold on their breakfast. I haven't visited enough times to stray from the breakfast menu yet. And their super affordable prices makes it a magnet for people who are always on the go. For those who work near the airport area...you lucky buggahs. I can see why Joe's Grill Express gets crazy busy. Majority do take-out, though there are a few tables available if you want to eat-in. The dining area will get cramped due to the confined space coupled with customers standing around & waiting for their orders. So it can make it a not so comfortable atmosphere to eat in. It can also get chaotic and hard to distinguish who already ordered, and who is standing in line. Ample parking though it may be difficult at peak lunch or dinner rush when most of the other eateries are also open. Best bet is early in the morning when most of the other businesses are still closed. They do compete with Christine's Diner so that could be one reason for the competitive prices. If you want a BLT or Philly Cheesesteak with french fries for breakfast l've seen it done. Omelettes on the cheap. Under $6 for delicious omelettes with mother lode of ingredients. Several varieties to choose from. I am hooked. Ube French Toast with ube jam syrup-($5.50) Two slices of nicely grilled ube (purple yam) sweet bread, topped with powdered sugar, ube syrup and garnished with fresh blueberries and a strawberry. Overall not very sweet, which I liked. You can request pancake syrup but it doesn't need it unless you have to have your french toast syrupy sweet. I prefer the subtle sweetness of it all, without the pancake syrup. So the second time I went my hash browns wasn't as tasty as my first visit, but that won't stop me from returning again. If a place has me yearning to return again so soon after a first visit then I think it's five star worthy. And I must mention this place is out of the way for me. I still want to go back and try the corned beef hash. And the haupia pancakes. Nimitz Hwy./Ohohia/Koapaka is best way to get here from East Honolulu. Look for the white sign that says Airport Commercial Center if driving Ewa bound on Koapaka. (A few blocks from Chef Zone, which I've yet to visit.) I can picture myself going here for breakfast after a post Saturday morning Target shopping run. Because it's not exactly far and not exactly close either. Opens way too early for me to care and closes at 7 pm on weekdays. Open til 2 pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays. And that's all you need to know. read more

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To begin with, the dining area is small. But get past the line of people waiting for food and you will not be disappointed. The savings that the owners get from a smaller sized restaurant in a local strip mall is definitely passed on the to the customer. This is what it's all about, win win! The food was prepared within five minutes even though there was a line when I entered. The cooks know what they are doing. The staff was friendly. When the hot sauce was empty the register attendant promptly replaced it. Simple and worth it. If you are in the area do not miss this gem. read more

Joe's Grill Express - Amazing food and great prices. Try the JOE MOCO SPECIAL! Had it today and it was amazing. - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

After a late morning start, came here for brunch which thankfully breakfast is served all day. Hubby was sort of skeptical and seemed impatient so I ordered quickly without having time to look at the menu so my mind had to rely on the reviews I've read previously. The cashier, was new but was closely supervised which made ordering pretty quick and simple. No smile was given but, meh, no biggie, she's new and hopefully it'll come along. I ordered the adobo omelette and the hubs ordered the Denver omelette. I was a bit surprised that both of our plates came with "fried rice". I didn't recall asking for it but I guess it automatically comes with our breakfast. Pretty awesome! Hubby enjoyed his omelette but didn't care for the rice. Saying it was a bit "hard". I thought it was fine. I enjoyed my adobo omelette. Perfectly seasoned and cooked. It was delicious. I'll be back to try the tofu eggplant. read more

Joe's Grill Express - Adobo omelette with fried rice - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Local place very good food and HUGE portions. If your on your way to the airport it's a great breakfast/lunch stop. Small but we were here at 830 on a Saturday and had no wait. read more

Joe's Grill Express - Big breakfast with fried rice and amazing Portuguese sausage and bacon. Sorry I had already popped the yellow on my eggs. Haha - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Small place near the airport. Delicious, quick food that's well worth it. Got the pork adobo mini plate with rice and tossed salad and there was plenty of food for lunch or dinner. Highly recommended! read more

Joe's Grill Express - Small pork adobo with rice and toss salad. - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If I need to compare Homemade beef corn hash was delicious, it was good portion of food and very delicious sauce read more

Joe's Grill Express - Country fried steak and homemade beef corn hash with two eggs breakfast plates - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Joe's? Where have you been all my life? I lived in the 'hood for one whole year before discovering this place. Sad face! -- because I could have been enjoying cheap eats this whole time :( Ambiance: Don't be fooled by the semi-generic black and white sign upfront in this semi-run down strip mall. The food is just as good as $$$ plate lunches further in town. It's fo' sho' casual, but you would not come here for a fancy date. You'd come here to fill your belly! Only about 3 tables with seats and one long counter with stools, but you can also take your food to-go and enjoy it at the beach! Feel: Mom-and-pop, diner-ish. Parking is free and ample, but parking lot can get busy as the strip mall is full of popular joints. Food: Rice plates are excellent and so affordable at $5-6 for A TON of food! Fried rice is da bomb (taste just like my mama makes it)! I'd recommend the Joe's Moco: Corned beef hash, 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, hecka fried rice, and gravy :) I substituted the hash for 2 fried chicken thighs, which were crispy perfection! Waffles were not the greatest (perhaps frozen, not out of a waffle iron) but they did the trick to fix my sweet craving. Free coffee (not Starbucks) but hey, it's gratis. The service was friendly and attentive (imagine your auntie and cousin working the cash register). Overall: I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. Tips: Come hungry and excited to try a local dive. read more

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DON'T eat the hamburger steak! That being said- Oh my goodness, awesome food at a great price- and when it's not crazy, good service too! Seriously one of the go-to places for myself, my co-workers and my drivers! It's no-frills so cash only, but for $6 you can't get a better plate! Definitely try the Country Fried Steak breakfast plate, or Chicken Sweet Sour Chili Katsu =D read more

Joe's Grill Express - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Go to place for the best food around the Airport/Mapunapuna Furikake Chicken and Ube French toast are the best! read more

This is not the kind of place you want to go to if you're watching your swimsuit body. The place is a small restaurant tucked in a plaza behind Thrifty Rental Car and it just screams comfort. Their menu is extensive and includes your Hawaiian lunch favorites, some Filipino dishes, and breakfast items as well. I tried the Chicken Katsu Curry and one bite tasted like it was my Hawaiian grandmother had made it... If I had a Hawaiian grandmother that is. My party also got the Roast Pork which was juicy and smothered with gravy and the Pork Guisantes which was just as good as your Filipino aunt's. Warning though, portions are HUGE. If you're like lightweight hungry, go for a mini or share with a friend. If you can hang with the big boys, go for a regular, but you will be satisfied and full of delicious goodness. read more

Joe's Grill Express - The mound of Chicken Katsu Curry. - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

BEST SERVICE AND BREAKFAST ON OAHU Amazingly friendly staff - the complete spirit of "Aloha", best little hole-in-the-wall with a home-cooked feel. Sure it's small but how do all of you people dinking them for having to wait or having a small space think they keep their prices low and portions big? With low overhead...Take Business 101. Guess you can't make everyone happy. If this isn't a 5-Star establishment, I don't know what is. read more

Awesome food! Great selection! Great menu! Fast service! We loved everything we got: Moco Loco, Adobo Fried Rice, Macademia Pancakes....!!! We will return to try more items.. Wish you were in CA...!! RECOMMENDED! read more

The food is pretty good and the amount of food you get for the price, it's really unbeatable. We ordered the pork guisantes and was very flavorful, pork was tender but had it's share of fat pieces. Nice touch with adding red peppers and the right amount of tomatoes. Also ordered the jumbo beef burrito and chicken enchilada, both had more than it's fair share of meat. The burrito comes with fries which was nice and crispy but the second time ordering a side of fries was a bit soggy. Not as good as the Mexican places, but decent enough for the price. All of the prices for the plates ordered was only $6.50. With the high food prices this place is a true hidden gem next to the airport. Highly recommend to check it out when in the area. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. read more

Wow!! Cheap Eats did a great job..went there at 8:30amish...no line but people there. Ordered the Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omolet, side order Corn beef hash. My daughter had the Joe Moco Loco. The adobo was in chunks but was so soft. The corn beef hash was real and crispy....per my daughter the Joe Moco Loco was ono and so much...she going save it for lunch. Quality was super good and quantity filled me up. Our total bill (with a drink) waz less than $20.. unreal. Would highly recommend eating there! Eh Guy Hagi you should stick to food reviews instead of weather forecaster...nah jk...aloha read more

Joe's Grill Express - Pork Adobo Fried Rice omlet, Joe Moco Loco and side order Corn beef hash One word - WOW!! - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The best place for breakfast omgee love their Country fried steak and the staffs are amazing. They know your name walking in

Very affordable and they serve big portions. We got the fried chicken and pork adobo. All the orders were correct and the food was pretty good! read more

Portions here are unbelievable.. The prices to! I had pork adobo fried rice and 2 eggs for 6.50 husband got the biscuit and gravy with rice and egg for $6 and our friend had the chicken fried steak and eggs for 6.85$ with 3 drinks came up to $23!!! The portions was big and you can't compare the flavor they put to it! Space is small but the food is worth it! read more

Joe's Grill Express - Can't beat the price and portions - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Parking up front. Small place crowded and very bz. Staff was supper pleasant and very professional. The pork guisantes was my favorite. The home make corned beef hash was all potato so no on that one. The adobo was soft and juicy but just ok. The hamburger steak I didn't care for. But there is lots to try here and if in the neighbored will stop by. read more

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Excellent service and excellent food and excellent prices. It's located near the airport. We were staying at the Airport Honolulu hotel and this place was close in range for us to order food and get quickly back to the hotel so we can enjoy our stay more. We have been returning customers four times already read more

No complaints at all. Doesn't look great when you walk in but the food is awesome. Been here a few times for a lunch run and haven't been disappointed. The prices are also fairly cheap. Very generous portions and everything I've had tastes great. My only semi-negative thing would be the garlic shrimp. Wasn't the best but maybe that's because I'm used to going to the shrimp trucks. Def give it a try if you're ever in the area. You won't be disappointed. read more

Joe's Grill Express - Pork guisantes and sesame garlic chicken.. - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I'm disappointed, last time I had the steak it was so ono! This time, I got the really tough parts of the steak. It was awful! Instead of cooking a whole(or at least half)steak, it was pre-cut. There were maybe 9 pieces and 4 of the 9 were good. Gristle, fat and super chewy. Service was good. The food not so much. Not sure if I would want to chance another meal. It may be a long time. read more

Great spot right next to be airport. The food is always amazing and fresh. It's just the right amount of carbs where you won't fall sleep or need an extra glass of water. Joe's special loco Moco is always my fav. Visited pre covid and was a nice sit down lunch. Came back during COVID for a pick up and they were just as friendly as I remembered. read more

The breakfast menu is great, plenty to choose from, the staff was great, friendly, happy and helpful, my husband ordered Joes special moco loco and it was the best mock loco we've tried in Oahu, I had the pork breakfast with eggs and hash brown, everything was tasty and great, definitely a must go when in the island read more

Joe's Grill Express - Pork - American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Sending family off with a last fix of Local style food, I resorted to Yelp! I made plans to meet up for lunch, I got there super early and begged and 'people watched' from the car while minions took over the car. In the span of 40 minutes all before 11:15 - no kidding there were at least a dozen people flying in and out for their food. That's a good sign there. My family arrives and we go in, I get us all parked inside at tables. Hardly a cricket sound but steady enough business. I go get in line and order the food, no sooner turn around and now there's like 10 people waiting to put their order in! Yup, another good sign of great food! Plenty of pics of the menu so not going repost all that. My initial curiosity was the papaya soup thing! I may have to drive out here again to try that! The halo shone over the sesame garlic chicken, and my soul was sold to having that! And I was certainly not disappointed! Think Sugoi's garlic chicken (maybe half garlic strength), then add sesame seeds. Heavenly! My one Keiki - I didn't need to ask her she shouted it at the top of her lungs and was practically a Mexican jumping bean squealing 'loco mocooooo'! After hog tying her to the stool (ants in the pants no could sit/stand still until she got her fruit punch!), the Other minions told me their inner desire of a cheeseburger. Loco and Chicky were ordered as minis, and good thing! There is plenty of food given! So u definitely get your bang for your buck here! Had to order regular plate for the mini Keiki, but we got extra plate and I just split it for minions. Yeah - it's not that they didn't like it. Just they were enjoying the crispy hot fries so much and the ketchup - they just didn't bother with the burger. Seriously, next time I'll just get them fries as a meal! And a beverage of ketchup! Yup I'll be back here! I think Guy Fieri should eat here his next Oahu trip! Enjoy! read more

Super yummy food friendly staff again local owned reasonable prices specially for families

Food is awesome! Trying to call in an order, not so much! Be prepared to call 10 to 20 times before they answer