Whenever someone asks me for recommendations for Oahu take-out places, Pioneer Saloon is almost always on that list. The only times I don't recommend it, is when that person who is asking is staying somewhere like Kapolei. Though they have a second location in Kakaako, my go-to is always the Monsarrat location. Parking is street or small lot to the left of the restaurant. Make sure to call in your order to make pickup a breeze. To be eco conscious, I always decline the paper bag (also save a few cents!)/utensils and make a note to bring a reusable bag! My favorites here are the Fried Chicken with spicy mayo, Furikake Salmon and the Croquette. The Ginger Pork is also often ordered. If available, I opt for the shiso rice, it's sooo good! I've had the brown rice once, it was a little tough for my taste. read more

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This was through uber eats and everything was wrong with my order. the driver was a plug left the meal on my driveway!

I thought I had posted a review for this place but I guess not... So long over due. This place from when I can remember since it opened, as I used to live in the Kapahulu area, has been consistently great! Food is local plate lunches with Japanese influence/style. It's still going strong and is still a popular place among locals and visitors. Parking is so limited there are a few on the side that is actually a private lot and most people park right in front where the bus stop is but you can't stay long. Best to phone order, have someone in the car while you pay and pick up the food. I've had several plates from here and I can attest they were good. Some items I wouldn't get again because not worth the price but that's only like a few items that I think most people wouldn't care for anyways like the shumai plate lol. This time we got pork katsu curry, salmon katsu plate, and tofu avo salad that comes with the creamy goma Sesame dressing. Now before like two three years ago this salad was a lot bigger for the same price like double the size but oh well. Pork katsu curry is $13 deals for the amount they give and the curry is not just the curry sauce they have vege and meat inside too! Curry wasn't salty and it was tasty. My uncle couldn't finish the curry as they give a good amount and on the side so katsu no get soggy. The salmon katsu $12 had three pieces and was cooked nicely! I actually shared it so I think it's a good amount for $12. You can choose tartar sauce, ponzu or katsu I got katsu and tartar (0.25$ extra sauce) but I liked the katsu sauce with the salmon better than tarter. You can choose white, brown or mix rice and all the plates come with whatever daily salad they make. I know I really like their Loco moco as the meat is homemade, thick and juicy. Tender. Their chicken katsu can't go wrong, or the chicken egg bowls are good too. I know I had their braise short ribs before but can't remember the taste so the next time i will try that. I don't think the prices are too expensive as the type of food is a little more upscale for plate lunch which is nice. Next on my list to try are the braised short ribs, prime rib, steak plate and unagi bowl. Gotta get in my protein! read more

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All around best food spot we found! Absolutely delicious, quick, and affordable! HIGHLY RECOMMEND coming here read more

Pioneer Saloon - Ribeye steak Miso butter fish - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Very good food and well balanced meals! Reasonable and fun to visit! Love it.... Recommend it..... read more

SO SO ONO! I always loved dining here but never had the chance to yelp it. Anyways my go to is always the garlic ahi steak but this time I was caught onto the ahi katsu. I usually get all greens with my plate but a little rice and potatoes won't kill ya! Never had I had a bad plate here and seating are are literally on the side by the road, it's a cute area and not packed like the inside of salt kakaako. read more

Pioneer Saloon - ahi katsu on the bottom, and garlic ahi steak on top - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great little hole in the wall with pretty good food. Their menu prices went up by $1.00 so it's a little on the the higher end now but not too bad overall We tried the deep fried baby octopus which was delicious. It came with a spicy Mayo dipping sauce and it gave it a nice little kick. It was actually just as good without the sauce Also had the ahi steak medium rare. I would ask for it to be more rare next time but I'm not sure it was worth $19 for the plate. I would def come back and try the other items on the menu Take out only Fast service read more

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Another way overdue review. Have been eating at this place at least once a month for the past couple of years and their food never disappoints! I get their Teri chicken, chicken Katsu curry or Miso salmon most of the time and it has never not been amazing! I also LOOOVE their pasta salad that comes with their plates, I want to buy a whole plate of it :D and please bring back the potato side salad, it's so amazing also!! The ambiance at the the Montserrat location is so cute also, they have a little vintage section of cute retro items and decor. I prefer the portion size and food quality at the Monsarrat location over the SALT location. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Teriyaki Chicken - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Stumbled upon this place many years ago. It has been my go to place ever since I've discovered it and was obsessed with its fried baby tako when it was only 12 dollars. Now with everything being so expensive, it's hard to even justify whether it's worth to get some of its plate lunches. But, it's always nice to support local businesses like this one! ** I believe their website is in the works so many of the prices at the moment are not accurate** This place has a wide variety of plate lunches. From fried chicken katsu to grilled seared ahi. Each bite of it all are flavorful. Also their sides are equally as amazing - wishing they served more for the sides! You can also choose between different rices - shiso, mixed, white or brown. I usually get the shiso rice but it will cost you a dollar extra. Aside from the fried baby tako, my go to are also the seared garlic ahi, chicken katsu, mochiko chicken, or their furikake ahi katsu! If you're looking for a nice take out place and picnic at kapiolani park or the beach, this is your place! read more

Pioneer Saloon - Updated Menu - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We had the excellent ahi and steak plates with brown rice. The spicy sauce with the steak was awesome. Fast and friendly service. Great value/ read more

Huge menu. Some things were sold out when we went for dinner so have backups in mind. Portions are big. Each protein comes with rice and a small noodle salad. I got the garlic salmon and it was good but nothing amazing. I can definitely recreate it at home easily. My friends overhyped this place for me so I was a bit disappointed! read more

We especially love the Grilled Garlic Salmon-tasty, generous portions and Teri Clhicken. Topped with seaweed rice & fresh vegetables. Service always friendly and helpful. Our #1 takeout place! read more

Hands-down favorite place to eat at whenever I come to Honolulu. Pioneer during COVID is a to-go or takeout place. There used to be indoor seating but it's dependent on how the pandemic goes. For now, you can do a phone order or order at the window. Parking is pretty easy - there's spots in front for street parking or across the parking lot. In terms of quality and price, this place is amazing. I always order garlic ahi and garlic salmon. The fish is so fresh and perfectly seasoned. They give you a choice of brown / white / grain (extra $$) rice. If you can, i highly recommend the shiso rice which isn't always available but if it is you definitely should get it. Fish is so tender and perfectly garlicked. Pretty fast and made to order. So so good!!! I highly recommend for anyone coming to Oahu. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Our friends have talked about how good this place is for years, but we never get excited about having a bento - it's more just survival food. However, after our friend got us a gift card, we finally went. Wow! The steak and shrimp were both excellent, the pasta salad awesome, and the mixed grain rice was great. We've been back three times since in just the last few weeks. The service could be a bit faster, but the workers have all been very nice, just maybe too polite to tell the tourists standing at the counter to please step to the side while deciding what you want. While I'm at it, just a reminder - please come up to the window AFTER you figure out what you want. The other day a few Japanese tourists must have spent 3 minutes deciding while blocking the only register . . . read more

I ate here 4 times in 2.5 days so far, and I'm going to come here again until I'm here for another 3 days. I highly recommend the garlic salmon, it is my absolute favorite. I look forward to getting hungry to eat here Shoutout the staff, they are very friendly :) read more

The garlic salmon and fried chicken with garlic sauce are my two favorites! Pioneer has a wide selection of plate lunches so it's one of our go-tos for take out. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Garlic salmon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Sure high quality local flavored foods my friend love the chicken A quality upscale plate lunch - with fresh flavors . read more

Highly recommended by a friend local to Oahu. This place did not disappoint, in fact it may even be a top 3 lunch spot for us. Their lunch plates come in a variety of options, the menu is very extensive. Prices are extremely reasonable for the plate (entree, rice, potato salad). I got the chicken katsu, which was fried to perfection. The potato salad was one of the best I've tasted - creamy, fresh, and had chunks of veggies in it. The brown rice is also well done, not overly dry like some places. My bf had the garlic grilled ahi, which was out of this world good. It was perfectly rare in the middle and the flavor was simply chef's kiss. I still think about this plate lunch spot post trip, so you must visit if you're in the area!! read more

Pioneer Saloon - Grilled ahi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ordered few items from Uber Eats. The pasta that came with my garlic ahi steak was disgusting. I threw away. The side beef curry was ok . The rice I got was old. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've always heard about this place but never thought about going until I saw that episode on Terrace House: Aloha State (great advertising!) and a couple friends posting on their social media. It's located a bit outside of Waikiki, heading towards KCC. It's on the opposite street of Bogart's Cafe and Da Cove Health Bar. There's absolutely no parking for this restaurant except for street parking. They're only offering take out so be sure to call ahead so that you can park in the front of the restaurant real quick. I got their furikake baby tako with spicy mayo which literally caught my eyes from all the Yelp pictures. When I got my food, WOW, there was so much piled in the plate. Especially for the price I paid! I didn't get to eat it until 30 mins later and surprisingly, the tako was still really crispy after sitting in the box. Whaaaaat is this magic. The tako was well battered and seasoned with furikake on top. The spicy mayo sauce really complimented the tako (and the pork cutlet). I definitely could not get enough of this. My friends all loved it too! My friends got the pork cutlet, loco moco, and ribeye steak. The portions were huge for these too! I was originally eying out the ribeye steak but was able to try it from my friends. It was super tender and juicy that I ought to get it next time! Similar to the baby tako, the pork cutlet was also surprisingly really crispy after sitting in the box for 30 mins. They usually get soggy but not with this plate. The loco moco was filled with flavor, but it isn't something I would crave compared to the other options. I definitely will be back for the ribeye steak (and baby tako again!) and other food options. The prices are really decent for what you get. read more

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I loved my garlic salmon and green salad! The salmon was delicious. I ate it slow to enjoy my yummy food! I like the atmosphere in the dining area. I like the consignments for sale as well. We were comfortable eating there. I've been here many times before and I will be back again. These were some of the other plates that we ordered. They were much enjoyed too! Thank you, read more

QUICKIE REVIEW Nice location off the busy strip. FOOD This is what I tried: Grilled Garlic Ahi steak I have to say I liked the garlic kick to the ahi steak. Rice and salad were good. When they say ahi steak, they really mean it with how thick it is. True to their word. PARKING Street parking. SERVICE Good. Order at counter and they will bring you your food when ready. I saw this is a family-owned business and everyone was super nice. PRICE $20 TIP/OTHER THOUGHTS The location is away from everything meaning less traffic you have to contend with. That was appreciated in terms getting in and out. read more

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Pioneer saloon is one of my go to restaurants in Oahu. The restaurant serves up tasty dishes at relatively affordable prices that won't break your wallet. My favorite dish here is the Miso Butterfish. The flavoring and smokiness is spot on. The rice and macaroni sides compliment the Miso Butterfish well. The only downside is the portion of fish could be bigger. The restaurant is located on a busy street with very little parking so usually I have to scour the neighborhood for a parking spot and walk over. On the other hand, this location is very close to Waikiki so it is not too bad of a walk here if you don't have a car. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Miso butterfish - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We came to this place cause someone recommended it. Luckily we came fairly early (around 1145ish) and there street parking near this place. We ordered braised short rib with gravy, mochiko chicken and ahi katsu with ponzu sauce. It took about 15 mins, so if you can, you could call your oder in. The braised beef was soft and tasty! The gravy wasn't salty. It comes with a scoop of rice (we chose white, but you could opt for brown rice or multi grain) and Japanese potato salad. The mochiko chicken was delicious! The pieces of chicken were pretty big! A little strong ginger flavor, but it's ok. This was also served with rice and potato salad. The ahi katsu was ok. I wasn't quite expecting it to be cooked all the way through. I know some ahi katsu recipes is fast seared around and still raw on in the middle, but this one wasn't. But it was ok. I would have ordered something else. Overall tho, this place was pretty good! I probably wouldn't go back just because there are SO many other places to try. But its near diamond head and a great spot to grab food after a hike or after the beach. read more

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I have heard great things about this place so I had to try it. I got the garlic ahi plate medium rare for my dad since I wasn't super hungry, so I just tried a taste test (my family calls it the Mari tax). The ahi was cooked well, sauce was good, but my favorite part was the little portion of pasta salad on the side. I want to come back to try more things when I'm really hungry so I can get a better idea of the whole menu, but the cashier said the garlic ahi was one of the most popular, so I went for that. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Garlic ahi with brown rice and pasta salad - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was by far one of my favorite meals in Waikiki! Ordered take out on a Wednesday night and the guy at the counter was super helpful and patient as I explained our nut allergies and other food intolerances. The food took a little bit of time to come out, but it was well worth the wait. We ended up ordering the miso butterfish, ginger pork and sautéed veggies. The miso butterfish came with brown rice and undressed salad (the salad dressing had dairy in it) and it was melt in your mouth delicious! There were only a few bones, but we pretty much ate the entire thing, skin and all. The sautéed veggies were very good- crunchy bean sprouts, julienned carrots, tofu and maybe cabbage were lightly seasoned but all the veggies were still crisp. This also came with undressed salad and brown rice. The ginger pork was also delicious- it was very gingery and the pieces of pork were tender. This was also accompanied by undressed greens and brown rice. We found street parking on the street behind three restaurant and just cut through an alley to get to the front of the restaurant. Would definitely come back! read more

A MUST TRY - 10/10 highly recommend! Currently doing take-out only. Arrived an hour before closing and was able to leave within 10 mins. We ordered the garlic butterfish and deep fried baby tako - highly recommend these two! The texture of the butterfish was so smooth that it just melts in your mouth - not fishy at all either. The deep fried baby tako came with spicy mayo dipping sauce - not too chewy and the batter had a perfect crunch. I haven't had an amazing meal in a while and I have to say.. this is one of my favorite meals by far in Hawaii. Def a place I will be raving about! read more

Pioneer Saloon - Deep fried baby tako & garlic butterfish - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Finally made it here today and it was delicious food. The place has a cool old time feel and vibe. My wife loves miso butterfish and she couldn't stop raving about that meal at Pioneer. I hit the ribeye with ponzu and that was delicious too. We were so impressed. The only thing we didn't love was the pasta salad they serve with meals. Its pesto flavor just doesn't pair well with the Asian style food. An Asian cucumber salad would've made our meal absolutely perfect. read more

I love this place. One of my top spots for plate lunch. So many different choices and pretty much everything is bomb. I always recommend the chili tomato chicken- it sounds weird but it's so good lol. read more

Been going to Pioneers when I lived on island since before 2011 when they didn't have A/C and continue to go whenever I go home. Despite their ride in popularity (especially amongst Japanese tourist) quality still seems to be there. Classic island plate lunch with Japanese twists that I'd say are uniquely Pioneers. Baby Tako and Shoyu Oxtail (taken off menu) were always the orders but the Tempura Sweet Potato fries are honestly the best sweet potato fries I've ever had, and I'll never get over the shiso rice. The shop still has a homie vibe, love the vintage shop wall, and the shave ice shop is again local but uniquely Japanese. Seems like its the same lady there for the last decade (I can be wrong) who is holding them to the same quality as when it was a hidden gem. I will die defending Pioneers and one of my favorite spots on island! (but Hana Hou the Shoyu Oxtail pls!) read more

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Slightly strange having to order outside and then come inside to eat, but what it is in weirdness it makes up for with flavor. I was with a party of four and everyone loved their dishes. My Katsu curry was delicious, I added an egg to my dish too. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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A friend recommended this place, but we were really disappointed with both the food and the service. The older lady working there was rude and treated us poorly. The ahi was overcooked and didn't have any garlic flavor at all. To make things worse, one of our family members politely asked to use the bathroom, and she completely ignored them and was incredibly rude. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I really didn't like the four open trash cans to bust your own table by the entrance! Believe they were garbage cans, size large. I believe this might be against the health code. I was very disappointed. The food tasted good, but the health situation was deplorable if you pick up by the outside window you don't see any of this going on in the eatery. read more

So the valet at my hotel suggested this place, specifically the hamburger steak. Sort of disappointing I'm afraid. For $13 one scoop of rice, tiny portion of potato salad and one very thick hamburger patty. To me the brown gravy and hamburger was too salty. I won't be returning. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Salty hamburger steak - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The miso butterfish I had here is quite possibly the best fish dish I've ever had. The fish fell apart so easily with the slightest tug from a fork. Every bit was filled with the light and clean taste from the fish as well as a slight note of miso. Also I am normally not a big fan of Mac salad but I was practically licking my tray trying to eat every bit of the salad. We also ordered the fried calamari legs entree and it was delicious as well. It's not very often that you find a deep fried dish that isn't heavy, but Pioneer somehow managed to fry the legs perfectly in a batter that didn't knock you into a food coma afterwards. My girlfriend and I found this restaurant on the whim and it was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Miso butter fish - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Wow. I've had lots of plate lunches, but this one stands out. Piping hot. Great quality. And comes with a tossed salad. A+

Ordered 4 plates a week ago and picked them up. misoyaki butterfish (had a few bones and light on miso sauce), garlic ahi (huge serving), broiled Saba, and the baby tako. I had the baby tako and it was tasty with a spicy dipping sauce. The sauce was so good I'd go back just for that. Tako were tiny and chewy with a crispy breading. All meals served with a Japanese potato salad. I ordered the shiso rice but they must have been out since I got white rice. I would go back and get the baby tako with extra sauce and hopefully they will have the shiso rice. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Got take out here. The butterfish was sold out so I got one of the chicken dishes. Absolutely delicious even though I had a hankering for butterfish. The service is faster when u order by phone bc they make everything fresh. The restaurant is clean and inviting. read more

This is best plate lunch restraint!! Today I had Nebaneba Don. Poke is fresh fish, Okra, yam, natto, green onion on the your choice of rice. Come with Wasabi shoyu. The food quality is high end restaurant but reasonable price Large quantity, too! There are so many menu as Katsu Carry, Mochiko Chicken, Hamburg, Sermon, Pork Shogayaki, Steak... Many many more!! You can eat in, too. read more

Pioneer Saloon - Nebaneba don - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Not a fan. First off there is a huge disconnect with the name, decor and cusine. This is a Japanese restaurant but it's filled with thrift shop nick knacks. Ordering is unorthodox, first you order outside then come is to sit. The food flavor and presentation is atrocious. First it served in a disposable container, very disrespect ful to the environment and being on an island even worse. Disposable containers for takeout seem unavoidable but not for dine in. The food. I had the garlic salmon. Cooked perfectly but it should be called salt salmon not garlic. Totally oversalted. It is served with two inexpensive starches rice and pasta noodle. No vegetable. The saloon. There is no saloon. The drinks offered are water, local Aloha sodas two flavors and bottled tea. Maybe it's popular due to being inexpensive my total meal $25 Overall impression One of the worst meals I have ever had in Hawaii the atmosphere doesn't connect to the food nor does it connect to Hawaiian culture. This place could be anywhere in the Midwest and needs to serve better tasting food and more sustainable practices. Not returning. Ever. read more