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Hawaiian Drive Inn
Master Critic Review
Hawaiian Drive Inn
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Casual takeout staple for Hawaiian comfort food—BBQ short ribs, chicken katsu, and loco moco—served fast with rice and mac. Reliable portions and wallet-friendly combos make it a neighborhood go-to.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Short Ribs plate, BBQ Chicken & Short Ribs combo, Spam Musubi
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Fast, sizeable short-rib plates at everyday prices.
Who should go: Takeout-first diners on a budget
When to visit: Late lunch after 1:30pm to skip the rush
What to order: Short ribs plate; BBQ chicken & ribs; musubi
Insider tip: Ask for an extra gravy cup if you’re getting loco moco too.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mission and surrounding residential streets; usually available within a block outside peak meal hours.
Dress code: Ultra casual—walk-in with everyday wear, work attire, or even gym clothes.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; mellow otherwise—conversation friendly for solo diners and families.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for takeout during dinner peak; minimal dine-in seating.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes typical; short waits even at peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—side salads, rice, mac salad, and a few mixed plates without meat.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan options, but some sides can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Partial—most proteins are gluten-free, but soy sauce and gravy contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual, fast food vibes—better for comfort-driven meals than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service only, no reservations needed. Takeout is the main flow.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of easy meals for kids, friendly staff, and quick service make it solid for families.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty Hawaiian BBQ plates at unbeatable prices; great value over fancier sit-down spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, cocktails, or slow-paced dining—it’s built for efficiency, not atmosphere.