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Brennecke's Beach Broiler
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
2100 Hoone RdKoloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-7588
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 11 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
134 reviews for Brennecke's Beach Broiler
Review Highlights
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"Don't miss the spectacular sunset from Poipu Beach." In 24 reviews -
"...her, these were the BEST fish and chips in the entire world." In 13 reviews -
"Great drinks, great food, great view, great service." In 8 reviews
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134 reviews in English
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Review from Chad L.
Koloa, HI
There are many wonderful things I could say about this business, but I think what impresses me most is the people. Every time I have been there, they have been welcoming and kind, and have demonstrated the kind of hospitality that every restaurant should strive for. In my experience, the wait for a table has never been very long, and the service is prompt. It is nice to have a place to go right by the beach in case I get hungry afterwards or just want to pull into the bar for a cocktail and pupus before going back out.
The seafood is very fresh, and the flavors they use to compliment it are always enjoyable. One of the dinner options is to enjoy two kinds of fresh fish. When I had it, there were two different sauces, and each was amazing. I love how the mussels are prepared on the appetizer menu- the broth is so good I could almost just drink it, but I refrain from embarrassing myself like that by dipping in some of the yummy French bread toast points instead. I also went in for lunch one day and had the lemon crusted ahi and mixed green salad. It was phenomenal, if a tad overcooked for my liking (Of course, I like the fish best raw, and even though I say it was overcooked, it was still only about medium rare, and still very tender, moist, and flavorful. I think they may cook it a tad more because the majority of their customers are tourists. And, when I specified temperature in the past they did do it to order. AND, they do have raw ahi tartare and sashimi, I think, on their pupus menu.) Anyways, the picture that is posted of the salad on this site is the one I ate. I just had no time to text in anything about it, I got busy eating.
Go in early or late in the evening for their happy hour specials. I usually have a mai tai or three, and they have a great list of virgin cocktails. My five year old son, who is usually accustomed to ordering the ever popular Shirley Temple at a restaurant, really liked it when I surprised him with something different and colorful.
They have a great tee shirt shop downstairs with a wide selection of really nice shirts, and they have a deli too- I usually order a Hoku's Hero sandwich. They have one of those cards you can have stamped every time you go to get a free one after ten or however many, useful if you go here a lot. There is also a kama aina discount in the restaurant, gift shop, and deli if you live in Hawaii. They have a rental store next door too, but I haven't been in there yet. -
Review from Melissa D.
Dallas, TX
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
We stopped here after a long drive to and from a heavily rained out North Shore. Fortunately for us, Poipu Beach was sunny and beautiful.
Brennecke's is very conveniently located along the beach with few parking lots near it. The restaurant overlooks the beach and the view is fantastic. The atmosphere is definitely beachy cool.
We made it during the happy hour and ordered nachos as an appetizer. They were pretty good, with the exception of the Pace picante sauce on the said that they tried to pass off as salsa (I am from South-Central TX, so I'll let it slide but will silently judge). In addition, I had an ahi tuna sandwich that was alright, nothing remarkable.
Brennecke's is a nice spot to grab lunch or dinner if you happen to be nearby. -
Review from John F.
Ashland, OR
3/10/2012
Great happy hour! The coconut shrimp was incredible and the mai tai loaded. Only place we went back for another round.
I'm sure the view is great when the weather is cooperative. We sat by the window and watched epic rains pummel the beach. For a couple days.
There's definitely something going on with their coconut shrimp. While other restaurants are just rolling in shreds, their recipe has something magical in it. Lots of coconut flavors with every bite. The best trick was to take the smallest bite to make the flavors last. -
Review from Lorrie M.
Petaluma, CA
5/21/2012
We had a perfectly pleasant experience here for lunch. Four adults, a 17-year old, a 9 year old and a 6 year old. The service as well as the food was fantastic!
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Review from Lenny G.
Stone Ridge, VA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mai Tai us a must, great service and if u get the nachos, get the pulled pork too. Great view of the beach and water
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Review from BnT B.
Chatsworth, CA
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ceviche was great! Look for Shelly.
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Review from Derek M.
Puyallup, WA
5/23/2012
Great beachside restaurant. The pork nachos were awesome and the fish tacos are the best on Kauai in our opinion... So good that we went there twice during our vacation. Excellent service and great location right on Poipu beach. We will definitely return.
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Review from Pam M.
Alamo, CA
5/5/2012
Great location. Food is ok, not great. If you are in Poipu beach area you have to try it at least once.
Friendly service. Avoid the cocktails and stick to beer. They have maybe the worst cocktails I have ever had, and the weakest. You won't get drunk here. -
Review from Henry Joe P.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2012
Pricey. Lunch for 3 with NO booze came to 80 bucks. Welcome to Kauai.
Pupu Platter had very small portions for the price. Not worth it.
We really wanted a burger, but we saw some being delivered to other tables and they were just Costco burger patties, pre-formed and frozen. We skipped that.
They did have Ono fish and chips, which were quite good. But they better have been for the price.
The pulled pork sandwich was OK fine.
Service was friendly.
Sure, the location and view is great. But if you want better quality food, you're better off elsewhere.
Overall...meh.Comment from Jordan D. of Brennecke's Beach Broiler 4/18/2012
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the fish and chips, it's one of… More » -
Review from Amy D.
2/13/2012
The location is great and the view's good too, but the food is just so-so. We all got burgers and sammies. While they weren't bad they weren't anything to shout about.
One of us did get the fish and chips and spoke highly of them - the taste and portion size. Definitely check it out - it's a fun spot. But fine dining? Not so much. -
Review from Benjamin K.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
Enjoyed some great local Koloa rum and a Mahi Mahi sandwich with fries.
Great food, but not for the price unfortunately. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Alameda, CA
3/30/2012
I can not explain how disappointed and frustrated my husband and I were with Brennecke's. We were very much looking forward to the "friendly service" and great food, but that was not our experience. First, they ran out of fish and they also ran out of the steak entrée my husband was interested in ordering. Then we waited over an hour for our food with no apology from our waitress. She just said thank you for not being rude to her. Meanwhile, we could hear the host turning people away, telling them they have out of food and to make arrangements to have dinner somewhere else.
When our food finally arrived it was mediocre and still no apology for running out of fish or for the food taking over an hour. It would have been nice to have been comped a free drink or appetizer or dessert for our patience. We actually overheard another table asking if they could be comped for waiting so long for their food, and the host came over and argued with them. It was very awkward and unpleasant. Our bill ended up being around $100 and it was the worst dinner we had during our stay in Kauai. -
Review from Jenna H.
Pasadena, CA
1/13/2012
I was also a little unsure about trying this place because of numerous negative comments but it was New Year's Eve and we needed to keep our parking spot to see the fireworks on the beach at night!
I'm glad we tried this place! I enjoyed a fantastic mahi mahi with shrimp in a brandy lobster sauce, scalloped potatoes, and some veggies. The mahi was cooked to perfection! My fiance ordered the prime rib medium rare and thought it was okay but nothing special. I also enjoyed a nice latte and chocolate mousse in its own chocolate cup for dessert. All in all a very nice meal for me, the fish lover! Not as fantastic for the meat lover it seems.
There's a nice view of the ocean and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. :) -
Review from Kevin R.
Gig Harbor, WA
5/10/2012
Been coming here for three years but no more. Service is very consistant; TERRIBLE!! Servers are more interested in talking among themselves, watching TV & talking with friends at the bar. It is amazing how they can look you in the eye & do nothing. If you are looking to save money on tips, this is the place.
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Review from Ryan M.
Topanga, CA
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mango mama with pure Koloa dark rum is heaven and I don't even like rum!
Seared ahi encrusted with sesame seeds was top notch and I've had the best there is in Los Angeles!
Eggplant goat cheese salad was light and tasty!
Ono fish and chips were too damn good!
Kudos to the bar tender for recommending the mango mama!
Everyone was friendly.
Couldnt have been better! -
Review from Kelli H.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/31/2011
Maybe okay for lunch but for dinner...not so much!
Seemed pretty dirty, and a waitress spilled a drink on two people in our group. She didn't even really apologize.
I had the ahi sandwich. I was told it would be pretty rare, which I was looking forward to. When it came out, it was completely over-cooked. Like tuna from a can! No pink anywhere in sight. :( Two people in our group got burgers and liked them.
It's just not really my type of place. -
Review from Veronica W.
Irvine, CA
1/10/2012
This place is pretty good. I really only go here to have the clam chowder and a beer for lunch. The view is the best thing about this place. Service is OK. I do agree with other reviews that the mixed drinks appear to have absolutely no alcohol in them. That's why now, I will only order beer. I haven't had too many items on the menu, but all have been tasty: fish and chips, salads, and the clam chowder.
So bottom line, this place is just OK . . . I would recommend lunch only. -
Review from jessica w.
San Ramon, CA
2/5/2012
This place is pretty good - nothing to write home about, but not disappointed.
We went here for dinner our first night on the island. The place was busy; however, our server was attentive and friendly. It's a fun, upbeat environment (not too loud). We ordered the mahi mahi and ahi (an evening special) - both were good. The garlic mashed potatoes were delicious. Portions were decent. I'd go back for lunch and the view. Overall, worth a try.
Nice t-shirt selection if you are looking for a last minute souvenir. -
Review from Lisa F.
Los Angeles, CA
12/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I was hesitant to eat here after reading a few of the nasty comments, but am glad I did.
I called them while on the beach to get in and it was a breeze. we got to watch the amazing sunset from the open air dining room.
the fam had the shrimp stuffed mushrooms which were good. I was bummed they did not offer calamari like all the advertisements say they do
one person had half a caesar and the coconut prawn app for dinner. she pronounced the coconut prawns the BEST she has ever had.
I had the rare ahi tuna with porcini mushroom ravioli in pesto. it had a TON of flavor and the ahi cut like butter. however the ravioli tasted like they came out of a freezer...not fresh like I was expecting. the bbq ribs were also amazing.
LavaLava Flow drink with Koloa Rum is outstanding.
CON: when we are spending $30 a plate for entrees...the LAST thing I want is to have my effing dinner show up two minutes AFTER I just got my damn salad.
Server needs some serious TRAINING on timing and protocol
It took 10 minutes to get my drink after ordering it. Service needs to be worked on
Food: 4 stars
Service: 2 stars -
Review from Jennifere D.
Pasadena, CA
5/1/2012
Great food & great staff. Very accommodating for our children, which was nice. Got the sampler appetizer plate and Ono for the entree, both were outstanding. My advice, let the staff guide you on the menu. They know the local specialties and is they way to go since some of the seafood is imported. We wanted fresh and local seafood, this is the place to go.
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Review from Ray D.
Seattle, WA
3/25/2012
Poipu Beach is absolutely incredible. And our window seat at Brennecke's give us the perfect backdrop for a very nice lunch (ask for a Window Seat when they take your name - it's worth the extra wait).
Had their Kalua Pork sandwich - came with a very tasty BBQ sauce and the pork was very nicely done. Not bad fries too - they were happy to bring extra tarter sauce for dipping.
Wife enjoyed Ahi Fish Tacos. A good selection of condiments to dress it up with nice black beans and slightly dry spanish rice.
Did one of their "World Famous MaiTais". Read below that some questioned reasonable alcohol content. No question on this one - warm all the way down.
It was a nice lunch - but we probably won't go back again. -
Review from Lucy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
Parking: easy, in their free lot. Watch out for the chickens!
Reservations: a very good idea for dinner time, as it starts getting busy about 6-ish. Reservations get priority for a window seat.
View: of the beach and ocean across the street, and sunset. Nice!
Food: burgers, salads, pupu platters, fish specials, pretty good desserts.
We shared the Coconut Shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were a little small, but hot and crispy and coconutty and flavorful with the sweet-spicy dipping sauce and pickled ginger.
I had the grilled fish (Mahi) and garlic shrimp skewer combo, with all veggies (carrots, peppers, asparagus, squash, onions). It was tasty, but bf's dinner was more impressive to my tastebuds.
Bf had the special - a macadamia crusted Mahi with sweet chili butter, served with rice and the same veggie mix I had. Yum!
We shared the Apple Tart topped with Lappert's vanilla ice cream and caramel. Yummy, hot flaky pastry with tender apples - but sweet! The presence of an apple stem and a couple of seeds assured us that there was indeed a fresh apple sliced in there!
I don't drink, but I tasted bf's Bloody Mary, and it was spicy and tasty.
Service was pretty good - but the view out of the open windows really made this casual place memorable!Listed in: Kauai
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Review from Karen T.
Kirkland, WA
9/29/2011
We came here from the airport. We had dinner reservations in a few hours, but needed to eat something that didn't come thru a drive thru.
We ordered their pupu platter and discovered smoked marlin, amazing raw tuna, and decent ceviche. I had a great mai tai. He had local beer.
I have to say, with the warm breezes off the water from the beach across the street and the open air atmosphere and the GREAT snack, we were sold. What a great way to start the vacation. Casually. -
Review from Liv R.
Houston, TX
8/29/2011
I've been to Brennecke's several times. My favorite is the King Crab Melt... ohhhhh soooooo good!!! Large chunks of King Crab on a toasted french roll. A total must have! The phily cheese steak sandwich was rather blah... needs more flavor, skip this one. The clam chowder was very buttery and pretty good.The service is okay. The one waitress we had (haole) wasn't very nice. We also ordered 3 Lava Flow's and when they came the strawberry was liquidy on the bottom and foam on the top. We had to return it and got a fresh batch. It looked as if she gave us some Lava flows that have been sitting there for awhile. I had the brown nipple - oh ma gah
- so yummy, like ice cream!!!
Pricey but only to be expected from a place right off the beach. Very casual. Sandy feet are accepted! I'd give the food a 4 stars and the service a 3 star. -
Review from Patrice G.
Long Beach, CA
8/28/2011
Appetizer
Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms $13,95
Entrees
Rib-Eye/ Fresh Fish Combo $37.95
Prime Rib/King Crab Combo $34.50
I need to explain a few things up front just as I did to our server:
I have a surgically reduced stomach and am not able to eat most red meat. In fact I can only reliably eat the little strip of meat that sits above the fat around the main portion of a rib-eye steak or prime rib. Lots of places now remove that part so I was very explicit in asking if it was attached since the Prime Rib and King Crab combo was $34,50.
Our waiter informed me that since it was so early (almost 5pm) getting a good piece should be easy.
The appetizer was AMAZING. It was, without a doubt, the BEST stuffed mushrooms I'd ever had. The garlic herb butter served on the was wonderful. I had high hopes.
The prime rib came out a strange shade of gray an extremely small pice of meat above the fat cap. There were none of the herbs you would expect to see on a prime rib. There was not even salt and pepper. It was tough and tasteless. It goes down in my food history as the worst piece of meat I have ever had. My husband's steak looked much before but the taste was still HORRIBLE.
I only had one bite of the prime rib. I thought maybe my taste buds were off because my husband at a good portion of his steak. I should have known when he offered A-1 to us and never asked how the food was as he did 3 times during the appetizer,
Total cost was $90 for a great appetizer, 2 waters and the worst meat EVER. I've had better prime rib at a Circus Circus brunch. Our waiter was very personable. The kept the water glasses full and offered menu suggestions. The star is for him and the appetizer. If you want a good prime rib at a reasonable price try Wahoo's in Kapa'a, If you want the ocean view I'd consider another reviewer's suggestion that you pick up a taco or sandwich and snag a picnic table on the beach. -
Review from Allison M.
Pacific Grove, CA
12/23/2011
I'm sure this place does good business because they are the only restaurant near the main beach in Poipu but OMG was this a horrible experience! We paid over $125 for the hands-down worst meal on Kauai. My meal, shrimp pasta, tasted like lemon pinesol. My husband asked how I was even swallowing it. The cocktails had NO booze in them, and believe me, I was stone sober and pissed, so I needed some booze. Do Not Go Here. Save yourself.
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Review from Russell B.
Fontana, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The parental in laws took us here and initially once again I wasn't impressed at first by the appearance of the place and set my expectations low again. I figured based on the fairly basic menu, nice location, and simple old decor the kitchen would just phone it in. When will I learn?
Having a bit of a carb craving I decided to go with the ahi with porcini ravioli. The ahi had a nice little sear on it with the middle still nice and red. Although the ahi itself didn't have a lot of flavor (which I find it typically rarely does) the nice herby, garlicky pesto paired well with it and the nicely cooked atypically generous portion of ravioli. It also went well with a beer first experienced on this recent trip, Kona Brewking Co.'s Wailua Wheat Ale with its light flavor and sweet passion fruit finish. Ahhh. I need to find this locally hopefully while its still in season and stock up.
All around the table everyone was extremely happy with their food. A rareity amongst our group of diverse palettes.
At first glance the simple presentation of the restaurant and menu would lead you to think that this place would be overpriced, but I think this place competes well with Keoki's in quality and value. -
Review from Heather L.
Koloa, HI
2/23/2012
This is a good place to go with the family, watch the sunset while you have dinner. Friendly staff, food has been good every time we have been there. really good fries.
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Review from Ellen E.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2012
Very nice view, which you'll pay for. Food was okay, not what I'd expect for the price. Very friendly and attentive waitstaff. Still, ouch prices for a nice view, basically.
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Review from John F.
Philadelphia, PA
8/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Nice bar off of Poipu beach park. If you can, get a seat by the south windows to enjoy a good view.
We came here twice. The first was for a happy hour where we had about 25 people. The wait staff were friendly and helped us but the hostesses were a bit grumpy with us when we left since they had to rearrange the tables and cleanup as we were trickling out, oh well. Everyone had a good time drinking and eating fried goodies.
Second time we came I had the pork sandwich with the plum bbq sauce and fried onions. It was pretty damn delicious, fries weren't bad either. The menu will look pricy but everywhere you go in Hawaii is, so just shrug and pay. -
Review from Jeremy F.
Portland, OR
6/16/2011
Brennecke's is the perfect stop after a great day at the beach. Excellent Mai Tai's and great pupu's!
I wish I was there right now! -
Review from Lyn S.
Basking Ridge, NJ
1/20/2012
Stopped in for happy hour a few nights ago. $5 mai-tais and $1 off coconut shrimp. Both were excellent; service was friendly. Open air second floor with nice view
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Review from Jessica L.
Seattle, WA
9/12/2011
This restaurant is all sorts of beach paraphernalia wrapped up in one starkly rectangular building. Going up the stairs to the restaurant, I wasn't sure what to expect. The menu was broad enough, and the wait staff was friendly, though much friendlier towards each other than to us. The view to Poi'pu beach is great, as we were there right around sunset, and feeling the cool breeze was pleasant as well.
The food though? Eh. I've had better, and for much lower prices, right here at home. The fish was overcooked, potatoes were cold, and the ceviche was an interesting shade of gray with a very firm texture, served with...some curiously un-delicious olives.
Short story: drinks look pretty (too bad I have about 4 years to wait), view is gorgeous, waitresses are smiley, and the food is...an accessory. -
Review from John W.
Martinez, CA
12/5/2011
Great food and an even better atmosphere. Open air dining room with a beautiful view of Poipu beach. You gotta eat here.
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Review from Thomas M.
Pacific Grove, CA
11/24/2011
By far this was the WORST dinner we had in Kauai... so bad that it put me in a bad mood. The food tasted processed, canned, previously frozen and tasteless. The interior of the restaurant was extremely out dated with a 1980's feel, and seemed like an Island inspired Diner. The worst part about the whole experience is that they are charging $30 per plate, which is comparable to all of the high end nice restaurants in Kauai. Don't make the same mistake I did, go to Tidepools at the Hyatt instead you will be much happier and it will cost the same. Run!!!
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Review from Dave P.
Roseville, CA
3/30/2012
Cool place, love the vibe. Could be a little faster on food but overall great!
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Review from Christine D.
San Diego, CA
A cute little casual restaurant with an AMAZING view of Poipu beach!
Came here with a friend for happy hour where we got a mai tai and a lava lava flow to drink along with an ahi salad and spicy black mussels to eat. It was all so fresh and delicious! Our server was very outgoing and made our experience here very pleasant. Definitely drop by if you are looking to grab a bite to eat they have quite a selection from salad to sandwiches to steak. -
Review from Ted L.
Los Altos, CA
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just ate dinner here tonight. This is a great place for local seafood, and steaks. Even on a Monday night, it was still a pretty long wait to get in without a reservation. We have eaten here before, and have always had good service. The bar tender here is a wizard. I went to the bar to order some drinks while we waited for a table, and he was just a drink making machine. Did I mention the drink menu yet? It's super! Lots of fruity, Hawaiian drinks, and plenty of good virgin drinks for the kids.
I had prime rib, my wife ate the fish over pasta. It was all just fantastic. Great kid menu too! Definitely would return here.
This place has been a staple of PoiuPu beach for years. Everytime we go to Kauai, we stop in for a meal here.. Usually breakfast or lunch, and it is always yummy. -
Review from Jack W.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2011
The sashimi, pasta, clams, and shrimp were all very mediocre. One a Dollar per unit of quality basis, it's actually quite expensive.
One standout - the brown nipples cocktail. Definitely one of the best I've had in life.
Price: $50/person after tax and tip. -
Review from Pete G.
Chicagoland, IL
4/16/2011 4 photos
You gotta be kidding me. Peeps on here saying it's pricy? You ate at a beachside eatery with an incredible view. That's not worth a couple extra bucks to you?
We were sitting in a second story restaurant, eating the best sashimi ever (with an incredible hot mustard/soy sauce), 14 pieces for $14.95. So, we decided to eat only from the appetizer menu. We also had the Kama'aina Pupu Platter: Ceviche, fresh ahi sashimi, smoked fish, shrimp and king crab for $18.75 and the Tsunami Shrimp for $9.95, a couple Longboard beers for me and Cosmos for wifey. Oh, and the crispy fries were the cherry on top.
So we spent $60 on lunch. But we were in friggin Hawaii man and that lunch was filling and oh so delish! Aloha!
