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Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Food Breweries Nightlife Bars Sports Bars American (New), Breweries, Sports Bars [Edit]
1 Aloha Tower DrSte 1123
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 599-4877
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 1 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Validated, Private Lot, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
164 reviews for Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Review Highlights
"I would highly recommend the GARLIC FRIES."
(in 50 reviews)
"Live music and great sunset view."
(in 15 reviews)
"It's a professional crowd @ happy hour."
(in 14 reviews)
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164 reviews in English
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Review from Sunny D.
Mililani, HI
1/16/2012
Had lunch here last September and we enjoyed outselves so much we brought my mom this past weekend. It was really busy because there was a huge group of students from Japan who were all seated inside. We were seated quickly just outside the doors and it was a nice day especially for the mostly tourist crowd.
Being a petite person, I ordered the lobster and crab cake appy which was served on a bed of finely sliced assortment of lettuce. With it came two sauces, one was a tartar sauce and the other was more of a horseradish type sauce. Both were pretty good. The lobster/crab cake was very good and not overly stuffed with breading as some I have tasted at other places. Mom had a small portion of ribs with some sort of beer bbq sauce. You couldn't taste the beer but the sauce was on the mild side which I liked. I don't like overly strong flavors in bbq sauce, this one was good. Hubby had something that looked like pizza/flatbread with spinach and some other fixing on top with shreaded chicken. Nice flavor.
We decided to share a dessert, we choose the bread pudding and ordered a half dessert to share between the three of us. I have to say, the piece was huge for a half piece! The bread pudding was good but on the heavy side, the sauce was very thick and a bit too sweet for all of us.
Overall, we had a nice lunch in a very nice location. The service was very good and I would come here again.
It's sad that the Aloha Tower Marketplace is so dead! Lots of the shops are gone and I wondered how the remaining ones even stay in business with barely anyone walking through. I can only assume that the restaurants get busier during the weekdays at lunch and after work. They really need to do something to get the local crowd out there on the weekends. -
Review from Cassie T.
Honolulu, HI
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
We thought that Gordon Biersch would be an upscale restaurant with moderate pricing and great tasting beer. Wow were we wrong. I serioulsy do not know what all the hype is about. This restaurant was terrible.
The restaurant feels like a cheap chain restaurant. The decor is cheesy and the tables/chairs are just generic looking.
Disappointment. My husband tried two different beers. The first was decent and the second was watered down. Who waters down beer at a microbrewery? This place could take a lesson from Moose's Tooth in Anchorage, AK.
I ordered a Dragon Fruit Mojito and it was way to sweet. My second drink was the cosmo, same thing.
We ordered the Lobster Crabcakes appetizer and this was kind of tasty. NIce chuncks of lobster for sure.
We also ordered the BBQ burger. This seriously tasted like a frozen patty, cold bacon, and over the counter BBQ sauce. We ordered garlic fries with the burger and they were delicious.
The saving grace in our visit to Gordon Biersch was our friendly waiter David. Great service. He was attentive but also gave us plenty of time to make our selections.
Another positive was the live music. The band that was playing was a nice touch to the place.
Server: David
Price: 59.62
Time: 7:20pm -
Review from Melissa J.
Honolulu, HI
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not sure how we ended up here for date night -- my hubby wanted a burger so we were headed towards Waikiki. He was starving and the traffic down Nimitz was insane so we decided to just pull over to Aloha Market Place and see what the hype was all about. We walked around and weren't sure if we were in a ghost town ... was this place really cool at one time or something? Why was it so dead on a Saturday night?
After walking around we decided on Gordon Biersch. It looked like a fun little place -- there was live music -- people drinking, laughing and enjoying the sunset on the deck outside ... this place looked promising.
I had a glass of wine, hubby had a GB beer and we shared a poke appetizer. The fish was not super fresh and it was a little slimy. NOT okay. Hubby did not like his beer. My Blackstone Merlot did not disappoint.
For our main courses, I had the shrimp stir-fry and he had his much anticipated burger with garlic fries. He was SUPER hungry so I thought for sure he would like his burger. NOPE. The shrimp stir-fry had an excessive amount of butter which pretty much ruined the whole thing.
On a positive note -- the service was fantastic. They do offer a military discount if you have a little card from the MWR office (we didn't have the card with us).
Almost $60 later ... we were both feeling sick and wish we would have just sat in traffic and made the drive in to Waikiki for better food.
Oh well ... now we know! -
Review from Sharina N.
Honolulu, HI
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Half turkey with garlic fries were good and reasonably priced. However, the service was crappy. Walked up and the host and hostess looked so completely uninterested and barely spoke. I literally said to them what's wrong? You look so uninterested. They reluctantly sat me and said they were bored...
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Review from Cheryl K.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have no idea how I do not have this reviewed already. I have been here multiple times. In fact the biggest time was when we had our wedding rehearsal dinner here.
I love their beers. Anytime I hear Gordon Biersch I think of their tasty Marzen beer. I always drink one of those, or maybe three, I don't remember. They also have live music on weekends. Ben and Maila are also my fave since I had them for my wedding and they perform here every so often.
Their food is good. I usually go for the burgers. I recently had their kobe burger (which I think I also ate at my rehearsal dinner) and loved it. I said medium well but it was a little well done but still delicious nonetheless. The husband had their barbeque burger and loved it. Their garlic fries are awesome too. Now that I am married I don't think my husband cares too much about my garlic breath.
Only tiny peeve is when you sit outside under those umbrella things at night. It's a little difficult and dark to see. I could have been munching on a cockaroach or something and not even notice. Aside from that their service is on it even when it was super busy. They validate parking for 3 hours which is a plus. Overall, one of those places in Aloha Tower worth going to.Listed in: When I feel like a…
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Review from Kevin W.
1/12/2012
Has indoor or outdoor seating and u can watch games if ur at the outdoor bar or a table near it.
Not gonna go super in depth into the food since its good but nothing ridic. Garlic fries good, Cajun tacos decent but Chipotle better, Burger special of day really good prolly cuz drizzled with buffalo sauce and blue cheese (apparently they're not good w temperatures since we ordered well done it came out medium rare but that's more how I like it, another reviewer complained about the opposite), artichoke dip purty good.
View is Oceanside but not as nice as Waikiki Oceanside bc mostly of big barges and shipping containers.
Validate for 3 hours free parking at Aloha Towers.
Frankly it's lame that Aloha Towers charges for parking. Terrible business decision. Way to scare off browsers and tourists. -
Review from Tara L.
Waipahu, HI
2/2/2012
Ok let me just say that the service was slow, there were no refills offered and the food wasn't half bad until the flies started walking out of my salad. The worst part about it is that when we let the waiter know he said "oh, fruit flies ... sorry, would you like something else?" Like these flies were a normal occurance.
Needless to say, I'm not eating there ever again! -
Review from Justin Y.
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
So live jazz every Wednesday makes me pretty much an instant fan & it would take quite a bit to get a bad review from that point on. Thankfully, Ol' GB gives barely any such reason.
The food here is pretty spiffy for a chain restaurant (compared to others like Chilis & Ruby Tuesdays) with the portion size being not too huge most of the time and not too small, with okay pricing. (Although a little on the higher end for what it is, but nothing too bad.) Oh. And the garlic fries = win. Best believe it!
I'm not a huge drinker anymore, and i'll rarely order beer with my food, as i'm more of a wine person, but whenever I come here I tend to order whatever the seasonal beer is. This past time it was a winterbock, which was a very dark, full flavored beer...pretty damn close to a guiness, which I love.
The service has always been attentive, but not annoyingly so. The waiters that i've always had were always friendly and are willing to chat and have a laugh or two while at your table, which is always a nice touch.
The ambiance is actually very pleasant if you're seated outside. Inside can get a little loud if there is a large intoxicated party (which seems to happen rather often), so I always choose to sit outside. The outdoor dining area is right near the water, so as long as a boat isn't parked right there its a pretty nice place.
I'm always down to come here for Jazz on Wednesdays...especially since they clear a small area for people to dance all crazylike. Free jazz AND a floor show? Can't go wrong. -
Review from Lily B.
1/4/2012 4 photos
The BF brought me here for lunch one day... I've been here before on several occasions and each time it never disappoints! Located at Aloha Tower on the end near the ocean... we got a seat outside to enjoy the gorgeous view and beautiful sunny day.
Not your average "chain restaurant" food... I mean it is but it's a step up! Quality food and decent portions. Lots of beers (I don't drink beer) and I've heard live music on the weeknds?
I can't remember the name of our server but he was friendly, (cute), efficient, and patient. I'm super picky and usually take forever to order. I started with a sangria (which sucked-but I doubt it's the bartenders fault...) I think I just didn't like the taste of it. Should've just got a glass of wine or my mixed drink. Anywho... onto the food...
We started out with crab dip appetizer with toasted bread (don't remember the exact fancy name for it)... but it was delicious! There were lumps of crab and it was cheesy and creamy... the toasted bread was perfect to spoon it onto. I have a picture in my gallery... it was definitely something I'd order again!
So I couldn't make up my mind so I ended up getting 2 entrees (oink oink!) [hey that's what leftovers are for!]... the grilled chicken sandwich with avocado and garlic fries and the lobster and shrimp mac and cheese. The grilled chicken sandwich is THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN sandwich I've EVER had. The chicken doesn't come out rubbery or dry and overcooked. It's still tender and juicy! Covered with swiss cheese and avocado with garlic fries (I LOVE THEIR GARLIC FRIES... no matter what anyone else says!) [and some ranch please!] It's only $10 (or $11??) but it's HUGE and SO YUM. GET IT NEXT TIME!!! The lobster and shrimp mac and cheese was just as DELISH! Large pieces of lobster (tender) and a decent portion of shrimp (not overcooked) as well with bowtie pasta in a creamy cheesy sauce. It was THE BEST mac and cheese at a restaurant that I've ever had! A little pricey ($20) and the portion was decent (okay maybe a little more than decent) but it was SO worth it because it tasted SO GOOD!!! Drooling... I want some right now!!!
The BF was in the mood for seafood so he got some sort of catch of the day with some kinda sauce... I can't remember but there's a picture as well in my gallery. He said it tasted good but that he probably would order something else next time. We were way too full to order dessert (plus we had LOTS of leftovers) and the total with tip was around $85. Kinda pricey but I think the quality of food speaks for itself... I'm definitely a fan of Gordon Biersch and we'll be back for more! -
Review from Fred M.
This was my first time here and I think this place was pretty awesome. Its a perfect spot to get some food and then later on bounce out and head downtown for first Fridays.
The atmosphere here is very relaxing and enjoyable especially with a live band playing in the background.
I gotta say a big thanks to the staff here for accommodating a few unexpected guests. I made reservations initially for 15 people and I ended up having 22 total showing up. We were seated in the outdoor area and we just assimilate other tables around us. When there was no tables left outside the waiters took one from the inside and also gave us a couple foldable chairs.
The food was great I ordered their New York Steak and Tempura Shrimp plate. It also had broccoli and mashed potatoes with dipping sauces for both the steak and shrimps.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Their crab and artichoke dip was also great for starters along with one of GB's Seasonal beers.
I look forward in coming here again and maybe for first Fridays again.
Yelp 365 Challenge - #065/365 -
Review from Kim M.
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know why I haven't gone here to drink and hang out more.. The food, drinks, service, and live music are ALL great. Yes, great.
It was my bf's first time at Gordon Biersch. Our intent was to see some friends, First Verse, play live. We sat at the bar and were instantly greeted by the bartenders Joe and Shin (sp).
For food, we chose the Brewer's Feast and calamari. The Brewer's Feast was the best sampler we could have chosen. It had Gordon Biersch's famous garlic fries, Southwest Egg Rolls, hummus, and Kobe sliders.
The calamari was excellent. I loved it because it's wasn't too battered nor too crispy; it was semi-soft and NOT chewy at all! :) The wasabi aioli was excellent and very addicting.
My drink of the evening was the Bar Fly. It consists of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka (70 proof) and freshly-squeezed lemonade with a splash of soda water. I'm in love!!! It's a tad on the sweet side, but whatever. It tastes almost exactly like an Arnold Palmer!
I hope to visit Gordon Biersch again soon!
Yelp 365 - #089/365Listed in: Yelp 365 Challenge
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Review from Jenni C.
Honolulu, HI
12/12/2011
I absolutely love this place! I always have a a good experience and really enjoy the food. The wait staff is always attentive, and they make great recommendations. They have indoor or outside seating, so you can choose which ever you prefer.
The garlic fries are so tasty. The hummus and goat cheese salad with salmon or grilled chicken is delicious. I would go back just to eat that. The steak is always well cooked and the taste is right on point.
I am not really a beer drinker so I don't know how that it is. But I if you are at aloha tower, you should defiantly eat here. -
Review from Dave F.
11/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
There's a little secret about this Gordon Biersch making it unique from the many others: Private backroom for events which easily holds 40-50. Same great food and service, but a private dining room.
Nice spot to hold an event, have a small party or even use for business. Great service, too! Valet parking or validated parking in their lot. -
Review from Eric Robert T.
Hilo, HI
10/12/2011 1 photo
Prob more like a 3.5, but will round up to 4 because of the comp drinks we had when the waiter dropped some beer on someone in the party. Poor her, but we got a night to remember...
Overall the food's good and beer's good enough. Large area to sit and live music on some nights. Garlic fries and ribs are yum.
It's been some time now, but I rate it for good memories and a night similar to The Hangover - minus the unknown baby. -
Review from Brian F.
Rockaway, NJ
10/17/2011
Disorganized service, Mediocre Food
We stopped by here when we were touring the Aloha Marketplace. Unfortunately since the center is on the decline and there are not many other places to eat, this looked like our best option.
We stopped at the hostess stand and asked for a table by the harbor. The host told us to take any open table. We went and sat down at a table by the harbor. About a minute later, a hostess came by and in a very condescending voice said, "I guess our hostess stand must have missed you". She then said that we should not have seated ourselves. Obviously there is a lack of communication here. Thinking back at the meal and the overall experience, I wish we had gotten up and left then.
Here are the pros and cons of this restaurant.
Pros:
None
Cons:
The view of the harbor is not that good. Its an industrial part of the harbor.
For a place that claims to be a German Brew Pub, the beer was unimpressive.
The food itself was not impressive. I had a hamburger on a Pretzel bun and it was about the messiest burger that I have ever had. For something that was supposed to resemble a pretzel, it was soggy. It reminded me of a potato roll.
Of all the places that we ate at during our two week Hawaii vacation, this was the biggest disappointment. If you are touring the Aloha Marketplace, dont stop here. Walk a little north into downtown Honolulu and find some place to eat. -
Review from Keith S.
Honolulu, HI
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think this place is a little overrated for what some people think of it. The food isn't that bad but you can get the same for a much lower price. One big no no are the garlic fries. I've read a lot of reviews about how great they are and I love garlic but with these you might as well go to costco and buy the 1/2 gallon tub of garlic and a spoon. Its way too much to even enjoy. Made me physically sick. The service was ok, the server very rarely came by our table to refill water. I had the steak medallions which were tasty but a very very tiny portion. Overall, I don't think I'd go back to this place. There are much better places out there.
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Review from Shawn S.
Honolulu, HI
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I want to like this place but, unless you already know the bartender, you get ignored. We ordered the pork sandwich & garlic fries, beer and ice tea. Both drinks were served in dirty glasses. All I can say is YUCK! Then the food showed up... The pork was mostly fat, & the fries taste odd like the oil they fry in is really old. I've come here once or twice a year, (not my idea), but to meet up with friends. And, it always let's me down. Service & food quality is substandard. I wish this place would improve. The only good thing about this place is the beer, if you don't a mind dirty glass! See ya in another year, maybe...
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Review from Quijana B.
Waipahu, HI
Needing a central location for a goodbye lunch for eight people, we chose Gordon Biersch because we were pretty sure that we could grab a table, stay as long as we liked, and all walk away happy.
We were correct. The menu is extensive enough that everyone ordered something different and all were happy. I brought two kids, and can say that the kid's menu is standard, appreciated, and well done.
Unfortunately, the service was lacking. Our table was in the center of the room, and there were very few people around us. Flagging our waiter down was a chore, and the other waitstaff put blinders on and rushed past us on their way to other chores.
I'm sure I'll be back at some point. It is a pleasant enough place to while away a few hours over a beer and some garlic fries, but it will never be my first choice. Or my fifth. -
Review from Craig P.
Honolulu, HI
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great burger, have yet to try the beer D:
Came here for lunch with some co-workers and I got a Swiss mushroom burger. It was delicious! I freaken love burgers! I just wish I had a beer to go with it but it was a lunch break...
"All beers are brewed on site" was a line the waitress said. She had me hooked, I wanted to try something! Definitely going to come back for dinner or lunch and unwind with a nice cold brew!
The Good:
Staff was helpful and friendly. It wasn't crowded for lunch and they were able to seat a part of 10 quickly. The food came out pretty quick too. The garlic fries came along with the burger but they weren't as good as I thought it'd be amazing from what I heard. Expectations~ lol
The Meh:
Service wasn't amazing but it was good. I kinda judge service based on how quickly they fill up my glass of water. I had one refill for the hour that we were there. -
Review from Kirstie B.
Ewa Beach, HI
9/24/2011
What happened to this place? I remember when I first started going to this place their food was so good and they had great customer service. But now it's just not as great.
The last time I went here our waiter could barely even open a wine bottle and even broke the cork bottle. She even had the guts to ask one of my friends to open it for her. Not to mention that she ID us after she poured us the wine. She barely checked up on us...it even seemed like she disappeared. The food wasn't that great. I had a steak and it was really dry. You could tell it was sitting for a long time. Luckily, we knew one of the waiters and he gave us a complimentary appetizer (which kinda made up for everything).
I'm not much of a beer drinker, but from what I hear their beer is good. Would I come back and eat here again? Nah... -
Review from Paul M.
Honolulu, HI
10/23/2011
I've been to Gordon Biersch many times, and I typically enjoy it. But I always order the same thing: the Chilean sea bass and a beer sampler.
Chilean sea bass is an amazing fish, and they cook it really well here, but for an outrageous price. The beer sampler is always fun to get 4-5 different flavors of beer all in one sitting, although Yardhouse is much better for that.
When I've ordered other things, its been unremarkable, but not bad. I always think its not worth the price.
The service is always a little lackluster. The hostesses always seat us in the least desirable places, which is probably the most convenient for the servers. Next to a pillar. Just on the other side of a wall so we can't see the water. Right next to a huge group when there's a million tables open elsewhere. They never seat near the harbor it seems, cause then they'd have to walk further to get to us. Not that they really check on their guests that often.
The servers have mostly just been going through the motions. Not particularly rude, just not very welcoming or considerate. I don't much care about the servers at a restaurant, so I don't mind.
The harbor isn't really a private harbor with sailboats, but its nice to see the water and neat to see the Coast Guard ships. Its not like you're seeing factories billowing smoke, or yards of moving crates.
They have live bands sometimes, which is something I try to avoid. I can't really enjoy my company at dinner with the volume level. But its at night, near the bar, so the intention is okay. I just try to avoid going on a Friday or Saturday night.
The prices are kind of outrageous. They're more expensive than the nicer restaurants in Waikiki. The food is just standard American fare with no real glamor to it to justify the prices. $12.50 for a Caesar salad, $9.50 for some seasoned chips, and $26.50 for my Chilean sea bass filet (an expensive fish, but we're talking the same price as Ahi).
Overall, I never suggest going here. But if someone says they want to go, I do look forward to some Chilean sea bass and beer! -
Review from Jenny S.
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Live music and great sunset view. I ordered a bbq chicken pizza and a margaritta and both were really good. Our waiter was really nice and checked up on us regularly. The portions here are also really big so ordering one dish could potentially feed 2 people.
The live music was really good! Great singers and it really set the chill mood in the restaurant. The view was really nice. You get to see kakaako beach from where here and the reddish-orange sunset upon the ocean. Really nice place and it's alot bigger than it seems. The only bad thing is that the music is a little loud so it's hard to carry out a conversation but other than that a great place. -
Review from Krysten I.
Honolulu, HI
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've come here a lot over the years when family friends from the mainland visit Hawaii. We always sit outside by the water and watch the barges and dinner cruises leave.
They have a very extensive menu, in fact you're always given sooo many menus....the regular menu, seasonal menu and the happy hour menu. I really like the artichoke dip, it comes hot with toasted bread. yum! the salads are usually pretty good and the fish is usually fresh. In general, I've never really had anything bad here, except the potstickers....but who orders potstickers from here when you're right next to Chinatown?
The ambiance is nice outside, very laid back. And the waitresses are decent...unless you arent ordering alcohol every 10 mins... -
Review from Jackie G.
I read some negative and positive reviews about this place. I went here twice with coworkers and found it to be pretty good service both times, clean, friendly and not overpriced far as comparison to other establishments like this on the mainland. View is nice if you sit outside on patio with umbrella covered tabkes. Direct sun would be too hot. There's an outdoir bar too if all you wanted is a drink. They also have happy hour drink specials. Large restaurant, so if you have a small ir large party, there is plenty of room. I ordered GB burger that comes with garlic fries..delicious and smelled even better. I had asked fir Med. cooked and received it as asked. Lot's of options on the menu. They have local island microbrews that are a nice choice for drink with meal. My experience was good all around.
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Review from Nicole K.
Waipahu, HI
6/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I met here with my boss for lunch on a Sunday. It wasn't too crowded, even though Game 3 of the NBA was on.
We got the goat cheese and shrimp pizza. It was pretty tasty, and it was enough to feed at least 2 people. The goat cheese was pretty potent ... just the way I like it. Our waitress made some great recommendations, but I had tried them all. I tried the goat cheese/shrimp pizza for the first time that Sunday, and I loved it.
Against my better judgment I asked for the dessert menu ... because I never had dessert there before. I opted for the strawberry cheesecake. Excellent choice. and you can split this between two also :)
Gotta get the beer sampler!! About $12 for 3 samples, and they were all awesome. **Stefa C. informed me that there are 6 beers in the sampler, so I'm not sure why we only got three :( but the next time I go I'm going to verify** -
Review from Robin W.
11/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I come here for the Oktoberfest food. Just wish it were served all year! Nice spot on the water as you drink your freshly brewed beer.
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Review from Ryan I.
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to play here back in the late 90s with my band Giant Wheel Throw on Thursday and Friday nights. We got paid decently, and also got $100 worth of food / alcohol for the band. The food was really good back then, but I hadn't eaten here much since we stopped playing there.
We went back for lunch today and to my surprise, the menu was totally different. But fortunately the food was still excellent. We started out with some garlic fries - still the same, pungent, almost raw garlic, with parsley mixed in. The fries were done perfectly - perfect crunch and salt.
For lunch I had a daily special which was an asian chicken salad. Unlike the asian salads at other places, there wasn't a very strong dressing - just a light mayo taste. It was actually kind of refreshing to not have some strong shoyu / ginger / miso dressing, and it allowed the tastes of the napa cabbage, lettuce, bell peppers and mandarin oranges to shine through.
I also had a schwartzbier, which was dark like Guiness, but I didn't like the strong carbonization (I like Guiness because it tastes flat and creamy).
My wife had an opakapaka special and it was excellent. I usually expect bar foods to be oversalted, but the food here was a little underseasoned, which I really liked.
The kids' menu is an awesome bargain - for $5, you get an entree (pizza for my son and pasta for my daughter). Most dishes get a side order (my daughter had fruits), and though pizza usually doesn't come with a side as stated on the menu, the waiter brought my son some fries anyway! Very cool!!
In fact, I'm guessing about 70% of the tables had kids on them, so I think families picked up on that.
We're definitely coming back, with the kids again!
Yelp 365 Challenge #14/365 -
Review from Eric B.
Honolulu, HI
7/14/2011
Most downtowners don't come here for lunch during the week (it's mostly vacationers), but good god it's wonderful. Southwest chicken sandwich with garlic fries is excellent ($10.50), as is their current blackened linguine special ($14).
Casual vibe on the back patio, front-row view of the very beautiful harbor, nice breeze, big skies, a perfect midday getaway and a full belly in :45 to an hour for under $20, drink included. Recommended. -
Review from Valerie M.
Honolulu, HI
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cold beer. Good service. Casual atmosphere.
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Review from Kelly J.
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
What do you expect of a Gordon Biersch restaurant? Good beer. Their beer menu needed to be updated since their awards only go up to maybe 2007? Doesn't seem very competitively yummy if their last award was that many years ago. Nonetheless, we order a beer sampler. I loved two of the beers and asked to get half of each mixed in a glass (It definitely included the red). They fulfilled my request and by golly I think I made my own awesome beer.
Food (a fish special of the day and something else) was bleh. Service was bleh. Garlic fries were good, but not outstanding like the reviews say. Ambiance is ok, facing the water and nice open views. Pricey. Would come back to make my own beer again though!Listed in: Honolulu Chinatown
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Review from Megan B.
10/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great spot for after-work beers and pupus. They have a really cheap happy hour menu at the bar where you can seat yourself and enjoy the harbor views. Can't beat the 5 or 7 buck apps. And I like that they always have a seasonal special.
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Review from JJ L.
Overlooking the Honolulu Harbor right by Aloha Tower, you HAVE to dine outside by the bar. The air is fresh and it's a great experience to look out into the vast Pacific Ocean and see the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise pull into dock (spying all the crazy tourists shaking their bums and enjoying their libations). The ambience gets even better when there's live music on the outdoor stage.
The outdoor bar is convenient if you're wanting to watch the game because there are four large flat screens in every corner, so you're at a vantage point whereever you sit.
Food-wise, if you're an avid Gordon Biersch diner you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a great brewery cheeseburger, you'll probably be satisfied but not overly crazed by the food offerings. The beer selection is decent, I'm more of a Asahi/Kirin guy so all the German-esque names just make it fun to order and I'm not too finnicky with taste.
Here are some things to avoid:
CALAMARI: this appetizer is weak! the calamari is way too thin and the batter is "blech!" tasting.
GARLIC FRIES: if they're cooked well, then chow down. but, there's been several times where the restaurant is swamped that they'll turn plates with raw garlic on cold fries ... nasty.
HAPPY HOUR: if you're showing up at the tail-end, which is when I've eaten there on two occassions, you're in for long waits and mediocre food. -
Review from Nathan N.
Honolulu, HI
7/7/2011
Great menu, good beer, huge dining area, attentive staff, affordable prices and lots of live music. Gordon Biersch is an awesome restaurant to just hang out with friends, have a few beers and munch on appetizers. Awesome place for Happy Hour and Pau Hana Fridays.
Favorites:
Winterbock - seasonal
Garlic French Fries
Kobe Sliders
Brewer's Feast Combo
Grilled Chilean Sea Bass (3600 on the Rise has the best)
Cajun Pasta -
Review from George R.
Honolulu, HI
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Eh...
No true Belgian can give their beer more than 2 stars...
Kona Brewing Company has a much better and interesting selection.
Feels like a mainland chain restaurant. -
Review from Raych D.
2/23/2011
HATE HATE HATE THIS PLACE WITH A PASSION!!!
Omg this place has got to be the worst customer service! Came here with my friend, his gf and her 2 kids. Our waiter took forever and a day to get our order after being seated (outside) and he even took even longer just getting our water! After waiting at least 30 minutes with our menu he finally returned with our water and to take our order! After we placed our order the food took so long coming out that we asked him several times if we could keep ordering drinks. As soon as our food came out I asked him for an extra side of ranch for my garlic fries and buffalo wings and Tabasco for my steak...as soon as we where done waiting YUP YOU GUESSED IT we waited some more for our check and we were so mad and annoyed at our waiter we left the most lowest tip possible!
Yes the garlic fries where out of this world good but I don't know if they waiter just wasn't in the customer service mood or if he didn't like us or kids but seriously no one should have to experience that kind of service EVER! My friends girlfriend was so pissed off at the service that she called the manager the next day and reported our waiter!
After that experience I'm NEVER coming here again!!Listed in: CAUTION----STAY AWAY!!
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Review from Sid S.
Honolulu, HI
6/18/2011
We come here a lot for happy hour after going to the beach, hiking, or just hanging out people watching.
It's nice being right on the water, though sometimes it can be a little warm depending on where you're seated because it's open air - there's no AC in the restaurant.
The food is pretty good, and the service staff is attentive. I don't think I've ever had to wait for a table, which is one of the reasons we especially like coming here - good food, clean atmosphere, and seating immediately (usually)
And the selection of food is broad enough that everyone can find something they like - good for large groups and picky eaters! The largest we've ever taken here I think was 15 people and they handled it fine (or well, at least handled MY food fine, I didn't have any problems =) )
They have a good selection of beers including some seasonal beers. Not much of a beer drinker myself, but my friends that drink beer enjoy it! -
Review from David D.
Kapolei, HI
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Z and I always enjoy Gordon Biersch. We wish it was closer to home since we usually dance the night away here. Great food such as the pizza, asian chicken wings, garlic soybeans, and shoyu poke (raw fish). One of the best things about this particular Gordon Biersch is that it's on the pier surrounded by the Hawaiian water with loud live music to dance to!!!
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Review from Antonette H.
Mililani, HI
10/7/2011
Pretty sweeeet atmosphere, I think the prices are a bit high, but all in all, not a bad place. Food was good. We only ordered the Smoked Ahi and hamburger slider appetizers, which were pretty AWESOME!! We will be returning to try some more, they had a ginormous beer selection too! :)
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Review from Miki L.
Honolulu, HI
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
After coming here, I realized that I am a fan of samplers. I love appetizer samplers, dessert samplers, and (most importantly) beer samplers!!
There were eight of us there so we made a reservation (Sunday at 6:30). We didn't have to wait at all for a table; we probably could have skipped the reservation and just walked in, but we like to play it safe. The waitress was nice and attentive to my thirst.
I ordered the chicken parmesan, which was pretty good. The mozzarella was melted perfectly to be slightly chewy, but not like rubber. The only downside was that I would have preferred angel hair pasta over linguine (but I understood that I was not at an Italian restaurant).
I honestly can't tell you what everyone else ordered because my attention was focused on my fiance's beer sampler!! Never mind that they came in slightly-larger-than-shots-but-smaller-than-a-doub le-shot glasses, because each beer was placed on a placemat that had the name and a description of the beer. So thank you, Mr. Biersch, for filling my brain with great information about the tastes of my beers and the history behind the Gordon Biersch Brewery.
3 stars because the food was alright but the craziness going on at Don Ho's was a bit too much (if I wanted to hear the music, I would have just gone there instead). Also, the crowd at Don Ho's brought a ridiculously loud family over to Gordon Biersch, and a young woman was literally screaming at the top of her lungs after realizing she had a winning raffle ticket. (Not that I'm subtracting a star because of her; it was just the overflow of noise that I wasn't a fan of). -
Review from Jody S.
11/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Mmmm, just thought this place was ok. Why?
A few reasons:
1) Asked the waiter for water about TWENTY TIMES and then he finally realizes that he forgot and brings it over.
2) The garlic fries were on a plate SOOOO small, it looked like my 5-year old's Care Bears plate.
3) Tapas: The flat bread that came with the tapas were oily as though they pan fried them and then put them on the plate, ewww, gross! I prefer my bread dry not oily soggy.
4) Plates and utensils: So the pupus arrive, but no plates and utensils. UUUHHH, HELLO, should we attempt to eat everything with our hands off of the table? Good grief?! Had to ask for this twice before we received them.
4) Service: Did I mention that the waiter forgot to bring my water over about TWENTY TIMES?
Mmmm, 'nuff said!
