The Eastside

Walked in here randomly. It was semi-full and clearly an irregular space. We ended up sitting at the bar and started chatting with the people around us.
Many of the diners here were locals which is also a good sign. Typically food on Kauai is fairly average, delivering just above the quality of Applebee's, but this place was amazing. It had some of the best food I've had anywhere in the world.

Blindsided by the abundance of 5-star reviews.

Even though we're not fans of Asian fusion, we wanted a nice dinner. We scoped out the menu beforehand and saw $25-$30 entrees. Those prices in Hawaii, one would imagine the restaurant to be more upscale. Instead, the restaurant was casual. Two small dining areas separated by a bar.

When we got there, the bar was rowdy and live music was playing. It felt more like a hangout spot than a dining restaurant. No one was at the hostess desk. So we stood around for a while looking for someone to seat us. After being seated, we had to wait again for menus.

The food was disappointing. We were fine with the fusion part. In fact, I thought the combination of ingredients was creative and worked well. The major disappointment was with the cooking.

Calamari (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-eastside-kapaa-2?select=cmUvhxmvflts6rPYu4lDnA#QBE5Mxo_ApN03mSNgUlqZg): The menu described the calamari to be mochiko dusted served with risotto. Instead we got a mountain for soba noodles and cucumber slaw. Still, we enjoyed it. The slightly crisped calamari with the soba noodles and dressing created a complex combination of texture and flavors. It was crunchy, chewy, savory, and tangy all at once. Best dish of the meal.

Surf & Turf (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-eastside-kapaa-2?select=cmUvhxmvflts6rPYu4lDnA#Ok9zyu4hN7r-9CcEQDkJyw): Filet mignon and grilled shrimp with creamy polenta and watercress. The medium-rare filet mignon was cooked past medium. The meat was not tender or flavorful. The best parts were the shrimp and polenta.

Ribeye Steak (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-eastside-kapaa-2?select=cmUvhxmvflts6rPYu4lDnA#SK5DG6LW8S5QVPmo-dJLYA): Ribeye steak with mashed potatoes, onion rings and arugula. Again, overcooked steak and tough meat. At least the onion rings were done well.

Also had a tangerine martini per the server's recommendation since it's made with fresh tangerine juice. It was like drinking liquid candy. Bleh. Awful.

We didn't find the food here remotely close to "delicious or amazing" as others have mentioned. It was overpriced and mediocre. Service was lacking and disorganized.

The food was good but pricey. We had the ahi nachos and it was surprisingly good, but $18 for only 6 pieces. The edamame was good and the Thai mahi special was just okay. Get the lilikoi cheesecake! That was delicious.

(Warning: sticky tables and cash only under $25)

Gayle and I came here several times during our stay in Kauai, along with her Sister Erin and her Husband Jim. The food was OK, and the music was excellent. We first wandered in during a First Saturday Art Walk in Kapaa and were treated to a kick ass performance by a band called The Quake. If you see anything scheduled for them, make it a point to go and listen to their distinctive lead singer and hot guitarist.

The second and third times featured quieter solo music, with a relaxing Island vibe that made the adult beverages go down so slow and smoothly. The owner (of Czech origin) was fun to chat with as was the waitress who knew how the place really operated.

Food was delicious. I had the mahi mahi special with a curry sauce. It was delicious!

The steak was HUGE!

The music was perfect. The setting was nice.

It was a little pricey but definitely good.

I devoured my plate. Also ordered the cheese cake which was delicious.

The steak is large enough to share. Mashed potatoes were amazing.

This place used to be a lot better, but I was a bit disappointed with the actual entrée. The ahi nachos were fantastic, the ribeye steak could have been eaten at Denny's, no offense. The marbling on the fat was not edible.
The service was great, but non-repeat meal.

Fridays the lunch menu is all $10 per item. We had the tiger shrimp wonton to start. 6 tasty triangles in a spicy-sweet red sauce. We polished them off in minutes.

I had the pork belly sticky buns which were fabulous. The Molokai purple potato salad was a real treat. My partner had the chicken cordon blue stuffed with Kahlua pork which he would barely share with me but the tiny taste I got was excellent. His 2 scoops of rice were drizzled with Gruyere fondu.

Big pours on the red wine and my favorite beer: Sierra Nevada.

For the record Brooke S, no one is interested in your opinion of a restaurant where you looked at the menu and walked away, so shut the hell up!

Walked into the happy hour time (5pm-6pm). Ordered:

Ahi tuna poke $12: comes served on a bed of rice and poke (1:3 to poke ratio). Good portion! Hands down its the best thing we ordered. Smooth, velvety, flavorful delicious melts in your mouth. Mixed with sesame, avocado and seaweed.

Mochiko dusted calamari $10. It's just okay, also served on a bed of rice. Big chunks, some parts are too salty, some are a bit bland.

Wings (teriyaki/spiced/bbq) $1/each. Just skip it, not very good. It's not crispy and lacks in flavor. Just lathered with bbq sauce.

Parking lot at the back, finding a spot was not an issue.

My first five minutes in this establishment almost ended up in me getting up and walking away. The Russian,Swedish or whatever she is started pouring me water and made a huge mess on the table, ground, and myself ... And walked away. This small list of entrees.

However there was a huge list of specials and the friendly second waitress saved the day. She was patient, nice and very friendly. My girlfriend ordered the pork belly and the calamari and loved it. I orders the ahi stuffed burger and thought it was great. I wasn't fond of the live music but my girlfriend sure was! My six days in Kauai and this was my best meal yet. The waitress seemed like a manager and she was great, she really saved us from leaving. Thanks!

First, I love that they brought (free) edamame to the table when I sat down, and it was delicious! Drink-wise I had the strawberry papaya punch - also very good. For dinner I had the burger, which was made with Kauai grass-fed beef, and it was seriously one of the best burgers I've ever had. For two mixed drinks, the burger, and tip it was around $40 - so not exactly cheap, but not seriously overpriced either (especially for Hawaii).

I was here fairly early in the evening - a little after 5 PM - on a weekday, so they weren't busy at all. Service was prompt and friendly, but of course I can't speak for how it is when they ARE busy. I don't know as if I'd make a special trip here, but if you're staying nearby or simply in/driving through Kapa'a around mealtime, I do suggest checking it out!