The Hanalei Gourmet

3.5 star rating
104 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Pubs, Hawaiian  [Edit]

5-5161 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei, HI 96714
(808) 826-2524
Hours:

Mon-Sun 8 am - 10:30 pm

Delivery:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Price Range:
$$
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Wed
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:
Yes

Review Highlights   

user photo
"The fish and chips here always make me smile." (in 15 reviews)
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"Another great find on Kauai." (in 17 reviews)
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"Cool little place with bar, restaurant and has live music." (in 10 reviews)
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104 reviews in English

  • Review from Kirsten B.

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    • 6 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/31/2011

    We came at 7 PM on Thursday night with a party of 4 for the fish taco special.  We waited until 8 for a table, and I was beginning to wonder whether I'd been led astray by the people who recommended it.

    The fish tacos were great!!!  Worth the wait for sure.  They don't use a traditional tortilla, they home make one, and it's a nice change of pace.

    One word of warning - don't order the house red wine.

  • Review from Cindy C.

    Scottsdale, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    12/7/2011

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

    We recently ate at the Hanalei Gourmet our last trip to Kauai and thoroughly enjoyed it! I had the fish tacos which was one of the specials and they were amazing!!!!! The hubby had a pasta dish which he loved but for me it was an overall terrific casual dining experience.

  • Review from Ray K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Palm Springs, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2011

    Recently had the privilege of hanging out in Hanalei Bay for 2+ weeks or so. Only wish I'd discovered the Hanalei Gourmet sooner. The owner's and staff should be very proud of the experience they've created for visitors and locals alike.

    Friendly service, a diverse menu, welcoming atmosphere with reasonable prices made the Hanalei Gourmet a "must try" and/or "must go again" destination.

    Recommendations:
    Mai Tais (hey, I was vacationing), fried artichokes, artichoke bread, onion soup, Po Boy Sandwich, Italian Sandwich, Roast Beef Sandwich, any of the burgers...and the ruben (think it's called the Hanalei Sailor). Additionally, while I can't say I tried all of them, the salads and deserts looked fantastic.

    Additionally, they have a deli, adjacent to the restaurant, that does to-go orders.

  • Review from Alexandria B.

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    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Columbia, MO

    4.0 star rating
    2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This place was pretty good. I had fish and chips, and it was great. The portions were a bit small for the price, and the restaurant is a bit in a touristy location. But it was a good stop for a bit to eat. I'd probably eat there again, but there weren't hardly any vegetarian options aside from salad. But if you just want some fish or burgers, this is your joint.

  • Review from Callie G.

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    • 9 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/15/2012

    We rolled in from a long day of sightseeing and beach going. We were still in our suits, but covered up. This little restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's got a great vibe. Its casual, but does feel like a nice night out. There was a bit of a wait for an indoor table, so we sat at the bar. They've got 2 big screen tv's, so we caught up on sports highlights. Hubs and I both liked our food a lot!  He got a pasta special and I got mac nut fried chicken. We really loved the live hawaiian music. It really made the dining experience special.

  • Review from Jim O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    Canada
    1.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    Okay just returned from this place Jan 2012 and for all us Celiacs that are excited they can have GF options here BEWARE they have no concept of gluten free or cross contamination. When i asked the server about the GF options on the menu she said don't order anything that has bread. Don't despair there ARE places on Kauai that do understand Celiacs you just need to do a bit of research.

  • Review from Chris C.

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    • 35 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Long Beach, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The fish and chips were great!  Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The special of the day, pulau pulled pork was great. Not a lot of seating, but we were lucky to not have to wait.

  • Review from David H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Bedminster, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    1/3/2012

    Have only gone for lunch, but was pleasantly surprised. The food is very good and the crowd has a local flare. Fun place to grab a sandwich and beer. Try the local fish sandwich. It is always tasty.

  • Review from Mike S.

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    • 37 friends
    • 154 reviews

    Glendale, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/23/2011

    Guess what?  Everything in Hawaii is expensive and overpriced!  They import something like 80% of all of their goods.  It aint cheap to do that.

    Ok, now that you understand and are looking for a good place to have dinner and are prepared to spend $20 per person, you can go have yourself a fun and delicious meal at Hanalei Gourmet.

    This would have been a five star review except we wait for an hour for our table.  They were busy - not really their fault, but five star reviews dont come easy for me.

    First off, order a mai tai.  Not too strong, but it aint your luau mai tai either.  One of those and I was nicely grooving.  Our waitress brought a big coloring book and crayons for the kids - something they had been lacking our whole trip thus.  Also, they had live music - a trip doing hawaiian and reggae music - an added fun factor for sure.

    Wifey and I ordered crab cakes to start and I had the udon noodles and she had the greek pasta. Her pasta was really unique and the mussels were great. My udo was also very good and the borth was perfect for me.  The focacia that came with the dish was perfect for sopping up the leftovers.  My son had a bbq'd hotdog and my daughter had the peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich.  Both had happy plates, suffce it to say.

    We finished off the meal with the brownie ala mode.  That one speaks for itself.

    THE perfect meal to end end our trip.  So glad we went.

  • Review from Astrid O.

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    • 8 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Columbus, OH

    4.0 star rating
    12/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Ordered fish & chips and the avocado sandwich. Fish was fresh and solid. Substituted for an extra $2 a locally grown salad instead of fries. Avocado sandwich had tasty dressing. My husband said it was good but not anything special. Carrot-ginger soup was pretty good. You can only drink alcohol inside where it can get loud. We met some friendly locals. We wouldn't go back on vacation but if I lived here I would.

  • Review from Katie M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Edinboro, PA

    5.0 star rating
    7/17/2011

    I love The Hanalei Gourmet!

    I have to eat gluten free and everyone here has always been super helpful.  I tend to always get the same thing, though.  The Shrimp "Old Bay" Boil is some of the best shrimp I've ever had.  It comes with bread to dip in the boil, but I ask for rice.  If you love shrimp, it's really worth stopping by to try.

  • Review from Rachael B.

    Boulder, CO

    3.0 star rating
    7/17/2011

    Hanalei Gourmet is one of those places that is really, really good after a long day in the sun - when you don't feel like cooking or going to the store and you just want something yummy and satisfying.  

    I always get the Waldorf Salad with a piece of local grilled fish - they have great fries that stay crispy and crunchy even after sitting for awhile (a true feat in the humid weather).

    Ingredients here are fresh for the most part but don't expect ... well, Gourmet.  

    Overall a great spot to grab something when you're covered in salt and sunscreen.

  • Review from Emily M.

    Costa Mesa, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/9/2011

    Silly yelpers, creating two listings for the same place.

    I had the Garden Isle Burger.  It was pretty good, but the wait was RIDICULOUS.  The rest of my family ordered and finished their meals at the burger place next door long before I received my order.  It definitely wasn't crowded, either. I liked the fries.

  • Review from Claire J.

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    • 61 friends
    • 225 reviews

    Daly City, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/21/2011

    Our first night in Kauai and didn't really have a plan where to eat for dinner.  I was a little hesitant to eat here due to bad reviews but decided to give it a try.  
    It was a bit slow for Friday night... but hey it's Kauai!

    Fried artichoke was good... I mean can you really go wrong with fried?  Not really.  The rest of the food was aight.  Hubby's burger tasted okay, not worth the price we paid.  My fresh fish sandwich was bland.  I do believe in letting the freshness stand out, but it was just bland.  I would've been okay paying the amount if it had more flavor.  The food didn't welcome us at all.  
    Service was good though.  They had aloha.  Oh yea they had the sugar packets that had hibiscus flower, it was cute and I took a pic of it.

  • Review from Tiffany T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/4/2012

    Awesome little spot in Hanalei--definitely worth an afternoon lunch visit. Have the Waldorf Salad (add Chicken or Fresh Fish) and don't miss the locals bar scene (apparent every afternoon we stopped in). Service is a bit light, but well worth it for the atmosphere and yummy flavors.

  • Review from L G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Carmel Valley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/10/2011

    Super fresh fish. Today's fish was marlin. We had a grilled marlin filet on green salad (yum) with mango dressing and a marlin sandwich.  Both were excellent. Good value, well prepared fish. We'll be back.

  • Review from Larry M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Princeville, HI

    4.0 star rating
    10/22/2011

    Good solid choice if you are on the North Shore. Located in the old Hanalei School building and has a pretty cool atmosphere. Nice TV's at the bar and they show most sporting events. Kid Friendly. They have a phenomenal Passion Fruit Margarita. Can't go wrong here.

  • Review from Diane Y.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/31/2011

    We visited for a quick lunch, and found the food to be hit or miss. But the great service and the setting were redeeming factors.

    The shrimp sandwich had tiny "bay shrimp" and the advertised "remoulade sauce" appeared to be thousand island dressing. Not impressed.

    We also ordered a cold pasta dish, advertised as "mango pasta" but couldn't figure out where the mango came in. It didn't taste of mango, and certainly had no actual mango in it. It seemed to be pasta with bell peppers, and was bland.

    But the artichoke bread - copious amounts of cheese melted over artichoke on generous slices of french bread - that almost made up for the rest of it.

    My one recommendation about this place? Go for the Kauai pie. Oreo cookie crust, Kona coffee ice cream, mac nuts and coconut shavings. Simply to die for.

  • Review from Letie W.

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/14/2011

    I ordered the Chicken Salad Boat-Mac Nut Chicken Salad on top of 1/2 avocado over a bed of lettuce with some dressing.  Very light, hit the spot on late night dining.  If ever in the area, I would definitely visit again.  I went to the take-out/deli window to order, took 1/2 hour to make (as the kitchen also serves the restaurant), wandered around the shops, and came back to pick-up.  Staff in kitchen are great & very personable.  Offered free cookie and extra bread for my meal.  A bit pricey, but isn't everything on North Shore pricey???

    Check out my pics.
    http://what2eatz.blogs...

  • Review from Doris D.

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    • 32 friends
    • 368 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    4/26/2011

    I think this is a good place when there's live music. We went on a Sunday night and the Mango Brothers were playing some tunes. It was quite lively. We waited about half an hour for a table because the crowd was lingering so the NBA playoff final could finish.

    I got the regular burger with cheese and fries, about $10. I ordered my patty medium but it came out like medium-well so it was a tad dry. I guess I should've said medium rare. The fries were good. My husband got the burger with avocado and bacon for about $12. He cleaned up his plate!  

    We ordered an appetizer of artichoke dip which was good but a smidge runny for my taste. The service was a bit slow but it was quite busy. It took a while for the waitress to get our entrees out after we sat with the empty appetizer plate for what seemed like a long time. Good thing for the music!

  • Review from BRSKI B.

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    • 4 friends
    • 109 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/5/2011

    Yeah, of course it was the 'Fresh Island Fish Sandwich' (Opah this day), which was topped with the usual and came with hot fries. The service was good and fast and the food came hot and fast and the beers were cold and exhilarating in this charming little joint. I keep rounding up at joints like this because what I get is excellent. There is nothing more to add.

  • Review from Jerry S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Altadena, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    We decided to stop in and give the gourmet a try for a late lunch.  It was a great surprise.  The staff took care of us quickly and our waitress was very attentive.  She made good recommendations.  We ordered the burger with bacon and avocado,  the grilled fish sandwich and the egg plant sandwich .  Both the burger and fish sandwich were excellent.  The eggplant was good but not up to par with the others.  We also ordered the Mai ties which were fantastic. We are definitely coming back .

  • Review from Chico R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/17/2011

    I know it's been said many times before...those Mai Tai's! We were happy to see a veggie burger on the menu which went well with their carmelized grilled onions and gorgonzola cheese. Their Greek salad was outstanding as well. Did I mention the mai tai's? One you are quite happy and two or three you need a ride home.

  • Review from Emily W.

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    • 3 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/15/2011

    This is our go-to place for lunch when we are in Hanalei, so it feels like home to us. The service is friendly and helpful, and reasonably fast. The food is home cooked and almost always good, yesterday being the exception - the carrot/ginger soup was bland with the exception of having too much salt. But the salad and minestrone were fine, and we have found this place to be consistently reliable, with the exception of the one soup. We love the setting in the old school house, with the lawn out front and the jungle out back.

  • Review from Tiffany G.

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    • 29 friends
    • 52 reviews

    Santa Barbara, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/23/2011

    The Hanalei Gourmet wasn't incredibly overpriced in comparison to other eateries in the area, but it still cost more than it should have. The food was okay, the ambiance was crowded (and not in a fun way), and the service was subpar.

  • Review from Jamie W.

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    • 0 friends
    • 108 reviews

    Crested Butte, CO

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/7/2011

    While a regular stop for lunch or dinner at least once when I'm in town, this place doesn't have a particularly inspiring menu or high quality food. For example, tonight the special was blackened swordfish which was a very small piece on over cooked vegetables. Hardly worth $26. Cabernet was served very warm and tasted like it had been opened for a week.
    The childrens menu is very weak and bland.
    I miss the live happy hour music from last year which now doesn't start until 8:30pm, except maybe on Sundays.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      4/18/2010

      It's your basic strip mall restaurant with some open windows out back. The menu and food are pretty… Read more »

  • Review from Danny A.

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    • 13 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Round Rock, TX

    4.0 star rating
    8/3/2010

    Went here on a recommendation from many locals and really enjoyed it.  I was looking to get some fresh native fish that I couldn't get in Texas and was initially disappointed when the fresh catch was Ahi, and even more so that it would be "cooked", but I went for it anyway and am glad I did.  

    Despite being medium rare, it retained the soft texture and fresh flavor of good ahi sashimi, and the rich sauce that accompanied it only enhanced rather than drowned out that flavor.  The garlic mash was good and my coworker really enjoyed the mac nut fried chicken (to the reviewer who was expecting something more traditional, how about "asking"?).  I also liked the fact that the place seemed to be more about the food and not a particular scene or image.  We walked out of Bar Acuda (too fancy, not "Kauai-y" enough) and Tahiti Nui (too packed/loud) that night before coming here.

    The wait staff was nice/helpful, location was comfortable/convenient, and price was right in line w/ the competition.  I think the only negative reviews of this place are from people with pre-conceived expectations and/or lack of contextual awareness (complaining about a $10 lunch or $20 dinner in Kauai?  seriously?).

  • Review from jazzy l.

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    • 25 friends
    • 1284 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/14/2010

    We came here because Fodor directed us here. Plenty of food options to choose from but because we wanted sandwich and a light snack to eat, we came here.  

    The service was slow as I was the only person ordering (but they have a sit down service next door as well).

    The girl who took my order was a bit slow and she forgot to give me a fork.

    Sandwiches are $9.50 and $1.50 if you want a slice of cheese with it.  The salami sandwich we got had 2 very thinly sliced salami pieces in the sandwich.

    The side salad had a mango vinaigrette and priced at $4.25.

  • Review from J R.

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    • 2 friends
    • 10 reviews

    West Des Moines, IA

    3.0 star rating
    8/8/2011

    It was ok, nothing spectacular.  It's a quick, easy dive to hop into for a meal.  I hear the fish taco nights are great (Thus nights) but we went on a Mon for supper and it was nothing to write home about.  My eggplant sandwich was excellent, except the bread was completely overcooked and rock hard.  Note-to-self, next time get untoasted bun!  My children's burgers were great and my husband's fish sandwich of the day was great.  Limeades were refreshing.

  • Review from A L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 55 reviews

    Glen Allen, VA

    1.0 star rating
    1/12/2011

    Not easy to find.  Using Yelp on my iphone, I clicked on the address given for Hanalei Gourmet and then clicked on Yelp's "Google Map" button, which took us to a place that turned out to be several miles east of where the restaurant actually is.  Then I phoned the restaurant.  A person with a valley-girl accent answered.  I asked for the street address.  She said she didn't know.  She asked somebody else and was still not able to find out.  She said it was in a certain shopping village.  I asked her to spell out the name of the village because she was slurring her words.  It turned out she was saying "Ching Young" Village.  (In addition to spelling out "Ching Young," she also spelled out "Village.")  However, when we found it, the Hanalei Gourmet was not in the Ching Young Shopping Village.  It was across the street from it.

    The restaurant was crowded with patrons -- typically an indication of a good restaurant.  It was so busy that I couldn't get anyone's attention.  I walked up to the bar whereupon the bartender turned his back to me (I honestly think he didn't see me).  I spoke up in a loud voice to get his attention.

    The ono sandwich was excellent.  The Hanalei Moa Sandwich, described as a grilled ginger marinated chicken breast, didn't taste like it was marinated at all (although it could have been).  The fries were warm.  The coffee, described as Lappert's coffee, was so cooked that I added half-and-half to it (I normally drink coffee black).  The half-and-half curdled.  The server, who was nice and attentive, brewed a fresh pot for me and actually brought me fresh half-and-half in a cup.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Andrea K. of The Hanalei Gourmet 12/26/2011   
    We are so sorry about the confusion with finding the… More »
  • Review from Sam E.

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    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    8/14/2011

    Stopped here for some dessert ... Amazing brownie a la mode with milk! Our server was a very sweet lady but the hostess needs an attitude adjustment ... She was crazy rude to a guest and spilt water on a passerby.

  • Review from Skye W.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/7/2010

    Chicken salad with macadamia nuts on avocado?!?!

    WHAT?

    YES. it is one of their HUGE salads, and it is delicious.

    Cute place to stop for lunch.  I didn't get any drinks here, but was told by local that this is the best bar.

  • Review from Kalae P.

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    • 28 friends
    • 70 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    5/19/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Headed to the beach? Hit Hanalei Gourmet up for some sandwiches and drinks first! Coming back from the beach (somewhat clean)? Hit Hanalei Gourmet up for a sit-down meal and cocktails!

    I'm not too sure of the drink specials, but boy the sandwiches are good. Just to warn you so you are not misled, the sandwiches are pretty much the norm. Your basic bread, meat, and additional preferred add-ins. There's no 'special' flavor so to speak, but the sandwiches do taste good, are filling, and in a weird sense, refreshing. Sitting in? Order some of the soups and/or pasta. The flavor is there and it sure warms you up on/after a nice day out in Hanalei!

  • Review from Angelina L.

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    • 45 friends
    • 229 reviews

    Lynnwood, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/9/2010

    Places seem to shut down early on the island and Hanalei Gourmet is one of those places.  They close at 10:30pm.  
    Being from the city, this is sometimes when we are just heading out to go out on the town.  So, some adjustments were made and we were able to grab a couple drinks here.

    It is one of the businesses located in the old school building and they have definitely made it their own.

    The inside reminds you of a tropical hut that is on the beach that serves food and drink.

    When we arrived, they had live music from someone who was singing and playing the guitar.
    After he was done, some of the locals and friends of the artist got up and tried to strum a few chords and sing also, but we all laughed because he wasn't as talented.

    The bartender, Amy I think it was, was extremely friendly and helpful on where we could go next that stayed open a bit longer.

    Great environment, great service, good drinks, good place to be around more locals than not & just be able to chill.  
    I think the only thing one of us had a complaint about was they didn't know how to make a Washington Apple (his staple shot), but then again, no where we went knew how to.

    Listed in: Kauai

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  • Review from Levent T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Gilberts, IL

    1.0 star rating
    7/24/2011

    Reselling Costco food items still in the box, still with price tag left on, at the deli ran by the same kitchen of The Hanalei Gourmet...WTFish?!?!?! The items on the menu and chalk board got me thinking this place was going to be A-OK, however, it is bad diner food at best. There is nothing gourmet about this joint. Fish sandwiches were Meh and made with smashed hamburger sesame seed buns and even the kids meals were bad...noodles drowned in butter with some parsley sprinkled on top?!?!? HG...you should be ashamed of what you're dishing out and I can't believe I'm giving a 1 Star review to a place that is boardering on four stars!  The sweet Hanalei air must be masking the senses of my Yelping peers!

  • Review from Christina C.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/24/2009

    Huge burgers, live music, and mediocre drinks.

    You get a lot for your money here. Their burgers are 6oz AFTER cooked, which means a full half-pound burger. I got the Moe's ultimate burger which came with pepper jack cheese, avocado, and bacon amongst the rest of the burger toppings.

    The burger was pretty good. It was quite massive and more of a fork-and-knife burger than hold-in-your-hand burger. I think I finished about 75% of it. The fries that came with it were not that great- overcooked and almost stale

    I asked my server for a drink recommendation and ordered the passion margarita. The taste was ok, very light, and had a decent amount of alcohol.

    They do have live music there at night. Varies between Hawaiian music and like soft rock.

    Service is a bit slow, but at least you know its cooked right then and there.

    Get the burgers, skip the fries, and face the live band for some nice entertainment to wind down your night.

  • Review from Kristy S.

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    6/8/2010

    We had dinner here one night on our recent trip to Kauai and one take out lunch from their sandwich counter. If we would have tried The Hanalei Gourmet on our first night we would have eaten here everynight!

    Don't miss...

    Waioli Salad: Chilled, grilled vegetable salad with artichoke hearts, red bell peppers, eggplant, baby corn and zucchini on garden greens with sonoma goat cheese and chef's mango vinaigrette.  We shared this salad to start. Delish! ($9.25)

    Mac Nut Fried Chicken: I just could not resist! Fried chicken breaded with Japanese style panko flakes and Hawaiian macadamia nuts. Served on a bed of cabbage with a guava lime sauce ($21.95)

    Fresh Island Fish Sandwich: Sean tried this and really liked it. A daily selection of charbroiled fresh fish (Mahi Mahi this particular night)served with a lemon caper and dill mayonnaise and "the works" on a fresh kaiser roll with french fries ($14.95)

    And for dessert - try the Lemon Cooler Cake! It is only $4.50 and fantastic!

    The next day, we ordered fresh deli sandwiches (made to order). Lots of fresh veggies, including sprouts. Sean's chicken salad was on the dry side - ASK FOR MORE MAYO!

  • Review from Jason C.

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    • 466 friends
    • 82 reviews

    Altadena, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/8/2008

    "You won't be sent to the principal's office here"

    My folks live in Hanalei and I kind of grew up there, so a bit of history of Hanalei Gourmet might prove helpful -- if not boring to some. The long structure that houses "The Gourmet" and their surfwear/sunwear shop neighbors used to be the Hanalei school building built circa 1911. It was moved there within the last 20 years, but the original architectural integrity has been maintained all the way to the kid-like restrooms at either end. The Hanalei Gourmet has been around since this move, but for locals, it seems nearly as old as the 1911 building.

    Serving and embracing the locals is the key to survival of any eaterie in areas a bit removed from hotels. This is true with any travel destination. And, the Hanalei Gourmet has been a local watering hole since before the tourists started finding Hanalei back in the 80's/90's. I recall the non-partying locals complaining about the late night music  loudly echoing into the otherwise black nights. A time when all you would hear were frogs and the waves lapping in Hanalei Bay. But, that's progress. "Red", the owner operator, is not only a restauranteur (or restaurateur by Mirriam Webster's standards), but he's a politician of sorts. And, he's done a good job of staying friends with everyone.  His frequent catering of local events helps, and there are always familiar and friendly servers to keep tabs on locals.

    Ah, but the food. We're all human and it seems that many people want the option of familiar comfort food with just a touch of something different, and all with a price that's down-to-earth. Hanalei Gourmet delivers exactly that. Fresh and thick turkey sandwiches, Big Tim's hamburgers, and everything in between. I'm not a fried food regular, but their beer battered fish&chips hit the spot after a day of swimming in the bay.  Of course, while on any of the Hawaiian islands, you have to try their myriad of fish dishes.  Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to have one of Hanalei Gourmet's fresh catches. If not, try their Smoked Hawaiian Seafood Sampler for the table to share. It's a local catch winner.

    By the time you hit the North Shore of Kauai, and you cross that historic bridge over the Hanalei River into Hanalei town, you begin to feel the angst of civilization slowly drain from your soul.  Slow down long enough to try Big Tim's piece of Ohana. Oh. One more thing. Try ordering in my trademark Samoan/Hawaiian style. Order 2 dishes!

  • Review from Burrito M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 527 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    6/14/2010

    Worst meal of our entire trip...!

    What do you expect when you see "fried chicken" on a menu?  I expect tender, juicy piece of chicken breaded and fried - i.e. wing, drum, breast, and thigh.  What did I get at the Hanalei Gourmet when I ordered the Mac Nut Fried Chicken?  2 thin pieces of tasteless chicken breast fillets deeply coated in panko and mac nut and deep fried.  It had absolutely no seasoning in the breading!  Then it was topped off with this weird pink guava and lime sauce which was sour and gingery, again, not properly seasoned.  These dry ass chicken breasts were served with lifeless mixed veggies and undercooked brown rice.  All of this for the low low price of $21!  What a horrid meal!

    Whoever is the chef at this joint either doesn't taste his/her own cooking when developing a dish, or just has a straight up shit palate.

  • Review from Linda T.

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    • 3 friends
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/5/2011

    Had an amazingly fresh and yummie swordfish sandwich for lunch a couple of days ago. I absolutely loved it. My husband had the basic burger, which was ok, but i expected it to be more flavorful, especially because the menu said the meat patty is handmade. Both sandwiches came with delicious fries, which were perfectly crisp on the outside. My picky 5 yr old had the peanut butter, honey, and banana sandwich, but without the banana. He loved it.  The menu said the sandwich comes with fruit, but it was just a wedge of orange, so that was a little disappointing.  Oh, we started with the crabcakes, which weren't  good. Not the crabcakes I'm used to in SF and Maryland.  Instead, they were doughy, not breaded, and didn't taste fresh. Nevertheless, our 15 month old baby ate a bunch of it.  We ended the meal with the 4 layer chocolate cake. It was ok but the portion was literally 4 times as big as I imagined.  

    The service was friendly and the way the place is done up is nice for a restaurant/bar. I would definitely go back here and concentrate on the daily fresh fish.

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