290687 Wed Oct 30 12:54:20 -0800 2002 6 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1578884 I'm heading to Hawai'i for the first time; unfortunately it's for a convention in Honolulu, although I am taking a few days off afterwards to explore Kaua'i. There will be a small group of people coming from my head office in Europe and they expect me to go out with them every night and generally be their entertainment/dining guide since I'm "from here" (I'm based in NYC). On the other hand, they will have to watch their spending, so we can't really do the corporate blowout thing (I wish...). Does anyone know of any fun, inexpensive, non-cheesy restaurants/bars in Honolulu, preferably near the Waikiki area? A tall order, I imagine... Thanks! Wed Oct 30 12:54:20 -0800 2002 0 Katerina 1 1578887 This might be helpful. It is part of my trip report to Hawaii. It might be a little too "low-end", although I ate as well as anyone could hope to. I posted a second report a little later. It was in February on the Elsewhere in America board. jake Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/258473#1367783 Wed Oct 30 13:06:21 -0800 2002 1578884 0 jake pine 1 1578903 I am not sure what qualifies as "inexpensive" ... plate lunches, or just-not-Alan-Wong's? I have spent a decent amount of time in Honolulu ( and stay in Waikiki) because I am not infrequently sent to Pearl Harbor on work stuff. Places I like: Duke's for a mai tai. Gosh they are killer. Also, it's crazy just for the people-watching aspect. 8-) May be a bit touristy, but I always go at least once while I'm there. Sunset Grill in Restaurant Row. Been there every trip to Honolulu since my first 13 (!) years ago. Haven't had a bad meal yet. Brew Moon in Ward Center. My place for a solo meal at odd times ... Like when you don't get a chance to have lunch until 2:30 ... Great tuna app. selection .. think it's not on the regular menu. Maybe on the bar on? Ask ... it's got tuna prepared 3 different ways. Singha Thai. Close to the Hale Koa parking lot. Love it!!!! Also Chai's Island Bistro. Sit outside if you can. Inside can get loud when there is live music. My fave (maybe too expensive and a little too precious for your work crowd) is Indigo. Eurasian cuisine. Wonderful stuffed dumpling thingies for an app. I had Valentine's dinner there two years ago, and they dealt well with the crowd. Again, if the weather cooperates, sit outside. Casual for watching the harbor and an okay brew: Gordon Biersch. Yeah, it's a chain. Yeah, it's nothing thrilling. But I've always had a good time there. For breakfast (or lunch) at least once, just for the experience, go to Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch and Crab. Don't expect anything amazing, just go for the fun. 8-) Since I am paying for these places on (government) per diem, they should be within reach of most any travelers budget. Now, if you want more expensive options, I have a couple of suggestions there too. 8-) Wed Oct 30 14:00:42 -0800 2002 1578884 0 Marra 1 1578905 I lived in Waikiki in the late 80s, and I was back two years ago for a few days. It's an inherently expensive place--much like Manhattan--but you can find a range of prices, especially away from the beach per se. There are noodle shops (if your pals are chowhounds) and American fast food outlets. Keo's is a great, and reasonably priced, Thai restaurant. It's not a cheap, but I'd recomment having a sunset drink at the Royal Hawaiian (the big old pink hotel right on the beach). They make a killer maitai, and the ambience is incredible. Wed Oct 30 14:13:18 -0800 2002 1578884 0 david in NOLa 1 1578911 You should try Sam Choy's bouillabaisse...yummy. Also, there was this wonderful vietnamese restaurant in the back of the mall - maybe someone knows the name of it? as my memory doesn't cooperate at this time - fabulous food. Oh, and the crepes and pecan pancakes at Eggs'n things...amazing. I tried to replicate the crepes at home (nuttela, banana and whipped cream but no way, that's no plain whipped cream -it's mixed with something - I could have that every day) None of these places are in Waikiki though. Wed Oct 30 14:41:47 -0800 2002 1578884 0 mickyme 1 1578927 Just spent ten nights in Waikiki, and there's lots of good places to eat there that won't break the bank. How many of them are suitable for business, that's another question. However, here are some suggestions. Side Street Inn is fantastic; evidently where the chefs go to eat. See this website: www.hawaiisbusiness.com/sidestreet/ The Royal Garden in the Ala Moana Hotel has good dim sum, probably the best in the area. I imagine they would have a good chinese food as well. This might be a little weird, but I had a really good shepherd's pie at Kelly O'Neil's on Lewers. Made fresh; very tasty; very inexpensive. Keo's is supposed to be really good thai food. I didn't eat there, but it's gotten a lot of raves. Here's a website: www.hawaiisbusiness.com/keoswaikiki/ Finally, Kua Aina in the Ward Shopping Center has some of the best burgers I've ever had if you're in the mood for that. Wed Oct 30 17:27:49 -0800 2002 1578884 0 asun 1 1578976 There's a good, reasonably priced Italian across the street from the entrance to the Halekalane (sp) Hotel. It's down the street a little, in the opposite direction from the ocean. Good pasta (excellent Alfredo) and wonderful fried calimari. Wish my memory were better on the name. Also, drop in to the Hana Hana room at the top of the Sheraton Hotel for a drink (food is $$$$$$). The bar windows face Diamond Head and the view is spectacular. They also have munchies, typically veggie sushi rolls. Thu Oct 31 12:32:31 -0800 2002 1578884 0 TomSwift