Yakiniku Like

 My coworker suggested we head to Yakiniku Like for a “working lunch,” and when he mentioned they had a monthly special for under $10, I was all in!

Parking was a bit of an adventure — the lot was full when we arrived, but we lucked out and found a spot on the street. There’s also a paid lot right across the street if you need it (not sure of the rate, but good to know).

We were seated right away, and our friendly server explained how to order: scan the QR code, make your selection, pay online, and your food is delivered to your table. Super efficient — just like Japan!

For October, the special lunch set included thinly sliced kalbi beef, a small portion of chicken, rice, miso soup, kim chee, and salad. 

We started grilling the chicken first since it takes the longest to cook. At first, the grill didn’t seem that hot, but once we added the kalbi slices — boom — the fire kicked in! Must’ve been all that delicious oil dripping down.

One thing I really love about this place is their smokeless grill system — the smoke gets sucked away right at the grill, so you don’t leave smelling like BBQ. Huge win.

As for the food — amazing! They offer a couple of sauces at the table: sweet & spicy and garlic. Even better, nothing here is overly spicy — even the kim chee — which is perfect for people like me who prefer milder flavors.

I still can’t believe the value: all that food for just $9.95 (it came out to a little over $12 after tax and tip). Such a bargain! I’m already planning to come back with my family.

If you’re in Honolulu and craving Japanese-style BBQ without the fuss (or the smoky clothes), definitely give Yakiniku Like a try — it’s fast, fun, and seriously delicious.

Open Daily, 11 AM - 10 PM.

YAKINIKU LIKE

1108 KEEAUMOKU STREET

808-597-9004

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Lobster King

The boys were craving lobster, so we figured it was the perfect excuse to finally try out Lobster King. We’d heard good things, and when you’ve got lobster on your mind, there's really only one thing to do - find a place that offers fresh lobster!

We went all in and ordered two lobsters — one plain (steamed) and one with black bean sauce, which happens to be my favorite way to enjoy Chinese-style lobster. The black bean version hit the spot: savory, salty, and finger-licking-good!

The plain steamed lobster was solid too — nothing fancy, just fresh and simple. The boys preferred this one.

The best part? Each lobster came in under $30. That’s almost unheard of these days, and while it wasn’t the best lobster we’ve ever had, it was absolutely worth it at that price.

Of course, we couldn’t stop there. We rounded out the order with a few staples:

• House chow mein

  

• Fried tofu with mixed vegetables

  
  

  

• Chinese chicken salad

  

• Salt and pepper pork chops

  

• Fried rice

  
  

  

None of the other dishes really blew us away, but they were solid — satisfying, well-cooked, and decent for the price. No complaints, especially for a casual takeout night.

Overall, Lobster King delivered on exactly what we were looking for: affordable lobster. We’d definitely come back the next time a lobster craving hits.

Open 7 days a week, 11 AM - 10 PM.

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LOBSTER KING

1380 SOUTH KING STREET

808-944-8288

 

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Döner Shack - Keeaumoku

 Tried out the new Doner Shack location on Keeaumoku Street (inside Sam Sung Plaza), and it’s definitely more convenient than having to trek into downtown Honolulu. That said, parking here can be a bit of a headache—especially during lunch or dinner rush. We managed to find a spot, but we did get charged $1 even though the window sign said parking is free with validation for up to an hour. Not a huge deal, just a little confusing.

As for the food—thumbs up from me! I got the rice plate with a combo of chicken and lamb, which comes with rice, meat, veggies, and sauces. Everything was flavorful and satisfying. I’d definitely order it again. 

My friend went with the doner wrap (chicken, veggies, and sauce) but found it a bit bland, so maybe the rice plate is the better pick here if you’re looking for more flavor, or you may need to amp up the sauces or add the lamb!

All in all, tasty food and worth a visit—even if the parking situation isn’t the easiest. Looking forward to coming back!

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DONER SHACK - KEEAUMOKU

661 KEEAUMOKU STREET

808-840-0079

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$5 Bentos from Mama's Bento

Dealages alert! I had heard that the former owner of Mama Woo's in Moiliili was selling $5 bentos on the grounds of a church on Keeaumoku next to McDonald's, and so of course I had to check this out, because I used to love going to Mama Woo's when she was running it, and it's not the same under the new owners.

I came on a Friday at around 12:15 PM and there were a lot of bentos for sale. Prices start at $5 and go up to $10 for a combo like this one: 

The loco moco sells for $7.

 I tried these two $5 bentos:

Would I return? Certainly! These $5 bentos were way better than the $5 Bento Box that you see around town. 

They have lots to choose from and it's so convenient - just grab n go. Cash and credit cards are accepted. 

There is lots of parking on the church grounds - you can enter through the narrow driveway just past Domino's Pizza (if you're heading makai on Keeaumoku), or you can park in the back off of Sheridan Street). 

 

Their table is located in the shade, and they are here Mondays - Fridays from 11 am - 2 pm. The address for this location is 915 Sheridan Street.

According to their business card, they also have locations at 959 Queen Street (M-F, 11-2) and Queen's POB 3 Parking Lot (Mondays 10:30-1).

They also do catering! 

Check out their Instagram page (@mamas.bento.hi) to see some of their offerings and menus!

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Honolulu's Gourmet Brunch Spot: Farmhouse Cafe

Met up with a few friends for a workday lunch at Farmhouse Cafe. It's not as crowded as I remember it to be, but the last two times I've dine here were on the weekends, so maybe it's slower on the weekdays. 

My favorite thing to eat here is the Potato Mille-Feuille. On the menu, it says "order in advance", but we ordered it when we placed our order for our meal, and it was the first thing that came out of the kitchen, so I'm not quite sure what they mean by "order in advance". 

It's made of layers of potato, flavored with lots of butter. My favorite part is the crisp outer layers - it's almost like eating potato chips. 

Here's what we each ordered for our entrees:

Oeuf en Muerette (poached eggs, in red wine burgundy sauce, pearl onion, pork belly, mushrooms)

The Gourmet Burger (100% natural American Wagyu, onoin date jam, Gorgonzola bleu cheese, Demi-glace & Potato Mille-Feuille)

The Banyard Sandwich (Braised brisket, creamy horseradish, picked onions, Havarti cheese, Artisan bread)

Gourmet Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Croque Madame (Kurobuta ham, Emmental cheese, Mornay sauce, Artisan bread)

We could not pass on the Farmhouse Signature Beignets, with Grand Marnier Chocolate Sauce and Strawberry Hibiscus Jam. 

Honestly, the Potato Mille-Feuille was the star of the show today. The burger was ordered "medium", but it appeared to be undercooked. Note - if you like ketchup with your burgers, bring your own - they don't have ketchup here. The braised brisket in the Barnyard Sandwich was tough and very fatty. It wasn't the type of brisket that I'm used to (the kind that is so tender you don't need a knife to cut it). 

If I were to come here again, I think I would try the crepes or the Brioche French Toast. 

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FARMHOUSE CAFE
808 Sheridan Street (ground floor)
808-888-2055

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Malu Honolulu

After shopping at Sam's  Club and Walmart on Keeaumoku, we decided on the spur of the moment to walk across the street to Malu Honolulu to check out their desserts. I've heard so much about this place, but I'm not a fan of the parking at the plaza where they're located, so it wasn't high on my list of places to try. But since we could walk here from Sam's Club, we figured this was a good opportunity to check it out.

It's a lot smaller than I had expected - it's basically a counter with a small display case of some of their offerings, and a small counter for two people to sit at on the side if you want to enjoy your desserts on the spot.

Since we had just had ramen for lunch, we weren't super hungry, so I opted for something light - their vanilla chiffon cup.

The chiffon cake was fluffly and light, and was filled with vanilla cream that was airy and not super sweet. 

We also tried the panna cotta with strawberries - I couldn't resist it when I saw it in the display case. The serving size was quite small for the price, but it was delicious.

Next time, when I'm not so full, I will try their soft serve with Taiyaki!

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Malu Honolulu

661 Keeaumoku Street (Sam Sung Plaza)

(808) 600-7104

 

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Don e Don

Some of the best authentic LA-style Korean fare can be found at Don e Don on Keeaumoku Street. 

For the budget-minded, come here during lunch to take advantage of their lunch set menu - right now their famous Pork Spare Ribs (available plain or with sea salt) lunch set is only $16.99, and comes with a generous portion of spare ribs on a sizzling platter, your choice of stew, and Korean banchan. 

The sea salt pork spare ribs are mouthwatering - I definitely recommend this one over the plain pork spare ribs!

The stew I selected was one of the non-spicy ones - although it looked spicy, it was not spicy at all. 

My friend ordered the Janchi Gooksu, which consisted of long white noodles in a clear broth, topped with kim chee. It was a heaping portion for lunch and a steal at under $10.

Don e Don

919 Keeaumoku Street

(808) 379-1993

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