Dining Scene
Where do you go for after-hours eats?
By Matthew Gray
Advertiser Restaurant Critic
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| Illustration by Jon Orque • The Honolulu Advertiser |
Big Gino's (918 Smith St.; 566-6360; open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) is the place to get a pizza if the craving hits late at night.
Bob's Big Boy (2828 Paa St.; 833-3440; open until midnight Sundays through Thursdays, until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays) is surprisingly good, serving breakfast around the clock, along with a grand selection of upscale coffee-shop food.
Eggs 'n Things (1911 Kalakaua Ave.; 949-0820; the restaurant recently suffered a fire and will be closed for a while — its usual hours are 11 p.m.-2 p.m.). It is a late-night landmark known as a great place to get pancakes and special syrups — guava, fresh fruit, honey and boysenberry.
Fook Yuen (1960 Kapi'olani Blvd., McCully Shopping Center; 973-0168; open daily until 3 a.m.) serves Chinese food to the late-night crowd. They do a fine job with seafood, and their Szechuan eggplant dish is notable.
Glowing Dragon (1023 Maunakea St.; 521-3842; open until 2 a.m. daily) offers all kinds of Chinese food to the late-night crowd.
Hungry Lion (1613 Nu'uanu Ave.; 536-1188; 24 hours a day) is a wacky blend of Hawaiiana, jungle kitsch (including the sounds of animals) and local-style foods.
Like Like Drive-Inn (745 Ke'eaumoku St.; 941-2515; 24 hours a day) is the old favorite hangout, always busy, serving a huge range of local style diner fare.
Liliha Bakery (515 N. Kuakini St.; 531-1651; open 'round the clock Tuesdays through Sundays but closed from 8 p.m. Sundays to 6 a.m. Tuesdays) is another step back in time with a delightful staff, counter seating, great pancakes, and fried-egg sandwiches for $1.55.
Little Village (1113 Smith St.; 545-3008; daily until midnight) is a wonderful little place in Chinatown serving both meat (their black bean sauce is awesome) and vegetarian Chinese dishes.
Mr. Ojisan (1018 Kapahulu Ave.; 735-4455; open Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m.) is a smallish place serving delicious new-wave Japanese fare, along with old favorites such as ramen (several varieties), gyoza dumplings and much more.
Panda Cuisine (641 Ke'eaumoku St.; 947-1688; open Mondays through Saturdays until 2 a.m.) offers Chinese food, but the best bet is to come here for the yummy variety of dim sum dishes available until 2 a.m.
Ryan's Grill (1200 Ala Moana, Ward Centre; 591-9132; open daily until 1 a.m.) is a lively, casual and sophisticated restaurant where you'll find inventive pupu and entree dishes. Known also for its active bar scene.
Sanoya Rahmen (1785 S. King St.; 947-6065; daily until 2:30 a.m.) is a noodle-slurper's paradise. Brightly lit and busy with an extensive variety of homemade ramen and udon dishes.
Sansei (500 Ala Moana, Restaurant Row; 536-6286; open until 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays) offers a half-off menu of their fine food after 10 p.m., along with karaoke and various entertainment.
Side Street Inn (1225 Hopaka St.; 591-0253; daily until 2 a.m.) is known for its pork chops, fried rice and ribs. Add to that karaoke and darts in a dark, noisy and smoke-filled space and you'll know why it's popular.
Sorabol (805 Ke'eaumoku St.; 947-3113; 24 hours a day) is a Korean restaurant that also serves sushi. You can have extra fun in the back tables if you want to cook your own food yakiniku style.
Sushi King (2700 S. King St.; 947-2836; open until 2 a.m. Wednesdays through Mondays) is a recent find, serving yummy sushi and other Japanese food.
Wailana Coffee House (1860 Ala Moana; 955-1764; 24 hours a day) features a warm and friendly atmosphere in a tropical decor. Breakfast is available around the clock.
Tokkuri-Tei (611 Kapahulu Ave.; 739-2800; open Mondays-Saturdays until midnight) is the spot for adventurous diners who enjoy creative sushi and Japanese food. The menu is written humorously and offers a dizzying array of choices.
... And, last but not least ...
Zippy's (several locations are open 24 hours) is always at the ready.
Reach Matthew Gray at mgray@honoluluadvertiser.com.
