Pulled up to Aloha Grill feeling tropical after the gym and left feeling mostly satisfied. Ordered the Atkins Large, which is pretty much a protein parade: short rib, BBQ beef, BBQ chicken, and two eggs chilling on cabbage like they pay rent there. Grabbed a side of brown rice too because hubby wanted carbs. Everything was seasoned well and tasted good, but the short rib put up a little too much of a fight. Still chewing it like, "Sir... who hurt you?" A little bromelain in the marinade would've saved us both!! On the bright side, service was fantastic!! The lady at the counter was super friendly and helpful, which always makes the food taste at least 10% better. Overall: good eats, great service, one stubborn short rib. read more

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It was just so so. Chicken kansu overcooked. The macaroni wasn't great either. The rice was perfect. Thought we would give them a try. Gonna stay with my first choice O'Hara on Melrose. read more

The restaurant itself was not inviting. Dirty tables yet no customers. The doors were open and a box fan blowing when the ac should have been blasting. The soda machine all taped up and not working. The food; Hawaiian macaroni salad should be perfect at a Hawaiian restaurant but it had a very off taste as if it were old or spoiled. I threw it out. The shrimp was hot and cooked perfectly but it was served with tartar sauce. Again, it's a Hawaiian restaurant so tartar sauce is not ok. The only other choices were soy or hot sauce with nothing in between. For the money it's definitely not worth it and I definitely will not return or recommend to anyone. read more

Was craving Hawaiian food and saw this play on my way home. Stopped in a nice lady was there and took my order and cooked my food. Seemed like she did it all. Ordered two katsu plates and spam masubi. The small portion was only $12.50 and for the amount of food you get that's a great deal. The macaroni salad was good not too much mayonnaise. Spam was a little thin, but I get the high cost of food. The restaurant was clean and roomy. There was a fridge of Hawaiian sodas that I will try on my next visit. Food was flavorful and would def order again. read more

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Island vibes and even better food! This is officially one of my favorite Hawaiian spots. You can really taste the difference when food is made fresh to order. The music sets a perfect island mood while you wait for the goods! My "Must-Order" List: Crispy Chicken Katsu Salmon Plate + extra veggies (so fresh!) Classic Mac Salad The perfect Spam Musubi If you're craving authentic island flavors, don't sleep on this place! read more

This review is from my ONE experience, which was a great one I'd say. First impression - we drove by a week before wanting to check out the new restaurant, but it was dark, so we thought it was closed. Then we tried again the next week and literally drove right by, again thinking they were closed. My husband told me to drive by again and he'd walk up - cuz why would they be closed on a Saturday during lunch? Haha, well they were OPEN! There were no cars in front and the windows were darkened. No wonder! Another strange thing: usually when you drive by a strip mall eatery you can see a back-lit menu facing the parking lot, meaning they're open, basically. Well, this restaurant has their counter on the right hand side with a 6 ft wall on your right when you walk in. There's no way to see their signage, and the windows are tinted, so you literally have no idea it's open. ANYWAY, now that we're in, I got the Kalua Pork (small) which was way more than I needed! I brought some home despite the fact it was the smaller portion. It was amazing! Salty pork and the macaroni salad went perfect with it. Amazing plate lunch I've missed so much. It's a great price as well. We were the only one's eating. It was an off time, so that's fine. The lady behind the counter was decent, but not very friendly. I'd expect the owners to be super customer-friendly, since they're new (still under a year I think). But nah. I mean, this isn't the reason I go in to most places, it's for the food, so I'll look past it. It was super clean and a cool atmosphere once you're in. I like that. I'd go back - you can't find good Kalua pork just anywhere. Just make sure you double check that they're open, cuz they may surprise you! lol They should put an OPEN sign in the window ... but I'm figuring they won't read these reviews since the business is still 'Unclaimed' on Yelp and no manager has commented on any reviews. Hmmm ..... read more

Aloha Grill - Partial Menu - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

Sucks because I wasted $19 bucks on some nasty fish that are similar to fish sticks even the tartar sauce was bad. They are new over in this location and I'm pretty sure there is something good on their menu but this wasn't it. The smoothie we had was nasty and my man said it tasted like it was made with powder, not real fruit. It truly was disgusting. We threw all of it away. Even the macaroni salad wasn't good. It barely has any mayo which makes it dry. Also, way too many carrots in it. I should of asked if the fish had bone in! It was just very disappointing and wish I would have gotten something else. Then they gave me a lemon to use with the fish which would have just made the simple crust soggy. I really wanted to ask for something else but didn't want to be that person. read more

Aloha Grill - Es no bueno. - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

We always try to support local island businesses, so we checked this place out a few weeks back, just getting around to posting a review. The food was pretty good, and definitely fills the craving for plate lunch when it comes. We ordered kalua pork, katsu curry and saimin with chicken. By far our favorite was the katsu curry, the whole family said they would order that again. The saimin was good enough, if I'm craving saimin in general, but I wouldn't come here just for that. The Kalua pork could have used more cabbage. That's more a preference thing, but it felt dry with the lack of cabbage, and my son and I agreed that more cabbage would have given it good change in texture. The flavor was good though! Overall, definitely will be back to try more menu items and reorder that katsu curry! read more

I decided to try this Hawaiian place with my fiance because I was looking for some new Hawaiian places around the area. I found this place on the way back home from Carlsbad, and decided that it was time to open my heart up to new places other than L&L. I mainly came because I saw the pictures for the BBQ Grill combo, because it looked delicious! I was looking at the menu from the outside and wanted something with a mix of shrimp, fried fish, and chicken katsu. Little did I know, they did have the combo called the Maui combo! So I ordered the Maui combo, the BBQ Grill combo, and a Thai tea with boba. The service was actually really nice, which is why I'm still giving this place 2 stars. The cashier was friendly and had our order out quickly. Since this order was to-go, I decided to try the food at home. I was quite disappointed to say the least that the one thing I was craving was the macaroni salad because that's my favorite part about Hawaiian food, and for some reason, my macaroni salad tasted sour and expired while my fiance's macaroni salad was perfectly fine. I'm quite surprised they would allow this kind of quality to happen in their food, because it was so noticeably expired that I had to throw it away. I tried the Chicken Katsu and it was very overcooked. The batter was dark brown and very dry chicken inside, actually barely any chicken inside. The only thing I liked from my plate was the fried fish and shrimp. It was just unfortunate that half of my plate was truly not enjoyable for the price you pay. I did like the Thai tea though, because it was made perfectly and the boba was soft. As for the BBQ Grill combo, my fiance had better luck with his food and he liked it. I'd say if you're coming here, their grilled meats are much better than the fried stuff. Though I did read past reviews, and some people have mentioned that they received rotten meats. I really hope this business does not continue to serve people of the community like this because it's just not acceptable. read more

I have come 3 times over the span of 2 different weeks. Every single time I have come they have been closed despite it saying they should be open for a number of reasons. Last time it was being closed from 3-4 (we stayed until 4:15 with nobody coming back) and this time they took our money for our order and we show up to pick it up because it says it should be ready and they are closed at 6:49 pm! They want to charge a cancellation fee which is crazy. Food is good when they are open, but I have friends who have this same issue showing up on several different occasions during business hours and they're closed. Horrible service. read more

Aloha Grill - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

First time here. Basically, a one-woman operation. With one female helper. Be patient, if you walk-in. I recommend calling your order in advance. She was super agreeable in creating my BBQ Kalbi and Seafood plate since it wasn't on the menu. The food was okay. read more

Aloha Grill - Front of restaurant - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

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It's hard to find Hawaiian options in North County. I'm glad this spot is in Vista/Carlsbad area. The store is spacious and well kept. There were lots of menu options beyond what I normally see at other Hawaiian food locations. I ordered the large Kalua pork plate. There was only a little bit of cabbage - which I prefer. The two great scoops of rice and 1 scoop of Mac salad were balanced with the great amount of pork. It was all very tasty and I what I needed from my plate! I also ordered two spam musubi; these were also a great sized portion. Hawaiian food needs to be eaten in great sized portions (I'm sure the regular is a good amount as well); these were very filling, satisfying and delicious. This spot will be a recurring attraction for me. Mahalo Nui Loa, Aloha Grill! read more

Aloha Grill - Large Kalua Pork Plate. Spam Musibi. - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

You know something? The food is not that bad. But... These people actually charge you extra to use your credit card. That's unheard of in retail. There's something you can change to improve your reviews and overall customer experience. Customers do not pay the credit card fee. The retailer does. You need to deal with that and accept reality. read more

Came to Aloha Grill to check it out and boy were we happy for coming to try it out! The food was cooked to order, fresh and tasted amazing! The portions are huge so come hungry! I got the BBQ combo plate and it was so good. My husband ordered the Maui combo and the fish was delicious. We will definitely be coming back again. I would have taken a picture of the Maui combo but the hubby started eating before I could take a picture. Give it a try if you like Hawaiian BBQ. read more

Aloha Grill - BBQ combo plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

The is our second time to Aloha Grill. The first time was togo, the second time we ate in store. Both times were very good. The food all seemed fresh, tasted good and was plentyful. There was only one person when we arrived and she was both cooking and running the register. Maybe there was someone in back too? When we showed up, there was no line and our food was ready in about 8 minutes. We've had pretty basic foods here, because that's what we like. Chicken Katsu, Moco Loco, Pot Stickers, Spam Musubi. Personally, I think the spam was sliced a little thin, but no big deal. The restaurant was clean (although a couple table could use a wipe down) but there is no AC. It was 88 outside when we went, but the inside was still comfortable for dining. Overall, no real complaints. Give this place a shot and keep it around. read more

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Best Laulua in San Diego. Also chicken teriyaki and macaroni salad. Generous portions and friendly service. Try the almond cookies and Hawaiian sun drinks. read more

I tried them out again, still no good. Asked whose from the island and the asian lady behind counter didn't even understand what I was asking. I'm all for small business but man, 1st time I came here was when they 1st opened, chucked it to just being new. But now there should be no excuse. Spam musubi was cut thin, rice was dried and old, chicken musubi, small piece of chicken and rice was the same. At this point, I don't think I'll be going back... I guess I'll goto L&L instead even though they aren't rated highly either, but better than this place. read more

I really wanted to love this place because I give the owner props for being a one woman show and we love Hawaiian food. But I was disappointed not so much on the soggy rice and mediocre bbq chicken but the fact she used moldy cabbage really upset me. My kids and I ate some before I noticed the mold on the bed of cabbage. ALL of it! Be a responsible business owner and check your food before you serve it. And if you did serve it knowing it had mold. Shame on you!!! read more

The food tastes like authentic Hawaiian style plate lunch. The chicken katzu and kahlua pork were excellent. I would recommend the Aloha Grill. read more

Our first time eating here . I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in . It was new and pretty nice , had a great outdoor patio seating a area also . Felt like Hawaii . Food was really good , we will go back read more

Aloha Grill - Front - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

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Finally! A Hawaiian joint that reminds me of Hawaii! I ordered the lau lau ( pork wrapped in taro, like a green packet) and bought a bag of snacks that remind me of my childhood. It isn't easy to find dried guava or lychee juice drinks. They have saimin, Mauna pua, and musubi. Be patient if you see just one lady doing it all! She makes a mean rib! I'll be returning soon with mom. read more

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Authentic Hawaiian food. The food was flavorful and delicious. You get a lot of food for the price. read more

Aloha Grill - Grilled Salmon with broccoli, carrots, and rice. - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

I decided to go to Aloha Grill during my lunch break because I knew it was close enough to get there, get back to work and still have time to eat it before my 30 minute break was over. However, I tried calling ahead to save more time but unfortunately the person who received my call couldn't hear me. I drove to Aloha Grill and ordered the large size bbq beef which came with rice, macaroni, cabbage and bbq beef. The cabbage was the only thing I couldn't complain about. The rice wasn't soft, it was hard. I'm not too fond of macaroni but I took a bite and still am not a fan of macaroni. The bbq beef was not good, the flavor and the meat were terrible. I will not be coming back to eat here. Sorry. read more

Great Plate of chicken Katsu! The Spam Musubi was on point. Thanks again! Delicious food, Aunty! read more

Aloha Grill - Great Katsu plate!!! Yummy. Also, the Spam Musubi was awesome! Thank you! - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

My wife and I really love this place. But we have never been there with one person working. I wasn't worried because nobody else was here. But then about five minutes after we ordered eight people showed up. So why it was more important to take orders than keep an eye on the food I don't know. Loco, moco, and eggs are overcooked. And the beef patty tasted like cardboard. Because of overcook. I stood over her to let her know I was watching make sure she didn't forget about me. But she did, so when you come in if only one person is working , even if empty. Walk away. Because I know I will because this is, really horrible...that keeping an eye on the food and having it prepared correctly is more important than losing a customer that walks out because it's taking too long to ring up. Seems like a horrible decision. You live. And you learn. We will return. Because the last other times were awesome. read more

The food is always fresh and tastes delicious. The staff is friendly and the service is great. The place is always clean and ambiance is pretty laid back. read more

Great food, incredible customer service and no reason it shouldn't be at least a 4 star! Got the BBQ Mixed Combo (#3) and was too much food for a big dude like me! Great portion size and good quality. read more

I feel sorry for the one girl working the front & kitchen at the same time....But the best part of my lunch was the Dr. Pepper. I got the 4 piece Spam Musubi & it was NOT good. The rice was dry & falling out of the musubi. But it was still better than the Spam, which was way overcooked to the point of being crunchy. There's not enough teriyaki sauce in the place to cover that up. read more

Great food! Person behind cashier wasn't very friendly and said she didn't have hot sauce. The store sells giant bottles of hot sauce but they don't offer to customers dining in? I would've had a 5 stars experience if I had hot sauce with my Mac salad. read more

Friendly staff. Food is very overcooked. Good variety for menu. They just need to not burn everything.

I'm so happy Aloha Grill came to this area of Carlsbad/ Vista. I ordered the Curry Katsu Chicken- ONO-licious!! Mahalo for your great service and great food. read more

Chicken Katsu was bland, didn't taste rotten but it for sure was not seasoned. Service was good, but totally skip.

All of our meats tasted rotten. Texture of the meat was off . The service was great, but I couldn't even get the meats down. Bummer read more

Aloha Grill - Atkinson bbq plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Vista, California

Food was delicious, service was nice, and the order came out quicker than online said.

Just ate at Aloha Grill. Ordered the garlic shrimp. Zero flavor. Plus they left the skin on the garlic and put the skin of the garlic into the stir-fry causing a choking hazard. Perhaps the chicken is better. Just don't order anything with garlic. They don't know how to prepare it. Causing and a waste of money and food. read more

I've been waiting to try this place and I was so happy to be able to grab some dinner here just the other night. Service was super friendly. Place was nice and clean. And the food, oh man, the food, it was tremendous. I ordered a $15 Kalua pork dinner meal. I could not ask for more. Two large scoops of rice, side of Mac, and the biggest mound of savory pork I could've ever imagined. It was absolutely tremendous. For what it's worth, I don't know what the hell the other people are talking about with respect to low ratings. This place is on point, serves great value, and is a really tasty treat. read more

Foods alright, i did not like the macaroni salad and the rice is dry. Yelp makes me type rxtra worss tonpist

Very tasty and generous portions. It seems a little pricey but for the amount of food you get it's an excellent value. I've been there twice and I'm going there again tonight. read more

love this place! super authentic and delicious Hawaiian food. their shrimp skewers, spam masubi, kalua pork and their Mac salad are all really good. such nice people running the place too. definitely coming back more often now that I've found it. read more

This location no longer accepts cash, I found this out after placing my order and the employee went back to the grille while the screen showed the insert or tap to pay. Adding to the frustration, they want a minimum 15% tip for this luxury. read more