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    Big Kahuna

    4.7 (386 reviews)
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    BIG KAHUNA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Big Kahuna

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    Panko-Fried Pork platter
    Joshua R.

    We were looking for a birthday celebration destination for a buddy - and there are a lot of bougie options in Lexington. I came across Big Kahuna and thought - oh, this looks interesting - let's give it a whirl. SO GLAD WE DID. There are generous portion sizes for good prices. There is parking behind the restaurant, and another lot about a block down. If you get there and you can't find parking - don't freak out. Just drive next door. There isn't much seating down on the main level, but a lot of room up above. We took a group both times (8-12 people) and it had more than enough space for us. I've gotten the panko-fried pork and the teriyaki chicken - and I think I would go with the pork again. But pay attention to their daily special - they have some really cool stuff. Whatever sauce they're throwing on their rice - it's bomb diggity. Ask for extra! Also (sorry, long review), try the Avocado fries! Golllllllllly. Slap ya mama good.

    Coconut shrimp with sticky rice and mac salad
    Elaine D.

    I've now eaten my way through the menu at Big Kahuna. I sat outside and enjoyed the coconut shrimp, with mac salad and sticky rice. It's Ono (delicious in Hawaiian)! If you still haven't been to Big Kahuna, you're missing some amazing food. Go! 86

    Upstairs Dining and Self Service.
    Jen F.

    This place is so good. So, so good! Very limited parking out back. I do think I saw some adjacent parking next door, but that could be lies. You encounter stairs at both entrances, at least. There's no ADA accessibility at this location. Seating is limited. A handful of tables on the kitchen floor were filled up at lunch time. Another area of seating is upstairs via two flights of stairs. We got the last open table upstairs. There are a few tables on an outside upper level deck. Seating is only backless metal barstools at high top tables. It's loud, as the rooms are small and there's nothing to absorb sound. Brightly colored murals decorate the walls. It's a vibe, for sure. The service was helpful and gracious. The food is just so flavorful! I loved it! I don't like macaroni salad and they let me sub Hawaiian fries. Excellent choice! Portions are generous.

    Neilly B.

    Great authentic food. We lived in Hawaii for 4 years and the food was almost exactly like the islands. The spam and eggs was so good Staff is very nice, and the cost is very fair

    Coconut shrimp, teriyaki chicken, and katsu (top to bottom)
    Edward W.

    Incredible food, with a friendly staff! Food dishes you can't get anywhere else, and they are consistently great every time. Ordered 3 different entrees last time just to have leftovers. Can't wait to go back!

    Loco Moco (with gravy on the side).
    Jen M.

    We were driving from Ohio to Atlanta & needed a great lunch spot to get a break from our long drive. Yelp did not let us down, the service was fast and friendly in an upbeat setting. The food was absolutely delicious; I had the Mahi Mahi & my husband had the Loco Moco. Both dishes were seasoned perfectly & I could eat a full plate of the sticky rice, it was next level good! We were there at 12:30, so no parking in the small lot behind the restaurant, but if you go 3 buildings down from the restaurant, there is a huge gravel parking lot on the same side. The next time we are driving through, we will definitely stop again & being only 3 miles off 75, and next to a gas station, it made for an efficient stop for us!

    Cool!
    Drew G.

    This place never disappoints. They stay busy because they are so good. Since Covid I have noticed that they just get busier every year. The word is out.

    Lisa G.

    This place is so cute, a little fun vibe that fits a college town. We tried the chicken teriyaki, Hawaiian burger, chicken katsu sandwich. Somehow an extra box had been made and we were given it, which had spam, eggs and sushi rice. I really like the sticky rice with the sauce that tastes like spicy mayo and eel sauce. Everything was great and prices were excellent. High Yelp reviews led me here and I agree!

    Spam Musubi just like on the Islands.
    Andy P.

    Born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, with those bona fides, the Big Kahuna completely surpassed my expectations. I've been to other "Hawaiian" BBQ restaurants on the mainland and have been completely disappointed when wanting a taste of home and so I was a little suspect of the Big Kahuna. It's a small restaurant but there is additional seating upstairs. On the day we went it was pretty crowded but most were getting takeaway so we didn't have any trouble finding seats. The parking lot is small but I noticed people walking from up the street so there's probably additional parking elsewhere, and I'd tell you the lack of parking in the back should not dissuade you from going in because the food is great. The staff greeted us with smile and the decor is very bright and airy just as if you were a couple blocks off the beach. We ordered at the counter and found a seat. It was a bit of a wait, as I said there were a lot of people getting takeaway, and the food is freshly prepared and absolutely worth the longer wait. The menu is small but they hit all the classics. Their Mac salad was a home run, yeah it looks like a simple dish and it is but it's very difficult to get it perfect. The noodles have to the right consistency, the mayonnaise has to be the right kind (Hellmans or Best Foods) and the ratio of noodles to mayo has to be exact. Big Kahuna was spot on. The katsu was crispy and juicy tender. I got the sauce (a trio) on the side, back home it's ketchup based and so it's a little different as I remember. I will add that I was home in Hawaii recently and saw that some places had a similar trio of sauces so maybe that's spot on too. The loco moco was also very good. The burger was well seasoned, tender and juicy. The key ingredient is the gravy, if it came out of a package or a jar, Big Kahuna fooled me cause it tasted homemade. Their savory gravy tied the rice, egg and burger all together. Big Kahuna is a great place when you're hungry for the taste of some Hawaiian plate lunches.

    Katsu sandwich with macaroni salad
    Kryss P.

    My husband and I stopped in for a bite to eat on our way to a comedy show. I had been wanting to try this place so much for about a year now. Tip: park in the back, it's easier. The front door is heavy and you go up the steps to the left in order to enter the restaurant, order at the counter, the menu is right there. They have seating inside (bar stools and counter height tables), as well as outside. Our food was ready quickly, it was a lot of meat for our sandwiches, I thoroughly enjoyed the fries which were saucy but crunchy and fresh! Honestly this place deserves some hype, it really is good food! We will be back, want to try the burger next! Thanks!!

    Netra A.

    Came in based on reviews on Yelp. When I went to Hawaii I enjoyed the flavoring of the food and thought this would be comparable. I was greeted right away and after asking for suggestions settled on the shrimp plate and teriyaki chicken. The service was pretty quick. We enjoyed our meals and everything was served at the right temperature. I'd definitely come again. The inside has seating and was pretty quiet. There is seating upstairs but I didn't check that out.

    Ben A.

    If I lived closer, Big Kahuna would be a regular meal choice for me. The food was fantastic, and the restaurant itself was a cool setting. I ordered the kalua pork plate and musubi. Would honestly be able to split a plate, as the portions were pretty large, but I didn't mind having leftovers. Appreciated the staff and environment while we waited for our takeout. Clearly a team that enjoys their jobs and I'd definitely recommend making a trip to check this spot out.

    Warren M.

    Great food. If you like BBQ - you'll love this place! Not southern or Memphis, or Detroit BBQ , this is Hawaiian BBQ.

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    4 months ago

    Delicious! And the place was packed. I'll definitely return again. Thanks Big Kahuna!

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    I love this place the ambiance was so great the food was incredible and the service was great.

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    9 months ago

    Really great food. Love the vibes always a good time. Recommend to locals and visitors alike!

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    4 months ago

    Service and food were amazing ! The price for quality is solid. Thanks to Mike at Brewer Dude for the recommendation!

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    4 months ago

    Great service, even when busy the staff was super friendly and went out of their way to ensure we had a good first experience!

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    2 years ago

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