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    Happy Eats

    4.9 (33 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Happy Eats Photos

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    Huli Huli chicken
    Teresa D.

    Huli Huli chicken is chef's kiss! Got the 1/2 chicken plate which comes with rice and mixed vegetables. Their ribs seemed like a popular choice too. Can't wait to try their lechon!

    Judy C.

    I love Happy Eats, I try to stop by here before my flight back to Oahu to bring back a plate or 2. How did I discover Happy Eats on the Garden Isle?! During our walks on Kauai, when we don't have a rental car and after having lunch at Hamura, I happen to see a tent with line, curious, I checked it out since then we have been back or try to stop here if time permits. The staff at Happy Eats are super friendly, they are great peeps! I remember Wanda during all my visits, helping her sister's pop up business. She is super sweet and so friendly! Always great to see her when I visit. My very first visit I got the chicken, 2nd -ribs, 3rd visit all sold out and this time I was early, stopped by after 11am right when they open and decided to get the Happy Plate this time X 2. They were so nice to wrap them in foil, it survived TSA and everything was still kept together in the box due to the packaging. hehe. I was worried the corn and lechon would get all messy but it didn't. Yay! If you don't know what to get, my suggestion is the Happy Plate, for $25. bucks you get one quarter each of chicken ( marinated and dry rub) 2 piece ribs and lechon kawili. Plate comes with corn, rice, and BBQ sauce. This plate is huge and sure enough for more than 2. I always look forward to our dinner after Kauai, My hubby, son and I. Just need to Cook a pot of rice along with some kim chee. Super ono! Its hard to decide if I like the marinated or dry rub more, I like both! The ribs is not fall off the bone but its tasty for ribs. First time trying the lechon kaweli, it is nice and crispy! Only opens on weekends, look for the Happy Eats white tent and the hibachi smoke smell located at Bank of Hawaii Parking lot. They do take credit cards, and they do sell out as I missed out during one of my visits. Get the Happy Plate @ Happy Eats, it will make you Happpy just like how we are feeling after our meal!!

    Chicken and ribs
    Amanda M.

    Eat here!!!! My partner and I stopped here by chance our first time in Kauai over 5 years ago, and it has become one of our favorite food spots. We make sure to stop here every time we are in town. The chicken is soooo tender and tastey and the ribs are delicious. Can't go wrong here--it's all so good! Don't miss stopping at happy eats if you're nearby!!

    Menu 1/23
    Kristi P.

    This was out 1st meal after we landed in Kaua'i, and boy, did we get off to a good start! We got the Happy Plate for a sampling of everything. The ribs were juicy and tender--not quite fall-off-the bone, but I prefer them this way. You actually have to chew the meat. The Huli chicken was nice and moist and juicy as well! They both have a yummy smokiness. The marinated is a little sweeter than the dry rub, but not extra saucy. If I had to pick, I would pick the marinated. The lechon was a nice crispy snack that was nice to dip in the accompanying BBQ/ketchup or other sauce. Service was pretty quick as the meat is constantly cooking on-site. Note: They are only open on the weekend.

    Bbq the "Happy Eats" way... smells really good
    Veronica A.

    One of the best chicken we had, super moist, juicy, tender and flavored perfectly! Service was friendly & quick. It is located in a parking lot behind Central Pacific Bank, corner of Rice St and Umi. I believe it's cash only. It's just during the weekends from 10 am to 2 pm so make sure make your way there around this time if in Kauai.

    Chcken and ribs combo

    I've had BBQ all around the continental US (TX, NC, TN, and all the lesser BBQ meccas) and this was hands down the best BBQ I've ever had. I don't recall how I found about this, but I'm do glad I did. They've moved from their original Rice St local to the Walmart parking lot. We were lucky the forwarding sign is still on Rice St. I love flavors I can't identify, and this was full of them. From the wood used to smoke to the rub, all new to me. And it was an amazing sympathy of flavors, nothing overpowering, everything complementing. So sorry that we'll only be in Kauai for 4 days and can't get back there. This is a must if you're anywhere near Lihue on the weekend

    Stage super friendly staff!
    Jon A.

    I was on island and found happy eats on a parade route and I made the right choice to stop and give them a try! The food was DELICIOUS!!! It was so good that I forgot to take a picture of it. The ribs and lechon were on point! The service was great. The lady at the register was super friendly! Oh and the chocolate chip walnut cookies were devoured by the kids in a minute

    Menu
    Daisy C.

    You must try the chicken here! My hubby and I passed by this place when we were on our way to get food from another restaurant. Unfortunately the other restaurant was closed so we decided to come here. They have a simple menu but we were not sure what to get some we asked for recommendations. The staff recommended the happy plate which had a little of everything and is a portion big enough for use to share. I was glad we got the happy plate. The food was delicious. Being able to sample everything on the menu we were able to pick our favorite. Lechon - was crunchy and tasty. Chicken - both the dry rub and marinated were amazing. It was so moist, juicy and tasty. I like the dry rub more than the marinated. Ribs - had good flavor. A little dry and tough but still good. We ended up ordering another large chicken plate, large rib plate and chicken and rib combo for later!

    a sign for a restaurant
    Michael M.

    Happy Eats has been around for maybe six or seven years, if you count its previous iteration that operated under a different name and different owners. They're available only on Saturdays and Sundays, and pop up in the parking lot of a local bank. The full-bodied kiawe (Hawaiian mesquite) smoke will convince you to pull over and get a plate of huli huli (Hawaiian for flipped) chicken, which is constantly rotated over kiawe coals. The chicken is available in marinated or dry rub (which I prefer). The ribs are always tender, also a dry rub. Lechon kawali (deep fried pork, Filipino style) is also on the menu, but sells out fast. Be ready for 15-20 minute waits on busy days. Call ahead to avoid the wait.

    happy plate
    Julia L.

    deserves the love and attention! we found happy eats as we were headed to the airport, and it was definitely worth the stop! the meats were cooked great, not dry at all, and the serving sizes were generous. we tried the happy plate to get the variety of their offerings. what really topped it off, was the customer service. we were in kauai for a week and didn't have the best overall customer service experience, but happy eats was one of the most welcoming we had. they were enthused to have us and checked in on our meal even though it's a take out service.

    Tents and parking location!

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    6 months ago

    Very moist tasty Huli chicken. Very friendly staff. Go early because they are sold out by 2 pm.

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    1 year ago

    Great service and delicious food!! Huli huli marinated chicken was amazing! We will definitely be coming back :)

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Always friendly, personal and food is delicious! Count on then for an reasonable and great tasting plate lunch.

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    3 years ago

    Delicious one of a kind food!! Very reasonable prices and large portions! Highly recommend!!

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    4 years ago

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    Richie's Huli BBQ - $18 Huli chicken plate

    Richie's Huli BBQ

    5.0(56 reviews)
    7.3 mi

    Richie's Huli BBQ is unreal. Holy shit--this is hands down the best chicken we've ever had. It was…read moreperfectly cooked, insanely moist, and packed with flavor. Every bite was delicious. On top of that, the prices are super reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. You get amazing food without feeling ripped off, which is rare these days. If you're anywhere near this place, do yourself a favor and stop in. We'll definitely be back!

    Since we had eaten so much fish during our trip we were looking for some good bbq chicken. (You are…read morekind of reminded every day since there are so many chickens around LOL). So in looking through Yelp we saw Richie's. Since it is a food truck we were not sure exactly where it was. After reviewing the most recent reviews we saw it was right down the street where we were staying. It was in the area by Haole Girl Island Sweets. Everyone mentioned getting there early as the close once they sellout. They usually have the Huli Huli Chicken on Friday and Saturday but check to see. Quite a few people were already seated at the picnic table when we arrived around 11:30am. We were greeted right away and ordered the half chicken with macaroni salad and a roll. We stood by the grill area looking at all the good food being prepared. Smelled like heaven. When we got our food we were amazed at how much was there. Large portions. They serve it with a pineapple white sauce that is so tasty. The macaroni salad was good as well. Also some white rice on the side. Best chicken we have had in a while. Thanks to Richie! Check you out next time in town. We saw a red food truck so turned into the parking lot. You could smell the bbq cooking.

    Photos
    Richie's Huli BBQ
    Richie's Huli BBQ - Huli huli chicken was FIRE! Huge serving which fed our family of four!

    Huli huli chicken was FIRE! Huge serving which fed our family of four!

    Richie's Huli BBQ - Wagyu burger : passion bakery (local) bun,  with house sauce

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    Wagyu burger : passion bakery (local) bun, with house sauce

    Uncle D’s BBQ - Pulled pork sandwich

    Uncle D’s BBQ

    4.8(89 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Talk about the Aloha Spirit!…read more I'm only in town for the day until our ship leaves this afternoon. Walking through the town of Lihue I found this store and wouldn't you know it! They have exactly what I was hoping to find somewhere, Disc Golf equipment! Then I find that the store is closed today! This is a shared operation with a Barbecue business and the other half being Disc Golf. Well, it turns out that staffing issues had occurred and the only one staff member there was running the barbecue. Bummer. The Mrs ended up knocking on the closed doors and the proprietor came to see what she wanted. She explained I was hoping for some discs for my son who is an avid player, and as luck would have it, he stopped cooking long enough to help me purchase a couple of discs! Oh man that was so cool, plus he knew his stuff and helped me pick out two top quality discs. I got two drivers. One initial driver and a custom design fairway driver that they designed! At 171 for their custom disc, and 167 gr. for the other, these two will be seeing some use when we hit the mainland. While we're doing this, ah, the smell of the food started wafting over, but he was not nearly ready yet to start serving. I appreciate so much how this gentleman went out of his way to help a tourist pick out some gifts, when clearly he needed to be in the other side of the business managing his barbecue. Thanks Uncle D's You Rock!

    Located in a small retail space on the first floor of the Harbor Mall, Uncle D's BBQ is a…read morecombination BBQ, retail beer, and disc golf equipment retailer. My wife and I were staying very close by, so we made it a point to visit it during our week long stay in Kauai. The concept and beer selection was great, but the food tasted no different from what one would get from a cafeteria. It's important to check their hours when their food is offered, since it differs from their open hours. Currently food hours are 10:30 - 14:30, W-Sa (opening one hour earlier on Saturday). We came on Friday, and walked around the mall until their kitchen opened. It wasn't too busy yet, so was able to order and pay. While waiting, added two cans of alcohol, at which time the food was ready. Brought everything out to the common outdoor tables that can be used for dining. There is a large choice of local beers in cans, and we chose two: Lanikai Brewing Company's Pualani Sour Ale ($6) and Paradise Ciders (Honolulu HI)'s Lei'd Back Lilikoi ($3.50). Both were good, and would absolutely use this store to buy local beers to take back home in the future. Both of us love brisket, so got the brisket sandwich a la carte for $18.99, and added a side of cole slaw ($3) and Mac Salad ($3). It was a medium sandwich to begin with (used a hoagie type soft bun), but with so much bbq sauce mixed with the chopped brisket, it became more of a bbq sauce sandwich. The sauce itself was good, and the chopped brisked seemed OK, but the ratio was way off. The sides were OK with small portions. For $24.99, should have gotten better...even in a tourist area of Hawaii.

    Photos
    Uncle D’s BBQ - Shared outdoor dining area

    Shared outdoor dining area

    Uncle D’s BBQ - Pulled Pork Sandwich with macaroni salad & my Fav Kale Salad

    Pulled Pork Sandwich with macaroni salad & my Fav Kale Salad

    Uncle D’s BBQ - Menu

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    Menu

    Smiley's Local Grinds - Chicken Katsu & Beef Kalbi Short Ribs

    Smiley's Local Grinds

    4.4(871 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Close to our hotel, and frequented by locals!…read more Ordered one combo plate to share for dinner since all we've been doing is EATING on this getaway!!! The combo plate included chicken, hamburger steak, and kalua pork, white rice and mac salad. Winner! The hamburger steak was tasty and the gravy was smooth. Don't like all meat patties because it's tough. This patty was home made and delicious! And kalua pig is all the same, right? NO WAY!!! This kalua pig was different, better, with flavor most intriguing and inviting you to eat more! How amazing is that?! Even the chicken was ono. And the mac salad was fresh and full of flavor too. Usually, mac salad is not my thing, but I found myself taking more than one bite! Will definitely be back for more great food on our next Kauai adventure! Keep up the great cooking! Woo hoo!

    The Korean ribs are absolutely phenomenal--so tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor that I'm…read morestarting to suspect there's a secret pineapple juice infusion in the marinade. Every bite is a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and umami that lingers delightfully on the palate. The garlic shrimp are without a doubt the best I've ever had--plump, succulent, and perfectly cooked. Each jumbo shrimp is coated in a lusciously garlicky, buttery glaze that's utterly irresistible, leaving me savoring every last bite. Honestly, it's seafood heaven on a plate. This meal isn't just delicious--it's mind-blowingly, palate-pleasingly unforgettable.

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    Smiley's Local Grinds
    Smiley's Local Grinds - Kalbi Ribs! Close up meaty goodness!

    Kalbi Ribs! Close up meaty goodness!

    Smiley's Local Grinds - Smiley's Chicken Plate close up. Crunchy on the outside, meaty on the inside!

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    Smiley's Chicken Plate close up. Crunchy on the outside, meaty on the inside!

    Kaua’i Diner - Banana lumpia with vanilla ice cream

    Kaua’i Diner

    4.3(246 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    Perfect place to start this rainy Kauai weekend! It was 3 minutes away from where we were, the Sixt…read moreRental Cars. They have a great selection of Breakfast and Lunch/Dinner options. The prices are very reasonable! We probably saved $3-10 off each plate coming from Maui. My dad got the LauLau Plate and said the meat was soft and moist and my mom NEVER annihilates her food and she literally ate every bite of her Steamed Fish which was Catfish today. It had this yummy soy or sesame sauce with some green onions and ginger on top. My Oxtail Soup with Rice was perfect for the cold rainy day. Delicious pieces of fall off the bone oxtail and I literally dumped all the cilantro and ginger in the hot broth. Mom and I had a bit of a fuzzy throat so we got the Calamansi Juice with Honey which was delicious! As you sip, you taste pieces of Calamansi and see swirls of seeds and calamansi skin. If you like pulp, you'd enjoy this refreshing drink. We ended the meal with 4 pieces of hot egg tarts! I'm surprised they had them because when I go to Oahu, there's some spots where you special order them on the weekends. Overall, a delicious local spot here in Lihue!

    Lots of locals dining in! Must be good…read more.. Only one waitress working the entire restaurant, but doing a commendable job! And she was smiling... After getting our ice water, cutlery and menus, we quickly settled on the French toast breakfast, which included fluffy French toast, bacon, and 2 eggs cooked to order. Ono! Added apple juice to the meal. Happy, full, and satisfied! Woo hoo!

    Photos
    Kaua’i Diner - Interior

    Interior

    Kaua’i Diner - Egg Tarts

    Egg Tarts

    Kaua’i Diner - Inside looking towards the door.

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    Inside looking towards the door.

    Happy Eats - bbq - Updated May 2026

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