Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Howard’s

    5.0 (32 reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Howard’s Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    More like Howard’s

    Recommended Reviews - Howard’s

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lobster bisque w/ grilled cheese

    Oh my goodness! This is my first time here! It's conveniently located near our workplace, and I had no idea it existed. The food is absolutely incredible! The prices are reasonable, and the portions are perfectly balanced. I'll definitely be returning to try more of their weekly specials.

    Chinese chicken salad
    Angela W.

    I haven't actually been to Howard's in person but we have been ordering lunch from them recently because it's so good and affordable. From whatvI understand this is a hole in the wall under the escalator. Parking is basically non-existent as this is downtown and they probably rely on foot traffic from the offices during the weekday only. Every day their menu is different but there is some kind of rotating schedule of specials. For instance, they only have nachos every 3 weeks. I wait with baited breath until then as the last time I tasted my co-worker's nachos it was amazing. Very homemade, large portions. I've had 4 salads and all were super yummy: Italian, beet, and Chinese chicken salad and taco salad. The portions are huge. Just wish they could post their daily menu on Instagram or a website.

    Portuguese bean soup
    Crystal R.

    Tucked away in a little corner of the Alakea building is this amazing little shop. I have heard of this place from my fellow colleagues multiple times but never had the chance to try their meals out until recently and now I begin to regret not going here sooner! Their menu always changes daily and depending on what is on the menu and the time you head over there, you might miss out as they make only a limited amount. And that is what makes this place so good. The owners definitely take pride in putting out their meals as you can taste it in every bite. I had the chance to try out their Portuguese Bean Soup and their famous Seafood and Sausage Gumbo (both times I ordered, I was the last one to get it). Both dishes were jam packed with savory flavor with a medium to hot kick of spice. I'm all for the spice so that definitely made my taste buds go crazy! Service is amazing too! They are super friendly to everyone and welcome all to a friendly atmosphere. Since this is a small little shop in an office building, there isn't a place to dine in. But luckily you can either eat outside or take it back to the office for you to indulge. As mentioned, their menu changes daily so it is best to check out their Instagram page for their menu. If there is something you really want, I suggest you either go early or phone it in to secure your order. Overall this is a great find and I can't wait to go back to try out what other home cooked meal they will be offering.

    Beet Salad
    Lily F.

    I love this place which serves great food with good portions and affordable prices. My favorite is beet salad with pieces of chicken. I haven't been able to try some of their daily specials which are posted weekly on their IG page but I hope to.

    Beef Stew
    Cassandra H.

    I've had this place on my lunch list for a while since I work downtown but it's rare that I actually go out to eat. I finally got to try so I checked their IG first like other Yelpers suggested and their special was beef stew and clam chowder. Since I take a late lunch around 1 pm I called ahead to make sure that they had beef stew left. The man who answered said they only had minis which was fine with me. I took a short walk there and it was a really tiny store in the lobby of the Alakea Corporate Tower. For the mini it came out to just under $15. I believe the only difference between a mini and regular from pictures I've seen is that the regular comes with a side of corn and Mac salad. The mini portion was very generous and I was able to make 2 meals out of it. The stew was flavorful and the meat was fall apart tender. It looked like they do have some ready made items and drinks for sale as well. They also open for breakfast. They do have some seating outside of the building but I decided to go back to my office to eat. I will be back to try their other items in the future.

    Seafood and Sausage Gumbo
    Justin R.

    23AUG2023 I got "Seafood and Sausage Gumbo" from Howard's. I believe it's the best "Gumbo" on island. It reminded me of how SF food truck gumbo use to taste before it started tasting like cigarettes. I told my wife I wouldn't be too critical despite coming from a place that is very famous for the dish. I was actually pretty impressed with the the thickness and color of the roux. It was almost like a gravy. There is no right way to make gumbo (inside joke) so I was delighted to see they DID NOT include tomatoes in theirs, but it does have okra. Once again the portion was generous and I was happy with the offering. Their Gumbo definitely put the other area Gumbos to shame (easily). P.S. I hear they run out pretty quick, so if you are interested it's probably a good idea to call ahead of time and make sure they still have it before you make the frustrating trek through the city in vain.

    Seafood Gumbo...
    Henry R.

    Have eaten here a few times...it's one out go to places when we are at work. I usually get the same stuff, that's my downfall...they chicken salad and taco salads are pretty darn good but my favorites here are the chowders and the seafood gumbo...both are full of delicious ingredients that just make it feel like a home cooked meal. The gumbo has lots of sausage, shrimp and okra....it's just damn delicious. They only have daily specials so sometimes they sell out...but the chowder and gumbo are worth it!

    Avocado toast (before 10am) and yogurt parfait (greek yogurt, strawberries and blue berries and honey by choice).
    Pua S.

    Avocado toast is my favorite they also make great salads and have great healthy Snack options. Every Now and again I treat myself to their Desserts when they have it i love lemon bars and theirs is good. Prices are so good for being in town!

    Strawberry Ice Cream Slushy, Grilled Cheese, Salad, & Tomato Bisque
    Kyle M.

    O'ahu is filled with amazing eats and hole in the walls. However, inch for inch, all things considered, Howard's tops them all. COVID-19: Traci and Troy wear masks at all times, and keep Howard's clean and tidy. SERVICE: Traci and Troy, the owners, are the nicest, friendliest, and warmest people you can come across. They are so welcoming, they make friends with everyone in the building. RESTAURANT: Howard's is a tiny, unassuming spot. It is located on the ground floor (NOT lobby floor) of 1100 Alakea Street, a high rise business building in Downtown Honolulu. It is easy to miss because it is tucked in a corner on the side of escalators, opposite the elevators and to the left of the escalators when walking in the front doors of the building. Howard's is take-out only without any seating, but you can sit outside in the building's courtyard or at tables down the block. FOOD: The menu changes every day. It typically includes salads, sandwiches, a daily soup, and a daily main entree. All of the salad dressings are homemade and amazing. My favorite is the blue cheese. The soups range from lobster bisque to clam chowder to seafood gumbo. They are thick, earthy, and soul-warming. The entrees range from furikake salmon to chicken luau to kalua pork nachos. Every dish is homemade and reminds you of eating at your mom's house. You can taste the love and care in every bite, including the side dishes. The preparation and execution is spot on. The portions are generous and leave you feeling happy and satiated. OVERALL: I've eaten Howard's around fifteen times and I've loved every dish! I love supporting these locals and feeling their love. Stop by Howard's for your lunch hour in Downtown or to grab food for the beach. They also provide catering, which is just as quality as the regular menu!

    Thursday Lunch Special!
    Mikey K.

    Never disappoints always Yummo's & Onolicious great amount of food for the price awesome place & great service

    Corn Chowder
    Sheryl S.

    Corn Chowder on Mondays... delicious! This was a $6 size. They also have a $7 and $14 size. The larger one is great to take home and will feed 2 people easily.

    Hamburger steak
    Mark S.

    Nice little lunch spot inconspicuously located in an office building. All the entrees I've tried has been good and the portions are generous. There's usually a few entrees of the day and they post their menu weekly. I like the panini's and soups they often have and the spaghetti salad that comes instead of mac. The family that runs it is also really nice.

    Taco salad with pico de gallo and tortilla chips

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    'Ono food! Great price and good quantity! Love it! You're missing out if you don't try their specials!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Odette R.
    1
    59
    153

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 3
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lily F.
    155
    583
    9490

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pua S.
    111
    5
    21

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mikey K.
    20
    19
    73

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark S.
    0
    12
    25

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    The service and the food is good. The workers there are really nice. I come here when I'm working around the area.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeanna G.
    50
    11
    16

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kori C.
    340
    13
    1

    5 years ago

    Love this place! Traci and Troy are the best and everything is delicious

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of BJ G.
    31
    25
    2

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Heidi H.
    332
    10
    1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K C.
    164
    56
    5

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Howard’s

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Desserts 25,183 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    MOSA - 2 scoop Mosa cups with Coconut, coffee, ube and pineapple flavors!

    MOSA

    4.8(418 reviews)
    2.9 mi•Waikiki
    •$$

    Drifted back to my hotel after an evening of anti-sobriety. I felt an urge to wander out into…read moreWaikiki on a side quest for something sweet and savory. It was about 10 and not much to choose from this late in the eve. Looked on Yelp and found a five-star spot that closed at midnight. A unicorn perhaps, or just paid social media BSers hyping up basura? And it was within walking distance. Let's go find out. MOSA is like in a backstreet off of the main Kalakaua drag. It's like a little hut with some outdoor seating out front. Simple menu that offers eight different flavors that you order in a cup or a crepe. Wanted something not too messy and just portable enough to eat from while walking back, so I got the cup. Got two scoops of ube and Kona coffe sprinkled with crushed mac nuts. DELICIOUS. Loved the texture...very creamy, almost chewy. Lovely textures. Flavors were on point, too. It's on the pricier side for ice cream, though, but I think it's worth it for what you're getting. Great stuff!

    (4.5 STARS) Such a cute local ice cream stand! They're known for adding roasted peanut sprinkles to…read moretheir ice cream, and the crepe-style dessert seems to be their signature. I'll definitely have to come back to try that next time. // Single Scoop Cup (Kona Coffee) The single scoop comes in the cutest little flower pot with a tiny shovel spoon, which made it even more fun. The Kona coffee ice cream was incredibly smooth, rich, and creamy with a slightly stretchy texture that I really enjoyed. The roasted peanut sprinkles added a delicious crunch and subtle nutty flavor that complemented the ice cream perfectly. The service was also very friendly and quick! Overall, I really enjoyed it and would happily come back. While it didn't quite reach "must-have" status for me, it was still a delicious treat that's worth trying.

    Photos
    MOSA - Mosa wrap with 3 flavors and strawberries on top

    Mosa wrap with 3 flavors and strawberries on top

    MOSA - Single scoop cup

    Single scoop cup

    MOSA - Coconut & Kona coffee scoops W/peanut brittle

    See all

    Coconut & Kona coffee scoops W/peanut brittle

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - Pumpkin Crunch

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

    4.4(896 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    •$$

    Review only based on the Malasadas. They are made to order so they come out fresh. They do not…read morecontain any fillings, so if you are looking for something Leonard's you may be disappointed. Haven't tried their other offerings, but will do so next time. Good location in Kaimuki, around other shops and restaurants. It is clean and bright inside. There isn't really anywhere to sit in the shop to eat, so you'll have to take it to go.

    I love Pipeline Bakeshops Malasadas! I have been to several Malasada places in Hawaii but | love…read morethere's the best for the following reasons: 1. the size of the malasadas: some restaurants tend to make their Malasadas smaller and when places do this it ruins the overall texture and quality of it. The bigger the malasadas size the more airy and fluffy and more bread layers that will be inside. 2. their malasadas always taste fresh and the same quality each time. 3. their malasadas don't feel oily or heavy at all Overall I would highly recommend this place for their Malasadas! I'm so happy to have found them. I can back multiple times on my trip. They also have other desserts too that I have yet to try. They have ice cream, cakes, and other desserts Also tip: if you are ordering a malasada also order a coffee or a matcha drink to go with it. The cinnamon sugar from the malasada just matches so perfectly with a drink this restaurant is also a nice place for walking! There's lot of stores and restaurants to walk around! I'm trying to remember but I think there was a book off that was not too far from here! If you either drive or maybe walk. Service: staff was super helpful and friendly while I was there. I was having an issue with my online order because my phone was being glitchy and they were so nice in helping :) Also wanted to note their branding is so cute!! They even sell merch items too

    Photos
    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - Interior during Malasada Day / Fat Tuesday, 2/17/2026

    Interior during Malasada Day / Fat Tuesday, 2/17/2026

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery - 1/2 dozen malasada

    1/2 dozen malasada

    Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

    See all

    Cha To Gelato Zen - Matcha gelato

    Cha To Gelato Zen

    4.6(187 reviews)
    3.5 mi•Kaimuki
    •$$

    This is such a cute spot out for date night or girl's night out. The ambiance is clean and…read moreminimalistic. They are a sister company to their neighbor Aburiya Ibushi, so naturally after eating there, we came here for dessert. Immediately when you walk in, the order/cashier is right there. You have to order your items first and then go find a seat. During a busy night it's packed, so patience is key, as everything is made to order. We opted for a bar/countertop seat and it did not disappoint. We got to talk to the servers and see how everything is made up close. Everything was delicious from the hot and iced teas to dessert. My only suggestion is to remove any of your limited item signage or make a notation on the signage when you run out. We were so fixated on trying those new menu items and were sad to hear it wasn't available when we tried to order them. Overall, such a great spot for late night dessert.

    Truly one of the highlights of our entire trip. The cocktails and dessert were incredible easily…read moresome of the best we had in Hawai'i. We ordered the Matcha Old Fashioned and Sencha Gin Soda, and both were so beautifully balanced. The Matcha Old Fashioned in particular was genuinely one of the best cocktails I've had in my life. Creative and unique without being overly sweet or having any one flavor overpower the others. For dessert, we had the Matcha Anmitsu, and WOW. The matcha flavor actually came through rich and complex while still feeling light and balanced. On top of the food and drinks, the ambiance was amazing and the service was excellent. Everything felt thoughtful and intentional from start to finish. An absolute must if you appreciate matcha, Japanese flavors, or a really well-made cocktail. A million out of 10 would recommend and until then ima dream about coming back.

    Photos
    Cha To Gelato Zen - Inside seating

    Inside seating

    Cha To Gelato Zen - Tea leaves with some shoyu topping

    Tea leaves with some shoyu topping

    Cha To Gelato Zen - New friends

    See all

    New friends

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Cinnamon roll

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe

    4.5(390 reviews)
    1.1 mi•Kaka'ako

    I've been wanting to come here for months! I finally had the opportunity to! I'm so happy I did!…read moreThere was so much to choose from-pastries and drinks! My hubby missed out! Great excuse to go again! There was a line, but it moved quickly. You could tell which items were popular cuz their spot was empty. However, they were quickly replaced. Everything was delicious!!! I did bring some items to share with coworkers. I bought my breakfast and lunch from this quaint bakery. It took me back to my visit to Japan! Loved it! Will definitely be back!!!

    I needed to occupy myself after I dropped hubs off for his first cataract surgery…read more After doing some retail therapy at NR I had half an hour to spare. Hubs had to fast from 6 am for his 2 pm surgery so I thought he would probably be starving and would enjoy a delectable salt and butter roll from here. At $4.50 a piece I consider this a luxury for us. I found a close stall in the parking structure. A very cheerful polite male employee took my order. I had seen two occupied tables as I walked into the shop. Both had matcha drinks. Why not? I asked the young man assisting me, what's the best matcha drink? He said his favorite was banana matcha with extra banana foam. Okay I'll try it. He repeated it to the cashier. So popular there was a wait for beverages to be prepared. Soon enough mine was ready. I think Doc would enjoy this drink. This shop is a working bakery. Many yummy pastries displayed. Menu is posted high up above to choose from. Rather tiny shop with room for customers to stand in line to order and wait for drinks. Clean, busy with a few tables and chairs outside but pretty much in direct sun.

    Photos
    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Coffee anyone?

    Coffee anyone?

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Coconut haupia bun

    Coconut haupia bun

    Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe - Cinnamon roll

    See all

    Cinnamon roll

    Howard’s - desserts - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...