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    Kau Kau

    4.4 (49 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Kau Kau Takeout or Delivery

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    KAU KAU ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Kau Kau

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    Lena C.

    So yummy! I ordered the spicy poke and it came out super quick. Really good ratio of rice to fish. I also ordered the guava lemonade which was perfect and not too sweet. Even though I ordered food to go, it's a super cute spot to sit and eat at.

    Excellent Katsu
    Andrew A.

    Food is on par with many island options around town, Chochu Local is my favorite. The Chicken Katsu was excellent, the Japanese Curry kinda meh. The Kalua Pig was a far cry from that at Ate-oh-Ate, but worthy nevertheless. Lumpia, Mac and Lomi all decent, but not high praise worthy. I appreciate the pepper water that's at every table. And the mochi was moist and chewy. Portions for most dishes were small, but ample for a few. Service was friendly and relatively fast. If you're looking for above average fare, fair prices, in a pleasant quaint atmosphere, then KK fits the bill. I'd return if there was an awesome parking spot right out front, but probably wouldn't go out of my way.

    Poke
    Sara A.

    This restaurant is consistently winning when it comes to food, service, and feeling like you're at a local place in Hawaii. The restaurant is cozy, and clean. Seating is limited so arrive early. I've tried almost everything on the menu at this point and I'd recommend it all! The garlic shrimp might be my favorite, but you really can't go wrong. Pro tip: Use the InKind app here for extra discounts!

    Menu
    Tully B.

    Tasty Poke (spicy salmon poke) and the pork was tender and juicy. The lumpia are big & tasty. Curious that they don't have teriyaki sauce. Also the servings are not big compared to other PDX Hawaiian restaurants. Mac salad has potatoes in it. Interpret how you will. (Heavy mustard) Clean counter service restaurant.

    Lau Lau, Lomi Salmon and Meat Jun
    Wendy K.

    On the way to Willamette Valley for wine tasting my friend and I stopped by Kau Kau for lunch on a recommendation of her friend in Hawaii that used to lived in Portland. the friend I was with went to college in Hawaii. We initially went in thinking we would share the combo plate but we saw Lau Lau on the specials list as well and Lomi Salmon and my friend's mind was made up! We shared those along with the Meat Jun. The Lau Lau is made in house my friend loved it!!! Was so tender and flavorful. We also had the Mango Limeade and Calamansi Snack - Li hing muy (dried plum), mango, ginger simple, calamansi juice, lime beverages. The calamansi snack was our favorite of the drinks we tried. Definitely will be back when in the area!! Cause I'm sure the rest of the menu is just as good. Cute space with touches of Hawaii! Casual but welcoming and house made chili water on each table. Wonderful service friendly, checked in to make sure we enjoyed our meal.

    Mom's Garlic Chicken
    Chinally R.

    My best friend and I first time here and we really loved it! I had the mom's garlic chicken and it was delicious! I also had the lilikoi limeade and it was pretty good! My bestie had the lau lau plate for her first time and she really loved it! We shared the matcha butter mochi to end our dinner and it was delicious! Definitely our new favorite Hawaiian restaurant in town!

    Rainee R.

    Lunch- Ono! Very authentic. Service was great. It's a small shop on alberta. Small but big flavor. The food is crafted perfectly. The butter mochi was a seasonal flavor which was a little weird but everything else was spot on! Prices are right for what you're getting, pretty big portions and again, great flavor. We got the: - Laulau plate - Curry Katsu - Garlic Shrimp x2 - Butter mochi

    Shantel M.

    Recommended to try this place if in Oregon. Always supporting local businesses when we get a chance. A small family owned business, a few tables to dine in and outside as well. I ordered the chicken, my husband ordered the loco moco, we also got squid luau I believe it's called luau tako on the menu and we got egg rolls. It was a full restaurant and staff were nice. The chicken is a must try if coming here. The loco moco was a bit mushy and red and the egg rolls is good. I can't forget the best part, the chili pepper water is my fave and wish if I was checking a luggage in I would buy a bottle.

    Garlic chicken Poké
    Celine P.

    I love the trader Joe styled chalkboard art menu. Very fun names and colors. The cashier was patient, answering all our questions and offering suggestions. She gave us a sample of the chili water from our curiosity. I was sad the ox tail dish was sold out. We got mom's garlic chicken and garlic poke instead. The chicken was super moist and sweet almost like honey garlic flavor. There was Hawaiian mac on the side and rice. I would come here again!

    Mom's Garlic Chicken plate
    Lesley L.

    I'm usually ambivalent about Hawaiian food, but I really like Kau Kau--enough to come multiple times and bring out of town guests! Their flavors are more vibrant than other places I've been to. The Mac salad is a prime example, it's not just macaroni and mayo, there's a little bit of tang and spice to it, as well as potatoes. It's delicious. I always get the lau lau, as it is hard to find, and theirs is so nice and tender with good umami flavor. I've tried Mom's Garlic Chicken--also perfectly seasoned, sweet and a little spicy, and I love that it is dark meat! Service iszsiasys friendly, it's a cozy place.

    Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water - REFILLABLE BOTTLE - CPW TO GO $9
    Deb K.

    Born and raised in Hawaii, this local girl can honestly give four solid stars to Kau Kau. The Chicken Long Rice, Kalua Pork, Garlic Chicken, Lomi Salmon, and chili pepper water were on target! The rice was good too. But the taco squid tasted like it was made from powder and the Mac salad had relish in it. Those two didn't cut the fifth star for us. The shop itself is really cute and the staff are really sweet. Parking, like anything in that area, is a challenge but with patience you will find a spot within a short walk. We'll still be back. It's definitely the best Hawaiian food we've had since moving here and there are a lot of similar places to find out there. One last thing- buy the chili pepper water! It's delicious! $9 a bottle.

    Chili Pepper Water
    Reiko K.

    Food is incredible! Service is welcoming. The mural on the wall is beautiful! Tracee and Brandon are pros and are killing it! I live on the westside, so when we come in I order enough food to go for lunch/dinner for a few days. Wish we lived closer!!

    Chicken Plate Lunch
    Tricia S.

    Always like supporting local food so stopped in on a Friday at lunch time. Great time to check it out as there was no line and no wait. Laulau wasn't quite ready and could have used more steam time but the flavor was on point. Went so well with the side long rice and Kalua pig. Chicken was crisp on the outside and juicy inside. Mac salad has onions (fyi). Chili pepa wata was the star of the meal - went well with everything!!

    Hawaiian Combo

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    3 months ago

    Kau Kau is the real deal, great food, special and cocktail! They are a must try you will not be disappointe!

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    9 months ago

    Their Lau Lau is perfect!!! It's what dreams are made of:) My life is busy...But one day I'll have the chance to make it there!

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    Casa Madera

    Casa Madera

    4.6(17 reviews)
    0.4 miSabin, Northeast Portland

    We came here on a whim in a Saturday evening since it is within walking distance of Portland…read morePlayhouse. We were warmly greeted, seated in a booth, and promptly served a basket of crispy tortilla chips and homemade salsa. The family-friendly atmosphere had a cozy neighborhood destination vibe. We shared a carne asada platter with a chile relleno and taco al pastor. The carne asada was amazing! Generous portion of grilled meat that was perfectly seasoned. All the sides you would want...guac, pico de gallo, sour cream, grilled scallion and jalapeño, rice, beans cheese plus your choice of tortillas to wrap it all up in. The chile relleno had lots of melty cheese and was thinly battered, just my style. So much yummy food, plenty for two. We had grapefruit Jaritos and n/a Corona but the margaritas look to be very popular, we even saw several huge ones with two straws being shared. Cannot comment on dessert, not enough room. We will definitely be back. Perfect pre-theater dinner and looks to be a great spot for family dining. We'll be back!!

    If you are in NE Portland and want some genuine Mexican food, this is your neighborhood restaurant…read more& bar destination. Picture is their Taco Tuesday offering. You have your choice of 4 proteins and you have to pick one or two. All four are filling and flavorful. The complimentary red salsa and fresh tortilla chips begin your meal with a nice start. The can and draft beers are cold! Service is top notch too. The management and wait staff strive to serve you quickly, friendly and professionally. A favorite meal on the Happy Hour Menu is their ground beef enchiladas with refried beans & rice. Served with a $5 Draft Pint of Dos Equis (or two).

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    Casa Madera - Complimentary chips and salsa

    Complimentary chips and salsa

    Casa Madera - Carne Asada. Yum. Best I've had in Portland ... and I am picky.

    Carne Asada. Yum. Best I've had in Portland ... and I am picky.

    Casa Madera - Queso added Fresh Jalapeños

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    Queso added Fresh Jalapeños

    Kau Kau - hawaiian - Updated May 2026

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