The BBQ is not too shabby by Hawaii standards, but overall, it's okay…read more The brisket plate was a massive portion, but it lacked that BBQ flavor. What I mean by that is that it was under-seasoned and didn't have any smoky flavor you're probably used to or crave when wanting BBQ. Some parts were a tad dry, but what saved it was their spicy BBQ sauce. It's very flavorful with a good kick. The coleslaw was bland and watery, but I don't necessarily gravitate towards the side dishes, so this doesn't sway my opinions on the rating very much. My focus is the meats. Look, if you're looking to satisfy that BBQ craving here in Hilo this will get the job done. Give them a try out!

I decided to give this place a try. I ordered the Pipikaula Short Rib special with rice and Mac…read moresalad. The ribs were very bland. I'm from Louisiana and flavor is everything. The bbq sauce they offer is fantastic and it helped but I wasn't a fan.

Food is great and service was awesome. Love the location, in the heart of Hilo. Ambiance was homie…read moreand inviting.

TIKI DAVE of TIKI DAVE TRAVEL / TIKI DAVE'S TERRIFIC TRIPS highly recommends PINEAPPLES!…read more There is a reason this place has such great reviews. You definitely want to make a reservation in advance, especially if there are cruise ships in port. Otherwise, you're going to wait in line. I would say that the very best thing on the menu is the Teriyaki Flank Steak Appetizer ($19)....this thing is SICK. We ordered the appetizer and it is the most unique Teriyaki steak I have ever had. The teriyaki sauce is rich and just amazing. Just order it. I am still craving it. We also ordered the Lilikoi Hoisin wings and SON OF TIKI DAVE ordered the Lemon Macadamia Chicken ($28) which was delicious, too. They have a full bar and the Mai Tais are awesome. We ordered a couple a piece. Ambience and service is great. And with your receipt, you get at 10% discount at Wilson's Shave Ice across the street. TIKI DAVE from TIKI DAVE'S TERRIFIC TRIPS absolutely loves PINEAPPLES! I will be making a video of my experience so...and here it is! https://youtu.be/yVi4ZEcMw3g?is=0GTf-vESLcn0BX0_ Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@TIKIDAVETRAVEL And follow! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565274777775&mibextid=ZbWKwL https://www.instagram.com/tikidavetravel/?__d=1%2F%3Fhidemenu%3Dtrue

Read online that this was a "better panda express" so I came to try it. I got the chicken loco…read moremoco, which tasted fine but was clearly frozen chicken patties with eggs and a ton of rice. In terms of value for money it wasn't bad, since you could finish all the rice if you wanted. They did not have brown rice when I went, sadly. The salad was just a few leaves of lettuce and a single tomato slice, nothing much. The location is a small shop inside the mall which is not the best ambience or anything, but I don't really expect that much from a mall location either. Overall, not expensive but also not high quality.

I have tried many things on the menu and every meal is outstanding!! Service is fast and everything…read moreis cooked to order!! The mall is always a fun place to people watch!!

The service, local food, and location ...also awesome choices to eat the Pancakes is unbelievable…read morehuge and there waitress service is amazing and fast the prices for eating your choices is amazingly affordable and walking out with full satisfaction

Visited Hilo for the first time and wanted a good breakfast spot with local flavors. So glad we…read morediscovered this place! Portions were humongous! Everything tasted so good. Restaurant had a lot of seating, and the room in the farthest back had good a/c and fans. But be prepared to wait! (Hint: add your name to the Yelp waitlist ahead of time.) Service was friendly and efficient. We ordered: Punalu'u French Toast, Mok-a-saurus, Haupia pancakes, and Fried Saimin with Korean chicken. All were ono (Hawaiian for delicious)! Wish we were staying longer as we'd love to come back to try more things!

our experience during happy hour at jackie rey's was nothing short of AMAZING!! for one, our…read morewaitress, carrie(?), was the sweetest angel!! she was so warm and welcoming, incredibly attentive, and a genuine ray of sunshine throughout our entire visit. the ambiance was also such a nice touch. the restaurant had a casual, laid-back feel while still feeling a little elevated, making it a really comfortable spot to enjoy a meal and drinks without feeling overly formal. the food was also amazing!! for happy hour, the portions were surprisingly generous considering the affordable prices. we absolutely LOVED the kalua pork quesadillas, as you can probably tell from the four orders we completely devoured. overall, everything we had was delicious, although i will say the clam chowder definitely has a strong thanksgiving stuffing flavor profile (which i personally didn't mind AT ALL!), while the burger was a bit on the bland side. if you're on the big island and visiting hilo, please check out this awesome place for an amazing experience! between the food, prices, ambiance, and especially the wonderful service, we had such a great time and would absolutely recommend it!

Let me start by saying that a couple of the ramblings from a few of the Yelp "elite" are wild for…read morethis place. Some people need a tissue because they are doing a lot of crying. With that out of the way, on the with the show. What worked for our visit: The space and the ambiance. It's a beautiful old building and the bar is both classic and classy. Yes, it can get a bit loud once everything starts to fill up inside, but it's not that big of a deal. The food with one exception was very good. The 1/4 loaf of garlic bread is an excellent value starter with good flavor. Also very solid were the fish & chips and the guava BBQ glazed ribs. Truly hard to argue with any of that. By the time we left, the restaurant was very busy for a Monday night but there were zero issue with the service. Water glasses were refilled in a timely manner and there was never a long wait for anything. A+ on the spacing and pacing. What didn't work: The one exception and I realize this might come down to personal preference, but this was our last stop before heading home and over the week I had imbibed in my fair share of Mai Tais and this one especially at a $15 price point is a no from me. Surprisingly bitter in a semi off-putting way. That one was definitely a one and done. Overall, it was a very solid dinner, and I would have no issue coming back and in the end to me, that's what it's all about. www.jackiereyshilo.com/dinner-menu

Ever since the first time I came to Cham Cham, I tried the mondoo soup, and I genuinely haven't…read morebeen able to order anything else whenever I come here It is seriously the BEST mondoo soup I've ever had. The flavor is so comforting and it's become one of those foods I look forward to having every time I visit. I've been coming here for a while now, usually about once a month, and somehow I crave this soup every single time . Cham Cham has honestly become one of my favorite places to eat, and I'm always excited to come back. I'm hoping once I get my license I'll be able to come even more often because I could seriously eat this soup all the time. If you've never tried the mondoo soup here, PLEASE try it!! You will not regret it. 10/10 forever.

Stopped by recently on a Saturday afternoon. In years prior, you would be greeted nicely by staff…read more Instead, upon entering we were glanced at so we sat ourselves. The sole waitress was not friendly at all and seemed more preoccupied with leaving work on time than taking our order. Tried to order a couple of items and was told, "I don't think we have that?" The food is not the same quality or quantity as before. The banchan that was served to us was either overcooked or salty. Seafood pancake was flavorless. Spicy pork was not spicy at all. We placed a take-out order while eating our food. We drove all the way home only to find out that we were given someone else's order. Banchan choices for take-out and dine-in are limited. The only positive about our experience at Cham Cham was the shift change with the waitstaff. The waitress who took over was attentive and friendly. I would not recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Korean food or who is expecting the same Cham Cham as years prior.

Food is consistently good. Ahi don with garlic rice and toss salad! The absolute best. The space is…read moresmall and parking can be hard on market days.

Walking the shops here in Hilo, on vacation from Portland Or. After a bit of shopping, the tummy…read morerumbles kicked in and the four of us decided to swing in to Puka Puka Kitchen on a whim. We ordered an Ahi Poke bowl, an Ahi-Don, and a small salad with added Ahi. This place is a gem. Service was great. The food is fantastic. Ahi in the poke was as tender as we've ever had, and their seasonings were on point. Ahi-Don was a tiny surprise for us, as we were expecting what would normally (stateside) be raw tuna on rice, but this turned out to be fried Ahi on a curried rice. No matter; the fish was great and oh, that curry rice was incredible. Couldn't stop eating it. Side salad, "small", was larger than expected, and the added Ahi on top made it a full meal. Pricing was VERY reasonable--as tourists we've gotten somewhat accustomed to paying exorbitant "island prices" but this place had very moderate prices in the range of $16 (poke bowl) to $25 (Ahi Don plate). Excellent. If we have the opportunity to eat here again, we'd be back.

Absolutely amazing local Korean spot! The food quality is outstanding -- everything tastes fresh,…read moreauthentic, and consistently delicious, especially for the price. It's honestly hard to believe you can get this level of flavor and portion size at such a great value. I've been coming here since I was in high school, and the taste has never changed -- always on point, every single time, even after over 20 years. The service is just as wonderful as the food. The staff are friendly, efficient, and genuinely welcoming, making you feel like part of the community. Best of all, there's almost never a wait, so it's perfect when you want something delicious without the hassle. If you're looking for high-quality Korean food at a great price with fast, warm service, this place is a total gem.

We picked up lunch from here for our office and is one of our go-tos. It's super easy to call in an…read moreorder and pick it up. The portions here are huge and the food is delicious. I got the 2 choice meat jun and spicy pork. I love meat jun, and this one did not disappoint. The meat was juicy and the batter was slightly sweet.

Kalbi, a Korean barbeque dish. Beef short ribs marinated then grilled. Caramelized, savory,…read moredelicious. Is using this highly recognizable food item in a business name a great strategy? Can a business deliver exceptionally on the food item mentioned in its name? Does it make it simple for customers like myself to pivot to another food item other than kalbi? Let's take a closer look at an East Hawai'i counter service eatery on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Located in the Waiākea Center Food Court. Kalbi Express. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Kalbi. By using the most popular and highly desirable Korean dish in their business name, it instantly tells me what's served, what type of dishes would follow on their menu. I knew what to expect from day one years ago and still do till today. Express. When a craving arises for quick and convenient Korean takeout, this part of the business name speaks louder than most. I always order in-person vs a phone call and the wait is minimal even when it's busy. They're also conveniently located with ample parking, entry into Waiākea Center is quick and easy. Kalbi Express. Great name strategy? Indeed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I had a craving for Korean barbecue so one day, I decided to head to Kalbi Express. For Kalbi. A Combo Plate with Kalbi was ordered along with an actual BBQ Kalbi Plate. Yes, two plates for myself because my craving for Korean barbecue was off-the-charts. Thin sliced BBQ Beef, glossy + charred BBQ Kalbi, juicy boneless BBQ Chicken and crispy Mandoo all packed tightly over steamed white rice with four chilled Korean banchan. That aroma of caramelized soy, garlic and sesame oil hit me as I opened the lid of my Kalbi Express Combo Plate. An inviting and playful mix of hot and cold items, a perfect taste of everything. Kalbi Express BBQ Kalbi Plate, a delightful balance of smoky char and complex aromatics. Each marbled short rib piece was juicy and marinated to perfection before flame-grilled. Caramelized sweetness is subtle, cutting through the richness of the tender meat. An indulgent moment with my take-out plate, my craving fully satisfied. BBQ Kalbi from Kalbi Express. Was it enjoyable, flavorful and memorable? Indeed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Yang Nyum Chicken. A coworker introduced me to this plate and now it's become my "go-to" favorite. I'm indulging in a lacquered layer of glossy sweetness, as a spicy kick slowly builds without being overwhelming. Crisp small pieces of deep fried boneless chicken, the center is juicy yet the exterior crunchy. Tossed in a sticky sweet 'n spicy sauce. A sensory-rich experience with bold flavors, delightfully messy. The BBQ Beef and the BBQ Chicken have the same care of preparation as the Kalbi, where deep flavors come through in a flavorful way due to their marinating process. Meat & Fish Jun are moist and flaky with a fluffy egg exterior, crisp edges. Their Spicy Pork makes my rice disappear before I even notice and macaroni salad is a banchan must. Plates here are a harmonious blend of different ingredients, textures and colors. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Order most items as a 2-choice Combo Plate or as a Full Plate with housemade Korean banchan. Let's talk about the highly desirable banchan at Kalbi Express. The freshness is always at its best, the flavors are fine-tuned and personalized in small batches. Deliciously done. My plain white rice and marinated Korean proteins pair well with these flavorful banchan bites. I can taste the care, the heritage that's passed down as it brings me dining comfort in a take-out plate. Have fun choosing your sides from a select twelve. Order a Veggie Plate (4 choices w/ rice, 5 w/o rice) or Vegetable Side Bowls. I've done both. Kalbi Express offers a diverse menu. No room for disappointment on choices, only pure delight once you take your first bite. I've enjoyed everything ordered for lunch or dinner and there's so much more I still need to try. Kalbi+. Simple to pivot to other menu items? Indeed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Charbroiled and grilled marinated meats to-perfection. Banchan sides, loyalty driven by freshness. Service with attention and gratitude. Leak-proof, heat resistant containers. Delicious and satisfying plates, generous portions and always visually plated with care. Do they deliver exceptionally in all areas? In my eyes they do. I've been coming here for years well before being on Yelp. Their name says it all. Order your favorites, try some of mine. Kalbi Express at Waiākea Center. Highly recognizable, highly recommended.

I love coming here for the food. For years it had always been my go to when I'm home and want some…read morereally good banchan. This visit was different as I had my grandmother with me, she is hard of hearing. So imagine my surprise and complete disappointment when there was a miscommunication when my grandmother tried to order. The cashier stood there with an "idgaf" face. Didn't ask for clarification or smile once. Just stood there. When I worked out on my grandmothers end what she was trying to order I relayed that to the cashier who did not look at me once. Didn't say anything to confirm. I love the food here. I hate that there is no aloha.

Hidden gem in the heart of downtown Hilo. Clean store with entrances on both sides. Private…read moreparking at the back. The store is setup as a self serve order and pay first. Then sit down and the food will be served. We ordered the Bun Bo Hue and Bo Banh Mi. Both were very tasty and authentic. We're definitely coming back here!

Pho is very delicious, very generous portions that I was so happy with. The broth is nothing like…read moreany other pho place in Hilo. Broth came in hot hot hot and the service was fast and great! Owners have been around for a long time so they are part of our Hilo community. Appetizers were Ono, everything authentic!