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POLLI'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE
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Recommended Reviews - Polli's Mexican Restaurant
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Today's visit was sadly kind of a bit of a mixed bag as it usually is at this place. The good The staff were pleasant, but they didn't tell us the kitchen run out of guacamole, when we placed our dinner, order . They tried to make it good by offering a green sauce that they had and some extra chips and salsa. I had the fajitas which would've been better with guacamole, but they were all right. They have mushrooms in their fajitas, which is good. My partner had the seafood burrito, which was good. Again. We would've liked guacamole. They buy their avocados from local provides, just they say you ran out. I buy guacamole from places that have almost seems like an unlimited supply. The drinks were good. We had two top shelf. Margaritas that earned their name. Staff were friendly. We always order the mushrooms and boy that is inconsistent. We had to send them back to get them recooked which the general consensus is mushrooms previous chefs of cooked the mushrooms with more garlic. Which I enjoy . The general consensus is that mushrooms should be fully cooked before you Should be cooked, before eaten . I thought it was funny. Cause I was wearing a mushroom themed shirt when I went to the restaurant tonight. We haven't been there in a while. And tonight visit was a A OK. And we'll go there again. Hopefully they will have guacamole the next time. When other customers made their orders. I heard the server tell people they had run out of guacamole. That's a good policy
Good Mexican Food with friendly service in Upcountry Maui. Casual vibe for dining out. Came here for dinner and my favorite on the menu is the Seafood Enchilada Plate. They also have one of the best chips and salsa! Margaritas are tasty every time. Recommend if you're in Makawao Town and in the mood for some Mexican food and drinks.
I have been going here for years and the food has always been consistent. I like the chips and salsa which Segway's into liking the nachos. The beef taco salad is a favorite. When i really want some things different there is the seafood burrito. My girlfriend likes the fish fajitas. The service is good and they are always busy. We like going here because it is close to my house and they are open later than a lot of other places. The prices are reasonable and I like the interior. It has really not changed much over the years. So it has a lot of memories. We just had dinner again a few nights ago with my daughter and her fiancé. I remember bringing my kids here when They were in middle and grade school. They do a good job and the food is good the service is good and I recommend them.
The chips are a delicious mix of corn and flour tortillas, which I only discovered after my girlfriend missed one while cherry-picking out all the flour ones, but we got more chips anyways so I forgive her. We lucked out and got the happy hour deal - two tacos is probaly enough, especially if you also get the pile of nachos. These people are not trying to cheat you, there is so much food on these plates! Don't expect a mexican street taco, instead expect a tex-mex taco loaded to the brim. Great ambience that's cozy yet open and noisy in a good way. Our server wasn't great but seems like all the others are because the blonde lady stepped in and was awesome. Cheapest meal we've had so far and we are not disappointed.
Fast and friendly service even though it was very busy at lunch time. We ordered the Seafood Enchiladas, which was delicious. Very lively atmosphere!
The salad was the best thing I ate there. The enchilada verde and burrito were no bueno; unfortunately the chicken was very dry, no flavor on either even with the verde sauce, and the burrito was not super. We were disappointed as our group has been here before, and it was much better - I did not get photos of their food. But they also were left wanting more. After getting someone's attention finally; We were seated in a small corner at the very back of the place, perhaps we were forgotten about. Unsure about that. Interestingly, an owner was so cheery and happy to meet the couple at the table behind us, offering them things and kind words. Definitely an unexpected time that left more to be desired. Service was lacking, food was blan, both kind and annoyed attitudes were present; however the decor in Polli's is fun and again, the salad was very good! Only request More Aloha! Also, 1 bathroom, and rowdy bar. Very small and narrow entrance. Need to get the attention if you are not Kamaʻāina. I am sure if we perhaps visited a different day it may have been better. So you choose and just make the best of it! We did. :)
At first glance, I didn't expect much from this place. Being from California originally, their idea of "Mexican food" was a far cry from what I'm used to. With that being said, they surpassed my expectations with their flautas, guac and homemade chips. The restaurant was completely full when we arrived for a 2pm lunch which was a good sign. We left full and satisfied.
We made a quick little lunch stop here right at opening. In ordered the chimichanga which was pretty good. I've had worse but I've also had better. Our waitress was pretty nice, we were offered chips and salsa as soon as we sat. We thought it would be complementary since she didn't ask if we'd like to start any appetizers. But I guess that's how they get you lol. I'm sure there's better Mexican food on the island but if you need a quick fix, why not stop by. Just don't fall for the chips and salsa question lol
We visited the upcountry in Maui and came across Polli's Mexican food. We ordered nachos with black beans and a fish taco. I am not sure what kind of fish it was, the texture was like chicken. There was a lot of flavors in the taco and the nachos were good. I wish they had ground beef to put on the nachos. The service was fast and the staff were friendly. The ambiance was nice, good music playing in the background. They also had very clean restrooms. The prices were average.
First off, the good: The place was packed on a Monday around 5 pm, and my party got seated quickly despite that. Nicely decorated. Waters were brought and orders were taken quickly. BUT: The house margarita was probably one of the worst margaritas I've ever tasted. Store-bought sour mix, very weak on the tequila and salt. The menu states "chicken, beef, pork, or veggies" for their taco fillings so I asked the server if the beef is carne asada? Ground beef? Pork: adobada? Carnitas? Al pastor? She didn't know!! What kind of Mexican place doesn't know what their meat is? The Makawowie nachos were very underwhelming, some tortilla chips, tomato salsa, sour cream. Tacos had zero flavor, meat was dry. Both the taco plate and the enchilada plate, as well as my friends' two burritos stated they include guacamole, there wasn't a dollop of guac on either plate and nothing was said about it by the servers. Upon asking they said they're out. The price stayed the same (guac is usually the part of the meal that drives the price up, so if you're out, state that in advance, and reduce the meal price?). Definitely won't be back, don't waste your money unless you're starving to death.
Came for lunch after a hike at Makawao. It was such a treat. Love their chips and salsa to start. Chips were freshly made and home made salsa... oh so good. We had the fajitas (double up) with chicken and shrimp. It was da best! Although next time I think we'll just have the shrimp because the shrimp was so fresh and delicious. The sauce was perfect with onions and peppers. All their success are home made (we were told). I believe so, because they are so uniquely delicious! Their rice and refried beans are also very good. We had the Mexican fish, it was ok, but the fish was a bit dry. Margaritas were just so~so
2 months ago
It was takeout lunch for the office day, so we called in an order from this nearby place. Ot was an easy experience and we were given the time of 20 minutes for pickup. When we arrived, our food was nicely packed and every container labeled. The server who greeted us, whose name I regretfully didn't get, was super friendly The food was delicious and was the perfect start to our day. We ordered fish tacos, fish burritos, and a chicken taco salad, with the to go chips and salsa (which were abundant). read more
7 months ago
update 2/26 This is still a great place for Mexican Food. But the oval plates are smaller and not served heated or hot. That s different. The food was great , enchiladas and tacos. Tacos from a premade shell. So, not next time. I always bring home 2 hot sauces they self label. Just a great hot sauce. We ll be back! read more
Business owner information
Juliet Bundschuh S.
Mahalo for dining with us!
9 months ago
OMG! The food was delicious. Sunday January 25th, 2026. Service was prompt and friendly! Ambience.. you'll get lost in the history and the "I wonder" who, what, when, where...while sitting... total enjoyment!! read more
8 days ago
10 days ago
Today's visit was sadly kind of a bit of a mixed bag as it usually is at this place. The good The staff were pleasant, but they didn't tell us the kitchen run out of guacamole, when we placed our dinner, order . They tried to make it good by offering a green sauce that they had and some extra chips and salsa. I had the fajitas which would've been better with guacamole, but they were all right. They have mushrooms in their fajitas, which is good. My partner had the seafood burrito, which was good. Again. We would've liked guacamole. They buy their avocados from local provides, just they say you ran out. I buy guacamole from places that have almost seems like an unlimited supply. The drinks were good. We had two top shelf. Margaritas that earned their name. Staff were friendly. We always order the mushrooms and boy that is inconsistent. We had to send them back to get them recooked which the general consensus is mushrooms previous chefs of cooked the mushrooms with more garlic. Which I enjoy . The general consensus is that mushrooms should be fully cooked before you Should be cooked, before eaten . I thought it was funny. Cause I was wearing a mushroom themed shirt when I went to the restaurant tonight. We haven't been there in a while. And tonight visit was a A OK. And we'll go there again. Hopefully they will have guacamole the next time. When other customers made their orders. I heard the server tell people they had run out of guacamole. That's a good policy read more
Good Mexican Food with friendly service in Upcountry Maui. Casual vibe for dining out. Came here for dinner and my favorite on the menu is the Seafood Enchilada Plate. They also have one of the best chips and salsa! Margaritas are tasty every time. Recommend if you're in Makawao Town and in the mood for some Mexican food and drinks. read more
1 month ago
8 months ago
I have been going here for years and the food has always been consistent. I like the chips and salsa which Segway's into liking the nachos. The beef taco salad is a favorite. When i really want some things different there is the seafood burrito. My girlfriend likes the fish fajitas. The service is good and they are always busy. We like going here because it is close to my house and they are open later than a lot of other places. The prices are reasonable and I like the interior. It has really not changed much over the years. So it has a lot of memories. We just had dinner again a few nights ago with my daughter and her fiancé. I remember bringing my kids here when They were in middle and grade school. They do a good job and the food is good the service is good and I recommend them. read more
6 months ago
The chips are a delicious mix of corn and flour tortillas, which I only discovered after my girlfriend missed one while cherry-picking out all the flour ones, but we got more chips anyways so I forgive her. We lucked out and got the happy hour deal - two tacos is probaly enough, especially if you also get the pile of nachos. These people are not trying to cheat you, there is so much food on these plates! Don't expect a mexican street taco, instead expect a tex-mex taco loaded to the brim. Great ambience that's cozy yet open and noisy in a good way. Our server wasn't great but seems like all the others are because the blonde lady stepped in and was awesome. Cheapest meal we've had so far and we are not disappointed. read more
7 months ago
Fast and friendly service even though it was very busy at lunch time. We ordered the Seafood Enchiladas, which was delicious. Very lively atmosphere! read more
4 months ago
Friendly staff, wait took long but the food was good and plenty. We ordered the seafood burrito and it did not disappoint. read more
4 months ago
The salad was the best thing I ate there. The enchilada verde and burrito were no bueno; unfortunately the chicken was very dry, no flavor on either even with the verde sauce, and the burrito was not super. We were disappointed as our group has been here before, and it was much better - I did not get photos of their food. But they also were left wanting more. After getting someone's attention finally; We were seated in a small corner at the very back of the place, perhaps we were forgotten about. Unsure about that. Interestingly, an owner was so cheery and happy to meet the couple at the table behind us, offering them things and kind words. Definitely an unexpected time that left more to be desired. Service was lacking, food was blan, both kind and annoyed attitudes were present; however the decor in Polli's is fun and again, the salad was very good! Only request More Aloha! Also, 1 bathroom, and rowdy bar. Very small and narrow entrance. Need to get the attention if you are not Kamaʻāina. I am sure if we perhaps visited a different day it may have been better. So you choose and just make the best of it! We did. :) read more
At first glance, I didn't expect much from this place. Being from California originally, their idea of "Mexican food" was a far cry from what I'm used to. With that being said, they surpassed my expectations with their flautas, guac and homemade chips. The restaurant was completely full when we arrived for a 2pm lunch which was a good sign. We left full and satisfied. read more
We made a quick little lunch stop here right at opening. In ordered the chimichanga which was pretty good. I've had worse but I've also had better. Our waitress was pretty nice, we were offered chips and salsa as soon as we sat. We thought it would be complementary since she didn't ask if we'd like to start any appetizers. But I guess that's how they get you lol. I'm sure there's better Mexican food on the island but if you need a quick fix, why not stop by. Just don't fall for the chips and salsa question lol read more
2 years ago
We visited the upcountry in Maui and came across Polli's Mexican food. We ordered nachos with black beans and a fish taco. I am not sure what kind of fish it was, the texture was like chicken. There was a lot of flavors in the taco and the nachos were good. I wish they had ground beef to put on the nachos. The service was fast and the staff were friendly. The ambiance was nice, good music playing in the background. They also had very clean restrooms. The prices were average. read more
First off, the good: The place was packed on a Monday around 5 pm, and my party got seated quickly despite that. Nicely decorated. Waters were brought and orders were taken quickly. BUT: The house margarita was probably one of the worst margaritas I've ever tasted. Store-bought sour mix, very weak on the tequila and salt. The menu states "chicken, beef, pork, or veggies" for their taco fillings so I asked the server if the beef is carne asada? Ground beef? Pork: adobada? Carnitas? Al pastor? She didn't know!! What kind of Mexican place doesn't know what their meat is? The Makawowie nachos were very underwhelming, some tortilla chips, tomato salsa, sour cream. Tacos had zero flavor, meat was dry. Both the taco plate and the enchilada plate, as well as my friends' two burritos stated they include guacamole, there wasn't a dollop of guac on either plate and nothing was said about it by the servers. Upon asking they said they're out. The price stayed the same (guac is usually the part of the meal that drives the price up, so if you're out, state that in advance, and reduce the meal price?). Definitely won't be back, don't waste your money unless you're starving to death. read more
Came for lunch after a hike at Makawao. It was such a treat. Love their chips and salsa to start. Chips were freshly made and home made salsa... oh so good. We had the fajitas (double up) with chicken and shrimp. It was da best! Although next time I think we'll just have the shrimp because the shrimp was so fresh and delicious. The sauce was perfect with onions and peppers. All their success are home made (we were told). I believe so, because they are so uniquely delicious! Their rice and refried beans are also very good. We had the Mexican fish, it was ok, but the fish was a bit dry. Margaritas were just so~so read more
Tiny little Mexican restaurant in Makawao! The ono fish taco was one of the best I've had... and the cheapest meal you'll have while in Hawaii! All the food had good flavor, great prices and large portion sizes! Service was friendly and quick. read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
7 months ago
Our last visit to Polli's was too long ago. Since we were on the island we came here for a late lunch. We were seated right away and served a basket of corn and flour tortilla chips ($3.95) and salsa. Love the flour chips! We were there in time for Happy Hour (4pm to 5:30) but unfortunately the Happy Hour offerings were very limited. We ordered the Fortaleza Blanco Margaritas ($30 for 2). The Margaritas were served in a 16 oz glass. Unfortunately, the drinks tasted watered down. I ordered the Fish Tacos plate ($17.95) which was tasty. The hubby ordered a beef burrito ($14.95) which he enjoyed. The servings are generous , pricing for the food is reasonable. It's a cute place but they need to do better with their cocktails. Service was decent. read more
2 years ago
Fun, cute little mexican place with local vibes! All the classics that you'd expect from a mexican place! Definitely levels above any chain mexican restaurant but it's no Acevedo's. We've always had great service, margaritas, and memories here! We will absolutely be back. read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
7 months ago
Great stop for lunch! The tacos were all delicious! We had the fish tacos, a pork taco, and a beef taco. We enjoyed the beef best, but the fish tacos were also amazing! The service was very fast, the staff was friendly, and they had clean restrooms too, so it was overall great! Also, don't skip the chips and salsa. We did, because we didn't want to be full before our meals came. But a few chips and some salsa came with the tacos and this was honestly one of the best parts of the meal! read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
9 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Yall pollis is *chefs kiss*. Me and my utter half's fav place fo eat when we no like cook dinner at home. So convenient fo upcon3. I love the enchiladas period. Although one ground beef option would be mayjah but still mayjah without. The MUSHROOMS...hou braddah something about those mushrooms is so good. And da steak no even get me stated so ono the steak. The lillikoi margarita is bomb I no drink nothing else. 1 of those and I pau hanaz ready for moimoi. The atmosphere is so nice I could moimoi right there in da booth. read more
9 months ago
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More info about Polli's Mexican Restaurant
1202 Makawao Ave
Makawao, HI 96768
Directions
(808) 572-7808
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http://pollismexicanrestaurant.com/
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Ask the Community - Polli's Mexican Restaurant
Where did the white sauce for the seafood enchiladas go?
The white sauce for the seafood enchiladas was changed to green upon our re-opening during the pandemic.
How skilled is the bartender and how experienced are they with mixed SHOTS?
Actually I don't sit at the bar. But I think the owner is the bartender they way they talk to him. I just have my Coronas😏
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32 reviews that are not currently recommended
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