YES, YES, YES. 5 AM wake up calls for work? Brunch or early lunch? Thirsty? This the place to stop as you enter Sand Island Industrial / Business area. It's the first road on the right. Parking out front plus curbside available. Wait times after ordering no more than five minutes tops. All the food (fresh from the menu and their already made selection on the counter is YUMMY. Truly local style food made with aloha. You'll find me here on those early mornings -- check 'em out! read more

Cute small business. We ordered for our work breakfast. Very accommodating. Had to find a place where they take payment over the phone. Called here and they were able to do it. Everything is priced good too. Can't beat the deals. I liked what I got which is the Samurai bento. Got it with smokies and portuguese sausage and came with toast. It was yummy. You really get your bang for your buck. The owners are super nice too. Right off the Sand Island exit, I never even knew this place existed. Will be back for sure. They also have musubis and bentos out for purchase if you want to just grab and go. read more

Tatsuo's - Samurai bento with smokies and portuguese sausage, eggs over medium - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First time eating a loco moco from here and I am hooked for life. Handmade hamburger patty was tasty. I literally have eaten it twice this week and it's only Wednesday. Mom & Pop run and out of the way in Sand Island but so worth it. Wayne & Laurie were super personable and attentive. I'll be putting this local business in my rotation of places to eat! read more

Tatsuo's - Loco Moco with over easy eggs and grilled onions..,yummy! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you're looking for a place to eat before going to work early in the morning this is the spot. Small shop with a lot of love and aloha. The food is very homey and tasty. Breakfast and lunch are served by the loving and friendly uncle and aunty. read more

Takeout lunch from Kalihi, Honolulu, Hawaii... I had Tatsuo's bookmarked for a while. It's an old-school type of place. There were some seats for dining in, but there were some guys there, and I didn't wanna cramp their style. Located at the beginning of Sand Island Access Road - on a lane to the right - on the right-hand side of the street, Tatsuo's is also known for their catering. Hint: I would get their namasu for a party... Note: they're closed on weekends and are open from 5:30am to 1pm Monday through Friday... so, plan ahead! Bonus: there are two designated parking stalls in front I got the Pork Loin plate... I had to find somewhere to eat with knife and fork... LOL! I should have thought harder and gotten the Beef Stew - then I wouldn't need a knife, but Pork Loin jumped out at me. Anyway, the Pork Loin was tasty and satisfying! It was a bit hard and a little dry at times, but I dipped the pieces in the namasu sauce and the House dressing (creamy Oriental) from my tossed green salad. Yummy! I gotta go back for the Beef Stew... it's haunting me now... Service was excellent! The nice, patient, polite man at the counter noticed that I was taking photos and asked if I was doing it for social media... Uh... Yeah, I guess so... Haha! read more

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Hidden gem in the beginning part of Sand Island Access Road. They have yummy foods here where it's made to order or you choose already made choices on counter. They also sell bentos and snacks here like homemade rice crispy treats. This is sorta like a small store that sells food plus drinks and snacks. I ordered their Tonkatsu plate which was delish! Maybe I'll come back again soon since it's sorta close to work. read more

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Awesome little hole in the wall with great local food!! Saw several reviews and just had to come to try it! Limited parking and limited dine in but don't let that stop you from enjoying their great local food! Hamburger steak - one they make a great hamburger steak served with onions & gravy over rice served with choice of Mac or toss salad and one side - we got Kim Chee- broke the mouth Ono! Loco moco - asked for sunny side up and soft - just perfectly served! Great gravy and topped with grill onions so perfect Please come and support this little place with great food - good prices - lots of different local foods and great pastele stew - also Ono!!! read more

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I went to a kamaāina Sunday event at Iolani palace and Tatsuo's was there with their food truck. I felt like Hawaiian food being at the palace but also I'm always drawn to pastele stew when I see it on a menu! I was happy you could make your own mixed plate of two choices so I got a laulau and pastele stew. It was a bit pricey at $18 but Hawaiian food is not cheap. It came with rice, lomi salmon, sweet potato and pineapple. Basically a laulau plate with the pastele stew added. I really enjoyed the pastele stew which had good flavor, one of the better ones I've had. The laulau was decent along with the sides. The food was better than I expected and I was very happy with the quality. Workers were efficient while being friendly. I got food from their physical location off of Sand Island Access Road for the Okinawan Festuval during the pandemic so this was a good reminder to go back as their food had consistently been good! read more

Tatsuo's - Laulau and pastele stew mixed plate. Mochi was from another restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I went when they were close to closing so I can only talk about the one thing I came for anyway. That was the hamburger steak! It's didn't disappoint!! I didn't need a knife to cut through it and the gravy is awesome! The service was fast considering they needed to grill the burger. The owners are very friendly and welcoming. They weren't too busy so it was quiet but, based on them not having any specials left I can tell it's popular. I'll be back to try the specials! read more

I had a bad experience this morning when I went to try out the food at Tatsuo's for the first time. There were several things I didn't like about Tatsuo's and how they run their business there. This place is run by a husband and wife... I wanted to try out one of their plate lunches, but arrived before 10:30 am, so I was forced to buy breakfast. I ordered the pancakes, egg, and bacon combo breakfast and the price listed on the big menu is $8.99. So, what an unpleasant surprise when the husband informed me that I would have to pay $10.00, and that the price had gone up. Well, the customer should be charged the price that is listed on the main menu board, and if there was an increase in price, the price should have been changed on the main menu board. How uncool and unprofessional! At least be honest and have integrity, and honor whatever price you have listed on the big, main menu. Strike number one! Despite being unhappy with this price increase, I was hungry and decided to give them another chance, so I paid for my food. While waiting for my food, I noticed that the wife, who was preparing my food, kept glaring at me with a hostile, not friendly expression on her face, and that made me feel uncomfortable. What lady, I remind you of somebody else or what brah!! I don't know why the wife was glaring at me. I didn't even know her, and was buying food from her establishment for crying out loud!!! Would you want someone who is not friendly preparing your food? No way Jose!!! Strike number two!!! So, finally, I got my food and left Tatsuo's with food in hand. I went back to my car and opened the plate of food and found to my horror that there was only ONE, stingy piece of bacon, and I ordered it crispy, and it was not even crispy. I was so annoyed by then. I went back to talk to the husband and he at first refused to refund my money, even though I had not eaten from the food, and had my receipt in hand. Eh Brah, you DON'T treat a customer like that. THREE STRIKES AND YOU ARE OUT!!!! I will never go back to Tatsuo's and I would suggest you don't patronize their establishment either!!! read more

Ordered Loco Moco......i really wanted to have lunch, but we were too early. The Loco Moco was good, the hamburger was yummy as was the gravy. The egg however was over easy hard....ordered over easy, and expected a soft runny egg. They are open Monday to Friday and serves lunch after 10.......so i guess, i wont get the chance to try the lunch. The service was good and friendly and the place remind me of the stores you would find on the outer islands......very homey with snacks around and other stuff. Will try someday to try their lunch plate read more

The furikake chicken was ono! Price was pretty good too for the portion size! Aunty at the counter was super nice as well! Check them out if you in the Honolulu area! Right near the beginning of Sand Island read more

Not a bad spot for the quick grab n go lunchwagon style that's in a store front. All the typical local teri etc etc to bentos and stews. Got beef stew and tripe stew today Was little in the blander side today and rice was little over cooked and the gravy was soaked up into the rice. But for the price and having a hot meal in the rainy weather we been having was nice. If you work near sand island you know this spot. Those 1st time make sure you coming from Nimitz side and aloha power since the street only accessible that one side you'll see read more

Tatsuo's - Tripe Stew Bowl, rice sucked up the gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I work down the street from this spot, and I love this place! I've been working nearby for almost a year and a half now, and I'm glad I finally decided to stop in for some food. The first time I paid them a visit was for breakfast- their plates are generous and VERY tasty! Prep doesn't take too long, and the owners are friendly people. The inside of their shop isn't very big, but I've noticed most people who pop in are just passing through anyways so it's no biggie (plus I take my food back to my office to eat so lack of seating isn't a big concern for me). I did try their Banana Bread, it was delicious! soft, moist, and sweet. I'll definitely be going back again soon! read more

Delish!! I ordered the omelette with spam and my hubby ordered the breakfast special. This business is ran by a couple - Lori and Wayne- and they do it all themselves. They also do catering, and several schools' lunches. We chatted with Lori for a bit and decided on the amazing banana bread. We will be back to try a plate lunch and the mango cheesecake! Support small businesses! read more

Amazing!!! Accommodating! Food of high quality and speedy service. Don't miss this one

[SIDE DISHES] L-O-V-E the selection of sides that come with the plates. I would go so far as to say that some of the side dishes here are better than those that I've tried at some of the bon dances around the island. Personal favorite is the KIMCHEE CUCUMBER!! Though the namasu and tsukemono is really good too. The selection is always changing and they do run out so go early for the best selection. [FOOD] really like when food is not overly seasoned especially salty. You can always add more to taste but you can't take away. This helps when trying to find something for my 102 year old grandfather to eat. [DAILY SPECIALS] while Tatsuo's has a regular menu it's the always changing specials that we like. You can check them out on FB and Instagram where they post what their daily specials are. For my grandfather we always pick up the CHICKEN TOFU or the CHICKEN NISHIME, while my favorite is definitely the PULEHU STEAK which I always get when it's available. Also they had an A-W-E-S-O-M-E THANKSGIVING PLATE (that consisted of Kalua Turkey, Ham, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Corn, Candied Yams, and Cranberry) for only $14.99!! read more

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Great traditional Hawaiian breakfast on our first morning in Hawaii. Delicious. The owners are so kind and welcoming so you'll cell right at home. read more

Food was great. Service was unreal recommend to call in early for a large take out this place is always super busy and with many other options around this place stands out. Auntie and Uncle run the show in Sand Island. read more

Tatsuo's had been serving breakfast and lunch for many years. Today my wife and I ordered take out due to covid 19 virus. I ordered the mini tripe stew. Potion size looked impressive. The fact is most of that was rice. Carrots, potatoes onions and tripe on top. Finding the tripe was like looking for Waldo. Taste was passable. My wife ordered the mini pork cutlet. Took about 15 minutes to come out of the kitchen. The pork was thick and heavily breaded. I got to taste it and give it three stars. The breakfast bento's on the counter looked good. Might try it the bext time. read more

Tatsuo's - Mini Pork Cutlet Plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I found this place online and we came here for our last meal before departing back home. Let me just say, we were really happy we came as the food was delicious. It's a flavor that's hard to find back home....best way to describe it would be true, authentic, Hawaiian comfort food. The gentleman who helped us who I presumed to be Mr. Tatsuo (owner) was friendly and patient. They serve breakfast until 10:30am so we got some spam, eggs, and rice, and they had some hot food in warming pans so we ordered some kind of pork stew with rice. It was so good....I wish I had some in front of me right now. When we left, there was a lady who came out and chatted up with us a bit....very friendly and genuine. Was happy we were able to support a local business like this place. Tip #1: They do not have dine-in, only take out. There's a bench outside so we sat and ate there. I saw someone else order and eat in their car. Even if you can't comfortably dine in, go here anyway just for the food. Believe me it's worth it. Tip #2: They ran out of spam musubi when we arrived, so recommend you go before 10am to get some. read more

Definitely a hidden gem. The fried rice and portugese sausage were delicious! The customer service was amazing as well,Very welcoming and friendly staff. read more

Good food, love their nori crab rolls and spicy ahi rolls all great on the go. They're hot foods I love too. Patele stew, Korean noodles like jupchai. Sorry not sure of spelling. But they have many varieties. Check them out. Open until 2pm read more

I have picked up takeout from Tatsuo's on numerous occasions but this is my first time catering from them. Ordering was so easy. Basically called in advanced, told them the dishes I wanted, the amount of people I needed to feed, and that was it. On pick up day, all the trays were well packed and given in boxes for easy transport. Now to the food. Do yourself a favor and get the hamburger steak. Whether you're catering or your just getting take out, it is so good, definitely my favorite on the island. Mochiko chicken was definitely a hit with my family and the tray was completely wiped out. I never had their fried saimin until now but it was delicious and rivals other places that specialize in fried noodles. Everything tasted amazing and was cooked and prepared well. I also asked for some kind of dessert and they made three different kinds! Sweet potato haupia squares, and blueberry and cherry cheesecake squares. If you're ever looking to cater local food from a small, family business, definitely call Tatsuo's. You won't be disappointed! read more

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Ono, local style food with reasonable prices, friendly owners, we had breakfast, hope to come back to try the lunch menu.

1. make sure you're following them on IG so you can see what the daily specials are most of the specials are ready to go, served cafeteria style out of giant pans on a warmer. but there are some like the pulehu steak, that you'll have to wait a bit for them to prepare. on top of the specials they also have a ton of regular menu items, like burgers, fries, saimin, and local plate lunches. if you go early too they also serve breakfast. in front of the warmers there are random small grab and go items. when i went today at 1030a, they had a few sandwiches left, hard boiled eggs, fruit, snacks, gummies, etc. they even have cookies and banana breads too. i called my order in around 930am, for a 1030am pickup since thats when lunch starts, and i didnt want to be one of those people who tries to get things earlier than theyre avaiable. over estimated how long it would take me to get there, so i ended up getting there around 1015. but because the specials are premade, they were already sitting in the pans. so they just had to scoop it all into plates. the only thing i had to wait for was the pulehu. some of their plates have mini or regular size options, some are only 1 size. but they all come with rice, and your choice of side like pot mac/corn/tossed, and a small side like kim chee/fruit. their food is very mom & pop cooked from the heart style local plate lunch. i def dont eat there as often as i could/should, especially considering how close they are to my workplace. they are also super nice friendly people. while i was waiting for my pulehu i was talking to the mom about the business and whether or not they should invest in online ordering. love that they take the input of their customers before diving into something that could end up just costing them more money than they bargained for. dine in is closed right now because of covid. theres hand sanitzer for you to use when you get in the door. place is small, no real wait area, so i do suggest you phone your order in before you get there just so you dont crowd the space. especially since there are also only like 2-3 parking stalls right in front. today i got the smoked meat, all tossed (which does not come with that small side btw). so so good. love that there was a lot of meat, about 5oz, and it wasnt just a ton of guava jelly and sauce like some other places make it. i definitely prefer this drier type over the sauced up one. the regular plate of smoked meat wouldve come with 2 scoops rice and the small side. read more

Good food and good people. Nice small local business. Lots of different foods to choose from. Make sure to try the specials

Stopped at Tatsuo's for lunch today. It is a small store in the warehouse district. It is mostly take-away, but they do have a bench and a log in front of the store you can sit and eat. Your food will be in a take-away container. Parking can be a bit if a challenge, but they did have more parking in the back. I had the chicken katsu mini with macaroni salad and fruit. The chicken katsu was very good. The chicken was very crispy and the katsu sauce tasty. The macaroni salad was a little bland but still good. The fruit was also good. The service was very good! She gave us advise and explanation of the different choices. She was very friendly! She even came out and checked on us, asking about our lunch. read more

Gone are the small mom and pop lunch shops of yesteryear. There are a handful true Okazuya left. Youll be hard pressed to find something simple that tastes like home in the Food Truck laden lots of Oahu. HOWEVER, Tatsuos is one small hole-in-the-wall you can count on! Food just like your grandma made. Hamburger steak is amazing; hand-pressed patties, none of this frozen pre-made stuff. Old-school Hawaii hamburger patties! This place has been sitting here for 18 years and I moved away from Oahu 20 years ago, finding this place as a suggestion from a friend made me so happy. It reminded of when I was small and I would go down sand island to Kilgos with my grandpa, after that wed look for a "lunch wagon" on the side of the road. True home cooked food from local people. That iS what Tatsuos is! Along with the breakfast and lunch that they normally serve, they also do pop-ups and catering. The plates for lunch for very reasonable, I can only imagine the catering would be also. If youre ever in the vicinity and are looking for local food that reminds you of a loved one or of a time gone, visit Tatsuos. You won't be disappointed! read more

They have ono food. Local style . Open early for breakfast and closes after the lunch rush hours. Easy to get to and pick up your food. I want to try other items on their menu. Different daily specials. Generous portions. read more

Wanted to try another lunchwagon and first thing came to mind was this name. When we got down to the address that was mentioned on yelp or Google it turned out to be a dine in take out restaurant. They have daily specials and also their regular menu they have home made breads and cookies. I had the pork cutlet and my husband had their tripe stew all mini sections.my pork cutlet was a little tough maybe using a regular pork chop and cut into pieces to make it a cutlet. The brown gravy seems like from the package. My husband tripe stew he said tasted like Spanish tripe stew and not enough tripe. Heavy on the tomato sauce and bell pepper taste. My cutlet took along time so we had to wait about 10-15 mins more than the tripe stew the macaroni salad to me was salty. But all in all when we are in the area will be back. Next time will try to look for their lunchwagon read more

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Ono food every time I come eat here. They mess up my large orders all the time but don't stop me from coming back. Prime rib special is mean. read more

I ordered the hamburger steak and it was really good! One of the best I ever had! Old school style with a nice crust on the patties and a tasty gravy also. read more

Great food, super people! Best in the Sand Island area! Do not miss! Excellent value and big selection! All kinds of choices, some old school, some more gourmet style. read more

Honestly, I just happened to walk by this place and was hungry. I went to tint my car down the road(Alahao) and decided to go for a walk. Boom, there it is. Bright and looking inviting. Early lunch. I walked in and a big smile plastered across my face. Honestly am a sucker for comfort food places and Tatsuo's is the synonym for comfort. Right away memories of my childhood filled my smile too. I took many pics so you could see what I mean. Very clean but filled with so many things from sodas, to small bags of chips, candy bars, and even those food market bags you need now. I totally loved the daily sign that listed all the cafeteria style options you can select from! - Chicken Ungchoy with Hum Har ! and Sausage with cabbage! OMG..... The daily sign was hilariously cute....Instructions were very clear: Decide, then Choose One, then Choose One Side. Simple. Is my momma in the kitchen? And they have pickled onions and pickled seaweed as side dishes! Yikes. I think this is a family run business because you can feel the warmth...so local kine special! I ordered the Shoyu Chicken with pickled onions - and started grinding before I remembered to snap a pic(sorry!). The shoyu base on the chicken is what I remember from days gone by - simple five spice/ginger overtones with only thighs used. Sauce over the rice of course! Probably thickened with flour or corn starch - just like mama did. I went in before 11am and came back with my newly tinted car and wanted to pick up a half dozen shoyu chicken for dinner. SOLD OUT! and shoyu chicken is only on Mondays. I asked about getting some pickled onions and the nice lady made an exception and priced me out a side order of it. I think my devastation over the shoyu chicken persuaded her to give me a side order! Pics illuminate any story.....so check the pics out! Oh and this is the cleanest homestyle place I have had lunch at! So neat, so clean! read more

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I always stop by for their banana bread. It's so soft and moist. My favorite plates to get there is the chicken katsu or the hamburger steak. It's better if you call in your pick up order if you don't like waiting. Sometimes there's only one cook but it's okay cause I'd go back there again read more

This plate lunch placed is tucked away near the entrance to Sand Island Access Road. They had tons of options to eat and the people working were very friendly. I ordered the tripe stew and hamburger steak. The hamburger steak was one of the best ones I have had on Oahu. You can tell it's homemade. The gravy compliments the patty well and has a really good flavor. The tripe stew was tender. But, I thought there was too much of a tomato flavor. Overall this is a solid plate lunch place. The next time I go I will try the pork cutlet. read more

Tatsuo's - Tripe Stew & Hamburger Steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My car had overheated so I was waiting for a tow when I ordered from here. SUPER NICE folks and I got the Samurai Breakfast Special which was 3 meats, 2 eggs, rice, toast AND coffee. NOM. Because I stayed a while waiting for the tow, I bought the Melting Moments cookies. YUMMY! Really good place for ONO breakfast. I left right before lunch. Definitely will order again, hopefully at a better circumstance. BUT, if I never had my car trouble, I wouldn't have tried this place. So.... WIN : WIN? read more

Tatsuo's - Samurai Breakfast Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Don't let the location and appearance fool you, as you would expect a good deal for your money. It's a bit overpriced but the food is ok. Example: got the shoyu chicken plate for $10.73 (tax incl) portions are on the larger side. To pay that much, I'm expecting the meat to fall off the thigh bone and for the meat to be deeply marinated and seasoned which five spice, ginger, garlic and other complex flavors. Perhaps these expectations was a bit unreasonable. The meat was soft but not fall off bone and the flavors were pre-dominately shoyu (tasted like Aloha Shoyu?) and garlic. My former co-worker ordered the fish and tofu patties with two pieces of shoyu chicken. The fish patties were ok but this was over $13 which included a can of Hawaiian Sun. Ouch.. for that kind of money, there are other places in the area that gives you more bang for your buck. Most of their plates and specials cost around $10. read more

Tatsuo's - Shoyu chicken plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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All I can say is straight up AMAZING! This family ran operation is a well oiled machine! Food it delicious, atmosphere is so welcoming they always make you feel like your family! Like your walking into your aunty and uncles house instead of another restaurant to eat! I'd go here over any other local food place any day! They have hot and ready packed food, or make your own Okazu kine, or made when you order! Breakfast, lunch, and they do Catering!! I am a forever customer!! Customer Service Great Pricing Amazing Delicious Food Clean and Organized read more

Tatsuo's - Samurai Breakfast! Your choice of White rice or Fried Rice. (2) different meats. Your choice of eggs. Comes w/toast and a large coffee! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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