(Tookout 08/12/24 MO - 08/16/24 FR @ 6:00pm): Texas-style BBQ has made its way into the 808!
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes throughout O'ahu's Windward side (east shore of the island) after a recent investment acquisition, I made my way to Tex 808 BBQ & Brews. I was craving BBQ but didn't want to leave the area, so this was the closest option. Mind you, this wasn't Hawaiian BBQ, and they seemed part of the state chain, Teddy's Bigger Burgers. Did this tall Tex's BBQ satisfy my taste buds!?
PURCHASE
Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde Helles Lager Beer 16floz Draft ($9.00): Bright amber color, citrusy malty tropical aroma, light body, citrusy malty flavor, crisp finish, and citrus malty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=uOkfVpQUgBjc5-rkQ_-Y6w
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.0 of 5.0 STARS]
Beer Battered Onion Rings ($12.00): A large container with a ton of rings of various sizes, these were hot, darkly browned, crunchy, and had a tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) at times pulled out. They were oily while the ranch dipping sauce was nice and had a good consistency (i.e. not watery). The portion size and color won me over! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=PgHil2wcOkKz5BKIg6e--g
Double Plate - 4pc Brisket, 3pc St. Louis Ribs, Cole Slaw, Mac-N-Cheese, King's Hawaiian Bread Sweet Roll ($25.00): The brisket was thick, tender, and easily tore apart. The ribs were a bit thin, not a lot of fat (I liked fat on my ribs), and didn't quite fall off the bone. The coleslaw was crisp, slightly peppery, and not very soupy (a positive), but I wished it had pineapple. The mac-n-cheese was cheesy, hearty, and straightforward. This was very good but not great. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=zIQ66mNPvhbPtgZDnu_EUQ
Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter Beer 16floz Draft ($7.00 HH): Dark brown color, chocolate coffee roasty aroma, medium body, beany coffee roasty flavor, creamy mouthfeel finish, and coffee roasty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=0vt-WNGs0s0Ox2vB_VkwWQ
Kona Brewing Hawaii Big Wave Golden Ale Blonde Beer 16floz Draft ($7.00 HH): Golden amber color, light fruity hoppy malty aroma, light body, fruity malty sweet flavor, clean crisp finish, and easy fruity malty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=fZ4tu_QgDEVl_f1OWjmujg
Credit Card Fee 2.30% ($1.17): I understood when this had to be done - c'est la vie.
SERVICE
Greeted by a young friendly hostess on my first visit, she quickly took my takeout food order. I ordered a beer from a fun gentleman behind the bar as I waited for my dinner. About 15 minutes late, my food came out all packed and ready to go. On two later evenings, I again ordered a beer (happy hour these times!) as I waited on takeout food ordered at nearby restaurants. Each time, I got to chat with the same bartender but different locals. I felt right at home - mahalo!
PARKING (FREE)
Located in the outdoor Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, there were plenty of spots, and I was able to park relatively close to the business - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A narrow space when you first entered and passed the bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=HnHxBQhZg1lQLqPunBlhyg on your left https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=igI9DEIlBI98B_dxWxZcbw which then opened up to the full dining area with plenty of chairs/tables. There was a mix of some oddities https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=A7JRpbpwLrLs4dF4eN3QDw and sports items for decorations. Decent natural lighting came in through the front entrance while most came from the outdoor patio https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=-yHY4KvGsBiXQ_QOcPlmPQ with a gorgeous marina view; otherwise, many low-hung electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were many TVs while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=FVinrNGPAzXv3sEVWD_k7w
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I felt like a local at TEX 808 BBQ & Brews and would love to return to explore the food menu and take more advantage of their happy hour as well as brunch. Maybe I'll even sit at a table! I liked the neighborhood feel, the food was good, comparable prices, and easy service. I wished they had more local beers on tap. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $64.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more