Just off the plane, hungry with no wait, this is the place to go! Went here on a Friday, about 8 am. First time back home in years; my parents were hungry, so we stopped in here for breakfast. Our order: Mushroom & Swiss Cheeseburger -- ONO - highly recommended, one of their top sellers! Pastele Special with Gondule Rice - ono! Food was onoliscious and filling. I wasn't hungry, but I had a couple bites of each, and it was delish. I would order the mushroom Swiss burger again! I just ordered a black coffee because I didn't get to sleep on the plane and needed a pick-me-up. Auntie at the counter gave us another cup of coffee because she says it just goes to waste at the end of day. Auntie was so sweet and had amazing aloha service, mahalo auntie!! Currently living in the mainland, this is what I miss the most. Aloha everywhere :) We will be back next time we're in town! And to try the other recommended dishes. A previous customer's order came out when we got there, and it looked so good, one of the breakfast plates with fried rice! love their famous sign - If no can, no can, if can... VERNA'S! Mahalo nui and aloha!!! Chelle read more

Verna's Drive In - Mushroom & Swiss burger - onoliscious & one of their most popular burgers! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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5 Stars We were getting gas in Hilo when we noticed something that always catches our attention: a parking lot full of locals and a steady line of people waiting next door at Verna's Drive In. We figured that many locals couldn't all be wrong, so we decided to give it a try. I'm glad we did. I had the cheeseburger, and my wife ordered the Swiss mushroom burger. Both were excellent. The buns were nicely toasted, the burgers were hot and juicy, and everything tasted fresh. The French fries were exactly what you hope for: crispy, hot, and perfectly cooked. The surprise star of the meal was the corn chowder. I'll admit it wasn't something I expected to order, but it ended up being one of the best things we ate. It was creamy, slightly sweet, had just the right amount of seasoning, and was packed with flavor. An unexpected find at a burger spot, but absolutely delicious. The food alone would have earned a great review, but the staff took things to another level. After we left, we realized we had accidentally thrown something important away. We called the restaurant nearly 40 minutes later, and the staff actually went through the trash looking for it. Who does that anymore? That level of customer service is almost unheard of and speaks volumes about the people who work there. Now we completely understand why the locals love this place. Great food, friendly people, and service that goes far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. If Google allowed it, we'd give Verna's 7 stars. read more

Best smoke meat plate. Generous portions of tender smoke meat and grilled onions. Found this place by accident on a trip into town. This is now a must stop by on every visit. I've introduced this place to all my friends. Highly recommend. read more

Haven't been here in years. Many years. Perfect location, plenty parking, it's been a landmark forever. Had to hit them up for the quintessential Hilo dish: the loco moco. I ordered side of mac salad and some spam, so the bill came out pretty high, but.... Absolutely delicious. Gravy, lots of and on point. Eggs cooked exactly how I wanted. Plenty rice. Patties tasted great and were nice and thick. One of the best LMs I've had in a long time. And very friendly service. Can see why this place has been around for as long as it has. read more

Verna's Drive In - Loco moco with side mac and spam. - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We ordered the Korean chicken plate . Korean chicken was tasty good but could be a bit more crispy , we did order a 2oz side order of more sauce for .75cents just in case the chicken wasn't Korean saucy enough . We liked our plate lunch a lot . Everything was just the right amount and had good flavor ! I'd buy it again . Counter person was very nice . Service was fast - we waited less than 20 mins . We both were satisfied. Next time we'll prbly order the Pastele/Hunto rice plate and see how that is ! read more

Verna's Drive In - Korean kitchen , rice and Mac salad - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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I was curious about this place because of all the locals. We were looking for something fast to take back. We tried the smoke meat plate and the teri beef with saimin noodles. The noodles were mushy and bland. Teri beef was the best in terms of flavor. Overall everything was alright. Good for fast take out. read more

Great food and service! We stopped here for a quick, affordable and delicious lunch plate and breakfast plate. Workers are very sweet! We will definitely return! read more

After swimming all day at Coconut Island, our group of 11 was very hungry. Wanted to order on things so we decided not to go to a in and instead do a drive-in for faster service that was more affordable. We ended up choosing this drive-in and it was a great choice because the girl at the front register was very sweet and super caring. The food was all very delicious and filling one of the kids got weirded out by the pink hotdog sausage so they switched it out for a burger for them, and even gave all the kids a rice crispy, which is very nice. The customer service was exceptional, and the food was great. read more

Most tasteless beef stew ever. 2/3rds of the container was rice and about a scoop of stew. It wouldn't be so bad but the stew was tasteless. Plus they take so long, had 6 of us waiting and the staff had 5 workers and they still took forever read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Friendly staff, quick service and close to our hotel. Food was good and reasonable prices. Convenient and plenty of parking. Forgot to take pictures of our food probably because we were excited to sit down and eat when we returned to our hotel. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

This review is only for the smoked meat plate! I got it the first time I went to Verna's (10+ years ago), and I haven't gotten any other item since then. The smoked meat plate is so ono (delicious), cooked with onions and a savory sauce. Comes with rice and Mac salad, hits the spot! Cute local Take-out spot with a few tables on the side (self-serve), a handful of parking spots, and friendly service. I visit a couple times a year and I know I should try something else, but I just crave their SM plate (my friends say their other food is good tho)! read more

Verna's Drive-In - Blink, and you might zoom past this hidden gem tucked away in an unassuming parking lot on the corner. I tried the Smoked Meat and Onions, and let me tell you, every last bite disappeared. The meat was incredibly juicy, and those onions were as sweet as candy. Count on it - this place has already won my heart, and I'll definitely be back for another round when I'm in Hilo! read more

Verna's Drive In - SMOKE MEAT! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

One of the better drive in restaurants, good food, great burgers, even a smoked meat plate.

Service is as fast.. the staff was very gracious & the pastelle plate was plentiful.. would I go there again ? YES

Best local burger joint! Within walking distance from the pier. The manager is amazing and the food is oh so ono!

Didn't realize they were still open!!! I thought they closed down during 2019 and I'm so glad to find out they're still going strong!! I used to come by at odd hours for the fried rice all the time LOL (still as fluffy and delicious as ever~ I'd almost forgotten the taste of a good hawaiian style fried rice ) Sorry no pics on the fried rice- ate 'em too fast haha. Around $6 for a side of fried rice; it comes in one of those little soup/chili containers, and it's sooooo good~ Glad they're still serving all-day fried rice (don't ask me about breakfast hours bc I have no clue lmao). I will say it did taste a bit different than what I remembered. Strangely enough, I got a strong, almost minty flavor/aroma from the rice while I was eating? My best guess is that they started putting cilantro into it bc that's the only thing that makes sense. Tasted great for the most part! 90% sure the menthol smell/taste is just cilantro messing with me again Branched out and got a kimchi burger as well this time- it's pretty simple, just a burger + bun + kimchi, but ohhhh my goodness it's so ono! Super flavorful, you can taste it's an actual beef burger and not whatever flat meat you get from McDonald's. It's a good amount of beef, and the kimchi is delightfully crunchy! I have the spice tolerance of a child, so usually I'm kind of wary of things like this, but I will say the spiciness of the kimchi was just right! Just enough heat to feel it, but not so much it overwhelms the flavor of the burger! Really adds a nice kick to the whole thing- I'm definitely getting another one of these next time!!! Prices are about what you would find anywhere else in Hilo, but actually worth the money. I'm cheap, so the $6 price for a burger still kills me a little inside, but considering inflation it isn't too bad. I mean, it's about what I paid at college for a burger. Considering I was just about to spend $15+ at McDonalds, $6 for a burger I'd actually enjoy eating isn't too a bad price to pay! read more

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My traditional favorite "roast pork plate, fries instead of rice, sloppy (gravy all over, including on the Mac salad)" is still a reliable indulgence despite the recent price increases. "Katsu Dip" was two big perfectly cooked pieces of sliced chicken katsu soaked in a yummy sauce. Current staff is winning. Counter staff is wayyyy more friendly than before, and kitchen staff seems to be doing a great job as well. French fries are almost always slightly undercooked though. I don't like the burgers; they just taste "off" for some reason. Picnic table/cinder block seating area is clean and airy but serves prison vibes. Take your plates and go eat by the ocean in Keaukaha or Banyan Drive right behind Verna's. read more

Since this place is within walking distance from our hotel, we decided to take a short walk instead of driving. It was a about 6:45pm local time and no wait to order. Got a BLT and hamburger Loco. It hits the spot. Fast service, good food, and very reasonable prices. Worth a return visit. read more

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Not sure how this place is in business. The beef stew is awful, rude service and expensive prices. The trifecta.

We ordered the Kohole plate (shrimp, fried chicken, and teriyaki beef). All were tasty, although the macaroni salad was a cut above. Plenty of rice and cabbage to round out the meal and definitely enough to share. Service was prompt, about 10 minutes with several ahead of us in queue. No lemonade, had to settle for fruit punch. No toilet for customers. read more

Verna's Drive In - Kohole plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Amazingly fast service today. Friendly staff. On beautiful banyan drive Delicious choice. Chicken drummetts. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Quick ordering and service. Food will fill you. Ordered kimchi fries...weak in sauce and sparse in kimchi. Good fries if plain. Oyster sandwich on burger bun.. 4 breaded deep fried oysters with minimal tarter sauce, (ordered NO iceberg lettuce but extra tarter (thin and "extra," no show); grilled fried noodles plate...not! Soy only with slivered spam & fish cakes...Nah... Order ToGo due to shortage of tables if ordering during peak "rush hours." read more

This is where Loco Moco was invented, as legend would have it. I came here on a pilgrimage to overeat my favorite local dish before they closed forever and managed to slip on their final day. This was one of my saddest wonderful meals ever. The original Loco Moco. I can't even finish this review, I need to mourn. read more

Verna's Drive In - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Brah it's been a couple years since I've been gone , last time I was here VERNAS WAS HOLDING and still worth it , I came back this year and MAN , 4 MANA burgaz and 4 drinks was nearly 50 dollars , and I pay all of that for all my mana Burgaz HAVE REGULAR SLICES OF BREAD , a mana burger is an egg ontop of a teri burger INSIDE OF A GRILL CHEESE , which means MY BREAD SHOULDVE BEEN TOASTED , you guys close early and pay more, with less adequate food service , YOU GUYS BETTER WAKE UP read more

Plenty of food for the price! Great place to grab a quick bite after hanging out at the beach! Always CAN! read more

Vernas was rubbishhh! Had no line so we stopped , took 20 minutes for our order and it wasnt even cooked to where it was edible Got a breakfast plate scrambled eggs with bacon , bacon was so flimsy and undercooked ! Ordered a terri burger deluxe with fries and the burger was raw and the fries was soggy like it was sittin ! Maybe you workers should be more worried bout the food for customers instead of on your phones and also these guys was cooking they food in between customers , BET your food was cooked perfectly while ours was shit !!! My dog appreciated the slop tho read more

Everything we had 10/10. Old fashion burgers were my favorite. Love the Hilo hospitality. Mahalo nui!!! read more

Verna's Drive In - Smoked meat & onions, Teri burger, regular hamburger & not shown cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce Everything 10/10 !!! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Good reliable food service where locals of all types eat. No frills, just good food when you're hungry and don't wanna cook at home. Comes with 4 bench tables that seats 6, first come first serve. No spam musubi, but their staff can recommend more interesting alternatives. read more

Verna's Drive In - Specials menu as of 7/12/2024 - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Honestly I was not pleased with the fish platter, and I was expecting it to be better. Fish just did not do it for me, not sure what type of fish it was but it was not good. The macaroni was definitely good! This plate definitely left me disappointed however they did have other meals on the menu but I would suggest if you're a pescatarian not to choose this location. read more

Verna's Drive In - Fish plate with macaroni and rice - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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This is a hole-in-the-wall feel, drive-in focused joint. The only real negative is the prices can be pretty high. I know I know, welcome to Hawaii. But even for Hawaii these prices are a bit high. That said, the food was good and the service was good too! I would go here again read more

Food was incredible! Portions were very large and not badly priced either. Menu was very large as well with many options.

Verna's takes me back to the old drive inns of the 1970s in the Hawai'i plantation days. Great food and great service with lots of local style choices! Loved the friend noodles and the Mushroom Swiss burger. The exterior is a bit stand offish, but don't be fooled because the kitchen is clean and the food is amazing. read more

Last stop before Hilo Airport. Get that greasy bag full of burgers in your rental car & eat it at the gate! I highly recommend the mana burger - it's a grilled cheese sandwich with a Teri burger & fried egg. The price is good, so get extra, cuz you know you're going to be hungry later. Gravy burgers are also a Big Island specialty, so grab a couple extra for your friends on Oahu that are in the know. Just fill that bag! read more

Despite it being close to closing 8pm, they were very nice and it looked like they were short handed. Great customer service. I apologized for being so late and they said it was okay. An the food was so good. Totally recommend been coming here for the last 11yrs won't be disappointed. read more

Food was ok. My son ordered fried chicken with gravy for $18. It was a few pieces of soggy wings. He said it was meh.

The Kolohe plate is bomb. Ono local food that's been in Hilo forever! If you need a quick plate lunch or just want lunch, go Verna's

Thought this little drive in is amazing for some quick Hawaiian fast food! Have had their 3 combo plate with chicken Katsura, beef teriyaki and beef stew and comes with rice and Mac salad, all of which were good. Also tried the loco moco which you can get with different proteins, I got it with hamburger. The Burger tasted like a meatloaf patty, really good! My friend just got spam and rice and liked it. The Fried noodles are okay, definitely needs some soy sauce We took the food to the little park by the ocean down the road and enjoyed our meal there. read more

Verna's Drive In - Kamuela (?) Fried noddles, beef teriyaki and Mac salad - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Lots of food options and a good place to stop by to get food on the go. Very affordable.

Food was hot, fresh, and made to order. The service was fast and friendly. Walk up and order at the window...so simple!

VERY unprofessional employees, there underaged employe Tyra Arinios attempted to spit and fight me through the window and told me she was going to spit in my food and refused my order, also told me to come into the restaurant to fight her in the kitchen. I walked away and she started yelling out the window like a crazy person. She was popping her gum and twirling her pen, that is super unprofessional and unsanitary, I wouldn't eat there at all and will never be eating there again due to people spitting in food, that's disgusting. read more

Verna's Drive In - Tyra - Hawaiian Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii