Fall 2008 - Issue 4

The Silversword: Home > Entertainment > Restaurants Everywhere and Anywhere

Restaurants Everywhere and Anywhere

Meagan McClellan, Staff Writer

Tired of the Silversword Cafe, Brother's Brew, or the Courtyard? You are not the only one. Since Chaminade does not give students a variety of restaurants to choose from, I will try out different restaurants to give you a little variety in your life, for a cheap price, and a delicious meal.

For this article I tried restaurants everywhere and anywhere around the island.

Mexico Restaurant

 

Finally! I have come closer to my mission of searching for a delicious Mexican restaurant here in Hawaii. Mexico is a sister restaurant to Mexico Lindo in Kailua.

Mexico offers a variety of different authentic Mexican.

The restaurant does a good job decorating. It brings an authentic Mexican vibe with its paintings, its colors and knickknacks on the walls. They have plenty of seating. When I went, I saw a couple of large parties. This would be an enjoyable place to bring some of your friends and enjoy some margaritas.

Chips and salsa were free of charge. Although free, the chips were stale and the salsa tasted as though it came out of a salsa jar rather than it being homemade.

It was recommended that I should try the garlic shrimp. I got the Garlic Shrimp appetizer, which is a skillet of Ten Jumbo Shrimp sautéed in Fresh Garlic butter sauce on a bed of melted Jack Cheese, garnished with Pico del Gallo. This appetizer was $12.95. I really enjoyed the Garlic Shrimp.

Another item on the menu that I ordered was an Ala Carte Beef Taco for $3.50. I have had better tacos before, but given that I have not had a good taco in Hawaii, this taco quenched my appetite.

With all combos you get a side of rice and beans. Most of the combo’s meals, depending on the quantity, range from $12.95 to $15.50. The menu has salads, tamales, burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas along with other items.

My friend ordered the burrito, which he rated as “decent.”

At Mexico they provide the customers with entertainment. The entertainment is not extravagant but it creates a soothing atmosphere. They have local people come in and play tunes at the restaurant.

Mexico is located in Kalihi on School Street. This restaurant looks out of place for the area. There is a small parking lot, which has tight spots.

Overall, this was one of the best Mexican restaurants on the island and I would recommend it.

Ryan’s Grill at Ward

 

Ryan’s Grill is a sports bar restaurant. I received a gift card from Ryan’s Grill; before my visit, I had never tried Ryan’s Grill before and thought it would be a good idea to check it out. I really did not have too high of expectations for this restaurants; I have heard people go there before but never have heard anything special.
It was a Thursday night when I ate at Ryan’s and the place was packed. My friends and I had to wait about fifteen minutes before being seated. It is always a good sign to see a restaurant full.

Their menu offers mass amounts of food. Because of this, it took my friends and I long time deciding what to order.

After finally choosing what we wanted. I decided on the slow-roasted beef, au jus, garlic-buttered French roll French Dip Sandwich with fries which was $14. I enjoyed what I ordered.

Some of my friends ordered the Cajun Chicken Fettuccine, which consists of Cajun spices, seared chicken and spicy Cajun-style tomato sauce that was $12. My friend rated the pasta “Pretty good!”   Everyone I was with really seemed to enjoy his or her food.

I enjoyed the busy-ness of the restaurant. Our server was helpful and friendly. All the food portions are large; although it maybe on the pricier side, you get what you pay for.

This restaurant reminded me a lot of BJ’s Brewery Restaurant in California. I recommend this restaurant to everyone.

I found on the website that they have a sunset special daily from 5pm to 6pm, where you can order a 3-course meal for $20.

They are open for both lunch and dinner. They also have a happy hour from 4:30-6:30 pm.

There is free parking available in the structure, which is always a plus.

 

 

The Quick n' Easy

Restaurant Prices Quality Last Thought Location
Spicy Ahi $$ A Tasty and fresh spicy ahi roll. In Aiea
The Cattle House $$$ A It's part of the Black Angus chain. Good greasy food. Large portions. Right next to Spicy Ahi in Aie.
Phuket Thai $$ B Really good curry; quick service. BYOB. In the McCully Shopping Center
Lox of Bagels $ A There are not a lot of bagel stores in Hawaii. This place is a good quick bagel bakery if you are craving bagels. They have a good cream cheese cinnamon bagel puff. Bagel sandwiches, chips, and different types of cream cheeses are available. On Sand Island Access Road
Tenkaippin $$ B Good ramen. All ingredients come straight from Japan. On Kapahulu
Shrimp Trucks $$ A BEST shrimp scampi ever! The shrimp trucks are a necessary try! Find them in Haleiwa and around the North Shore
Ruth's and Chris Steak House $$$$ A Scrumptious steak. In fact, the best steak I have ever had! The steak literally comes out sizzling. Ladies, perfect for a date; make your man take you here!! Steak filet about $35. On Ala Moana blvd. & on Lewers in Waikiki
The Shack $$ C Overly priced burgers. It is on the marina, so nice view. Eh, nothing special. Typical overly priced burger joint. Hawaii Kai Shopping Center (on marina)
Cha Cha Cha's $$ B Mexican food is not the greatest. Really, cool viewand ambiance. Hawaii Kai Shopping Center (on marina)

 

Prices: $=1-4, $$=5-10, $$$=11-15, $$$$=16+
Quality Grade: A= A must eat, B= Pick this place over others, C= Try at least once

Note to the Reader---
If there, are any restaurants that you have wanted to go to and you do not have the time, money or you are worried about trying something new; e-mail me at cuhpress@chaminade.edu. I will gladly try it for you and review it. Also, if you disagree with one of my reviews and would like to give your opinion about a restaurant, let me know. Thanks!