Side Street Inn in Honolulu is more than just a restaurant; it’s a local institution. Nestled on a side street off Hopaka, this unassuming eatery is a unique blend of sports bar, greasy spoon, and beloved community landmark. Famous for its hearty portions and Asian-inspired comfort food, Side Street Inn offers a dining experience that truly captures the spirit of Hawaii’s culinary scene, away from the main tourist drags.
Side Street Inn entrance sign in Honolulu, Hawaii, a popular side street restaurant.
First introduced to many through Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations,” where he joined local chefs to savor a feast, Side Street Inn is full of delightful contradictions. Despite its humble side street location and modest entrance, you’ll often see valets attending to both luxury cars and older vehicles, a testament to its widespread appeal. Stepping inside, the atmosphere is undeniably that of a classic sports bar – lived-in, a bit cluttered, and yet remarkably welcoming. It’s this unpretentious vibe combined with exceptional food that makes Side Street Inn a true gem among Honolulu’s side street restaurants.
For those seeking an authentic taste of Hawaii with an Asian twist, the menu at Side Street Inn is a treasure trove. Korean Kal Bi ribs share menu space with classic Teriyaki chicken, alongside flavorful Chinese fried rice and crispy fried pork chops. To start our meal, we sampled Side Street Inn’s own beer, brewed in collaboration with Oregon’s Rogue Ale. This crisp, subtly malty beer, served in a no-fuss Coors Light glass, perfectly embodies the restaurant’s down-to-earth charm.
Side Street Inn's signature Side Style Fried Rice, a flavorful mix of char siu pork, Portuguese sausage, bacon, peas, carrots, and green onions, a must-try at this side street restaurant in Honolulu.
Our culinary journey began with the acclaimed Side Style fried rice. This isn’t just any fried rice; it’s a generous mountain of rice brimming with Char Siu pork, savory Portuguese sausage, bacon, peas, carrots, and green onions. Each bite was a burst of flavor, easily rivaling the best fried rice dishes you might find in Vancouver’s Chinese diners. It’s a testament to the simple yet skillful cooking that defines Side Street Inn.
Side Street Inn's house-brewed Rogue Ale, a refreshing beer served in a casual setting, typical of this Honolulu side street eatery.
Next, we indulged in Side Street Inn’s rendition of shrimp scampi. Here, succulent tiger prawns took center stage, beautifully sautéed and accompanied by zucchini, mushrooms, and capers, all swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce. While the presentation might lean towards rustic – the chunky ingredients sometimes require a bit of maneuvering – the flavors were undeniably delicious and deeply satisfying. This dish highlights the restaurant’s focus on taste and generous portions over elaborate frills.
Delectable Shrimp Scampi at Side Street Inn, featuring black tiger prawns sautéed with mushrooms, zucchini, and capers in a rich garlic butter sauce, a popular seafood dish at this side street restaurant in Hawaii.
Our entire meal, including taxes and tip, came to just under $40, placing Side Street Inn slightly on the higher end for casual dining. However, the immense portion sizes and the sheer heartiness of each dish more than justify the price. The unpretentious setting, combined with expertly prepared, comforting food, makes Side Street Inn an ideal spot for a fulfilling meal that feels like a home-cooked experience, even when you’re miles away from home.
Side Street Inn in Honolulu, Hawaii: A legendary side street sports bar, dive, and greasy spoon known for its hearty meals and local charm.
Perfect for: Anyone looking for a substantial, flavorful meal, ideal for sharing with a group, and those wanting to experience a true Honolulu local favorite.
Restaurant Details:
1225 Hopaka Street, Honolulu 808.591.0253 sidestreetinn.com
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