Sunday, April 5, 2009

Kauai Restaurant Reviews by Local

Kauai Restaurant Reviews

Brennecke's

There's a reason why so many locals lunch at Brennecke's on the beach. Besides the extensive wine list and drink menu they serve what has to be the best fish and chips anywhere on Kauai. They also have pupus (appetizers) that can be a meal in itself.
My personal favorite is the chicken quesadilla with guacamole and sour cream. Big plate, lotsa food.

When the windows are open there is a nice breeze flowing around the tables and you can watch the waves at Poipu Beach Park. (You may also get a visit from a hungry little bird if you leave your seat for any reason so beware)

Keoki's Paradise

Like the rest of the TS restaurants, Keoki's is known as a lively spot for lunch, dinner, or just cocktails.

The service is always fast and friendly, the food is wonderful and the setting is sweet. When I have friends visit I always stop for lunch, the open air feeling embodies island style perfectly. My daughter swears by the teriyaki chicken sandwich while I still play the field with the menu. The Koloa ribs are tender and meaty, paired with coleslaw and rice, the perfect lunch. Fish and chips are also crisp and tasty, and can't be beat with a corona and a lime.

If Jenny Craig is not your thing, and it shouldn't be since you're on vacation, you must have the hula pie. I think it's true that it's what sailors swam to shore for. Forget swimming after you eat it though, you may be needing a nap. For those not familiar, hula pie is made with a buttery chocolate cookie crust, filled with macadamia nut coffee ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce, sprinkled with more nuts and spritzed with whipped cream. It will be served with more than one spoon but I've been known to not share more than once.

For dinner you will enter the more formal dining area with booths and tables surrounded by water features and beautiful foliage. The servers here are always attentive and you will feel relaxed and never rushed. Do not miss the bread basket, the carrot muffins are amazing as is the ciabatta and dark sweet bread. This is one of the few restaurants that serves courses so be sure to order the Caesar. Always a good choice, the chef specials. They will run out so make your reservations early if you can.

Beach House

A must for anyone on Kauai, and make those reservations soon. Sunset times book up 4 days in advance. You can have your picture taken with the ocean and the setting sun as your backdrop and take it with you to show off back home.

Beach House makes its own bread and it's a dense ciabatta that is a meal in itself. The servers there will make frequent stops so make sure you try at least 2 specialty drinks. Personal favorite was the ling moi margarita and the lemon drop. Lots of choices, from lamb to ahi but my favorite is the chicken. Call me boring but it comes with polenta cake, cannot be beat in my book. How many places serve polenta, a regular from childhood days..

Lappert's Ice Cream

Another of our faves is the unbeatable Lappert's Ice Cream. Ice cream is not just for breakfast anymore! The little and very cute shop in Koloa town serves the best cookies on island. It also will serve a great cup of coffee and the sell bags of Kauai coffee too.

If you want a healthy smoothie this is your place. The menu board is loaded with options of every fruit imaginable. The shortbread cookies are pretty amazing, as are the lemon bars. (Lemon bars are fruit, I don't care what anybody says!)

The big draw though is their luscious ice cream. Lappert's was born and raised on Kauai. They make their own waffle cones and the aroma will bring you into the store as you pass by. They dip some cones in chocolate, some have chocolate and sprinkles. I prefer the plain cones since I want to savor only the flavors that are in their "Kauai Pie"! My daughter swears by the cookie dough, her boyfriend prefers the sherbets.

There is something for everyone at this little gem in the heart of Koloa town.

TomKats

Not named for the strays that frequent the patio, this restaurant is actually named for its owners Tom and Kathy. This is a truly local bar/restaurant with dart tournaments, karaoke nights and some of the best food anywhere. I joined my sister and niece there for lunch. They made some healthy salad choices but both ended up picking at my fish and chips plate during the entire meal. The service was quick and friendly and the cats and chickens were delightful.

TomKats serves lunch and dinner every day and the bar in the back stays open till midnight. Since a lot of locals eat here they manage to keep their prices down unlike a lot of restaurants in the Poipu area. There are coupons that will get you a free pupu (appetizer) or dessert. Come see me at the Boss Frog's store and I'll treat you to one.

Koloa Fish Market

A veritable legend in Koloa town, you will be directed by anyone that lives here to Koloa Fish Market for plate lunch or fresh fish. If you're lucky enough to have a grill stop by and pick up whatever they're catching and prepare accordingly. If you want to try local food, like kaulua pork or a loco moco you will find them at lunch time. They close around 5 so get there early, daily specials do run out. Bring cash, step aside for the regulars who don't have to read the menu and take it to the beach the nearby Poipu Beach Park. There is no place to dine inside. The Koloa Fish Market has been compared to the "Soup Nazi" on Seinfeld. That being said, make it quick and don't ask for substitutions! You won't be sorry.

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