Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Hawaiian Drive Inn – San Francisco
Hawaiian Drive Inn - San Francisco
Photo from Hawaiian Drive Inn
Hawaiian Drive Inn at a glance
San Francisco Silver Terrace
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#1724 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
240
Reviews
66.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Dated environment
- Parking challenges
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Hawaiian Drive Inn brings a taste of the islands to San Francisco’s Silver Terrace neighborhood. You’ll find yourself in a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This Hawaiian restaurant offers a welcoming spot where you can enjoy authentic flavors without fuss. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner, you’ll appreciate the laid-back vibe.
Overview: Introducting Hawaiian Drive Inn
Hawaiian Drive Inn offers a straightforward dining experience where value often takes center stage. Many appreciate the generous portions for a cheap price, making it a practical choice for a hearty meal.
While the food generally satisfies, some aspects of the dining environment could use attention. However, the service often stands out, with staff noted for being super nice and efficient.
Despite some concerns about the physical place itself, the focus remains on providing a convenient and affordable meal, often highlighted by quick order fulfillment.
Good
6.9
out of 10
240
Reviews
66.3%
Satisfaction
62
negative
19
neutral
159
positive
Hawaiian Drive Inn earns a respectable overall score of 6.9, placing it firmly in the good category. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at 66.3%, indicating a somewhat mixed reception where many find it satisfactory, but a notable portion has reservations.
This assessment is drawn from a total of 240 customer remarks, with 159 positive observations outweighing 62 negative ones. Looking closer at specific aspects, Service (7.6) and Value (7.6) are clear strengths, frequently praised for efficiency and affordability.
The Food (6.9) generally meets expectations, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as service or value. The Ambience (5.5) appears to be the primary area for improvement, often described as average or needing attention.
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
- Friendly service
What people don't like
- Dated dining environment
- Parking challenges
- Inconsistent food quality
If you’re seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly meal with generous portions, Hawaiian Drive Inn is a solid option. With a recommendation score of 7.1, it generally delivers on its promise of convenient and affordable Hawaiian-style plates, especially if you prioritize value and quick service over a polished dining atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the potential for an inconsistent food experience and the less-than-ideal physical setting. It’s a place worth considering for a casual, no-frills meal, but manage your expectations regarding the overall dining environment and occasional food variations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hawaiian Drive Inn
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like there's a lot to dig into! With a solid 6.9 score, the culinary offerings are generally considered good, and customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 68.1%, indicating a somewhat positive but mixed experience. Many folks rave about the delicious loco moco, crispy chicken katsu, and generous portions, often highlighting the quality of the meat patties and authentic Hawaiian flavors, based on 111 positive comments.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 41 negative remarks out of 163 total. Some diners have reported issues like bland or dry dishes, occasional food poisoning concerns, and even finding unexpected items like plastic in their food. There were also mentions of inconsistent portion sizes and less-than-appetizing items like the teriyaki beef sandwich on a burger bun.
Food
163
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
41
negative
11
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Hawaiian flavors
- Generous, good portions
- Crispy, tender chicken katsu
What people don't like
- Reported food poisoning
- Bland or dry dishes
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodI'm giving this place 5 stars because I visited on National Cheeseburger Day and the burger was amazing for only $4 and some change. I will definitely be back to try other food.
- FoodFood:5
- chicken katsuI had a fantastic experience at this restaurant, known for its authentic Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch plates, noodle dishes, and kalua pig sandwiches. The value and portions were excellent, especially for the mixed BBQ plate, loco moco, chicken katsu, spam musubi, and burgers. The recommended dishes were Teriyaki Steak and BBQ Chicken.
- loco mocoI had a fantastic experience at this restaurant, known for its authentic Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch plates, noodle dishes, and kalua pig sandwiches. The value and portions were excellent, especially for the mixed BBQ plate, loco moco, chicken katsu, spam musubi, and burgers. The recommended dishes were Teriyaki Steak and BBQ Chicken.
- macaroni saladAlways loved macaroni salad from Hawaiian drive ins
- Chicken KatsuChicken Katsu was very good so lots of chicken
- bbq chickenI loved the bbq chicken and how tender it was
- burgersI had a fantastic experience at this restaurant, known for its authentic Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch plates, noodle dishes, and kalua pig sandwiches. The value and portions were excellent, especially for the mixed BBQ plate, loco moco, chicken katsu, spam musubi, and burgers. The recommended dishes were Teriyaki Steak and BBQ Chicken.
- chickenthe chicken was clean
- mac saladMac salad was dependable and delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodI always come here to eat because it’s cheap, convenient, and pretty good. However, this is the first time I’ve gotten really sick from their food. I stayed up all night not being able to sleep and just feeling really sick to my stomach.
- chickenI found the food quality and quantity to be lacking. Specifically, I received more steamed rice than chicken, with only one piece of chicken. Additionally, there was no parking available.
- food poisoningI think I got food poisoning or something.
- Mac saladMac salad q pedí
- Teriyaki beef sandwichTeriyaki beef sandwich is served on burger bun
- Vegetarian optionsNot a good place for vegetarians
- burger bunserved on burger bun
- burgersBurgers were too dry and burnt
- cabbageEven the cabbage is just put in raw
- chicken and gravyordered the chicken and gravy and they put a small amount of gravy on top of the rice
If you're craving classic Hawaiian BBQ and generous portions, especially the loco moco or chicken katsu, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences have been inconsistent, so manage your expectations regarding overall quality and potential issues.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.6. Many guests rave about the efficient cashiers, super nice staff, and the convenience of accurate wait time estimates, especially for takeout or delivery. With 19 positive remarks out of 28 total, it seems they often go above and beyond to help you out.
However, the customer satisfaction rating sits at a more mixed 67.9%, indicating some room for improvement. A few experiences mention mediocre service, issues with missing items, and concerns about staff levels leading to longer waits. While only 6 negative comments were noted, these are definitely areas to keep an eye on.
Service
28
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Efficient cashiers
- Super nice staff
- Accurate wait times
What people don't like
- Missing order items
- Mediocre service
- Low staff levels
Often praised
- ServiceService:5
- servicewent over and above to help me out
- cashierThe cashier is quick and efficient
- accurate estimateaccurate estimate to how long your food will take
- chefCompliments to the chef
- convenienceI always come here to eat because it’s cheap, convenient, and pretty good. However, this is the first time I’ve gotten really sick from their food.
- deliveredI had some delivered to my house
- lineNo line, got my order taken right away
- management teamVery nice management team
- staffSuper nice staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is mediocre.
- eat thereIt's a nice place and the food is very tasty. However, you can no longer eat there. Sometimes you have to sit and eat with foam.
- missing itemsme isieron falta 2 artículos q el restaurante no me mandó
- staffthey are low on staff
- waitone won't wait to long
If youre looking for generally good service with efficient staff and convenient options like accurate wait times, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that some guests have experienced mixed service or missing items, so it might not be perfect every time.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides, with 14 positive remarks out of 29 total comments. Many appreciate the overall place and Atmosphere, often described as friendly and pleasant. Guests also highlight the seating, noting theres plenty, even for groups, and praise its good location.
The dining area is often mentioned as clean, contributing to a generally agreeable setting. However, the ambience receives an average score of 5.5, and customer satisfaction is a rather mixed 48.3%. With 12 negative observations, patrons frequently mention parking difficulties and safety concerns.
The place is sometimes described as janky with outdated decor. Cleanliness, especially in the bathroom, ' is also a concern, and the lack of dine-in is a frequent letdown.
Ambience
29
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly atmosphere
- Good location
- Ample seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Cleanliness issues
- No dine-in option
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was great! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was friendly. It's conveniently located in the heart of San Bruno Ave.
- locationThe food was delicious and the atmosphere was friendly. It's conveniently located in the heart of San Bruno Ave. I especially loved the pasta salad 😋.
- placeIt's a nice place and the food is very tasty. However, you can no longer eat there.
- dining areaThe dining area is clean
- good locationMy only minor critique is that the macaroon was a little overcooked. Overall, it's a good location to stop by.
- seatingLots of seating
- seating for groupsand seating for groups
Frequently criticized
- parkingbe careful of where you park because our back window on the car was broken into
- Christmas decorationsChristmas decorations up for 10 seasons
- ParkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- areaarea is not love
- area by the windowThe menu board is yellowed from being old. The area by the window where I sat in smelled like urine. Idk if it's from the outside or lack of cleaning inside!
- authenticnothing authentic about this place
- bathroomThe bathroom was very dirty
- menu boardmenu board is yellowed from being old
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placeJust a little janky of a place
If youre looking for a quick takeout meal in a good location, this spot might work. However, be prepared for potential parking hassles and dont expect a pristine or comfortable dine-in experience, as it's primarily for takeout and has cleanliness issues.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.6 and leaving 75% of customers satisfied. With 15 positive remarks out of 20, many rave about the value for money, good price, and even cheapest burgers around, often highlighting generous portions for what you pay. However, its not without a few minor hiccups, with 3 negative comments.
Some folks noted issues like additional sauce costing extra or being charged a credit card fee without prior notice, and a couple felt the value wasnt quite what it used to be.
Value
20
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Extra sauce costs
- Hidden card fees
- Value inconsistent
Often praised
- priceThe soda fountain didn't work, so it's only can drinks, which is say just take it out then. Other than that the food was good & good price. 👍
- pricesall the prices are so cheap comparatively!
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- cheap priceThe bbq mix plate was packed with hella meat, and the quality was decent. This is definitely not a fancy restaurant; expect big plates of food for a relatively cheap price. It's a no frills joint, but the recommended dishes like Rice Macaroni Salad are worth it.
- cheapest burgersThey also have the cheapest burgers around
- good priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I enjoyed the delicious teriyaki chicken and steam rice, which was a good portion and offered good price. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- valueGood value and portions
- value for moneygood amount for what i paid
Frequently criticized
- additional sauceAdditional sauce is available for Additional cost.
- credit card feecharged a credit card fee without telling me
- valuenot the same value as it used to be
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, especially for hearty portions and affordable main dishes, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for things like sauces or credit card fees, which could slightly impact your overall value perception.
How are the prices at Hawaiian Drive Inn?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Digging into the details, we see a nice spread! While the average hovers around 23$, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range. This suggests there are plenty of budget-friendly options, alongside some higher-priced dishes that pull the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Hawaiian restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Francisco. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to choose between more affordable bites and slightly more indulgent meals. We’d say it hits a sweet spot for value!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hawaiian Drive Inn
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Missing Items from Doordash Order
I placed an order through Doordash and unfortunately, 2 items were missing from the restaurant's preparation. My soda and Mac salad, which I had ordered, were not included in the delivery.
- missing items2
- soda2
- Mac salad2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The staff went over and above to assist me during a family emergency. The food was excellent, and the overall atmosphere was also highly rated.
I was very impressed with the level of care and the quality of the meal.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Stop for Teriyaki and Value
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I enjoyed the delicious teriyaki chicken and steam rice, which was a good portion and offered good price. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
My only minor critique is that the macaroon was a little overcooked. Overall, it's a good location to stop by.
- teriyaki chicken9
- steam rice8
- good portion8
- macaroon3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Hawaiian Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The loco moco, served with mac salad, was swimming in a sauce that was absolutely bland, with literally 0 taste. The burgers were also problematic, being too dry and burnt.
The service wasn’t great either. Additionally, I was charged a credit card fee without being told. While I enjoy Hawaiian food, I will probably never come again as there’s nothing authentic about this place.
- loco moco2
- mac salad2
- burgers2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Hawaiian BBQ with Great Value
I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant, known for its authentic Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch plates, noodle dishes, and kalua pig sandwiches. The value and portions were excellent, especially for the mixed BBQ plate, loco moco, chicken katsu, spam musubi, and burgers. The recommended dishes were Teriyaki Steak and BBQ Chicken.
The service was rated a 4, and the food was also rated a 4, while the atmosphere received a 3. The price per person is between $10–20.
- Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch plates9
- noodle dishes9
- kalua pig sandwiches9
What Hawaiian Drive Inn offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Hawaiian Drive Inn?
At Hawaiian Drive Inn, you have several convenient options. You can enjoy your meal right there with dine-in service, or if you’re on the go, takeout is readily available. For ultimate convenience, delivery service is also offered. They cater to lunch, dinner, and even provide catering services for your events.
Is Hawaiian Drive Inn accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Hawaiian Drive Inn is designed to be accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance for your convenience. When it comes to parking, you’ll find a free parking lot available. While street parking is paid and can sometimes be difficult to find, the free lot offers a good alternative.
How does Hawaiian Drive Inn generally perform?
Hawaiian Drive Inn holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating a good performance. Its strengths lie in Service (7.6) and Value (7.6), while Food scores 6.9, and Ambience is 5.5.
What do customers appreciate most about Hawaiian Drive Inn?
Customers frequently praise the generous portions and affordable pricing, highlighting the restaurant’s strong value. The friendly and efficient service also receives consistent positive feedback.
Are there any common drawbacks at Hawaiian Drive Inn?
Some customers note concerns about the dated dining environment and difficulties with parking. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent food quality.