Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Makai Island Grill – Las Vegas
Makai Island Grill - Las Vegas
Photo from Makai Island Grill
Makai Island Grill at a glance
Las Vegas Inner Northwest
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#131 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#4 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 4 in Las Vegas
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
470
Reviews
54.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good value
- Tasty chicken
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Cleanliness issues
- Service problems
The restaurant Makai Island Grill, a delightful Hawaiian Restaurant in Las Vegas’s Inner Northwest neighborhood, offers you a taste of the islands. You’ll find a casual and quiet spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With healthy options and small plates available, it’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for fresh, flavorful food. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Makai Island Grill
Makai Island Grill offers a casual dining experience, often praised for its generous portions and overall value. Many find the atmosphere comfortable, complemented by pleasant Hawaiian music that enhances the mood.
It aims to bring a taste of the islands, with some dishes hitting the mark quite well. However, the experience can be a mixed bag.
While some staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, there are instances where the service falls short. Cleanliness in the dining area has also been a point of concern for some visitors.
Good
6.1
out of 10
470
Reviews
54.9%
Satisfaction
171
negative
41
neutral
258
positive
Makai Island Grill registers an overall score of 6.1, placing it in the average category. Customer sentiment, reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 54.9%, indicates a mixed reception, neither strongly positive nor negative.
This assessment is drawn from 470 customer opinions, with 258 positive and 171 negative remarks. Looking closer, the Food (6.5) and Ambience (6.5) both score moderately well, suggesting they generally meet expectations.
Value (6.1) also sits in the average range, indicating that while some find it affordable, others feel certain items are overpriced. The Service (4.8), however, dips below average, highlighting an area that frequently receives criticism.
What people like
- Generous portions, good value
- Fresh poke, tasty chicken
- Friendly, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Cleanliness concerns
- Service inconsistencies
If you’re seeking a casual spot with potentially generous portions and a pleasant island-inspired atmosphere, Makai Island Grill could be worth a visit. The Recommendation Score of 6.3 suggests it’s a decent option for those who prioritize good value and specific well-regarded dishes like poke or teriyaki chicken.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in both food quality and service, and keep an eye out for cleanliness. It might not be the place for a flawless dining experience, but for a quick, unpretentious meal, it holds its own.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Makai Island Grill
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its a bit of a mixed bag, but with a lot of potential! Out of 293 comments, 174 positive remarks frequently praise the "katsu chicken, " "Macaroni Salad, " and "great portions, " often describing the grub as "fresh yummy food" and "amazing food. " The score for food sits at a solid 6.5, placing it firmly in the average category, but with a definite lean towards the positive.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by the 59.4% customer satisfaction, which suggests a mixed experience. Among the 92 negative remarks, common concerns include "cold food, " "small portions, " "fatty meat, " and "salty food, " hinting at some inconsistency in execution. It seems theres room for improvement to ensure every dish shines.
Food
293
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
92
negative
27
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great portions
- Tasty Katsu
- Delicious Mac Salad
What people don't like
- Cold food
- Inconsistent portions
- Fatty/salty food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was good. The food was similar to what you'd find on the island, but still decent. I would return again, but I do wish they had Dole Ice cream or some kind of pineapple ice cream style option.
- teriyaki chickenMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a meal that included medium, white rice, a green salad, mac salad, and both katsu & teriyaki chicken. To drink, I had the Hawaiian Sun passion fruit and guava flavor.
- Mac saladtheir Mac salad and teriyaki chicken are far better
- pokeThe poke is so fresh and flavorful
- FoodFood was top-notch
- katsu chickenMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a meal that included medium, white rice, a green salad, mac salad, and both katsu & teriyaki chicken. To drink, I had the Hawaiian Sun passion fruit and guava flavor.
- macaroni saladI recommend the macaroni salad as a side. It’s great
- portionsthe portions? Big bang for your bucks
- white riceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a meal that included medium, white rice, a green salad, mac salad, and both katsu & teriyaki chicken. To drink, I had the Hawaiian Sun passion fruit and guava flavor.
- Chicken KatsuChicken Katsu and teriyaki is on point
Frequently criticized
- foodall of the food was kinda smashed together
- garlic edamameI wouldn't recommend the garlic edamame though, not that much flavor
- riceThe food was fine; I'm not an expert, but I believe this place wasn't really Hawaiian but more Hawaiian-inspired with a mix of other Asian foods (kimchi slaw, teriyaki chicken/steak). The rice was mushy because they had added too much water, and the steak was too salty. Other than that, the chicken was pretty good.
- steakThe food was fine; I'm not an expert, but I believe this place wasn't really Hawaiian but more Hawaiian-inspired with a mix of other Asian foods (kimchi slaw, teriyaki chicken/steak). The rice was mushy because they had added too much water, and the steak was too salty. Other than that, the chicken was pretty good.
- BBQ chickenBBQ chicken was cold
- Kalua piggot really bad food poisoning from the Kalua pig
- chickenMy experience was picking up an order of stone cold chicken. It was literally straight out of the fridge, below room temperature.
- chicken KatsuThe chicken Katsu was burnt
- chicken teriyakithe chicken teriyaki had been sitting for a little too long
- chicken wingsThe chicken wings were a love bronzed color but weren't seasoned
If youre craving Hawaiian flavors, this spot can deliver some delicious meals, but be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience. Its worth a try for their standout dishes, but keep your expectations balanced regarding portion sizes and food temperature.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find a mixed bag, though the overall score of 4.8 suggests its average. Many customers praise the staff for being professional, patient, and super friendly, often highlighting quick service and helpful employees. With 37 positive remarks out of 97 total customer comments, there's definitely a bright side to the interactions here.
However, the customer satisfaction rate of 38.1% indicates significant room for improvement, leaning towards poor. Some experiences mention feeling rushed, encountering rude employees, or dealing with missing items like sauces in to-go orders. There are also concerns about poor communication and long waiting times, with 53 negative comments pointing to these issues.
Service
97
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
53
negative
7
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Issues handled well
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Inaccurate orders
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceThe service was top-notch, rated 5/5
- staffstaff are young but place is ran very well and staff does a great job
- ServiceShay was so helpful and friendly
- StaffStaff is super friendly and helpful
- customer serviceZoe is always so sweet. Thank you Zoe (or Zoey) for your kind customer service
- Zoethe lady who took my order was zoe and she was very polite
- deliveryMy experience was great! The delivery was fast and the food was excellent, as always. I'm particularly addicted to the macaroni salad and the teriyaki chicken.
- employeesthe ladies were polite and nice
- hard workeri can tell shes a hard worker
- issuesissues were handled very well
Frequently criticized
- serviceDisgusting service!!
- staffThe staff on the other hand leaves a lot to be desired.
- customer serviceill equipped to deal with basic customer service requirements.
- orderVery dissatisfied with this order
- EmployeesEmployees had a lot going on, including an individual who was initially sitting at a table then suddenly going g to the back room and appearing behind the counter as a worker
- ServiceWhile the Mac and the garlic edamame were good, everything else was mediocre. I'm giving lower stars because they accidentally put a piece of pork in my food, and I do not eat pork and never have. It was disgusting.
- Uber EatsI just order my food from uber eats and this what I got.
- Uber orderthey said they had nothing from Uber
- answering the callShe said she would answer the call...the worker pick up the phone, talk for about 5 seconds, and then disconnect the phone
- change the hoursIf you're going to close at 8pm, then change the hours
If youre looking for a quick meal and appreciate friendly faces, you might have a good experience, especially if youre lucky enough to encounter the highly praised staff. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in order accuracy and customer interactions, as the service can be quite hit-or-miss.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Many guests truly appreciate the casual, comfortable, and kid-friendly environment, often highlighting the uplifting Hawaiian music and the convenience of plenty of parking. Some even describe the place as a hidden gem with a fantastic low-key vibe. The ambience scores an average 6.5, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 61.4%, reflecting a generally pleasant setting among the 27 positive remarks.
However, not all experiences are glowing. There are concerns about dirty counters and overall cleanliness, with some even raising it as a health concern. The seating area has been called bland or congested, contributing to an uninspiring atmosphere for some.
These 13 negative observations out of 44 total suggest there's room for improvement in maintaining a consistently welcoming environment.
Ambience
44
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Kid-friendly atmosphere
- Uplifting Hawaiian music
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Uninspiring atmosphere
- Congested seating area
Often praised
- atmosphereVery casual, comfortable and kid friendly atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was also top-notch
- parking spacePlenty of parking
- seatingPlenty of seating available
- Easy accessEasy access
- Hawaiian musicThe Hawaiian music really lifts your mood
- Kid friendly environmentKid friendly environment
- bathroomsClean bathrooms when I was there
- cleanThe size was perfect for a light lunch. The service was great, the place was very clean, and the food was good!
- eating spaceOpen sea for eating
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessDinner was dirty, employees were talking and no one was cleaning around
- AmbienceAtmosphere:1
- atmospherethe atmosphere wasn't very inspiring
- counters dirtyI was disappointed to see the counters dirty with food scraps. It seems the people serving the food aren’t concerned about it because no one wipes the counters down.
- floorsthe floors looked like they haven't been swept
- food put awayall of their food was put away
- health concernbecomes a health concern
- indoor dining environmentinside dining was not the most comfortable
- island vibeThe food was described as pure garbage, dry, and salty. I didn't even feel the island vibe, finding the food to be "haole kine food. " The only positive aspect was the music, which was good.
- locationdisgusting place of location
If youre seeking a casual, kid-friendly spot with good music and easy parking, youll likely find the vibe here enjoyable. However, be aware that some guests have noted inconsistencies in cleanliness and seating comfort, so it might not be for those prioritizing pristine conditions.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 55.6%. Many customers, based on 20 positive comments, found the prices to be fair and the affordability impressive, often mentioning a reasonable price for a good amount of food. It sounds like you can get a big bang for your bucks here, with many feeling it's worth every penny.
However, 13 negative comments suggest that not everyone agrees. Some felt the meal was expensive and a waste of money, describing it as overpriced for the portions. There were also frustrations about being upcharged or feeling nickeled and dimed, with some finding the small sizes disappointing for their hard earned money.
Value
36
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair and affordable prices
- Good amount of food
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Overpriced for portions
- Feeling upcharged
- Small sizes
Often praised
- priceThe food is all ready, so your plate gets made instantly. Everything on my plate was flavorful, and I thought the servings were generous for the price. Will def be coming back!
- reasonable pricegreat at a reasonable price
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordabilityAffordable
- amount of foodReally good amount of food for the price
- amount you getvery good for the amount you get!
- big bang for your bucksBig bang for your bucks ❤️
- cheaper than back homecheaper than back home…Maui 🤙🏾
- decent pricefor a decent price!
- good pricetasty meat at a good price
Frequently criticized
- Hawaiian sunif you want a can of Hawaiian sun, it's $3
- Lunchfrustrated with the $20.00 I spent for Lunch
- Macaroni Salad$2.99 for maybe 4 small spoon scoops isn't worth it
- hard earned moneywhat a waste of my hard earned money
- mealthis meal was expensive
- moneywasted my money
- nickeled and dimedEverything is nickeled and dimed
- poke upchargethere should not be a $1.25 upcharge to the ono'er price
- priceKinda overpriced for the portions you get
- promo codeasked for a promo code, a coupon, or a free order of edename. No, no, and no.
If you're looking for a good deal and generous portions, this spot could be a pleasant surprise. Just be mindful of potential extra charges or smaller portion sizes on certain items, as some found it a bit pricey for what they received.
How are the prices at Makai Island Grill?
You’re looking at roughly $19 per person – reported by 103 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right in that sweet spot, with the majority of prices clustering around the $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Las Vegas.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian spot, especially given its in Las Vegas. Youre getting good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Makai Island Grill
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Inconsistent Portions, Disappointing Experience
I used to go to this location all the time because the food was so good and consistent. Today, I felt the food was not as good. They loaded me up on the proteins that come with a bowl, but when I paid extra for steak, they definitely did not match the portion size of the other proteins.
I'm a little upset with this location tonight.
- food quality4
- protein portion3
- steak portion2
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Lovely Experience with Great Food and Atmosphere
I had a lovely experience here. The lady who took my order, Zoe, was very polite, and I can tell she's a hard worker. The food was great and the atmosphere was great as well.
I would definitely come back!
- Zoe9
- hard worker8
- food8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Good food, poor service
I don’t usually leave bad reviews, but sadly today I came to my local Makai. The person taking my order, Shay P, had a nasty attitude while taking our order. The food is good, but the service is making me not want to come here again.
- food8
- service2
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
5
Great Food, Poor Service Experience
I absolutely love this place and the food is great every single time. I visited on a Tuesday night, about an hour and a half before closing, to order four plates for my family. Unfortunately, the woman behind the counter made a face and rudely asked, "White rice or brown?
" When I replied, "White rice for all please, " she proceeded to angrily scoop out the rice. At that point, I decided to leave, saying, "You know what, forget it love, sorry to bother you. I'm good.
" I had to walk out. I understand that food service can be challenging, but customers should not be treated that way. Consequently, I won't be returning for a while.
- food10
- woman behind counter2
- food service3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Experience with Service and Food
I don't usually give low reviews, but my friend and I were excited to come to this place and honestly, the experience we had was disappointing. The employees were fine, but when it came to adding sides, we were met by a woman who looked like she hated her job. She had a frown on her face and rolled her eyes a couple of times, even though we were ordering normally.
She also didn't ask my friend if she wanted tomatoes and wonton crisps on her salad, even though the other employee asked me. The food was fine; I'm not an expert, but I believe this place wasn't really Hawaiian but more Hawaiian-inspired with a mix of other Asian foods (kimchi slaw, teriyaki chicken/steak). The rice was mushy because they had added too much water, and the steak was too salty.
Other than that, the chicken was pretty good.
- Hawaiian inspired food5
- chicken7
- woman employee2
- salad toppings3
- rice3
What Makai Island Grill offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Makai Island Grill?
You’ll find usually plenty of parking at Makai Island Grill, including free street parking and a free parking lot. The restaurant is also fully accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
Does Makai Island Grill offer various service options and is it family-friendly?
Yes, Makai Island Grill provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. It’s also a great spot for families, as it’s good for kids and offers high chairs, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Makai Island Grill generally rate with customers?
Makai Island Grill holds a 6.1 overall score, with Customer Satisfaction at 54.9%. While Food (6.5) and Ambience (6.5) are rated moderately well, Value (6.1) is average, and Service (4.8) falls below average.
What do customers appreciate most about Makai Island Grill?
Many customers find the portions generous for the price, offering a good amount of food. Specific dishes like the poke, teriyaki chicken, and macaroni salad often receive positive remarks for their flavor and freshness.
Are there any common concerns about Makai Island Grill?
Some patrons have noted issues with cleanliness, particularly dirty counters and floors. There are also reports of inconsistent service and occasional food quality problems, such as cold or burnt items.