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oChef » Hawaiian Drive Inn – San Francisco
Hawaiian Drive Inn - San Francisco
Photo from Hawaiian Drive Inn
Hawaiian Drive Inn at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#1042 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
176
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- No seating
- Cash only
The restaurant Hawaiian Drive Inn brings a taste of the islands to San Francisco’s vibrant Excelsior neighborhood. If you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian Restaurant experience that’s both casual and convenient, you’ve found your spot.
This local gem is perfect for a quick bite, offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious small plates. It’s a fantastic choice when you crave island flavors without the fuss, right here in the city.
Overview: Introducting Hawaiian Drive Inn
Hawaiian Drive Inn offers a taste of the islands that many find quite satisfying. Customers often highlight the generous portions and the overall great value for their money, making it a popular choice for a hearty meal.
The friendly staff also contributes positively to the experience, ensuring a smooth interaction from order to pickup. While the food often receives praise, particularly for its authentic flavors, it’s worth noting that the dining experience is primarily for take-out.
The dining area is currently closed, and some aspects of the exterior might not be as inviting as the food itself, suggesting a focus on efficiency over ambiance.
Good
7.6
out of 10
176
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
25
negative
21
neutral
130
positive
Hawaiian Drive Inn achieves a solid overall score of 7.6, indicating a generally good experience for patrons. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.9%, suggesting that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 176 customer remarks, with 130 positive observations outweighing 25 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Value (8.3) and Service (8) topics stand out as particularly strong, reflecting efficient and pleasant interactions alongside affordable, substantial meals.
The Food (7.7) also scores well, confirming its appeal. However, the Ambience (4.9) score is notably lower, indicating that the physical setting is not a primary draw, which aligns with the take-out focus.
What people like
- Delicious Hawaiian food
- Excellent value, generous portions
- Friendly, efficient service
What people don't like
- No dine-in seating
- Cash-only payment
- Limited amenities, exterior
If you’re seeking a no-frills, satisfying meal with excellent value and friendly service, Hawaiian Drive Inn is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 8.1 suggests a strong endorsement from those who prioritize good food and generous portions over a sit-down dining experience.
Keep in mind that this is primarily a take-out spot, and you’ll want to be prepared for a cash-only transaction. For those who appreciate hearty Hawaiian fare and don’t mind the lack of a dining area, it could become a regular stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hawaiian Drive Inn
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a 7.7 score and a 76.7% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a generally good experience. Out of 116 comments, a whopping 89 praise the delicious Hawaiian BBQ, especially the chicken katsu and Spam musubi. Many rave about the generous portions and fresh, made-to-order dishes, making for a memorable meal.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 15 negative remarks. Some diners found the rice disappointing, describing it as mushy or lacking seasoning. There were also comments about overly salty Philippine sausage, mediocre fries, and mac salad with too much mayo, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
116
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
15
negative
12
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Hawaiian BBQ
- Generous portions
- Freshly made food
What people don't like
- Mushy rice
- Salty sausage
- Mediocre fries
Often praised
- foodI absolutely love this place! When I was a kid, my mom used to bring me here, and to this day, I remember how much I loved the food. It has been over 10 years since I last visited, but I still dream of eating here again.
- FoodFood:5
- Hawaiian BBQreal Hawaiian BBQ you need to come to Hawaiian Drive Inn
- Chicken KatsuChicken Katsu with steamed broccoli for the win
- Spam musubiSpam musubi was 10/10!!
- chicken katsuThe fries were not that good, but the musubi was great. My favorite dish is the chicken katsu; it's just amazing. I was recommended Loco Moco, and the service was rated 4 out of 5.
- chicken katsu plateThere's an obscene amount of chicken in their chicken katsu plate
- A lot of foodA lot of food
- BBQExcellent BBQ as usual
- BBQ cheeseburgeronly to order their BBQ cheeseburger, which they make to order
Frequently criticized
- foodnot so delicious than it was supposed to be
- ricethe rice was mushy, terrible taste
- Philippine sausagePhilippine sausage so salty that it was inedible
- friesThe fries were not that good
- inediblesausage so salty that it was inedible
- little cheeseburgerThe little cheeseburger was disappointing. It was missing regular cheese burger ingredients
- mac saladhella mayo in their mac salad
- macaroniI am not a fan of the macaroni
- saltysausage so salty that it was inedible
- tarter sauceIt needed more tarter sauce than the single cup
If you're craving hearty Hawaiian BBQ with generous portions and delicious chicken katsu, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some side dishes, like the rice or mac salad, might be a bit inconsistent, but the main dishes often hit the spot.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The service here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8 and boasting a fantastic 88% customer satisfaction! Many folks (22 out of 25 comments) rave about the friendly staff and fast service, with special shout-outs to efficient take-out service and short wait times. It sounds like they really know how to make you feel welcome.
While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of comments (2 out of 25) did mention a long wait to be seated. Also, some wished for home delivery, noting its primarily a pick-up spot. So, plan accordingly if youre looking for a sit-down experience or delivery.
Service
25
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Efficient take-out
What people don't like
- Long wait
- No home delivery
Often praised
- serviceI was absolutely so happy I stumbled upon this restaurant while visiting San Francisco. The great food and great service made for a wonderful experience. I wish them the best.
- ServiceThe fried fish was just okay and needed more tarter sauce than the single cup provided. Service was fine, with my food ready in about 10 minutes due to a few people ahead of me. It's important to note that the dining area is still closed, so it's take-out only.
- wait timeShort wait time
- MateoMateo really helped me out
- Nice peopleNice people
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great since I was a youngster. I still go here regularly because of the great customer service. While they might initially sound a bit gruff, they are actually good people and not rude at all.
- food pickupYou can call and just pick up the food. I wish they could bring it home because it's not a place to eat there.
- good peoplethey are actually good people
- orderThey took my order at the door
- stafffriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- home deliveryYou can call and just pick up the food. I wish they could bring it home because it's not a place to eat there.
- long waitthere was a long wait to be seated
If you value quick, friendly service and efficient take-out, this place is a solid bet. Just be prepared for potential waits if dining in, and remember it's not a delivery spot.
Ambience (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Looking at the ambience, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 25%, based on 16 comments. However, there are some definite upsides! Guests appreciate the convenient parking, the charm of a family-owned business, and the delightful tropical scent, which helps create a great time for many.
On the flip side, 7 negative comments highlight areas needing attention. Many mention the shops cleanliness and the restaurant's exterior appearance. A significant concern is the lack of a proper dining area or seating, making it not a place to eat there, with amenities also noted as lacking.
Ambience
16
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient parking
- Family-owned charm
- Tropical aroma
What people don't like
- No dining area
- Dirty exterior
- Lacking amenities
Often praised
- family-owned businessLove the family owned business
- parkingMy experience at the restaurant was good overall, particularly because the service was fast and parking was convenient and easy to find in the afternoon. However, regarding the meal itself, I would rate it as OK.
- timemy friends and I had a great time there
- tropicsyou can smell the tropics
Frequently criticized
- amenitiesnot many amenities
- dining areaThere still isn't anywhere to sit. The dining area is closed
- exteriorThe Resturant looks dirty from the outside
- parkingService is fast and you can eat there or take it to go. Prices are reasonable and parking can be difficult.
- place to eatYou can call and just pick up the food. I wish they could bring it home because it's not a place to eat there.
- seatingdidn't have seating
- shopThe shop was kinda dirty
If youre looking for a quick pick-up and dont mind the exterior or lack of seating, this spot might work, especially with easy parking. However, if a comfortable dining experience with amenities is what you seek, you might be disappointed.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly delivers! Boasting a good score of 8.3 and a strong customer satisfaction of 78.9%, guests consistently praise the incredibly affordable prices and generous portions. Many feel theyre getting some of the best deals around, with comments frequently highlighting the great value and reasonable costs.
This sentiment is echoed in 15 positive remarks out of 19 total. However, theres one minor consideration to keep in mind. The main point of friction, noted in 1 out of 19 customer remarks, is that its a cash-only establishment.
While this doesnt impact the overall affordability or the feeling that the price is worth it, it's a detail some found inconvenient during their visit.
Value
19
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Great value
What people don't like
- Cash only payment
Often praised
- priceI've visited this restaurant a few times before, usually opting for the chicken katsu mini plate. This time, I tried the broccoli lunch plate with chicken teriyaki, and all the food was very delicious with a great price. You truly can't beat that combo!
- pricesfair prices
- PricesService is fast and you can eat there or take it to go. Prices are reasonable and parking can be difficult.
- affordablebeing affordable
- best dealsThe portions were generous, offering a lot of food for a very affordable cost. It truly felt like one of the best deals in town.
- cash onlytake out & cash only place
- comboCan't beat that combo!
- great pricesgreat prices
- great valueThe portion size was so generous it set off the airbag alarm on my passenger seat 🤣. The people were nice, the food was yummy, and it offered great value. I had a take-out dinner, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- price per personthe price per person was very affordable
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyit's a cash only establishment
If youre seeking fantastic bang for your buck, this place is a solid bet. Just remember to come prepared with cash, as its a cash-only spot, which could be a minor hurdle for some. Overall, you'll likely find the generous portions and fair prices make it a worthwhile visit.
How are the prices at Hawaiian Drive Inn?
Expect to pay about 18 per person, based on 35 reviews. That places it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for quick bites.
Most diners spend within this $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster tightly around the average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 35 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Francisco. It’s a good value for what you get!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hawaiian Drive Inn
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Value and Yummy Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The portion size was so generous it set off the airbag alarm on my passenger seat 🤣. The people were nice, the food was yummy, and it offered great value.
I had a take-out dinner, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- portion size10
- Nice people9
- yummy food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Food, Fast Service, Affordable
My experience at this take out spot was great! The service was pretty fast, and the food was great. I was impressed with the generous portion sizes, especially considering how affordable it was.
I got the Mini Chicken Katsu, and it was more than enough for me.
- service9
- food9
- portion sizes9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Hawaiian Food - Must Try!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I would fly back to SF just to eat the Katsu and Mac salad again. The Hawaiian food was truly delicious.
I also had the best crab rangoons I’ve ever tasted, and the Spam musubi was an absolute 10/10!
- Katsu9
- Mac salad9
- Hawaiian food8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Good for Takeout, Not for Dining In
You can call and just pick up the food. I wish they could bring it home because it's not a place to eat there.
- food pickup7
- home delivery4
- place to eat3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Salty Sausage Ruined the Meal
My experience at the restaurant was centered around a disappointing egg dish. I ordered the only egg item on the menu, which came with Philippine sausage. Unfortunately, the sausage was so salty that it was inedible to me.
While a young, hungry person might find it delicious, it was a significant drawback for my meal. The overall food quality was rated a 3, service a 5, and atmosphere a 3.
- Philippine sausage2
- salty2
- inedible1
What Hawaiian Drive Inn offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Hawaiian Drive Inn?
At Hawaiian Drive Inn, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a quick bite or small plates, and it’s also considered good for kids. You can choose to dine-in, get takeout, or have your meal delivered.
What are the parking and payment options at Hawaiian Drive Inn?
Parking near Hawaiian Drive Inn in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood can sometimes be a bit challenging, but you can usually find free or paid street parking. When it comes to payment, please note that the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis.
How does Hawaiian Drive Inn generally rate?
Hawaiian Drive Inn holds a good overall score of **7.6**, with strong marks for **Value** (8.3), **Service** (8), and **Food** (7.7). However, **Ambience** (4.9) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Hawaiian Drive Inn?
Patrons frequently praise the generous portions and **great prices**, making it a **great value**. Many also highlight the **friendly staff** and delicious **Chicken Katsu** and **Spam musubi**.
Are there any downsides to visiting Hawaiian Drive Inn?
The main points of concern include the lack of a **dining area** as it’s currently take-out only, and it’s a **cash only** establishment. Some also mention **parking** can be difficult.