Pounders Hawaiian Grill - Niceville — Restaurant in Niceville

They have an online ordering system which is nice if you don't feel like going inside you can order online and they bring it out to you. Prices are not too bad for the amount of food you can get. Was only 6.15 for teriyaki chicken with white rice and brown rice. The waitress seems friendly which is better than some places with cranky staff. The food was ready 4 minutes after the online order estimate. They were busy when I ordered so thats a good time frame. There was an issue I seen through the window of the order pick up though, one of the cooks was drinking from their personal water bottle and didn't wash hands afterwards, instead they wiped their hands off on their pants and continued working. A bit of a shame cause the food smells good when being brought out and seeing stuff like a cook not washing hands after eating and drinking and only wiping them off on pants is a bit of a concern for me. I was happy when I seen chicken thighs cause my husband whos a native pacific islanders BBQ chicken thighs are a favorite of our family and friends. As far as taste goes its good but not my favorite. The chicken was more sweet than I'd like and I don't think the Marinade was able to sit as long as it should. The flavor was more on the outside and didn't set in as much as it should have for being marinated. The chicken was fully cooked and so was the rice without being overdone or underdone. My husband is a guam native so i know a good bit about pacific Island food and what it tastes like. Its got some things going for it like the marinating and the char from being grilled and the rice as a side. But was a bit sweeter than I'd expect from a pacific inspired restaurant. With taste, cost, quality, quantity, and professionalism all included...

I rarely write reviews, but my recent experience compels me to share what happened.

I placed an online order for 13 plates, yet four of them were incorrect. Unfortunately, those with incorrect orders had dietary restrictions, which meant they couldn’t eat their meals.

Wanting to provide feedback, I called the restaurant. I was polite, understanding that mistakes happen. However, instead of offering an apology or constructive response, the manager I spoke with was shockingly rude. He suggested that I should’ve placed a catering order instead, even though 13 plates hardly seemed excessive for a restaurant to handle. I politely pointed out that they should be able to manage an order of that size without issue. That’s when the tone changed—he began raising his voice, claiming they don't accept online orders over 10 items and that this policy is clearly stated on their website. In reality, there’s no indication of such a limit online.

When I mentioned that, he interrupted, saying if I placed a similar order in the future, he’d cancel it outright. His attitude was so unprofessional that I finally told him there wouldn’t be a next time. He then shouted, “Fine, I don’t need your business!” before hanging up.

This behavior was shocking and unacceptable from a customer service standpoint. As a veteran and someone who works closely with the military community, I can’t support a business that treats customers with such disrespect. I encourage others to avoid this establishment. The rudeness and lack of accountability I experienced should not...

Pounders - A Taste of Hawaiian Heaven

If you're seeking an authentic Hawaiian dining experience, look no further than Pounders. Nestled in a charming spot right next to a gas station, Pounders delivers on all fronts, particularly when it comes to their exceptional pig and chicken dishes.

The standout at Pounders is undeniably the pig. Their Kalua Pig is a revelation – tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky, savory flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, transporting you to a luau on a Hawaiian beach. It's evident that great care and traditional methods go into preparing this dish, resulting in an unforgettable taste.

Equally impressive is the Teriyaki Chicken. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is succulent and imbued with a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. The caramelized glaze on the chicken adds a wonderful depth, making it an absolute must-try.

Service at Pounders is top-notch. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. Their recommendations were spot-on, guiding us to some of the best items on the menu.

In summary, Pounders is a gem that offers a slice of Hawaiian paradise right on your plate. The exquisite pig and chicken dishes, combined with the inviting atmosphere and stellar service, make it a standout destination for food lovers. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Pounders promises a meal you won't soon forget. Mahalo, Pounders, for a truly extraordinary...