Chicken & Brisket — Restaurant in Oʻahu

One of the few places that stays open later than most eateries. Reviews appeared pretty impressive and someone from our group of 14 (6 teens + 8 adults) recommended the place.

Having finished an athletic tournament, we entered the eatery a little after 9 PM to fill our stomachs. Upon entry we were greeted by a very polite server and she said "You can sit anywhere". We combined 3 tables and a half to accommodate for our large group comfortably. I took notice a group of 5 males were sitting at 1 table & a couple sitting at another.

QRCode & a regular menu was made available to us. Within a matter of a few minutes, we were ready to order, but our server was still bringing out the water for everyone and any other refreshments requested. While doing so, some of us needed to use the restroom. Being it was our 1st time in the eatery, naturally we asked where restroom is located.

Our server said we needed a key for the restroom, which she handed to me. She then gave us instructions to exit to the back door, walk straight the back, and look for a blue door to the right. Before doing so, I asked "How many stalls?" and she replied "1". We followed her exact instructions and found their restroom. The path we followed was like walking in an alley way; dark and minimal lighting/dim (recommend to walk with a partner). Unlocking & opening the door, you'd think you were at a rural rest stop. Restroom tiles were of a shade brown, lighting itself made things worse, sink rusty with hard water streaks, and the toilet had black stains. Restroom needs professional cleaning or at the very least clorox or any other brand bathroom all in 1 cleaner to be used daily. I ended up just washing my hands and told the others what to expect going in.

Back inside, whomever didnt use the restroom had put all orders in from appetizers to main dishes. Thirty minutes later, nothing had been served. I inquired with our server as to how long it normally takes for orders to come out and she replies "About 20 minute because the cooks need to cook the chicken well enough" and I said "Ok". Approximately 15 minutes later, our nacho appetizers were finally served. Our kids all shared and it was gone in a matter of a few minutes. Then it became a waiting game for everything else we ordered to be served.

In the meantime, the adults in our group were noticing people coming in and not taking a seat in the dining area, but at the bar area, which is nearest to the entry door (first thing u see). Since they kept showing the host, whom also was our server their cell phone, it was easy to conclude they had online orders. One male who came in apparently didnt have his order ready that he said "Ordered 30 minutes ago" shouted to the host "IF YOU DONT HAVE MY ORDER READY IN 10 MINUTES, IM LEAVING". We saw her make her way back to the kitchen area. Male in black shirt walked outside to his car. Two female customers who entered just a few minutes apart who came in after him took a seat once host told them their orders were being worked on. Guy w/black shirt entered again asking for his order and was finally handed 2 large bags that he carried to his car. About 4 minutes later, he came back in to tell the host he was missing something from his orders. He then again had to wait another 10 minutes. Customers with online orders continued to come in and still ended up having to wait.

An hour and 20 minutes later, I then spoke to our server again when our orders would be out and she said "three of our cooks are working on them right now". I had some doubt there was actually 3 working, but our server was far too polite to be one to lie. Ten minutes after speaking with her, our server brought out two orders; Brisket...

The Best: Drinks were well made and fairly priced. Complimented the food options well and the tastes were full of surprises. Seriously, try this place for Happy Hour and you will not be disappointed. The Good: Holy ($#!+)...ummm..moly, the food was so damn good. Tried several samples of chicken and one of the brisket. All had merit, but the 'yum' chicken plate was a lot of food cooked exactly crispy enough with just the right amount of sauce and tenderness. An actual 10 right here in Hawaii. The just OK: I would suggest to steer clear of the "Bowls" as the amount of food in them compared to the rice leaves much to be desired. I would have left hungry if I didn't order two to try. Even with this small shortcoming, I stand by My 5 star review. I plan on coming back very soon with some other hungry family members who will also give their review so we can help spread the word about this great place. Please remember, this place is new and ready for your helpful suggestions. If you have an idea that would help them out, ask to talk to Matthew and you will be surprised by his willingness to consider your request. Give this place an honest try and I think you will not be disappointed!!

Costs: Food is truly between $10 and $20 Drinks are $9 for basic and $12 for specialty Happy hour is for several hours and offer pupus, $1 off cocktails, and beer...

If you want to be successful in the restaurant industry, put all of your microwaves and deep freezers in the dumpster. If you're going to sell fried chicken and brisket, it should never be frozen before or after it's cooked or "smoked." I could tell that you microwaved the corn-mac and cheese. The brisket had been frozen and reheated. The texture was like no brisket I'd ever had. It didn't pull apart AT ALL. The brisket also had a freezer burn taste to it. The chicken has potential, work on the breading (cheap flour is a no-go) seasoning, and attempt to drain the excess oil off. To say "you will be back" Insinuating that the food will be so delicious that we will be back for more, is a joke. I will come back for a refund!! And the "brisket chili" is terrible too. It has the same bubblegum brisket that I mentioned before. I had no idea that chili was made with rice with liquid cheese. The low quality of this food is typical for Ohau. For those of us who have been to other states, know what smoked brisket and fried chicken is supposed to be. I'm confident that you all will understand that this place has a long way to go. I feel like I wasted $70. If I'm going to pay this for two plates, it must have...