Ohana Hawaiian BBQ — Restaurant in Vista

The Ohana Hawaiian BBQ in Vista is a poorly run business. I have been to other Ohanas and other Hawaiian restaurants, many in Hawaii, but this Ohana's service is dismal. The business opens at 11 a.m. Last year, I arrived at 11:05 a.m. and waited until 11:15 a.m., still closed. I reported the closure to corporate. Today, I could not find service.

Today, I arrived at 12:25 p.m. and waited ten minutes while a senior male staffer and a young male staffer were cooking and preparing orders in the kitchen. There were five people ahead of me waiting for their orders and a couple of people behind me. Noticeably, the senior staffer is extremely slow, struggling in bringing 4 trays, one at a time, to the counter for a large order. After the customer had picked up most of his trays, the senior staffer returned to the kitchen, tinkered aimlessly, and ignored the new customers. After an additional five minutes wait, the senior staffer returned to the counter so I can order. However, he could not help me and the others behind me as he, pointing to the waiting people, had to take care of the phone orders.

I find it odd and amazing that a fast food restaurant is run so SLOWLY. Avoiding this pitiful service, I replied that I'll come back some other time.

Not wishing to disappoint my family for Hawaiian food, I simply went 3 freeway exits east and hit L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in San Marcos, a quick 3 minutes wait to order and a quick 10 minutes wait for pickup. Usually, the waits are longer.

In conclusion, Ohana's service is extremely poor, or a lack thereof, compared to fast food restaurants. I do not believe that the senior staffer is capable. I am a senior, capable in many fields, and also retired. The senior staffer should carefully examine and be cognizant of his capabilities and make a decision on retirement, not the worse thing...

It's hard to choose a favorite item to order here, but ultimately I must give my endorsement of the Chicken Katsu. Chicken Katsu is rather prominent on menus throughout the area, but here is where to find the best. Paired with their dipping sauce, the Katsu is always piping hot and pleasingly tender. I've seen other places turn their Katsu into over breaded dry bricks, but never happened here. Trust me on this, I went once a week for a year while on a temporary work assignment nearby at their old location and Never had...

The gentleman who helped me was very nice and upbeat! I got the volcano chicken (so dang good) and the katsu chicken, it was all delicious! My partner got the seafood combo and short ribs, smelled so good and tasted great! The only thing we weren't a fan of was the sauce for the shrimp. A bit too pickly for us but we aren't huge fans of them. Overall great experience and will...