Key Details
- Official Name: Lilikoi Bar & Grill (often just “Lilikoi Bar and Grill”)
- Address: 3501 Rice St, #2009, Lihue, HI 96766
- Coordinates: Approx. 21.9613° N, 159.3532° W (Harbor Mall, Nawiliwili area of Lihue)
- Area on Kauai: Lihue (southeastern Kauai, near Kalapaki Bay/Nawiliwili Harbor)
- Phone: (808) 320-3066
- Website: lilikoibarandgrill.com
- Cuisine Type: Eclectic Hawaiian Regional cuisine with French, Mexican, and American influences. Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, plus an in-house French bakery for pastries.
- Price Range: $$ (moderate; typical entrées under ~$30). Note: Some visitors feel prices run high even by local standards.
- Hours: Open for breakfast through dinner, roughly 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM most days. Closed on Tuesdays (as of 2024–2025). Happy Hour offered daily ~3:00–5:30 PM.
Location & Ambiance
Lilikoi Bar & Grill is located on the second floor of Harbor Mall in Lihue, offering an open-air dining experience with views overlooking Kalapaki Bay (Nawiliwili Harbor). The restaurant’s setting is relaxed and island-themed, with a casual “aloha” atmosphere. Guests can sit on the outdoor balcony to enjoy fresh ocean breezes and a partial ocean view of the harbor and surrounding mountains. The decor embraces a fun tropical vibe – one reviewer noted “super fun stained glass parrot lamps” and an inviting island-inspired décor throughout. As is common on Kauai, you might even encounter a friendly wild rooster or chicken wandering by the patio, adding to the local charm of the open-air setup. Overall the ambiance is casual, family-friendly, and welcoming, suitable for anything from a post-beach meal to a laid-back night out.
Cuisine & Menu
Lilikoi’s menu is broad and fusion-inspired, reflecting Hawaii’s diversity. The owners (whose restaurant’s name “lilikoi” means passion fruit in Hawaiian) bring over 50 years of combined experience in the bakery and restaurant industry. They’ve crafted a menu that features local Hawaiian favorites alongside dishes with French and Mexican flair. You’ll find everything from island-style appetizers (pupus) and fresh seafood to pastas, steaks, and sandwiches. Notably, the restaurant also houses a French bakery, so all breads, pastries, and desserts are house-made daily – something that sets Lilikoi apart. For example, burgers and sandwiches come on freshly baked bread, and the pastry case tempts diners with items like croissants, cakes, and tarts each morning.
Breakfast is a highlight here, served until around 1 PM with options like loco moco (a local hearty breakfast), omelets, and popular sweet treats (their banana macadamia nut pancakes have been praised by visitors). Lunch and dinner offerings range from fresh fish tacos and salads to hearty burgers and pastas. Many dishes incorporate tropical flavors or ingredients – even the condiments get a twist (e.g. lilikoi chili aioli or passion fruit barbecue sauce). The restaurant is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly as well, offering meatless dishes and substitutions so that nearly everyone can find something appealing. A dedicated kids’ menu is available (with approachable choices like a kids’ burger, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, etc.) to keep younger diners happy.
As a full bar and grill, Lilikoi features a large bar with local brews, tropical cocktails, wine, and daily drink specials. There is a popular Happy Hour every afternoon (typically 3:00–5:30pm) with discounted pupus and drinks – a perfect chance to sample appetizers and island beers after a day of exploring. The overall dining style is casual, and the dress code is come-as-you-are (shorts and aloha shirts are totally fine).
Specialties & Popular Dishes
Lilikoi Bar & Grill has quickly become known for several signature dishes and specialties that get frequent shout-outs in reviews:
- Loco Moco: A quintessential Hawaiian comfort dish – white rice topped with a wagyu beef patty, fried egg, and rich mushroom-brown gravy (Lilikoi adds crispy onion straws and a touch of sweet soy). Their rendition “regularly earns rave reviews” for its flavor and presentation. Some guests even rank it among the best loco mocos they’ve had in Hawaii. For big appetites, the menu features a “Double Loco Moco” with two patties.
- Lilikoi Cheesecake: A house-made dessert that celebrates the restaurant’s namesake fruit. This passion fruit cheesecake offers a tangy-sweet tropical twist on a classic cheesecake. It’s often cited as “absolutely delicious” – so much so that visitors come back just for this dessert. Save room for a slice if you can.
- Kalua Pork Sliders: Slow-roasted Hawaiian kalua pork served on fresh baked slider buns (often with a special sauce or slaw). These sliders, one of the popular pupus, are so tasty that “rumor has it they’ve started actual fights” (in jest) because they’re in high demand! During happy hour all pupus, including these sliders, are discounted – a great time to try them.
- Fresh Island Seafood: Lilikoi offers several seafood dishes that are crowd favorites. The Fish & Chips here use locally caught mahi mahi, battered and fried crisp, served with house tartar sauce – reviewers note it’s one of the dishes that “keeps diners coming back for more”. Fish tacos (a frequently ordered item) and a macadamia nut-crusted fresh fish entrée with lilikoi cream sauce are also popular – though one diner suggested requesting sauce on the side if you prefer less sweetness.
- Coconut Shrimp: A classic Hawaiian pupu done well – large shrimp coated in a coconut crust, fried golden and paired with a sweet Thai chili dipping sauce. Many patrons list these as a must-try, especially at happy hour.
- Bulgogi Kimchi Fries: This inventive appetizer fuses Korean and local flavors – crispy fries topped with marinated steak (bulgogi), kimchi, wasabi aioli, and sriracha. It’s a spicy-savory indulgence that perfectly accompanies a cold beer. This item reflects Lilikoi’s multi-ethnic flair and has been noted as a unique hit, particularly among those who enjoy bold flavors.
- Breakfast Pastries & Baked Goods: Thanks to the on-site bakery, the morning pastry selection is exceptional. Guests rave about items like the ube (purple sweet potato) and lilikoi muffins, croissants, turnovers, and other pastries, as well as special desserts in the case. The banana–macadamia nut pancakes (part of the breakfast menu) are also frequently described as “excellent” and are a delicious island-style way to start your day.
Of course, the menu has much more – from burgers (the Ahi tuna burger and various Wagyu beef burgers are well-reviewed) to pastas (like house-made meatball fettuccine) and salads. Portions are generally generous, and the chefs infuse local touches (tropical fruits, macadamia nuts, lilikoi glaze, etc.) into many dishes to give you a true taste of Kauai.
Features & Amenities
One big draw of Lilikoi Bar & Grill is the breadth of its offerings and the convenience for travelers:
- All-Day Dining: It’s one of the few spots on Kauai serving food all day long, 7 days a week (breakfast through dinner), and even staying open slightly later than many local restaurants. This makes it a handy stop if you arrive on a late flight or want dinner after 8 PM (when many places close). It’s located just 2 minutes from Lihue Airport by car, so it’s become a popular “first or last meal” on the island for many visitors.
- Accessibility: The restaurant is on the second floor but is wheelchair accessible (there is an elevator in the mall), and the staff is accommodating to those with mobility needs. The Harbor Mall location also means there is a large free parking lot (no hassle finding parking).
- Seating & Views: The dining area is mostly open-air, with a roof cover. There’s an outdoor patio/balcony overlooking the harbor, as well as indoor (but open-sided) seating. The ocean view and people-watching from the balcony tables are frequently praised, so if it’s a nice day, request a patio table for the best atmosphere.
- Full Bar & Happy Hour: As a bar and grill, Lilikoi has a full liquor license. The bar area is a vibrant spot in the evenings – they sometimes have sports on the TVs and a lively crowd. The happy hour (3:00–5:30pm daily) is noted as one of the best on the island for value, featuring $2 off beers and house wines, discounted cocktails, and half-priced pupus (exact specials may vary). It’s a great time to sample their tropical drinks (like a Li Hing Mui margarita or a local Lilikoi Lager) and appetizers at lower prices.
- Family-Friendly Touches: Despite the bar aspect, Lilikoi is very kid-friendly. There are high chairs available and a dedicated kids’ menu. The vibe is noisy and casual enough that families with children feel comfortable. (It’s common to see multi-generational local families dining out here.) The presence of roaming chickens can also entertain the little ones!
- Dietary Options: Lilikoi strives to accommodate various diets. In addition to vegetarian and vegan menu items (like veggie stir-fries, salads, and tofu options), they can often adjust dishes to be gluten-free (for example, using lettuce wraps or offering rice instead of bread). Just ask your server – the team is described as very helpful with special requests.
- Reservations & Wait: The restaurant accepts limited reservations (via OpenTable or by phone), but generally holds most tables for walk-ins given the tourist traffic. They also use a Yelp online waitlist system during busy periods. Expect a wait at peak dinner times – it’s not uncommon to wait 30–60 minutes during the rush (especially when a cruise ship is in port or on weekends). Locals suggest coming for a slightly late lunch or early dinner to avoid the crowd, or take advantage of happy hour timing. If you’re on a tight schedule, try to arrive right at opening for breakfast or use their online waitlist to save a spot.
Customer Reviews & Impressions
Lilikoi Bar & Grill has earned a strong reputation in its few years of operation, though feedback can vary. On TripAdvisor it has received Travelers’ Choice 2024 honors and averages around 4.2 out of 5 stars (with over 200 reviews), indicating most visitors leave happy. Many reviewers on that platform praise the friendly service and tasty food, calling it a “welcoming” spot for both tourists and locals. Google reviews likewise skew very positive.
On Yelp, the rating is more moderate (around 3.5/5 from ~600 reviews), reflecting a mix of opinions often seen with local eateries. Frequent praises in reviews include the large portions, the breadth of the menu (something for everyone), and standout items like pastries, loco moco and fresh fish dishes. The staff is often highlighted as being warm, attentive, and quick, with specific servers (e.g. “ask for TJ”) mentioned for excellent service. The convenient location (near the airport and resorts) and the scenic views are also commonly appreciated bonuses.
As for critiques, the most common one is about price – a number of reviewers feel that some dishes are overpriced for what you get. For example, one guest noted that “every item on the menu was $5–$10 more than it should have been” given the portion/quality, though they acknowledged everything in Hawaii is expensive and Lilikoi is hardly alone in that regard. Wait times and service speed during peak hours have been occasional sore points – when the restaurant is full, you might wait a while for a table or for your food, and a few reviewers reported slower service when the staff is slammed. However, those who visited in off-peak times often had no complaints, and management does encourage joining the waitlist or making a reservation to help mitigate this. Finally, because the menu is so extensive, not every dish is a home run – a few diners felt certain items were just “okay” or not to their personal taste (for instance, a person who ordered a sweet lilikoi sauce on fish but found they preferred a more savory preparation). Yet even middling reviews often concede that others in their party loved their meals, so it seems to depend on what you order and personal preference.
In summary, Lilikoi Bar & Grill in Lihue offers a little bit of everything: a convenient location, a relaxed island atmosphere with great views, and a menu that spans from French pastries and local favorites at breakfast to hearty seafood, steak, and pasta dinners. It’s family-owned and operated with evident passion – the name itself signals the owners’ love for Kauai’s flavors. This restaurant is an excellent option for travelers looking to kick off or wrap up a Kauai trip, as well as for anyone craving a one-stop spot that can please a diverse group of palates. Just plan ahead for peak times, bring an appetite (and perhaps a sweet tooth for that lilikoi cheesecake), and enjoy the genuine aloha hospitality and flavors that Lilikoi Bar & Grill is known for. “We make it happen with Passion!” as the restaurant’s motto says – and by most accounts, they do just that for their guests.
Sources:
- Official Lilikoi Bar & Grill website (menus, about us, hours)
- TripAdvisor – Travelers’ Choice 2024, location details, and visitor reviews
- Yelp/MapQuest – visitor photos and reviews, popular dishes, ratings
- HawaiianIslands.com review – local expert summary of food, ambiance, and tips
- Social media (Instagram/Facebook) – current hours and announcements
- Reddit travel report – candid feedback on food quality and pricing (via user review)
- OpenTable listing – cuisine categorization, amenities, and basic info.
