Cuisine & Specialties
- Cuisine: Casual Hawaiian–American fusion (tiki bar style). The menu blends island-inspired pupus (appetizers) and grill fare with local flavors.
- Signature dishes: Frequent favorites include a hearty loco moco (fried egg over rice and wagyu beef with gravy), the Seared Ahi Tuna BLT sandwich, a “Big Kahuna” burger, and fresh poke bowls. Other highlights are Kalua pork, fish tacos, and shareable pupus like coconut shrimp or dynamite-style bowls.
- Local flair: Traditional Hawaiian touches show up in items like banana lumpia (sweet plantain rolls) and kimchi fried rice. The full bar features classic tropical cocktails (Mai Tais, piña coladas, etc.) made with fresh juices and house-made syrups, emphasizing the island’s bounty.
Notable Features & Ambiance
- Price range: Moderate ($$). Entrees typically run around $10–$30.
- Setting: An open-air tiki bar on the Sheraton’s pool/beach deck, with thatched roofs and panoramic ocean views. The lively surf-inspired decor and poolside atmosphere give it a fun, resort-style vibe.
- Atmosphere: Tropical and relaxed yet energetic. By day it’s a breezy poolside hangout; in the evenings it fills with live Hawaiian music and island cocktails (around 5:30–7:30pm daily). The bar area has televisions for sports, but the overall mood remains family-friendly.
- Amenities: Outdoor patio seating right by the ocean and pool. Full bar with signature cocktails and local beers. Valet service is offered (small fee), plus plenty of free parking on the hotel property. High chairs and booster seats make it kid-friendly. The layout is generally flat and wheelchair-accessible.
- Dress code: Very casual – beachwear, aloha shirts, flip-flops and shorts are all perfectly acceptable. No formal attire required.
History & Background
- Opened: October 2019, as part of the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort’s extensive renovation (the property was formerly a Courtyard by Marriott).
- Concept: Created as a surf-inspired tiki lounge celebrating local surf culture – its name comes from Kapaa’s nearby “Crooked Surf” wave. The resort’s redesign (by design firm Gensler) emphasizes Kauai’s coastal scenery, which the Crooked Surf channels in its laid-back decor.
- Ownership: Operated by Marriott’s Sheraton brand as the resort’s poolside bar/grill. There isn’t an independent chef or restaurateur behind it – it’s essentially the hotel’s own tiki bar.
- Reputation: Featured on Hawaii tourism sites (e.g. GoHawaii) for its cocktails and oceanfront setting. While it hasn’t won major culinary awards, it’s often mentioned in local guides and reviews for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff. Many guests view it as a highlight for sunset drinks or casual island dining.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
- What guests praise: Reviewers consistently applaud the oceanfront views and festive Tiki-bar vibe. The staff is often described as friendly and accommodating. Many specifically highlight the creative cocktails and live Hawaiian music as standouts. Signature dishes like the ahi tuna BLT or loco moco receive enthusiastic mentions, as do the generous happy hour deals (3–6pm daily). Families also note the kid-friendly setting – a grassy area lets children play while adults relax.
- What guests criticize: A common theme is that the food, while decent, is casual fare and sometimes viewed as average for the price (e.g. “fish and chips was good but not spectacular”). Some visitors mention that prices skew high for bar-style meals. A few reviews point out that service can slow when the place is busy, and that the upbeat bar atmosphere (TVs, crowds, music) can be loud. In sum, most come for the ambiance and drinks; a handful caution diners not to expect fine-dining sophistication in the kitchen.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Open daily 11 AM–10 PM (no regular weekly closures). (Always check for seasonal or holiday changes.)
- Reservations: Accepted (online via OpenTable or by phone). Recommended for weekend evenings or large parties. Smaller groups often find space during off-peak hours (early lunch or late afternoon).
- Best times: Late afternoon/early evening is popular for sunset views and happy hour (3–6 PM). If you prefer a quieter meal, try going right at opening (11 AM) or after 7 PM. Live music typically starts around 5:30 PM each night.
- Parking & access: Free self-parking is available on the Sheraton lot; valet service (for a fee) is offered at the entrance. Wheelchair ramp access and restroom facilities are onsite. High chairs are provided for young children.
- Dress code: Super casual – beachwear and shorts are fine. No stiff dress code enforcement.
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (no surprise cash-only policy). Tipping (15–20%) on the bill or for cocktails is customary.
- Other tips:
- Happy Hour: Every day 3–6 PM brings discounted appetizers (e.g. $3 off pupus) and drink specials.
- Pool orders: You can eat/drink by the pool – just tip your server to take orders there.
- Be a non-guest: You don’t have to be hotel guest to dine here, but let the host know if you’re not staying there (they welcome “day guests”).
- Quiet spot: Seating by the far end (closer to the garden) tends to be slightly quieter than right at the bar.
- Vegetarian/vegan: A few meat-free options exist (like salads or veggie bowls), but it’s primarily meat- and seafood-focused.
- Cash alternative: No free pool towels – guests bring their own towels if not staying at the resort. (Carry sunscreen for the daytime sun.)
