SIDE STREET INN
Gourmet Comfort Food at a Sports Bar
If you haven’t been to Side Street Inn yet, let me set something straight: You’re missing out on a serious Hawaii hotspot. Seriously, clear your calendar and head straight to this beloved local restaurant.
The legendary sports bar-with-soul first opened its doors in 1992. The original location is in Ala Moana on Hopaka Street, and a second location, Side Street Inn on Da Strip, is in Waikiki on Kapahulu Avenue.
My main advice when dining at Side Street is to bring your appetite! The tantalizing dishes are served family-style, and the portions are generous. From the sweet, tangy, tender lilikoi-glazed ribs to the signature garlicky chicken that will awaken your taste buds, every menu item is crave-worthy.
Side Street’s Signature Garlic Chicken: crunchy chicken dipped in a garlic sauce.
Side Street's Signature Fried Rice: char-siu, Portuguese sausage, bacon, peas, carrots, and green onions.
Side Street's Famous Pork Chops: seasoned and pan-friend to a golden brown.
Side Street's Yakisoba: fried noodles with garden veggies, fish cake, char siu, and cilantro
The restaurant was founded by Chef Colin Nishida, who never had formal cooking training. He learned the craft from his mother and through various restaurant jobs. He envisioned a friendly neighborhood bar and quickly became a chef's chef, catering to kitchen crews after their hectic shifts. Chef Alan Wong recalled how Nishida “created a haven for after work, for everyone in the restaurant industry, [a place] where the chefs wanted to eat.”
Anthony Bourdain also was captivated by Side Street Inn. He commented, “Once again, my ill-informed preconceptions of what to expect in Hawaii end up buried in an avalanche of great food." Praise from world-renowned critics like Bourdain speaks volumes about the restaurant’s authenticity and quality.
President Obama also dined at Side Street Inn in 2017, stopping by for lunch at Christmas Eve with his daughters.
Chef Nishida’s dedication earned him numerous awards, including Restaurateur of the Year by Honolulu Magazine. Although he passed away in 2018, his spirit and legacy live on through his restaurant.
If you're seeking hearty, unpretentious food and a vibe that's both relaxed and lively, Side Street Inn is your destination.
Trust me. Swing by and you'll want to thank me later.
See you there?