Ige’s New Lunch Wagon at the 19th Puka

For years, diners from all across the island have been coming to Aiea’s famed Ige’s Restaurant & 19th Puka. Popular for its local-style, comfort food, the eatery now welcomes its customers to stop by for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ige’s new lunch service offers a multitude of benefits for its diners. “True to what a lunch wagon is all about, the process is completely hassle-free and easy,” says Ron Ige, owner of Ige’s Restaurant & 19th Puka. “Instead of having table service, customers can come in, order their food, pour their own drinks and we will call them when the food is ready.”

Equipped with multiple television screens and wide-open tables that can hold upward of 300 diners total, the restaurant serves as the ideal place for gatherings, small to large.

“Our customers can pick up their food while watching television or among friends within the comforts of a spacious, air-conditioned setting,” says Ige.

Similar to the dinner menu, Ige’s lunch menu features an impressive variety of express menu items with daily specials. Local favorites include Shoyu Pork ($9), a teriyaki-style roast pork glazed with a shoyu marinade, as well as Sesame Chicken Salad ($8.50), served on a bed of fresh greens and vegetables with tender grilled chicken breast in a special house-made teriyaki sauce.

In addition, with the presence of a new chef, the restaurant now features fresh fish such as Fish Tofu Patties ($10), made with Aala tofu and water chestnuts. Many customers also enjoy Ige’s special Furikake Ahi ($12), which is coated and grilled to medium in a spicy teriyaki oyster sauce.

“We constantly monitor the fish auction and go at least twice a week,” explains Ige. “We get the freshest catch available, and nothing is ever frozen.”

In addition to self-service lunch, those interested also may use the restaurant to host private parties for up to 100 people.

“Right now, we have a lot of calls coming in for graduation parties or work events and fundraisers,” says Ige. “We have lots of space to entertain as well as a full bar, so the restaurant works as the perfect venue for any gathering.”

In harmony with the restaurant’s relaxed, easygoing attitude, Ige’s regularly hosts live entertainment and music for patrons to enjoy while dining. On Wednesdays, diners may participate in open mic night as well as listen to jazz.

The eatery also features Flashback Fridays, with music and dancing from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Customers may view the entire entertainment schedule online at igesrestaurant.com.

With its new lunch wagon service up and running, Ige’s hopes to open its doors to even more members of the local community.

“We are a family-run operation that is dedicated to quality and customer service,” says Ige. “In all that we do, our main focus is to serve delicious food and have a good time.”

Ige’s Restaurant & 19th Puka

98-761 Oihana Place, Aiea
486-3500
Open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; dinner Tuesday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m.