Go Big or Go Home at BCD

There is one mantra I earnestly try to live by when dining out: “Go big, or go home.”

To attempt to enjoy a meal any other way would just be restrictive.

It’s a relief then, to stop by Big City Diner, whose name brings to mind images of “big” dishes that embody the restaurant’s name.

It isn’t just the sheer amount of options at Big City Diner that lures me through the doors. Its greatest asset is its ability to serve comfort food that reflects a variety of island influences.

Baby Back Ribs ($18.99 “not so big slab,” $22.99 “big slab”), for instance, present a lot more than your typical barbecue flair.

After the ribs are slowly oven-roasted for five hours, they are glazed with a guava puree and homemade barbecue sauce.

A breakfast favorite, Roasted Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Haupia Creme Sauce ($7.99 “not so big stack,” $8.99 “big stack”) are made with Mauna Loa macadamia nuts.

And for dessert, the Big Brownie Bubbies Pie ($7.99) showcases the restaurant’s brownies made in-house topped with Bubbies’ vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate. The dish is garnished with homemade whipped cream and macadamia nuts.

According to owner Lane Muraoka, it is the most popular dessert the diner offers.

Currently, customers are encouraged to enter the restaurant’s March Madness contest for a chance to win a Vacation’s Hawaii trip for two.

Come April 7, Big City Diner also will be tuned into the championship games. Though the main party will take place at its Ward location, the restaurant’s Kaimuki and Waipio locations also will participate and feature drink specials, as well as prize giveaways.

Big City Diner

WARD
Ward Entertainment Center
1060 Auahi St, Ste 4, Honolulu
591-8891
Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.-midnight

AIEA
98-211 Pali Momi St. #900, Aiea
487-8188
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 7 a.m.-midnight Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.