You’re in Luck at Wailana

For the past 45 years, locals and tourists alike have adored Wailana Coffee House, where a treasured brand of American diner fare accented with a distinct island twist bears no comparison to other dining establishments around town. In addition to providing hearty helpings of comfort food 24 hours a day, the Waikiki mainstay has made its way into patrons’ hearts by enhancing their holiday celebrations with festive menus year-round.

With just a wee day left before St. Patrick’s Day arrives, there’s no better place to embrace the luck of the Irish than at Wailana, where a special menu will be available March 17 from 11 a.m. to midnight. According to server Sylvia Noneza, who’s worked at the restaurant since the 1980s, Wailana has gotten into the spirit of the holiday for decades.

“We like to follow the tradition, that’s why we always do this,” says Noneza. “People really like (The St. Patrick’s Day menu) because it’s really original, and it’s homemade — we make everything on there.”

With a bundle of shamrocks and lucky charms in toe, you can feast on Eire-inspired fare such as Corned Beef and Cabbage, Killarney ($14.25). The dish features moist, tender pieces of corned beef placed on top of caraway flavored cabbage wedges, along with boiled potatoes and carrots on the side. Creamed horseradish sauce and mustard also add a punch of flavor to this staple.

Irish cuisine is known for its satisfying meat-and-potato style meals, and Wailana’s Roast Chicken O’Shannon ($12.95) is no exception. Half of a wonderfully seasoned chicken is blanketed in rich gravy and served with macadamia nut stuffing. Like all of the St. Patrick’s Day menu dinners, Roast Chicken comes with a choice of baked potato, mashed potato, french fries or rice, as well as corn on the cob and coffee, tea or a soft drink. The eatery’s all-you-can-eat salad bar also is included with entrees, as well as chocolate mint cake to end the meal.

Salmon also is commonly enjoyed in Ireland, where flourishing rivers abound with fresh fish. This St. Patrick’s Day, you can enjoy Fillet of Salmon Florentine ($13.50), which is poached in a court bouillon, served on a bed of spinach and perfected with Wailana’s signature hollandaise sauce.

To complement your menu choice, Irish Coffee with whiskey and whipped cream, or glasses of Chablis, Vin Rose or Burgundy wines are available for $4.50 each. And if you just can’t wait to start celebrating, you can come in nice and early to enjoy a St. Patty’s Day Breakfast Special ($9.25; available from 6 a.m.), presenting corned beef hash with two large eggs (any style), hash brown potatoes, toast and coffee.

So go ahead, put on your best green garb and strap on your kilt, then head to Wailana Coffee House for a St. Patrick’s Day you won’t soon forget.

Wailana Coffee House

1860 Ala Moana Blvd.
955-1764
Open daily, 24 hours (Closed from 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday)
Note: Public parking available beneath the restaurant.