Diner that opened in 1952 serves 52-cent plates

Loco Moco ($12.83 regular). File photos

When L&L Dairy opened in 1932, owners Robert and Ida Lee couldn’t have dreamed that their little Waimanalo operation would someday grow into a cultural phenomenon. With more than 200 locations, L&L’s Hawaiian-style barbecue is now beloved in cities from Anchorage to Tokyo.

The popular Loco Moco ($8.37 mini; $12.83 regular) is just one of the plates that have attracted hearty appetites to L&L for decades, since Eddie Flores and Johnson Kam bought the chain in 1976. Fresh and cooked to order, the delicious hamburger patty is smothered with gravy and topped with a fried egg. Finish with a slice of pie from Ted’s Bakery provided from its shop on the North Shore.

Chicken Katsu (part of 52-cent deal)

As graduation season approaches, L&L is gearing up for island catering jobs.

“We offer a variety of local favorites, like chicken katsu and kalua pork, for events of any size,” says director of marketing Brandon Dela Cruz. “They’re perfect for graduation.”

A LOADED PLATE FOR UNDER $1

On Tuesday, June 18, to commemorate the opening of its first drive-inn in 1952, L&L’s Keeamoku Street location will offer 52-cent plate lunches. Between 10 a.m. and noon, treat yourself to Kalua Pork with Cabbage, Chicken Katsu, or Hamburger Steak for just 52 cents; add a Pepsi fountain drink for just 10 cents more! Last year, 1,500 people celebrated the delicious event. All proceeds benefit Goodwill Industries of Hawaii.