Plentiful Portions Prevail at Pipi’s Burgers

While burgers still reign as one of the all-time great comfort foods, some eateries don’t quite deliver on the ideal combination of taste and quality.

Pipi’s Burgers, a new sandwich spot that opened its doors July 26 at McCully Shopping Center, comes through for hungry patrons by offering gourmet burgers and sandwiches at prices that won’t break the bank. Pipi’s got its name from the Hawaiian word for beef, but in addition to the Angus beef creations, the restaurant also offers ahi, salmon, pork, shrimp and chicken on its simple yet robust menu that head cook Sonny Mauga spent more than three months creating.

“I tried to combine some Asian influences with American cuisine, and just fused those together,” says Mauga, who brings more than 16 years of culinary experience to Pipi’s kitchen. “Down the road, we’ll continue to add new specials and menu items as we continue to experiment with different tastes.”

All sandwiches and burgers at Pipi’s are priced below $10, and for $2.75 more, diners can make a combo meal with the addition of a large order of fries or onion rings and a medium drink. Through the remainder of August, Dining Out readers receive a complimentary small order of fries with every burger or sandwich. And, through September and October, Dining Out readers may enjoy Pipi’s birthday celebration specials, including a free cake for parties of 10 or more, or a free piece of cheesecake for individuals celebrating a birthday who purchase a regular food item and show I.D.

Furikake Ahi Burger ($9.50) has drawn rave reviews, as the hearty piece of succulent ahi takes the place of a traditional beef patty.

“It’s crusted with panko (bread crumbs) and furikake, and we also created a wasabi aioli that we serve with it, as well as the teriyaki glaze that goes on it,” explains Mauga. “That one’s flying out the door; everybody’s talking about Ahi Katsu.”

Shaka Short Rib Burger ($9.50) is another popular choice and resembles a plate lunch in a bun. The braised short ribs are de-boned and smothered with a kalbi aioli, spinach, sauteed onions and Swiss cheese — a combination of flavors that permeates each bite.

Similarly, Pork Ginger Burger ($8.75) features an intriguing mix of flavors, including a sauce composed of sake, mirin and shoyu, as well as fried onions that top the tender meat.

“I haven’t seen anything like that around, with the sake, mirin and fried onions,” Mauga says of the Pork Ginger Burger.

Mauga also recommends Pipi’s Burger ($8.55), the restaurant’s namesake that features Angus beef topped with smoked bacon, cheese, red onions, a Hawaiian barbecue sauce and wasabi mayonnaise.

Pipi’s also offers a keiki menu, and for $5.99, children can choose from Teri Burger, Cheese Burger or Hot Dog while also receiving a small order of fries and a small drink.

For those diners in search of a meal on the go, or who don’t want to deal with parking, Pipi’s offers a convenient curbside pickup service. Simply call in an order to 946.7474, and the friendly staff will bring the order out to customers once they arrive at the shopping center.

Pipi’s Burgers

McCully Shopping Center
1960 Kapiolani Blvd. #103, Honolulu
946.7474
Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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