The People’s Spot for Local Grinds

Home-cooked meals courtesy of grandma often prove to be the best time to indulge. The familiar flavors of childhood instantly stir nostalgic memories that enhance every bite.

Conveniently located in Downtown Honolulu, People’s Cafe serves an extensive menu of home-style favorites bursting with local flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, its welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home.

“People can look forward to good food and a friendly environment,” says chef and co-owner Thomas Ventura.

Currently, the restaurant is offering two specials that allow you to sample more than one item, all in one dish.

Six different components make up Short Rib Pipikaula Style with Poke and Kalua Pig ($13.95) — yes, six. Pipikaula-style spare ribs are the star of the dish, deliciously marinated with Ventura’s special sauce. And that’s only one aspect of the dish. You’ll probably find it difficult to pick a favorite item.

Also part of the meal is fresh ahi poke. Ventura goes to the fish auction daily, and orders close to 60 pounds of fish weekly. Cubes of ahi are topped with ogo, onion, green onion, sesame oil and sesame seeds.

Homemade kalua pig, lomi salmon and a slice of haupia complete this dish, along with a serving of poi.

Combo Shrimp, Lau Lau, Teri Short Ribs ($13.95) features a variety of protein. Enjoy shrimp that is grilled and seasoned with lemon, pepper and garlic salt, as well as short ribs that are marinated overnight in a teriyaki sauce.

The dish also includes the restaurant’s handmade lau lau. People’s Cafe makes 150 lau lau at a time and often sells out. Dig into one and you’ll see why.

Don’t forget that the menu at People’s Cafe also includes classic Filipino dishes, something you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

People’s Cafe

1310 Pali Hwy., Honolulu
536-5789
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.