Wolfgang’s Beguiles the Inner Carnivore

So, I have a confession to make. I don’t normally eat meat, but during a recent visit to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Waikiki, I just couldn’t resist.

First off, the restaurant’s No. 1 appetizer, the Sizzling Canadian Bacon, extra thick, by the slice ($4.95) was simply amazing. Cut a quarter-inch thick, it’s cooked at 1,600 degrees — the same level as the steaks — resulting in a perfectly seared piece of bacon that just melts in your mouth.

As for the entrees, Wolfgang’s is most famous for its U.S.D.A. prime beef, which is dry-aged (for 28 days) in the eatery’s own aging box. “We believe we offer the best prime steak in the state of Hawaii,” says general manager Bill Nicker-son. “We are a true prime steak-house, even our filets are prime. And our most popular is the porterhouse for two, that’s our signature steak.”

Also popular are Wolfgang’s Crab Cake ($20 lunch/$22.95 dinner) made with the finest lump crab and served with tartar sauce and a lemon wedge; and Wolfgang’s Salad ($16 lunch/$16.95 dinner) featuring a refreshing mix of chopped tomatoes, onions, string beans, red peppers, shrimp and bacon with a house vinaigrette and served in a lettuce cup.

The restaurant also recently extended its popular Lucky Seven Happy Hour offered from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the bar featuring $7 red and white wine specials along with martinis and specialty drinks, $5 draft beers (except for Guinness) and $7 pupus, including Steak Sliders, Ahi Tartar, Steak Tartar, Mini Moco and more. There also is the Taste of New York special ($34.95) consisting of a 12-ounce New York sirloin steak, mashed potatoes and creamed spinach, plus a slice of Junior’s world famous cheesecake.

There also are $10 lunch specials (Half-Pound Hamburger, Tropical Chopped Salad, Mahi Mahi Fish and Chips or Mahi Mahi Sandwich), available for dine-in or take-out. And on Saturday and Sunday, there’s a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Described as a typical New York steakhouse — fast-paced, bustling, large food portions and a traditional steakhouse ambiance, Wolfgang’s also is unique in that it’s well-lit, family-friendly and comfortable, yet a great place for special occasions, such as a romantic date night or a fun night out with friends. There are two private rooms available, and validated parking at Royal Hawaiian Center.

And depending on the time of year, you might get a surprised visit by founder Wolfgang Zwiener, who usually visits Hawaii twice a year, staying for about a month at a time. “He’ll show up every night just after sunset because he loves the beach so much,” shares Nickerson. “He checks the quality of the food, how our operations are going and he’ll touch every table on the dining room.”

The Waikiki location celebrates five years next Valentine’s Day, the same month that a new Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is expected to open in Tokyo.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Royal Hawaiian Center
2301 Kalakaua Ave.
922-3600
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (last seating at 10:30 p.m.)
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. (last seating at 11:30 p.m.)
wolfgangssteakhouse.net