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Going Big with Family Dining, Stellar Service

Features Inside Feature

May 22, 2016

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: NATHALIE WALKER

Panko Breaded Fish & Chips with Malt Vinegar Tartar Sauce ($10.99)

Panko Breaded Fish & Chips with Malt Vinegar Tartar Sauce ($10.99) L. TABUDLO PHOTO

Big City Diner continues to serve as the go-to destination for fresh, hearty meals served in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, which has become the standard at the “Hawaiian-style” restaurant.

The iconic eatery has made a lasting impression on multiple generations of diners since 1998, and features six convenient locations: Kailua, Kaimuki, Pearlridge, Waipio, Ward Entertainment Center and Windward Mall, the latter of which opened six months ago to rave reviews.

With an eclectic array of menu options, Big City Diner features locally influenced cuisine crafted with an upscale twist to please patrons of all ages — but without the inflated prices. President and owner Lane Muraoka and his culinary team, including corporate executive chef Dennis Franks, make it a priority to incorporate a multitude of fresh, local products and ingredients throughout the menu.

Spicy Ahi & Avocado Poke Bowl with Wasabi Aioli ($10.99)

Spicy Ahi & Avocado Poke Bowl with Wasabi Aioli ($10.99)

Big City Diner recently rolled out a series of weekly specials for just $10.99 apiece, available Monday through Friday until they’re sold out. This coming week’s specials include Spicy Ahi & Avocado Poke Bowl with Wasabi Aioli, as well as Panko Breaded Fish & Chips with Malt Vinegar Tartar Sauce. Diners also can look forward to this week’s breakfast special of Grilled Pork Chop with Eggs & Rice ($9.99), which includes a succulent pork chop served with steamed white or brown rice smothered with Chef’s Portobello Mushroom Gravy.

As summer heats up, diners can quench their thirst and enjoy excellent pupus with Big City Diner’s “Pau Hana” happy hour, available Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy 50 percent off pupus — including popular BCD Nachos ($12.49) — with a two-beverage minimum per table along with rotating drink specials. The restaurants also offer a popular late-night happy hour from 9 p.m. to closing Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Diners receive 50 percent off appetizers with a one-beverage minimum per table, in addition to $3 Blue Moon pints on draft and $5 Pinnacle Vodka “Whip Its” (regularly priced at $8).

BCD Nachos ($12.49)

BCD Nachos ($12.49)

As graduates and their families prepare to celebrate their momentous occasion, and others look forward to special events including birthday parties and corporate functions, Big City Diner is readily available to assist with catering options and platters crafted to please everyone from keiki to kupuna. Customers are encouraged to log on to BigCityDinerHawaii.com or call the catering department at 487-8588 for details (platters can be ordered from and picked up at one’s favorite location, and full-service catering and delivery also is available). The catering staff is adept at turning around orders quickly to meet customers’ needs, however, advance notice is necessary for special and some large orders.

In a groundbreaking achievement, as far as Hawaii restaurants are concerned, Big City Diner’s Kailua and Windward Mall locations recently were approved by Blue Zones Project, which is a movement launched to make Hawaii a healthier, happier place to live, work and play. Big City Diner serves up a host of delicious and good-for-you menu options that help make healthier living a reality.

Big City Diner

Ward Entertainment Center,
1060 Auahi St., Honolulu (and five additional locations islandwide)
591-8891, or 487-8588 for catering
Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-midnight
BigCityDinerHawaii.com

Honolulu, HI 96814

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best