X

Customers come back for best baby back ribs

A La Carte

September 1, 2019

Story By: Don Robbins | Photos by: Henry Loui’s Restaurant

Braised Short Ribs, ($21.95 lunch, $22.95 dinner).

Known for having the “Best Suckin’ Ribs” in Hawaii, Henry Loui’s Restaurant on Paa Street in Mapunapuna offers the perfect environment to celebrate National Baby Back Ribs Day, which takes place on Sept. 3.

No matter what day you wish to indulge, though, Henry Loui’s menu features its Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs for lunch ($19.50) or dinner ($20.50). These succulent ribs are served slathered with the eatery’s famous sauce made with the same preparation and recipe for more than 50 years.

French Dip Sandwich, ($16.25 lunch, $17.25 dinner)

One of the restaurant’s daily specials is the Braised Short Ribs for lunch ($21.95) or dinner ($22.95). After they are cooked, they are then simmered slow in a reduction sauce that makes the meat fall off the bone. It has quickly become one of Henry Loui’s most popular items, but the management doesn’t recommend making a late reservation or these wildly desired ribs will be gone.

Meanwhile, the French Dip Sandwich for lunch ($16.25) or dinner ($17.25) has become another top seller. It’s made with prime rib sliced thin and served on a French roll. This sandwich is sure to leave diners satisfied.

Broiled Seafood Salad, ($21.95 lunch, $22.95 dinner)

In addition, the restaurant offers some lighter items. They include the Broiled Seafood Salad for lunch ($21.95) or dinner ($22.95). This dish featuring seafood from the briny depths is a perfect tasty light lunch for those who don’t want a large meal in the middle of the day.

Other fan favorites at Henry Loui’s are the Crab Bacon Avocado Sandwich, Prime Rib that is made fresh daily, and fresh fish and poke. The restaurant also has two great homemade desserts, Amaretto Custard and Bread Pudding. The pupu menu, which starts at 2 p.m. daily, is extensive and very popular with the pau hana crowd.

Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs, ($19.50 lunch, $20.50 dinner).

The current owners Anson Kaneshiro and David Lokar originally enjoyed hanging out at Henry Loui’s because of its great food and atmosphere. So, in 1992 when it was for sale, they decided that the restaurant business wasn’t too hard and they didn’t want someone else coming in and changing the place they loved — so they decided to buy it. Although they note that it wasn’t as easy as they thought, they add that they have no regrets, as they have learned valuable lessons along the way and made lifelong friends who they consider family.

The owners also endeavored to ensure that they were careful about making changes.

“We wanted that old school feel and look because it made us feel comfortable when we walked in and still does,” Kaneshiro and Lokar emphasize.

They highlight that it’s still a place where everyone knows your name, where you can share great stories and bring your friends and family for dinner. Patrons can also relax and watch a football game or sing karaoke later in the night. There are families with three generations of customers who still frequent Henry Loui’s, the owners happily explain.

Honolulu, HI 96819

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best