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Ono comfort food reigns supreme

A La Carte

August 1, 2021

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: LAWRENCE TABUDLO

Japanese Plate Deluxe ($11.35)

After more than six decades of feeding multiple generations of families, St. Louis Drive In continues to serve as the go-to spot for local-style comfort food in the heart of Kaimuki.

Owner Wayne Akimoto leads the family restaurant today after his relatives opened the eatery in 1960. Situated on Waialae Avenue, across the street from Saint Louis School and Chaminade University, St. Louis Drive In serves up a wide array of local favorites prepared with plenty of experience and extra helpings of aloha.

Roast Pork ($8.50)

“It’s been rewarding to see people grow up, and generations of families continuing to come back,” Akimoto says. “Because our employees have been with us for so long at our small hole-in-the-wall, including some who have worked in the restaurant industry for more than 50 years, we try to elevate the experience for everyone, including offering different varieties of seafood and plating the dishes like you’re going to eat a nice meal in Waikiki! We honor our longtime employees with that dignity, and customers look forward to their favorites.”

Bento Deluxe ($9.10)

Japanese Plate Deluxe ($11.35) is a popular combination containing ahi sashimi, mochiko chicken, teriyaki beef, and two pieces of shrimp tempura. Seafood enthusiasts clamor for Fresh Seafood Special ($11.35), which includes ahi sashimi, fresh mahi mahi, and two pieces of shrimp tempura.

Roast Pork ($8.50) is cooked for five hours daily, which makes the meat very tender and delicious. The aforementioned selections come with two scoops of rice, and choice of tossed greens or macaroni salad.

Grab a Bento Deluxe ($9.10) to-go, as a bed of rice is topped with furikake, ume, mochiko chicken, teriyaki beef, luncheon meat and an egg roll.

3145 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

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