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Go big or go home

Cover Story

July 24, 2022

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Big City Diner

Corporate executive chef Dennis Franks shows off one of Big City Diner’s tasty sauces.

After nearly a quarter century of serving generations of locals, Big City Diner continues to offer incredible value as the go-to “Hawaiian-style diner” for fresh and hearty meals served in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Beast Burger ($20.99)

The iconic eatery has made a lasting impression with its locally influenced cuisine since 1998 and features restaurants in Kailua, Kaimuki, Pearlridge, Waipio and Windward Mall. Big City Diner serves up popular weekly specials, including Grilled Asian Fish over Baby Bok Choy, which is accented with an ono ginger-soy sauce and is available Monday-Sunday through July 31.

Citrus-Grilled Salmon Sandwich ($16.99)

This top-selling special comes with a choice of white or brown rice topped with furikake and a choice of soup or small garden salad. This and other rotating weekly specials are available throughout the day Monday through Friday, and after 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Da Big Burger ($18.99)

“We’re so thankful for our customers, and our team mem bers and are extremely grateful for their patronage and support of this small local business,” says Big City Diner owner and president Lane Muraoka. “Inflation is really hurting everyone and the cost of running a business is growing, but we remain affordable.You can come as a family, including a 2-year-old keiki and an 82-year-old kupuna, and the entire group can find something to enjoy.”

Malibu Chicken Sandwich ($14.99)

While it’s not just a “burger joint,” the burgers and sandwiches offered at Big City Diner have helped establish the restaurant’s brand over the past quarter century. In honor of National Burger Day on Thursday, July 28, guests are invited to enjoy their favorite burgers and sandwiches.

The signature burgers are flame-broiled before being crafted with real cheese (no processed cheese here!) as well as toppings including fresh mushrooms, local tomatoes and lettuce and a potato bun.

Da Big Burger ($18.99) is a classic Big City Diner favorite with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, honey-cured bacon and fresh California avocado, while the Mac & Cheese Burger ($19.99) and Beast Burger ($20.99) bring incredible flavor to each plate.

Sandwich enthusiasts will also enjoy t h e Malibu Chicken Sandwich ($14.99) with fresh sautéed mushrooms, Jack cheese, California avocado and roasted garlic mayo on a whole-wheat bun and Citrus-Grilled Salmon Sandwich ($16.99) prepared with lemon and herbs along with ripe tomato slices, red onions and lettuce.

All big burgers and sandwiches come with skin-on fries, or one may add Roasted Garlic Fries for just $1.29 more, and small green salad can also be added for $3.99.

Be sure to try a Samurai Li Hing Lemonade ($5.49), a refreshing lemonade served with li hing powder on the rim; this secret menu item can also be “spiked” with one’s choice of alcohol for an additional charge.

Check out Big City Diner’s website for the latest menu offerings, as well as special promotions throughout the week. Popular deals include Movie Mondays (present a ticket stub from any movie theater and receive 20% off one’s food purchase); Wine & Dine Wednesdays (50% off all bottles and glasses of wine with any food purchase, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.); and Kids Eat Free Thursdays (one keiki up to 10 years old dines free when an accompanying adult purchases an entrée at $15 or more and a beverage, up to two kids per table, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

46-056 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

108 Hekili St, Kailua, HI 96734

3565 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

98 Pali Momi St, Aiea, HI 96701

94-800 Ukeʻe Street, Waipahu, HI 96797

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