BBQ Town Drive Inn

“ I noticed Barbecue Town Drive Inn in Aina Haina while hanging out on some weekends when I am not traveling. Sometimes I would just pass by but this time, sure why not. I've been here twice within the last 2 months, so I should file a review. With that said, my experience here at this establishment was a good typical one. Both times I was here to grab a late lunch or early dinner and was here after 2pm. Both times, the restaurant was empty with the lady at the counter watching passersby. Barbecue Town Drive Inn Aina Haina is basically your plate lunch specialty place for all your local Hawaii comfort food in East Oahu. It's a good spot between Hawaii Kai and Kahala Mall if you live in the area and don't want to drive too far for something fattening. But then again, comfort food is always there when you need it. For the most part though, my experiences here at the Barbecue Town Drive Inn in Aina Haina was quite calm and quiet. The wait time is usually within 10 minutes after your order, so it was good to have that instead of being here during the lunch or dinner rush. The lady at the counter was nice and friendly. Soft spoken for sure, but friendly nonetheless. The restaurant was small but can hold maybe up to 8 people dining at the same time. It is clean and definitely worth checking out if you are in the area. This place has your local favorites, so you might as well dig in. It's quite lovely that it's within driving distance from home. Or a bus ride from downtown Honolulu. However you get here, consider coming for the scenery of Aina Haina but stay for the food. Barbecue Town Drive Inn Aina Haina restaurant could be the hidden gem you are looking for in East Oahu. The overall experience here at the Barbecue Town Aina Haina Drive Inn was decent and really good. It was very quiet because there wasn't anybody in there when I arrived. It was basically order what I wanted. Wait 5 to 10 minutes and leave with my order. It was one of those uneventful times where it's just getting in, put in your order, and get out type of situations. Both times I manage to either sit inside the restaurant while the order is being processed or just walked around outside the shopping center for a few minutes before returning to see if the food order has been finished. You don't need to wait around inside the restaurant like Subway and watch it being made. This space is basically like your local plate lunch place in the heart of Aina Haina. The lady at the counter didn't really talk much, but that's okay really. Just get in and out. The menu is basically typical with most of what you want. Beef, chicken, and seafood to really whet your appetite on any given day. For the most part though, it was an average experience. The prices are pretty tamed and probably would go again if I'm in the area. For myself though, I usually head to Starbucks to grab a drink to to have with my meal. The ambiance at Starbucks is more pleasurable there than here at the Barbecue Town Aina Haina restaurant. Just seems like it's standing room only, even though they have a few tables for anyone and everyone to sit and dine in. The food is delicious but decidedly okay. Might be the hidden gem in the area that you may love. For me, I would go if I'm in the area. Most of the times, I'm not. Barbecue Town Drive Inn Aina Haina restaurant is located physically at the Aina Haina Shopping center. It's located at 820-850 W Hind Drive, hugging Kalanianaole Highway. Can't miss really. They accept major credit cards as well as cash. The shopping center itself has a generous amount of parking available To anyone who wishes to park here. As for myself though, bus routes 1, 1L, and 23 comes thru the area and stops off at either W Hind Drive or along Kalanianaole Hwy. However you get here is a good way to get here. While there's not much of hidden gems here since you can get Hawaii's local cuisine just about anywhere on the island, you can be sure that you can get quality and deliciousness with a friendly smile here. While my experiences here were brief, you can rest assured that it was a pleasant and easy experience. The prices are generally on par with the rest of the similar businesses on the island. Best bet would be to come here early enough to grab the prime parking spot before the lunch or dinner rush. Deliciousness at your finger tips. Come on by, they'll be glad to see you. 4.0 stars for the overall experience. 3.5 stars for the prices and 4.0 stars for the service. Support local! B ”

“ Mom and pop operation, but tasty preparation and quick service Very reasonable prices Normal casual seating, I generally do take out. I like the grilled pork chop and steamed fish ”

“ I was craving a plate lunch and being at Aina Haina I visited BBQTown. Now it's been awhile since I've been there. I chose the bbq mix plate. It has chicken, kalbi, teri beef with ice and mac salad. It was a healthy portion for a good price. The taste was good all around. Definitely will be back soon. ”

“ I've walked past this little restaurant for years not knowing what I was missing out on. A friend recently told me that the food is really good so I tried it. And wow, it was excellent! I got the regular barbecue chicken plate which was only $11.55, which is cheaper than the mini meal at L&L. It was loaded with chicken, which was delicious and cooked perfectly. It was 100% better than L&L which often gives you old hard rice. I later tried the fried fish and fried shrimp which were also ono! The max salad is on point too. They also have a fresh steamed fish plate in addition to many other local items. So if you're looking for the best plate lunch in East Oahu, drive over to Aina Haina and check this place out. The other customers told me that they have an excellent hamburger and the best french fries around. Plus the staff is nice! ”

“ Can't believe I've walked past the only decent lunch in Aina Haina shopping center for almost two years without ONCE stopping in to try it. Its a pretty unassuming, plain interior. Faded photos and handwritten signs, but clean and well-kept. Menu has a pretty broad variety, mostly the standard plate lunch staples plus burgers, fries, and breakfast. We got the BBQ plate (teri beef, bbq chicken, kalbi) and a lemon chicken plate. Both regular size. Prices are really fair, mix plate was like $15 and most of the single choices were just under $12, and despite that the portions were pretty generous. I had almost half a plate for lunch tomorrow. Most importantly, the food was fresh and overall pretty good. Kalbi and teri beef were tasty, satisfying but the teri was a little chewy. BBQ Chicken was the highlight, super good! Lemon chicken: good, borderline over-sauced though. It did start to get soggy, and it could use a little bit of spice like some pepper or chili. Also, despite not being a huge mac salad liker, it was good! I actually finished it. Overall, I will probably be back if we're in the area around lunch/dinnertime again. At least to try those burgers! ”

“ This place has been my dads favorite for years, especially he recommended the bbq chicken. It was my first time trying the lemon chicken, and I was surprised on how tasty it was. Big portion, great taste, definitely the best bbq chicken ever!!! Way cheaper than other places including L&L, and it is a MUST come back if you're around Aina Haina. Next time I'll try the bbq short ribs :))) ”

“ What a gem! We ordered the chicken katsu and it was crispy and not over cooked or hard. The katsu sauce was on par. I also ordered a BBQ chicken plate and it was savory and well cooked. Next time I'll be trying their burgers since I've now heard about them. The cashier is a very nice lady and very helpful when I did my ordering. The place is nice and clean and the prices are good. I'll definitely be coming back often. ”

“ Shrimp burger had deep fried shrimp katsu with tasty mayonnaise and clean lettuce. Lady who took my order was very kind and uplifting. I just wish the food was healthier, then I'd come more often. Thank you for a lovely ambience~!! ”

“ After seeing my Yelp buddy - Lori I's great review about "BBQ Town Drive Inn", I'll be totally honest with you to say that I was a bit skeptical about her statement of - "best chicken katsu plate lunch"! I should have known better to second guess Lori I., as she is one of the foremost connoisseur of Frrrrrrried Chicken, as well as Chicken Katsu!!! Lol! The verdict???? BING! BING! BING! Da chicken katsu plate lunch @ BBQ Town Drive Inn was bomb @ss good!!!!! Good enough for an easy 5 stars on Yelp!!!!! Located at the Aina Haina Shopping center, you can find BBQ Town Drive Inn just next door from Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha, or next door from the Territorial Savings Bank. A small little diner, serving up great local style comfort food. A few things I LOVED about this business - 1. It was a small locally-owned business. 2. During these tough economic times due to high inflation, it is refreshing to see that this locally-owned business tries to keep their plate lunch prices in check. The plate lunch prices were very reasonable! 3. The food portions at BBQ Town Drive Inn are pretty generous. If you're a BIG EATER, then you've hit paydirt by coming here! 4. Fast & Friendly service. The lady clerk who took my order was nice, and my Chicken Katsu plate came out in a timely fashion. 5. Easy access - since this diner is located in a major mall, there is plenty of parking at the Aina Haina Shopping center. 6. Last of all, if you're a big fan of Chicken Katsu, then you must try BBQ Town Drive Inn's version of their chicken katsu, as their chicken meat was plump & juicy. It was fried to perfection, and the portions were more than enough for a fat guy like me! Lol! Jonsing Chicken Katsu? Give BBQ Town Drive Inn a try! Don't thank Bruddah Fran for da tip, you gotta give all da props to Lori I.! ”