Tropics Tap House – Waikoloa

Tropics Tap House – Enjoy Tasty Brewpub Fare While Having a Great Time in Kailua-Kona
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Are you craving juicy burgers, craft brews, and all the other decadent brewpub fare you could ever want? If so, you just need to zip on over to the Tropics Tap House. Set in the Keauhou Shopping Center, this Kailua-Kona favorite serves up all the fan favorites plus good vibes for all.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

When tasty brewpub fare is calling your name, you just have to jet on into the Tropics Tap House to get your fill. Located in the Keauhou Shopping Center, this popular eatery proudly serves Kailua-Kona juicy burgers, craft brews, and everything in between. On top of that, they boast a fun sports bar atmosphere by playing all the current games on their TVs and keeping the friendly banter going all day long. As if that’s not enough, their bright aloha spirit shines through in all they do, keeping the good vibes flowing from open to close.

In order to enjoy all they have to offer, you’ll need to swing by at your convenience to get a table. They offer takeout, too, of course, but then you’d miss out on all the fun. But if that’s your only option due to a packed schedule, it’s still worth swinging by for a to-go box of your preferred menu items. Otherwise, come through the front doors to get a warm welcome and your choice of tables. You can sidle up to the bar, get a cozy seat along the windows, or grab a table in the middle of all the action.

After that, you just have to browse the menu and let your server know what you’d like to enjoy. If you need extra time to browse their huge menu, start your meal with a craft brew, glass of wine, or cocktail. Prefer to keep it alcohol-free? They’re happy to make that happen. Just let them know if you’d like soda, lemonade, or just want to sip on icy cold water throughout your meal.

Once you get your orders in to the kitchen, their talented team will get busy in whipping up each item. They only use the finest local ingredients in all their dishes, ensuring you get to enjoy their original recipes to the fullest. Everything comes out of the kitchen in generous portions, which allows you to get your fill without breaking the bank. If you end up with far too much in front of you, just ask for a to-go box for the leftovers.

With all the best sports games playing on the TVs, you’ll never find yourself growing bored while waiting for your handcrafted orders to come out of the kitchen. The staff brings plenty of aloha your way, too, always engaging in friendly banter when they have a moment. If nothing else, you can simply kick back and relax while enjoying the good vibes all around, allowing you to recharge before heading out on more Big Island adventures.

Their most popular items:

Brisket Fries
When you want to whet your appetite with pure decadence, get the Brisket Fries. To create this starter, they fry up their potatoes until crispy and golden brown. Then, they top them with miso gravy, shredded brisket, sauteed mushrooms, and onions. Want a fried egg over top, too? It’ll just be an extra charge.

Wela Jalapeno Burger
If you’re craving a spicy kick, treat yourself to their Wela Jalapeno Burger. To start, they form ½ pound of local beef into a handmade patty and grill it to your desired level of doneness. Then, they melt pepper jack over the top before putting it on a brioche bun. After that, they add jalapenos, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Chipotle aioli kicks it up a notch right before fries and pickles land alongside.

Skippers Basket
Whenever you want to savor all the best seafood flavors, order up the Skippers Basket. This popular dish features beer-battered fish, furikake calamari, and coconut shrimp. Fries and tropical greens serve as the perfect sides. Then, you get caper tartar alongside for dipping.

If you want to end your meal on a high note, set your sights on the Mac Nut Brittle. This delicious dessert starts with their exquisite mac nut brittle as the base. Over that, they add a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream before drizzling on the caramel sauce. Since you cannot take this one to go, aim to save room in your belly – or risk missing out.

Insider Tip:
To enjoy their happy hour specials, come by between 3pm and 5pm daily.