When you want to enjoy all your favorite BBQ flavors while chilling out to the sound of live music, Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ is definitely the place to go in East Side Kauai. Located just a couple blocks from Kapaa Beach Park, this eatery draws a big crowd all week long with the party hitting a fever pitch on the weekends. While you’re sure to come again and again for their delicious food, you’ll want to stay to enjoy the steady stream of tunes and relaxing vibes.
All the magic starts with the creation of their BBQ favorites, like their Country Style Pork Ribs, BBQ Chicken Breast, and Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip Steak. Using all their well-prepared proteins, they create everything from salads and sandwiches to burgers and BBQ plates. They even have ala carte fare on tap for when you simply cannot decide between all the amazing options. Their portions are a little small anyway, so feel free to load up on extras to satisfy big appetites.
Although barbecued meats are the name of the game, their vegetarian dishes ensure that no one gets left out of the fun. Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ’s inventive Caprese Sandwich features the perfect mix of fresh island flavors, while their Frito Pie easily satisfies your cravings for chili and cheese. Looking for a little bit of comfort food? You cannot go wrong by pairing their homemade Vegetarian Chili Bowl with a Grilled Cheese on locally made sourdough bread.
No matter what you order at Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ, you can pair your selections with their non-alcoholic beverages to stay well hydrated while you groove to the music. They have guava juice, hibiscus tea, and even horchata. But if you want alcoholic beverages with your meal, you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. Fortunately, it’s BYOB, so all you have to do is load up at the ABC store next door before you arrive.
Zoom on over to try Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ‘s:
Diablo Fries
The Diablo Fries offer all the best flavors in the house in every single bite. They create this appetizer by frying up their fries until golden and crispy. Then, they pile them on the plate before pouring over their homemade Paniolo chili. Over that, they add cheese, jalapenos, and plenty of glazed tri-tips to finish it off right.
Paniolo 2 Meat Combo
For a smorgasbord of deliciousness, you need the Paniolo 2 Meat Combo in your life. This plate dinner features two types of BBQ meat of your choice. You’ll need to choose between their Country Style Ribs, Tri-Tip Steak, and Chicken Breast. No easy feat, for sure. But once you do, they’ll pile it all up next to a scoop of rice, garden salad, homemade chili, and grilled garlic bread.
Grilled Ono Sandwich
When you treat yourself to the Grilled Ono Sandwich, you get to enjoy all the best fresh island flavors around. This dish starts with two slices of locally made sourdough bread. To that, they add grilled ono, tomato, onion, and lettuce plus tarter sauce on the side. Potato chips come alongside automatically, although you can add fries, onion rings, or a garden salad for an extra charge.
To keep you well-entertained through your meal and beyond, Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ invites a wide range of local musicians to play for the crowds each day. The shows start around 6:30 pm and go on until close, especially as everyone demands encore after encore. If you miss the chance to see your favorites, don’t worry. They’ll likely be back to play several more shows in the coming weeks.
Insider Tips:
-Prepare to pay your tip up front when you put in your order.
-Looking to hear a particular musician play live? Just check the calendar on their website to see who’s coming up next.
-If you’d like to take your meal over to the beach to enjoy, just put in your order through the Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ website. Expect an extra charge for each to-go container.
-Want to share your love for this eatery? Buy their t-shirts, hats, and other swag to wear on all your Kauai adventures.