To sample all the best island flavors while relaxing in a beautiful open-air dining room, get on over to Hanalei Gourmet. Set in the Old Hanalei Schoolhouse, this North Shore Kauai eatery serves as the place to go for a filling lunch, dinner, or just dessert and drinks. Although you might come by for a taste of the food, the friendly service, and chill atmosphere will inspire you to kick back and stay awhile.
As you walk through the doors, you’ll instantly notice the old schoolhouse aesthetic is alive and well. They kept the hardwood floors, plank ceilings, and even the original blackboards while adding their own flair. They keep the big windows open nearly year-round to help make the space feel light and airy. If you want even more room to breathe, you can eat outside at the tables on the covered patio instead.
Either way, your server will welcome you through the doors with a warm Aloha before letting you choose your seats. Then, they will bring out your ice water, provide menus, and ask if you’d like to get started with drinks and an appetizer. That’s definitely a great move, too, since you’ll want extra time to pour over the menu. Want to go beyond their menu offerings? Check the blackboards for their specials of the day.
No matter what you order, you’re sure to get it hot, fresh, and more than ready to tantalize your tastebuds. Their appetizers, entrees, and desserts all boast big bold flavors that promise to keep you coming back for more.
You absolutely must try their:
Beer Battered Fish and Chips
A true classic, the Beer Battered Fish and Chips offers the perfect balance of crunchy, fried perfection and light, flaky fish. They start by coating the fish in a flavorful beer batter and then letting it swim in the fryer until golden brown. Thick-cut fries go down at the same time before coming up crisp on the outside and tender in the middle. Once those are done, a side of tartar sauce and a scoop of coleslaw land alongside while a slice of lemon sits up top.
Moe’s Ultimate Burger
When only the juiciest burger will do, you cannot go wrong by ordering Moe’s Ultimate Burger. They start this dish by creating the beef patty by hand and cooking it up right on the flattop grill. Pepperjack cheese goes over the top to melt before the juicy burger lands on the bun with bacon, avocado, tomato, and lettuce. Crispy fries accompany your burger along with whatever sauce you’d like for dipping.
Andi’s Homemade Chocolate Layer Cake
If chocolate is your jam, let Andi’s Homemade Chocolate Layer Cake become your go-to dessert. This cake features luscious layers of chocolate cake separated by even more chocolate goodness. Chocolate frosting along the outside completes the experience and promises to sweep you right off your feet.
If you want to take your dining experience to the next level, check out their tropical cocktail menu. They have everything from Mai Tais and passion fruit margaritas to Pina Coladas and guava daiquiri. Beyond that, they offer a regular rotation of local draft brews plus wine by the glass or bottle. Want a non-alcoholic beverage instead? Just ask them what soda, juice, and other drinks are on tap for the day.
Insider Tips:
-Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. For early-bird specials, come in between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
-When there’s a waitlist, they stop taking takeout orders. Call ahead to check their status before getting your hopes up.
-Road construction, like the Hanalei Hill Landscape work by the DOT, can impact their hours. They are currently closing for an hour in the afternoons from Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday, they close right after happy hour ends.
-They occasionally have local musicians come play live for their patrons. Ask your server for their schedule.