Reopening in 2016 under the new ownership of Heather and Robert Gegoux, Paddlers Restaurant and Bar in Molokai, HI, offers fine dining in a casual setting, all with a full bar, live music, and dancing most nights. This award-winning restaurant was voted as one of the Best Restaurants in Maui in 2020 and was Molokai’s Best Restaurant in both 2017 and 2018 by Maui News.
Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Kainoa Turner has created a menu for Paddlers Restaurant and Bar that features an abundance of choices, spanning from masterful local dishes to American favorites and even including some unique multicultural options. Daily, the restaurant features fresh catch specials and other delicious options that can change depending on what locally sourced supplies are available.
Paddlers Restaurant and Bar features indoor casual dining and outdoor seating options as well, to serve as many guests as possible. Owner Heather comes from a family of cooks and grew up in Oahu. Therefore, guests will know they are going to enjoy a variety of local flavors as well as an assortment of other dishes, ensuring there’s something every visitor will appreciate.
The decor of this laid-back eatery is closely related to a tiki hut as it features surfboards, paddle boats, t-shirts, and thatching to create the atmosphere of casual dining. Local performers and entertainers often frequent the location and share their love of music via live shows, which creates a fun, relaxing atmosphere guests love.
Visitors who have stopped in and dined at Paddlers Restaurant are quick to highlight the quality of their food. While the overarching theme of the dining establishment is casual, there is nothing less than about their food choices, their culinary style, or the immense flavor that is part of every dish.
Although there are several options to choose from, allowing for a wide array of taste pallets, Paddlers Restaurant and Bar has a few specialties that guests rave about. Therefore, when visiting, make sure you try these dishes and drinks…
Signature Burgers
You can add fries to any burger at Paddlers. Some options to choose from under signature burgers include the Tomato Jam Burger featuring applewood smoked pepper bacon, red onion, pepper jack cheese, fresh greens, tomato jam sauce, and chili aioli all served on a toasted brioche bun. You can also opt for the standard cheese or hamburger or select the Mushroom Burger, which comes with roasted mushrooms, lettuce, sauteed onions, chop sauce, tomato, and mustard mayo served on a toasted brioche bun.
Sandwiches
Another favorite feature of this casual dining establishment is its sandwiches. You can choose from the Gyro, featuring seasoned lamb and beef, tomatoes, red onions, mixed greens, Mediterranean olives, feta tzatziki dressing, and cucumbers served on a grilled pita, or choose from one of several other sandwich options.
Entrees
If you are wanting something more substantial, choose one of the Paddlers entree meals including the Steak Marsala, which is a 12oz, grilled tender prime ribeye topped with marsala wine cream sauce, made with garlic, fresh herbs, and sauteed mushrooms and onions. There are also Chicken Wings, Chili Pork, Garlic Shrimp, and Ribeye Steak entrees to choose from as well.
Pasta
Another notable guest favorite you can enjoy when visiting Paddlers is the pasta dishes. You can choose from Spaghetti Hongos featuring sauteed onion and roasted cremini mushroom cream sauce or ask about the pasta special of the day. Add chicken or fresh shrimp to any pasta dish. All are served with garlic bread.
Beer, Wine, and Cocktails
As expected from a restaurant and bar, you can enjoy some amazing mixed drinks, beer, and wine when visiting Paddlers Restaurant and Bar. These drinks include cocktail options like the Pina Colada, Lemon Drop Martini, Island Mai Tai, Pink Flamingo, and more.
Insider Tips:
-Paddlers Restaurant and Bar feature vegetarian-friendly options.
-Call before visiting if you want to make sure to catch a live music performance as these are not always present but are there on many evenings.
-If you want to take your food to go, Paddlers has you covered as they do offer takeout services.