#3 Kiawe Grill BBQ & Burgers, McCully

Kiawe Grill BBQ & Burgers

South King Street, McCully

Category: Fast food / Take-out burger

Menu Item: Kiawe Grill Cheese Burger, French Fries (Steak Cut)

Price: $6.45 Cheeseburger, $2.95 Fries

Burger Size: 6 oz.

Bun: White (also available in wheat)

Cheese: American

Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise

Description:

When I began writing this blog, I wanted the comparisons of the cheeseburgers and fries to be as even as possible, so I made a rule that I would only purchase the cheeseburger and french fries from the menu. Naturally, I knew that this would eliminate the specialty burgers from the menus, and this review was no exception. I mean, looking at the Kiawe Grill menu which includes Buffalo Burgers and Ostrich Burgers, I wasn't too excited that I was about to order the cheapest, simplest item on the menu: A regular cheeseburger. However, this place did not disappoint.

The first thing you notice when you arrive at Kiawe Grill is the smell of the burning Kiawe wood that fills the restaurant. The second is the large selection of burger meat that they grill here. The burgers range from Venison to Ostrich, and they also serve plate lunches. As I mentioned earlier, I ordered the regular cheeseburger and a side of french fries and was kinda disappointed that I couldn't try somethin else, like a Deluxe Kobe Burger. After a quick wait, this is what I got.

Look at those Fries!

Yes, look at those fries. Those things are huge! And good! Seriously, probably the best french fries that I have ever eaten. They were large, thick and crispy. But on to the burger. The burger was a basic cheeseburger with a ton of toppings. It makes me wonder what extra toppings would have been on the deluxe cheeseburger if lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mustard, mayo, ketchup and two slices of cheese weren't enough. What was really surprising though was how good the burger patty was. The burger patty was cooked perfectly and tasted great. The kiawe wood gives it a unique smokey flavor. My only complaint would be that there was a little too much ketchup and mustard for my taste, but not really a big deal. It was still very good for what I thought would be another average burger.

Verdict:

For a take-out burger and plate lunch place, Kiawe Grill does not disappoint. I ordered the cheapest and simplest burger on the menu and was very satisfied. This place also has the best french fries that I have tried so far, but that's probably because not many places offer steak cut fries. I definitely recommend trying this place if you get a chance. They have some unique foods to try if you don't mind your clothes smelling like kiawe wood smoke afterwards. If I had eaten any other burger (Venison, Angus, Kobe, 10 oz. Super "Prime"...), this place probably would have gotten a better grade, but for the basic cheeseburger and fries, a "B" feels right.

Grade: B

Kiawe Grill BBQ & Burgers2334 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96826
Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-8PM(808) 955-5500‎
http://www.kiawegrill.com/