Big City Diner Kaimuki
Tonight, dinner was at Big City Diner in Kaimuki.
When I arrived at about 8:00 pm, it was fairly crowded as it normally is.
(Sorry for the blurry photo. I was trying to rush and didn't have time to take another.)
Normally the wait can be anywhere from 15-30 minutes for a table, but since I was meeting a few friends,and since they were already seated when I arrived, I bypassed those in line and took my place at the table....much to the envy of those still waiting!
Now, let me start by saying that I may be a bit prejudiced when writing about this place. After all, I've been coming here since it first opened almost 6 years ago. The burgers are tops, but tonight, what brought me here was...
Mamasan's monster meatloaf (US$9.95 with rice, add $1.99 to substitute garlic "smashed" potatoes)!
You get two hefty slices of meatloaf served atop sauteed spinach and smothered in rich mushroom marsala gravy! This has got to be some of the best meatloaf I have ever tasted. In fact, this meatloaf is so tasty, it even rivals homemade! The meatloaf is moist and juicy, the gravy is rich and full of mushrooms, and the garlic "smashed" potatoes are well...in one word...GREAT!
My entree even came with a side salad.
Now this is no ordinary tossed salad that looks like it came out of a generic bag. This salad is made with mixed Upcountry greens topped with julienned carrots and beets, and served with the house dijon vinaigrette.
No trip to Big City Diner would be complete with out one of their famous desserts. Tonight, I opt for the Big Brownie Bubbies® Pie (US$5.50).
This is every dessert lovers dream! Who wouldn't love the homemade brownies, Bubbies® vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts and caramel sauce? This was a perfect ending to a great meal! Now, who's going to roll me out of here?
Big City Diner Kaimuki
3565 Waialae Avenue
Telephone: 808.738.8855
ahhhh.... brownies rock my boat, I tell you. and oh, when served with ice cream... speechless!
Posted by: Renee | June 14, 2004 at 12:14 AM
Renee,
This is one of their best desserts. I love brownies too and these are great!
Posted by: Reid | June 14, 2004 at 06:34 PM
We ate at Big City Diners down in Waipio area, we orderd the Meatloaf but for some reason the meatloaf was bland it was probably the worst meatloaf I have ever eaten.
Posted by: Ryan | November 20, 2005 at 12:35 AM
Hi Ryan,
Welcome to the blog!
I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the meatloaf, but I've always enjoyed it when I've ordered it at the Kaimuki or the Ward locations. I haven't yet stopped by the Waipio location, but I would have thought that the food was the same.
Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Reid | November 20, 2005 at 02:57 AM
Hi BCD,
I want to have my final pay check posted to my Hawaii address since I'm out of the country. My address is
6973 Niumalu loop, Hawaii Kai
96825 Hon, HI
I worked at the Kailua restaurant and Sky or Rich would like to know what to do with my check. Please let them know.
Sorry couldnt find the proper email address for you guys..
Any questions email me [email protected]
James
Posted by: James Nakajo | June 08, 2006 at 02:06 PM
Went to Pearlridge's new Big City Diner (opened April 07). I ordered Mamasan's Monster Meatloaf, and it was "broke da mouth" moment when I had my first morsel of the tender piece of meatloaf. Can't wait to bring my friends there for lunch or dinner sometime.
Posted by: Logan | July 18, 2007 at 09:11 PM