Looking for a casual and delicious dining experience in Honolulu? Pioneer Saloon is a must-visit. This popular local eatery offers plate lunches with a unique Japanese influence, making it a standout spot for both residents and tourists. Whether you’re coming straight from the beach or meeting friends for lunch, Pioneer Saloon provides a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes.
Mochiko Chicken Plate Lunch at Pioneer Saloon Honolulu
Discovering Pioneer Saloon in Honolulu
Pioneer Saloon has become a Honolulu institution, known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes that blend Hawaiian and Japanese culinary styles. From their famous mochiko chicken to savory shoyu chicken and rich misoyaki butterfish, the extensive menu ensures there’s something for everyone. With two convenient locations, experiencing Pioneer Saloon’s unique charm and delicious food is easier than ever. Many consider it a quintessential Honolulu dining experience, offering a taste of local culture with a comforting and affordable menu.
Friends Enjoying Plate Lunch at Pioneer Saloon Honolulu
Pioneer Saloon Locations: Diamond Head and Kaka’ako
Pioneer Saloon operates two locations in Honolulu, each offering the same great menu and casual dining experience. Both locations are designed for quick service, where you order at the counter and are notified when your meal is ready.
Pioneer Saloon Diamond Head / Monsarrat Avenue
The original Pioneer Saloon location on Monsarrat Avenue in Diamond Head is a local favorite. This spot exudes a quirky, old-town charm that blends Hawaiian and Japanese aesthetics, creating a truly unique ambiance. Its location on Monsarrat Avenue places it in a vibrant neighborhood brimming with cafes, lunch spots like Diamond Head Bakery, and refreshing smoothies at da Cove Health Bar, making it a perfect stop during a day of exploring. The area is popular with both locals and visitors, easily accessible from Waikiki and offering free street parking.
Pioneer Saloon Kaka’ako
The Kaka’ako branch of Pioneer Saloon is situated in the trendy SALT At Our Kaka’ako complex. This location attracts a similar mix of locals and tourists and benefits from easy parking within the complex. The Kaka’ako area itself has transformed from an industrial zone into a hip, urban neighborhood, making SALT a destination in itself. While visiting Pioneer Saloon Kaka’ako, you can also explore nearby attractions within SALT, such as Lonohana Estate Chocolate, Moku Kitchen, Lanikai Juice, and J’s BBQ for Korean plate lunches, adding to the diverse culinary offerings in the area.
Pioneer Saloon Honolulu Menu at Monsarrat Location
Navigating the Pioneer Saloon Menu: What to Order
The menu at Pioneer Saloon is extensive and varied, promising a delightful challenge for first-time visitors. Displayed on sheets of paper above the counter at the Monsarrat location, the sheer number of options can be initially overwhelming, but in a good way! With so many delicious choices, you’re encouraged to try something new with each visit. Plate lunches typically include rice and a side of pasta salad or green salad, unless specified otherwise.
Must-Try Plate Lunches
Chicken Katsu Curry: A comforting classic, the chicken katsu curry features deep-fried pork cutlets served with a side of flavorful Japanese curry. Pour the curry over the katsu and rice for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s a definite crowd-pleaser.
Mochiko Chicken: A quintessential Hawaiian dish with Japanese roots, Mochiko Chicken at Pioneer Saloon is a standout. This dish features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in mochiko flour batter, resulting in a crispy yet slightly chewy texture. It’s often compared to Japanese karaage but with a uniquely Hawaiian twist, making it a must-try.
Croquette Plate Lunch at Pioneer Saloon Honolulu Kaka'ako
Croquettes: If you appreciate deep-fried goodness, the croquettes at Pioneer Saloon are worth exploring. Made with both regular potato and purple sweet potato, these puffy croquettes are simple yet incredibly comforting. Dipping them in katsu sauce and enjoying them with rice is a recommended way to savor this dish.
Ginger Chicken: For a flavorful and generous option, the Ginger Chicken features poached chicken drenched in a generous portion of ginger-scallion sauce. This dish is known for its substantial portion size and the vibrant, aromatic ginger-scallion topping.
Loco Moco: A Hawaiian staple, Pioneer Saloon’s Loco Moco offers a Japanese-inspired twist on the classic. Instead of traditional gravy, they use a Japanese demi-glace, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish. It consists of rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and this special demi-glace gravy.
Spam Musubi: While not always listed on the main menu, keep an eye out for Spam Musubi near the register. These are perfect for a quick snack or to complement your plate lunch if available.
Neba Neba Bowl: For a lighter and healthier choice, the Neba Neba Bowl includes a base of rice topped with natto, ahi poke, and mountain yam, finished with a soft-boiled egg. It’s served with both green salad and pasta salad, offering a balanced and nutritious meal.
Insider Tips for Your Pioneer Saloon Visit
Parking:
- Diamond Head/Monsarrat Ave: Street parking is available on Monsarrat Avenue, but can be busy. For easier parking, try Kaunaoa Street, located directly behind Pioneer Saloon.
- Kaka’ako: Parking is available within the SALT At Our Kaka’ako complex. The first hour is free with validation, making it convenient for a meal at Pioneer Saloon.
Dessert Options:
- Diamond Head/Monsarrat Ave: Adjacent to Pioneer Saloon is Monsarrat Shave Ice, perfect for a refreshing dessert. Nearby you’ll also find Ars Cafe and Diamond Head Bakery for cakes and pastries, or da Cove Health Bar for smoothies and acai bowls.
- Kaka’ako: Within SALT At Our Kaka’ako, explore Lonohana Estate Chocolate for unique treats, Butterfly Ice Cream, and 9Bar HNL for coffee and local-inspired drinks.
Family and Group Friendly: Both Pioneer Saloon locations are ideal for families and groups. The diverse menu ensures everyone finds something they enjoy, and the casual, spacious settings are welcoming to all.
Pioneer Saloon Information
- Pioneer Saloon Diamond Head: 3046 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | (808) 732-4001 | pioneer-saloon.net
- Pioneer Saloon Kaka’ako: 675 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (inside SALT At Our Kaka’ako) | (808) 600-5612
- Price: Plate lunches range from approximately $9-15.
- Hours:
- Diamond Head: Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm
- Kaka’ako: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-3pm
