If you’re exploring Honolulu and craving an authentic local dining experience with a unique Japanese flair, Pioneer Saloon should be at the top of your list. This popular eatery offers a delightful menu of plate lunches, blending Hawaiian comfort food with Japanese culinary techniques. It’s a fun and affordable spot where you can indulge in everything from crispy chicken katsu to savory loco moco, all served with a generous helping of island hospitality.
Mochiko Chicken plate lunch
Pioneer Saloon provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect whether you’re stepping in straight from the beach or meeting friends for a relaxed lunch. It strikes a balance between laid-back and inviting, making it suitable for various occasions. The menu is extensive, promising something to satisfy every palate, from their renowned mochiko chicken and shoyu chicken to the flavorful misoyaki butterfish.
Discovering Pioneer Saloon Locations in Honolulu
Pioneer Saloon has thoughtfully placed two locations in Honolulu for your convenience, each offering the same beloved menu and casual dining experience. The original location on Monsarrat Avenue holds a special charm and is often the preferred choice for many locals and visitors alike.
Pioneer Saloon Diamond Head / Monsarrat: The Original Charm
The Monsarrat Street location is where Pioneer Saloon’s story began. It exudes a quirky, old-town vibe, uniquely blending Hawaiian and Japanese aesthetics. This creates an atmosphere that is both distinctive and welcoming. You’ll find ample seating in a space that feels genuinely local, a refreshing change from typical tourist traps.
Located in the vibrant Diamond Head area, Monsarrat Avenue is a culinary hotspot brimming with cafes, lunch spots like Diamond Head Bakery, and refreshing smoothie bars such as da Cove Health Bar. Shopping options are also plentiful in the vicinity. Parking is conveniently available on the street and is free. Its proximity to Waikiki also makes it a popular and easily accessible destination for visitors seeking an authentic Honolulu food experience.
Friends enjoying plate lunch at Pioneer Saloon
Pioneer Saloon Kaka’ako: Urban and Modern
The Kaka’ako branch of Pioneer Saloon is situated in the SALT At Our Kaka’ako complex, a modern dining and shopping hub. This location attracts a similar mix of locals and tourists, drawn to its contemporary urban setting and the same delicious menu. Parking is readily available within the complex, making it easily accessible.
The Kaka’ako area itself has undergone significant transformation from an industrial zone to a trendy live-work neighborhood, and SALT At Our Kaka’ako is at its heart. While visiting Pioneer Saloon here, you can also explore other nearby attractions within SALT, such as Lonohana Estate Chocolate, Moku Kitchen (famous for its cream pies), Lanikai Juice, and J’s BBQ for Korean plate lunches, making it a diverse culinary destination.
Exploring the Pioneer Saloon Menu: A Fusion of Flavors
The menu at Pioneer Saloon is indeed extensive and varied, reflecting a playful and diverse approach to food. At the original Monsarrat location, the menu is dynamically displayed on pieces of paper above the counter, adding to its casual and unique charm.
Pioneer Saloon Menu at the Monsarrat location
The sheer number of choices can be initially overwhelming, but in a delightful way. It encourages exploration and ensures that there’s always something new to try, even for regular patrons. With numerous visits, you’ll still find yourself discovering new favorites on their ever-evolving menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Recommendations from the Pioneer Saloon Menu
Most plate lunches at Pioneer Saloon are served with a choice of rice and pasta salad or green salad, creating a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some standout dishes that are highly recommended:
Chicken Katsu Curry: A comforting and flavorful choice featuring deep-fried chicken katsu paired with a rich Japanese curry. Pour the curry generously over the katsu and rice for a truly satisfying and hearty meal. It’s a classic combination that’s hard to resist.
Mochiko Chicken: A quintessential Hawaiian favorite with a Japanese twist. Mochiko chicken is akin to Japanese karaage meeting American fried chicken, elevated to another level of deliciousness. Bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in mochiko flour batter, which imparts a subtle mochi-like chewiness to the crispy skin. It’s a uniquely textured and flavored dish that’s a must-try.
A tempting Chicken Katsu Curry plate lunch from Pioneer Saloon, highlighting the crispy katsu and flavorful Japanese curry.
Croquettes: For lovers of deep-fried delights, the croquettes are a comforting and simple pleasure. Made with both regular potato and purple sweet potato, these puffy croquettes are perfect for dipping in katsu sauce and enjoying with rice. They offer a unique blend of textures and subtle sweetness.
Ginger Chicken: If you prefer poached dishes, the ginger chicken is an excellent option. It features a generous portion of poached chicken topped with a flavorful ginger-scallion sauce. The portion is substantial, and the sauce is abundant, making it a robust and aromatic choice.
Loco Moco: A Hawaiian staple, Pioneer Saloon’s loco moco stands out with its Japanese demi-glace gravy, a sophisticated twist on the traditional local gravy. It consists of rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and this special demi-glace. This “fancier” loco moco offers a unique and delicious take on a classic Hawaiian dish.
Spam Musubi: While not always listed on the main menu, Spam musubi is often available near the register. If you spot it, grab one! It’s the perfect snack or a quick bite to complement your meal.
Neba Neba Bowl: For a healthier option, the Neba Neba Bowl is a great choice. It 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.
Croquette plate lunch at the Kakaako location
Fried chicken with spicy mayo plate lunch, another example of the diverse and flavorful offerings on the Pioneer Saloon Hawaii menu.
Insider Tips for Visiting Pioneer Saloon
Parking:
- Diamond Head/Monsarrat Ave: While street parking on Monsarrat Avenue can be challenging, locals know the trick is to head to Kaunaoa Street, located directly behind Pioneer Saloon. You’ll often find free street parking more easily there.
- Kaka’ako: Parking is convenient at the SALT At Our Kaka’ako complex. The first hour is free with validation, making it ideal for a quick meal.
Dessert Options:
- Diamond Head/Monsarrat Ave: Right next door to Pioneer Saloon is Monsarrat Shave Ice (same owners), perfect for a refreshing treat. A short walk away you’ll find Ars Cafe for coffee, lemonade, and sorbet, or Diamond Head Bakery for cakes and local favorites like pumpkin crunch and lemon crunch. Across the street is da Cove Health Bar for smoothies and acai bowls.
- Kaka’ako: Within SALT At Our Kaka’ako, explore Lonohana Estate Chocolate for their Koko-Colada, Butterfly Ice Cream for frozen desserts, and 9Bar HNL for coffee and unique drinks like li hing mui soda and sparkling POG.
Family and Group Friendly:
Both Pioneer Saloon locations are incredibly family-friendly and welcoming to groups. Its broad menu ensures everyone can find something they enjoy, making it a reliable choice for satisfying diverse tastes. The comfortable atmosphere, tasty food, and ample space contribute to a happy dining experience for all.
Pioneer Saloon: Essential 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 approximately from $9 to $15.
- Hours:
- Diamond Head: Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm
- Kaka’ako: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-3pm
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