Pioneer Saloon in Honolulu is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of local Hawaiian cuisine with a unique Japanese influence. This casual and affordable eatery offers a diverse menu, making it a favorite among both residents and tourists. From their famous chicken katsu to comforting loco moco, Pioneer Saloon has something to satisfy every palate. Let’s dive into what makes Pioneer Saloon a Honolulu dining gem and explore their extensive menu.
Mochiko Chicken plate lunch
Discovering Pioneer Saloon in Honolulu
If you’re looking for an authentic Honolulu dining experience, Pioneer Saloon should be high on your list. This eatery provides a relaxed atmosphere, welcoming guests straight from the beach or those meeting friends for lunch. It strikes the perfect balance between casual and inviting, making it ideal for various occasions. Pioneer Saloon’s charm lies in its ability to blend the laid-back Hawaiian vibe with subtle Japanese culinary touches, creating a unique dining experience.
Friends and plate lunch ^_^
Exploring the Pioneer Saloon Menu: A Fusion of Flavors
The Pioneer Saloon menu is extensive and varied, promising a delightful surprise for every visitor. At their Monsarrat Street location, the menu is displayed in a fun, almost haphazard way, adding to the restaurant’s quirky charm. This “all over the place” menu is part of Pioneer Saloon’s appeal – there’s always something new and delicious to discover. The sheer variety can be overwhelming in the best way, encouraging you to try something different each visit.
Must-Try Plate Lunches at Pioneer Saloon
Plate lunches are the heart of Hawaiian local food, and Pioneer Saloon excels in offering them with a Japanese twist. Each plate lunch typically comes with rice and a choice of pasta salad or green salad, creating a satisfying and complete meal. Here are some standout dishes you should consider when exploring the Pioneer Saloon Honolulu Menu:
Chicken Katsu Curry: A comforting classic, Pioneer Saloon’s Chicken Katsu Curry features deep-fried chicken cutlets served alongside a flavorful Japanese curry. Pour the hot curry over the crispy katsu and rice for a truly satisfying and hearty meal. It’s a dish that perfectly blends Japanese and local comfort food.
Mochiko Chicken: A quintessential Hawaiian favorite, Mochiko Chicken at Pioneer Saloon is a must-try. This dish is similar to Japanese karaage but with a unique twist. Bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in mochiko flour batter, giving the skin a slight mochi-like texture when fried, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the crispy chicken.
Croquettes: For those who love deep-fried comfort food, the croquettes at Pioneer Saloon are a great choice. Made with both regular and purple sweet potato, these puffy croquettes are simple yet satisfying. Dipping them in katsu sauce and enjoying them with rice creates a comforting and tasty plate lunch.
Ginger Chicken: If you prefer poached chicken, the Ginger Chicken is a flavorful option. Tender poached chicken is generously topped with a vibrant ginger-scallion sauce. This dish is known for its generous portion size and the abundance of zesty ginger-scallion sauce, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Loco Moco: Pioneer Saloon’s Loco Moco is a local favorite with a Japanese twist. Instead of the traditional gravy, they use a Japanese demi-glace, elevating this classic Hawaiian dish. It features rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and the special demi-glace gravy, making it a slightly more refined version of the beloved loco moco.
Spam Musubi: While not always listed on the main menu, keep an eye out for Spam Musubi near the register. These handheld snacks are perfect for a quick bite or an afternoon treat. If available, grabbing a Spam Musubi is a great way to enjoy another local staple.
Neba Neba Bowl: For a healthier option, the Neba Neba Bowl is a standout. It features a base of rice topped with natto (fermented soybeans), ahi poke, mountain yam, and a soft-boiled egg. This bowl is served with both green salad and pasta salad, providing a balanced and nutritious meal.
Menu at the Monsarrat location
Pioneer Saloon Locations in Honolulu
Pioneer Saloon has two convenient locations in Honolulu, each offering the same great menu and casual atmosphere.
Pioneer Saloon Diamond Head / Monsarrat
The original Pioneer Saloon location on Monsarrat Avenue in Diamond Head exudes a quirky, old-town charm with a unique blend of Hawaiian and Japanese décor. Situated on a street known for its excellent eateries, including Diamond Head Bakery and da Cove Health Bar, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Its proximity to Waikiki makes it easily accessible for tourists, and free street parking is available nearby.
Pioneer Saloon Kaka’ako
The Kaka’ako location is situated in the modern SALT At Our Kaka’ako complex, a redeveloped urban space known for its trendy dining and shopping options. This location also attracts a mix of locals and tourists, offering easy parking within the complex. While exploring SALT, consider visiting nearby attractions like Lonohana Estate Chocolate and Moku Kitchen.
Croquette plate at the Kakaako location
Insider Tips for Dining at Pioneer Saloon
To enhance your experience at Pioneer Saloon, here are some insider tips:
Parking:
- Diamond Head/Monsarrat Ave: While street parking on Monsarrat Avenue can be challenging, try Kaunaoa Street, located directly behind Pioneer Saloon, for easier free street parking.
- Kaka’ako: Parking is available within the SALT At Our Kaka’ako complex, with the first hour being free with validation.
Dessert:
- Diamond Head/Monsarrat Ave: Enjoy shave ice from Monsarrat Shave Ice right next door, or venture a few blocks to Ars Cafe or Diamond Head Bakery for cakes and pastries. Da Cove Health Bar across the street offers smoothies and acai bowls.
- Kaka’ako: Within SALT At Our Kaka’ako, Lonohana Estate Chocolate offers unique chocolate treats, and Butterfly Ice Cream and 9Bar HNL provide ice cream, coffee, and refreshing local drinks.
Family and Groups: Both Pioneer Saloon locations are family-friendly and accommodating to groups. The diverse menu ensures everyone will find something they enjoy, making it a reliable choice for gatherings.
Fried chicken with spicy mayo plate lunch, showcasing the variety and deliciousness of Pioneer Saloon’s offerings.
Pioneer Saloon Information
Pioneer Saloon Diamond Head
- Address: 3046 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Phone: (808) 732-4001
- Website: pioneer-saloon.net
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm
Pioneer Saloon Kaka’ako
- Address: 675 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (inside SALT At Our Kaka’ako)
- Phone: (808) 600-5612
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-3pm
Price: Plate lunches range from approximately $9-15.
Conclusion
Pioneer Saloon in Honolulu offers a delightful culinary experience, blending local Hawaiian plate lunch traditions with Japanese flavors. With a diverse menu, two convenient locations, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Honolulu’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re craving chicken katsu curry, loco moco, or mochiko chicken, Pioneer Saloon’s menu promises a satisfying and uniquely Honolulu dining adventure.
