Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series where show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.
I was walking on Kūhiō Avenue to a media event when a sign caught my eye. “$5 burger during happy hour,” it read.
My first thought: “A regular-sized burger or a slider?” For a burger, that sounded too good to be true. There was only one way to find out.
Piko Kitchen + Bar opened in January 2023, along with the launch of Waikīkī Market. According to chief food officer chef Keoni Chang, the eatery’s concept is a local-style hangout where customers can enjoy local food and flavors in a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Waikīkī.
The eatery’s pau hana deal — available daily from 2 to 6 p.m. — officially started last July, according to Chang.
“We wanted to create a pau hana menu that represented what Piko (authentic local flavors and dishes) is, while also offering a great deal for visitors and locals alike in Waikiki,” Chang says.
To answer my previous question: the happy hour burger is a full-sized one, not a slider.
The kalbi burger features a brisket blend beef patty, kimchi slaw, west side sauce, American cheddar and Japanese cucumber pickles.
Meanwhile, the bao buns are stuffed wtih braised applewood-smoked slab bacon, hoisin, keiki cuckes and micro cilantro. Each order includes two bao buns, and that braised applewood-smoked slab of bacon is the highlight.
On the regular menu, the bao buns are $11 while the kalbi burger costs $12, making the pau hana deal a good one.
Customers can also take advantage of discounted drinks like $5 local draft brews, $9 wines by the glass and $10 cocktails. Choose from cocktails like the popuar Mango mule — Pau vodka, lime juice, mango syrup and Fever Tree ginger beer — and Hibiscus Rita. The latter features hibiscus tea, Mi Campo tequila, chili liqueur, agave and lime juice with a salted rim.
Locals with a Hawaiʻi ID can take advantage of a kamaʻāina discount, according to Chang, who also encourages guests to check out ‘Olili — Piko Kitchen + Bar’s sister restaurant — located on the second floor of Waikīkī Market.
“‘Olili showcases the flavors of Hawai‘i in new and creative ways, offering inventive dishes, handcrafted cocktails and its signature modern lūʻau — a contemporary twist on the traditional lūʻau,” Chang says. “Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of its happy hour.”
CONTACT
Piko Kitchen + Bar
Lilia Waikīkī
2380 Kūhio Ave., Honolulu
808-923-2032
pikowaikikihawaii.com
Instagram: @pikowaikiki
Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; happy hour is daily from 2-6 p.m.
Validated parking available; $4 for two hours in Lilia Waikīkī’s parking garage (located on Walina Street)
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
