Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series will show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.
Happy hour at ONKEE Korean Grill House started late last fall, but we only recently had a chance to check it out.
The restaurant, known for its contemporary Korean barbecue experience, offers a daily happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the bar. The bar seats about 10 people, with an additional table on the side.
The happy hour menu features some of the eatery’s most popular appetizers. Since you’re getting the same portion at a discounted price, it’s ideal for sharing. If you want the best of both worlds, you can still order dishes from the eatery’s regular dinner menu.
If you like seafood, the truffle tuna poke ($16 happy hour, regular $24) is a must-have. I don’t think I’ve had poke with Parmesan before, but surprisingly, the unique combo worked — and left us wanting more. I also appreciated the distinct truffle flavor.
The marinated fried chicken ($20 happy hour, $28 regular) came highly recommended by our bartender. It boasts a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor with a creamy aioli drizzle, and the portion size is generous. The pieces are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, complete with a slight spice.
It’s different from the fried chicken with green onion salad ($18 happy hour, $26 regular), which is also on the happy hour menu. The regular fried chicken doesn’t have a sauce.
Delicate and crispy, the truffle potato pancake ($15 happy hour, $24 regular) is the ultimate side dish. Crispy and light, the thin, round pancake is cut tableside into your desired number of pieces.
You also can’t go to a Korean barbecue restaurant without getting kimchi. The eatery's spicy kimchi salad ($6) packs some heat, but is a nice way to round out your happy hour experience.
Considering the restaurant’s location in Kōʻula, $9 house cocktails are a deal (they usually cost $14). Options include High West Old Fashioned, rum-based Golden Hour, Carajillo with tequila and more.
If you want something refreshing and on the lighter side, go for the White Lotus, made with Haku vodka, pear and honey.
You can also take advantage of $5 draft beers and $9 glasses of red, white and sparkling wines.
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CONTACT
Onkee Korean Grill House
Kōʻula
1000 Auahi St. Unit 220, Honolulu
808-312-3758
onkeehi.com
Instagram: @onkeehawaii
Happy hour is daily at the bar, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
