Atkinson Grill

This review is for the Slavonic steak, also known as the garlic steak.
Whenever I crave for a good steak and don’t feel like cooking, I will go to Atkinson grill. I’m sure that other items on the menu is just as good, but this is a must have! Really flavorful and juicy. Also there are lots of sides to choose from. :)

Sometimes you look in your fridge and think to yourself, «I have no food. Just bunch of ingredients to make food. But I’m so lazy to put these ingredients together». I have this thought everyday, three times a day. Just kidding, four times a day. So in cases like these, you need a go-​to spot to satisfy your hunger/​laziness. But it can’t be expensive because you’ll go broke. My go-​to spot is Atkinson Grill. It used to be Rainbow Drive In, but then I found this place– and well, A.G. is where you’ll find me.
They have EVERYTHING. Breakfast food, lunch plates, dinner meals, mix & match, PASTAS, burgers, quesadillas (?!), sandwiches, KIMCHEE FRIED RICE (& all kinds of fried rice), salads, and more. Just look at their extensive menu online (or in person). You can choose mini plates, regular size, or go large. I usually go for the regular, and most of the items I get, it’s under $ 10. Score! Everything is deeeeeelicious here. It’s total comfort food so you can’t go wrong with anything. My personal favorite is the Kimchee fried rice with (2) over-​easy eggs. One of my friends visited A.G., and he really enjoyed his humongous dish of Prime Rib. I have yet to try their pastas, so that’s my next order! And another plus– they have brown rice! Rainbow Dr. In does not. ;)
A.G. is located in the same shopping center as the ⁷⁄₁₁ convenience store, next to Supercuts and Subway. There are parking spots, but most of the time they’re all taken. I’ve been lucky enough to find 1 or 2 open stalls every time I visit but I’m sure I’ll come across a day when I would have to find parking elsewhere.
Interior is nothing fancy– just a small, cozy restaurant with 6 – 7 tables & a high top bar table/​stools. They take card, so no need to stop by an ATM.
Next time you mindlessly stare into your fridge full of ingredients, stop re-​opening the fridge in hopes of food magically appearing in there. Just drive down to A.G. or call in a order. For just $ 8 + tax/​tip, you can get a regular sized delicious lunch/​dinner plate. What a deal!

Excellent service and food! My friend and I stumbled upon this place while exploring Honolulu and enjoyed every bite.
We both had breakfast, I had the Local Boy breakfast… Must get the fried rice! And my friend had the Spinach & Chicken omelet with a side of the potato macaroni salad.
We loved our food and the (I believe) owner. He was really nice and greeted us with a warm Hawaiian welcome.
I recommend for all travelers and locals.
Aloha!

I read quite a few reviews for this place and in the end, the average fell in the middle… a Unilocal rating of a 3… I would have liked to give this place a 2 because my companion’s fish tacos (2 of them) were good but I cannot.
My dish which was supposed to be a «signature» dish (Fireball Chicken) not only wasn’t tasty (except for the heat), but I found myself seeing the cook peek into the styrofoam within which it was probably realize he «forgot» the sauce for the spicy part… he took the food out of the styrofoam, threw it back on the griddle and «voila’», Fireball Chicken :-/​To say the least, it was dry (overcooked) and salty :-(
To top things off, this place was NOT busy at all when we went. It was early evening a Monday, no less and we wanted our food for «take out». We found ourselves waiting for 45 minutes… SERIOUSLY? In fact, at one point, one of the gentleman in the back working there asked us, «have you ordered yet?» So, this tells you something as well.
While I can appreciate it it a «local, family owned» place that is a «fashionable» hole in the wall «joint», I cannot excuse nor appreciate bad service and cooking technique that pretends it is acceptable… And for you germ a phobes out there, do NOT bother coming here as you can see through to the kitchen and it is a mess… in all respects… in fact, my first thought is this place would be a perfect candidate for «Restaurant Impossible».

Osso Buco is Osso Ono! Excellent plate food for an amazing value. It is across from the convention center next to 711, just right outside of Waikiki. This is a great local spot for people on a budget. I would avoid the rush hour because it gets crazy packed here and when the people from the convention center get out there’s a line out the door for eternity. The location is nothing fancy, but excellent food, excellent value, big menu-​lots to choose from. This is a popular place, no tourist-​trap-​bs here. If you are visiting and want to try some local food, this is a great spot without tourist trap pricing just right outside Waikiki/​Ala Moana Mall/​Convention Center.

Here’s the thing — your Hawaii visit will NOT be complete if you don’t eat here. And chill with the super laid back Keone Gasper, the owner. Who kept messing up my name till he succeeded.
5 Stars and a few more —

Very friendly guys, quick and friendly service. They got me in and out for a short lunch. It’s a tiny little restaurant but the food is amazing. I got to try Loco Moco and it was phenomenal. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants huge helpings and a fair price!

This was my first eating adventure in Honolulu and Atkinson too my breath away. I wanted a hole in the wall local place that was open late and had a home cooked feel to it. That’s exactly what I got and more.
They have a extensive menu: pasta, sandwiches, salads, burgers, fried rice loco moco, local chicken, seafood? steak, sides & burgers. Their motto is «Much more than just great steaks,» and boy they mean it.
My boyfriend ordered a large garlic steak. Oh my goodness, the steak was cooked perfectly; juicy and full of flavor. I ordered the adobo fried rice. That was the best rice I’ve had, it was melt in your mouth delicious. And the flavor was intense.
Staff was so friendly service so quick. Felt we were in and out in less than half an hour. And the price could not have been beaten. Dinner for two under $ 25. You guys amazed me.

The prime rib loco moco, especially over fried rice and with over easy egg is a ¹⁰⁄₁₀!!! What a winning combination of amazing, delectable flavors!!! I love it. I’m not even a meat-​eater and I love it!!! (I am a huge loco moco fan, though.)
I also discovered their breakfast corned beef hash. It’s probably my second favorite corned beef hash, the first being from Murphy’s in downtown. I love that they add corn to it. The texture changes and it’s AMAZING. So delicious.
I also want to try all their varieties of fried rice at some point — I have had their korean fried rice and it was super savoury. I would get it again in a heartbeat if I forget my usual home lunch again. (I better be forgetting it soon…)
The high quality meat impresses me to no end. The wait isn’t long if it isn’t rush-​hour. They also offer a yummy hydrating coconut water drink (something I normally don’t care for) called Purps! I’m sold on it.
This is probably going to become a regular lunch takeout place for me from now on. After all, the menu is extensive — I need to slowly eat my way through it.

After going to the gym, I wanted to grab food. I went to this place a few years back and remembered it was decent, so I came here. I ordered a regular sized garlic steak and garlic shrimp combo with tossed salad (no rice)
Garlic steak: where was the garlic? My steak tasted plain and was a little tough. To try and get some garlicky taste, I dipped it in the shrimp sauce, but was still disappointed
Garlic shrimp: the garlic sauce tasted watered down but the shrimps were decent sized
Salad: the salad looked wilted and a little soggy, like you would find at the bottom of the bag. The dressing however, was really good (I got the creamy ponzu dressing)
All of this and a regular drink came out to $ 13.30. I was still left wanting steak and shrimp with more garlic flavors, as the portion was small for the price and the food was lacking flavor
The service here was friendly. I’m not sure if I cane on a bad day? But I’ll be back to try it one more time… But for now, looks like I’m going to class tonight hungry and dissatisfied

Once again, Unilocal has guided me to the right direction. This place is literally a 3 min walk from our hotel. All the pictures of the delicious food and the great reviews encouraged me to come here for breakfast. I ordered the «Local Boy Plate» which really hit the spot. It came with 2 slices of spam, 2 slices of bacon and2 slices of Italian sausage, with eggs over steamed rice. I find the prices to be reasonable and the service to be satisfactory to my very high expectations. I highly recommend this place. Though I only tried something from the breakfast menu, I don’t doubt that the rest of their options are just as good. This will definitely be a spot in will come back to every time I’m on the island.

Wow. Just wow.
We ordered the Loco Moco and mini garlic shrimp. Both were very good dishes. Ended up coming back for a second trip and got the steak fried rice. Wow. That was some of the most flavorful and delicious fried rice I’ve ever eaten.
The owner is super chill too. He kept us entertained the entire dining experience. I’d definitely recommend this place to any and everyone.

Absolutely Fabulous!
We had the 100% Chuck Burgers and Homemade Fry’s
The price was very reasonable. The food was all great and the customer service was fabulous!!!
If you want some great food served with some honest Aloha take the extra minute to find them tucked in the corner.

I am in a food coma. I am about to pass out and sleep. I have a smile on my face with small beads of sweat forming by my forehead. If you ask me why, it’s because I just finished eating. :sigh: I try not to be a glutton and deprive myself from eating good food. It’s ok to say no, but I find myself saying yes and more, majority of the time.

I found this eatery through Unilocal,and knew I had to stop on in. There were a few tables and an open kitchen to watch the magic enfold. I believe I met the owner, who was suggesting I try their burgers which they grind fresh in house. I wish I took him up on that. The menu was extensive. I could not decide on what to eat. There was even specials on top of that. I stood there for a good five minutes saying ummm and more ummm, and biting my lip till I made up my mind.
I went to the counter and picked the kalua and cabbage off the specials menu. I also went with the made in house garlic fries with buttered corn for sides. So when I mentioned glutton earlier this is where it shows. In addition to that order, I wanted a mini chili plate with brown rice and Mac salad. Lol. I paid, took a seat and waited.
The food was then brought out to me which I opened up excitedly. The chili was thick, hot, and meaty. The brown rice literally melted in my mouth once I mixed it in. Mac salad was also delicious. Within a matter of minutes it was depleted. I was very satisfied.
Now onto the kalua pork. It was a bit overcooked and dry. The garlic fries, I appreciate that it was hand cut and homemade. However, some were very thick and undercooked. I found myself having to drink some water after a few bites to get it down. I do like the fresh garlic sprinkled on top.
When I return I’m ordering the burger.:) They accept credit as well, and there is air conditioning! Owner is super nice and everyone is welcoming.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, no one does it better than Atkinson Grill.
Their menu is diverse — chicken, beef, and seafood plates. Also, they have burgers, loco moco and various breakfast dishes. My favorite is the garlic steak with the Nalo greens.

First time in Hawaii. First little mom-​pop restaurant my wife and I ate at. #luvedit
Small place, but service is great. Food is #delish

It’s like your Grammy just cooked you dinner after a long day of work.
Honest to goodness, this meal hit the spot. It tastes 1000% home cooked which I loved and is just what I needed.
The steak was cooked med rare just as I asked and has tremendous flavor, super juicy. The butter corn and Broccoli were tender and seasoned. My baked pot came with a good amount of toppings (it was a little undercooked).
No this is not a glamorous place and it’s not huge– however it is exactly as it should be. Cozy and friendly.
I would certainly go here again if I’m in the area.

I like this place. I’m picky. You may have to wait in line and the parking… lot is tiny but I’ve been fortunate to have found a stall every time. The service, they give a damn… nice. Not the least expensive. I think they could do better on value. Flavorful, for sure. Great selection… MANY choices, do not get overwhelmed. Very casual in and outdoor seating. The employees really care and the chef is a «CHEF». Nice.

Nothing beats a home cooked meal.
On my Unilocal page, it asks me what my last meal would be. Despite the dozens of countries visited and the foods I’ve savored abroad, I’d request nothing more than my Chinese great grandmother’s jook (rice porridge).
The same goes for a tasty steak.
Truffle butter this. Chimmichurri that. That’s nice… But when it comes down to it, all a good steak needs is fresh garlic, cracked pepper and hawaiian salt. My father makes the best ribeye steaks. And it all comes down to that home cooked feeling that reminds me of my childhood.
Why do I bring this up?
Because Atkinson Grill recreates that same flavor and feeling with their ribeyes.
Their prices are a tad steep. You’ll still get a decent portion, but deep deep down you wish you had three bites left. It’s because they know how to load up on their delicious homemade garlic butter sauce that makes it taste so home-​cooked-​delish, you forget all about the bill.
There’s the house ribeye, but I decided to go buck wild and went with the Slovakian Ribeye. For $ 16.95, I’d expect big boy portions coming from this joint. The slab was a hearty cut with lots of chubby edges to marinate all the juicy flavor. But with all the fat skirts, it left me with just over half to consume, and the rest to throw away.
I still stand by the fact that they do know how to grill up an excellent steak! You can choose two sides from the list of add ons. The garlic mash comes with brown gravy… um YES PLEASE!!! If I’m going to engorge, I’m going all the way! Potato Mac salad was my second choice and I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a single potato to be found. This Unilocaler loves potato salad!
Will I return? Heck yeah! And I hope you do too. Save me a bite, would ya?

Loved the food. It may look like a hole in a wall but those are the ones with the best food.
The place is really small so I only came here for pickup. Right now I ordered the marathon specials which was Mahi Mahi with brown rice and salad and it is the bomb. Also their homemade pineapple vinegarette dressing on the salad is also good.
The people also are very nice. Great service. I will definitely come back.