If there’s one thing all Hawaii locals can agree on, it’s that there is absolutely nothing better than an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch from a hole-in-the-wall eatery. The traditional Hawaiian lunch can be found at restaurants and eateries across the islands, and most often consists of two scoops of rice, some sort of salad (usually macaroni), and an entree. While you will find countless under-the-radar restaurants that serve up mouthwatering plate lunches across the Hawaiian Islands, one of our all-time favorites is this tiny drive-in located in Honolulu. Welcome to Soon’s Kal-Bi BBQ, a local secret we can’t wait to share with you.
Known across the internet as either Soon’s Kal-Bi BBQ or Soon’s Kal-Bi Drive In, this unique drive-in eatery is an essential part of Hawaii’s takeout plate lunch culture, and serves up some of the best Korean plate lunches on the island.
MauiRanger/TripAdvisor
Soon’s delivers on the classics, like kalbi, bulgogi, and barbecue chicken, served with two scoops of rice and a side of either macaroni salad or kimchi, of course.
Lala/Foursquare
The meat jhun, however, is the real draw. This only-in-Hawaii concoction of a pan-fried egg-battered beef slices served with a shoyu and mirin-based sauce is both crispy and chewy.
MauiRanger/TripAdvisor
You will also find bibimbap, saimin, fried chicken, and more on the surprisingly extensive menu. They even serve hamburgers and cheeseburgers for picky keiki.
Gordon Fowler/Google
With 4.5 stars and more than 450 reviews on Yelp, Soon’s is well-loved by locals, and tends to get busy during lunch. Don’t worry, though, the line is totally worth it.
Soon’s Kal Bi BBQ/Facebook
With 4.5 stars and more than 450 reviews on Yelp, Soon’s is well-loved by locals, and tends to get busy during lunch. Don’t worry, though, the line is totally worth it.
Aaron K./Foursquare
Located less than two miles from the Honolulu International Airport, Soon’s is the perfect first or last stop in Honolulu if you’re visiting from a neighboring island, but it’s also a local favorite.
Cindy/Foursquare
If you’re looking for ono grinds in the Salt Lake Area of Honolulu, look no further than this tiny drive-in restaurant specializing in Korean plate lunches. Soon’s Kal Bi BBQ is located at 898 Ala Lilikoi St., Honolulu, HI 96818, and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, follow them on Facebook.
MauiRanger/TripAdvisor
Lala/Foursquare
Gordon Fowler/Google
Soon’s Kal Bi BBQ/Facebook
Aaron K./Foursquare
Cindy/Foursquare
To discover more incredible Hawaiian plate lunches found across the islands, click here.
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