Queen Street Cafe

The food is great and it’s one of the cheapest that it’ll get around Honolulu for this type of food. I ordered a plate of steak, rice, and salad for just $ 6. It was so tasty too!
When I was here, it seemed a bunch of construction workers go here during lunch. Well, it’s a nice portion of food too.
It may be a bit hard to find the place, and it seems they’re only open during the weekdays for lunch, but it’s well worth it!

Okay, obviously this place is not under the same management/​owners as it was before. The menu is totally changed. No more poke, etc.
This place seems like a combination of a $ 6 steak place and a regular plate lunch place. Grilled steak and chicken (for $ 6), but at the same time you can get your usual plate lunch stuff.
The Good:
— The steak was pretty good. Good smoky flavor, not too chewy… you could tell it was marinaded in something… was pretty good.
— Kiawe grilled chicken. Once again, pretty good.
— Furikake mahimahi. I thought this one would be all dried out, but was good. They offer some teri-​sauce, but it didn’t need it.
— Parking! This place has plenty of parking (next to the Wholesale mattress company on Queen Street).
— They’ve redone the interior. Doesn’t look roach infested anymore.
The not-​so-​good:
— Not downtown.
— No soda dispenser, only cans (but has cheap IBC bottled root beer!)
— Cash only.

I saw the «grand reopening» sign on the building and decided to give it a try once again. I was surprised to see that the inside was no longer dark, dirty and smelling of roaches! The renovation was quite impressive. I tried my old favorite the kiawe grilled steak and happy to see the taste was still there. The portion was a bit smaller but with the new style mac salad and a generous portion of rice, I was very happy to be there again.
Later I tried the garlic chicken and kiawe chicken mix and it was ono! The place looks much better, the parking is great and I am happy they didn’t go the way of so many other great places and just close. Service is good and the workers friendly, could use some hot chicks, but I can always dream.
I will go back again soon…

Ack! What happened to my beloved Queen Street Café!!! It’s been taken over by new people and it’s not the same by any means. I went to Queen Street Café yesterday to grab a plate lunch and I had to check myself before I wrecked myself (Word!) because I thought I had walked into a Panda Express. No joke people!
Gone now are the two sweet sisters who ran the Queen Street Café and now you’re greeted by Chinese people who yell «Hello! Hello! Hello! You want to try my our chicken! Here! Here! Here!» Don’t get me wrong, they are very nice but their food kind of sucks. I tasted the chicken and that was quite enough for me. Queen Street Café is much cleaner now and the tables are arranged very nicely, but who really cares if the food tastes like a low grade Panda Express. How do you get lower than Panda?! I bought my daughter a can of juice and we left. I take back my 5-​stars as my ahi poke bowl and wonderful $ 6 plate lunches are gone.
I think we need to start a new Unilocal policy, that if you take over a business you have to start a new business page. A business is only as good as the people who run it and this one needs to be reworked. I hope the new owners of Queen Street Café will work on their food because they seem like nice people. But nice only gets you so far when it comes to my appetite!

So I’m some what a newbie to the neighbourhood and saw all the rave reviews about Queen St. Café here and decided to give it a try, even after reading the last review’s indication that it’s now under the new management.
I had the Furikake chicken with salad and mango spicy salad dressing. It was good, I would give it 3.5 stars (but there’s no half star option here). I didn’t come here when it was under old management/​cook so I can’t really compare. It was decent portion, salad could have been more fresh, the mango spicy dressing was the saviour of the no-​so-​fresh salad.
I taste-​tried ta piece of he Garlic Furikake chicken but it was not good. it was dried, a bit salty but not very flavourful, kind of tasted like buffet Chinese food.
Will I go back again? sure. I don’t cook and QSC is close by, so I’ll be ordering take outs from there time to time.

For a long while I’ve been wanting to check this place out and reading all these good reviews makes me hungry all the time. Earlier in the week I made an attempt to walk to this place from work; however, I was clueless as to where it was and instead I settled for something mediocre.
I was determined to try this place out today, so I convinced my BFF (Best Foodie Friend) to come with me despite our hectic day at work. We hopped in my car and away we went. Funny thing is that I felt like we were leaving high school campus when we were not supposed to. How fun!
So I drove on Queen Street (heading towards Ala Moana) but I had to do a loop around the block because I missed the location. I was expecting a big sign or something; but managed to figure it out by the 2 local guys barbecuing outside in the parking lot. Perhaps some sort of sign or banner can help attract passerbys or clueless folk like me find the place quicker.
Upon walking in, I noticed several tables and chairs and a bar-​like counter top area for people to sit. Luckily there was no line so my friend and I walked straight to the counter to check out the goods they offered. I noticed quickly that the plates were $ 6 for 1 or 2 choices and I was happy because mix plates are my thing. Anyway, what I ended up ordering was a Kiawe Steak and Furikake Garlic Chicken mix plate with brown rice and mac salad. My BFF ordered Kiawe Barbecue Chicken and Kiawe Steak over a bed of romaine lettuce (she opted for no rice). Total damage was roughly $ 14 for two plates and 2 drinks. Not a hefty price to pay to have a lunch date.
After taking a few bites of my food, I realized why Unilocalers wrote so highly of this place. I was pretty impressed at how good the food tasted here. The Kiawe Steak was super tasty and that smokey flavor was addicting. The Furikake Garlic Chicken was balanced in flavor and crunchy (but sorry to say it still doesn’t beat Mitsu-Ken’s in my book). I tried the Kiawe Barbecue Chicken, and that same addicting smokey flavor was good. My BFF even pointed out that all BBQ chicken usually taste the same everywhere, BUT definitely this chicken is different and goooood! Oh yeah, I can’t forget the dressing/​sauces they have. I knew one was wasabi flavored and another was spicy. I enjoyed the wasabi but my BFF liked the spicy one better, but hey. she’s Korean. The only negative is that the mac salad could use a little more flavor.
So after finishing my meal, I was pretty content; however, my BFF pointed out that they had cupcakes. Damn me and my sweet tooth. I had to try at least one. They were selling these flax seed ginger carrot cupcake (sounds complex right?) that is supposedly ‘healthy’. The woman at the counter also mentioned they had other ones, too. I opted for a chocolate chip one (not sure how healthy that one is) while my BFF chose the flax seed one. Both came out to $ 3, which I think is a steal nowadays for a cupcake. I enjoyed mine, but my BFF sounded like she was having an orgasm. I wanted one, too! So I bought another one and finished it in 2 bites. DAMN!
Ultimately, I think that Unilocalers got this place pegged right which is deserving of the high rating. The food is very good especially for the price. The cupcakes and the friendly staff is what rocketed my 4 to a 5 star rating. I really enjoyed my experience here and I plan on coming back. I only wish that it was closer to my workplace in Downtown.

Just ate here for lunch today, by the recommendation of so many Unilocalers — in fact, my husband had been asking off-​and-​on about trying there for a month now, but we could make it in the door before 6pm… (and when we did, they had no more garlic chicken.)
So, we had been craving some good garlic chicken this week and most of the usual stops (Sugoi, Fat Boys, Mitsuken, etc) are all out of the way. We were in the Ward area to run an errand this afternoon, and decided to make our way to the Queen Street Café.
Down the street, the smoke from the outdoor «grills» seemed to be signaling the way. Good ample parking and a few open tables — things were looking great!
I ordered the mini garlic chicken with white rice and pasta salad (an unusual choice, I must admit for a plate lunch place, but I’m totally for it). My husband had the large order — same stuff, just brown rice.
First bite was much love. The pieces are bite-​sized, cooked crispy and just coated in furikake. I *love* my garlic chicken –crispy– with the insides juicy. These were perfect.
The pasta salad was dressed with a vinegar dressing with thin slices of raw onion and bean sprouts and carrot shreds. Tangy!
For the price of $ 4, I can’t complain and would I even want to?
I’m excited to go back and check out the rest of their menu! :D

So Chris O. convinced me that Queen Street Café was worth a shot even if I worked in Kaimuki and would have to fight crazy traffic and going down side streets just to get there. The husband and i decided to give this place a shot. He said no spicy ahi since i was preggers but since we found websites that begged to differ… this was my first stop!
So my iphone led me astray but someone’s Unilocal review helped me find it. I forget but whoever it was, thanks! We found it and luckily the parking lot was empty! It’s so dark from the outside that it looks kinda shady. But with all the high reviews, i was willing to risk shadyness for my spicy ahi!
We walked in and didn’t really know what to get. It was like around 5pm, so right after work and i wasn’t too hungry. We ended up getting the spicy ahi bowl and the furikake chicken. Andddddd three cans of soda. Don’t get grape soda if you don’t like grape soda… i somehow forgot and grabbed it. EWWW. That was my fault and my fault alone.
We waited for about 10 minutes and our food came out. The spicy ahi salad was pretty good. My favorite is still Ahi & Veg in downtown. But the furikake chicken was nice, hot, and crispy. YUM.
I would give this place four stars but an extra one for value. It was cheap and good. Just the right amount to fill you up. Oh they also have cookies. I think we got the walnut and choco one. Not that good. Don’t waste your money… go buy two more sodas instead.
STICK WITH THE FOOD ON THE MENU. YUMMMMM in your TUMMM =).

OMG So yummy. Not knowing where to eat, we decided to try Queen Street since it’s a new venue to venture out and try. So it’s a little hard to find, with a small sign and discreetly tucked in between a mattress store and another building which sadly I didn’t pay attention to.
So following the amazing Unilocaler’s suggestions, the furikake garlic chicken was a must. I was told by the lady making the plate lunch I could mix and match it, so we opted for the Kiawe steak. Since my friend Janet I requested that, I opted for pork adobo. I don’t regret all three. So tender, delicious, and perfectly seasoned! I hate salty food and it wasn’t salty at all!
The only gripe I had was the mac salad, it wouldn’t stay on my chopsticks because it was too watery, but other than that, it’s a repeat on my list!

Unilocal… we’ve come to a crossroads today after reading the reviews and the reality of eating here. 3 stars… and one of those stars is because it is well priced (if you’re moderately hungry).
We ordered the Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl ($ 6) and the Garlic Chicken ($ 6)… the anticipation left me giddy for finding such a steal for lunch in town. Opened our plate lunches up… and… wtf? The poke bowl was COVERED… no… SLATHERED in spicy-​mayo sauce. It was to the point we couldn’t see the 10’ish cubes of fish. We spent a few minutes spooning the sauce off the dish… even using a napkin at one point. Seriously? We’re in Hawaii right? ¹⁄₅ stars here for that.
My garlic chicken… it was alright. Not all the rage I was reading about here. My salad had browned bits of lettuce mixed in… delightful. I had 3 – 4 good cuts of chicken and the rest were tiny bits or just breaded nothings.
So we stood back in line to order the Kim Chee Fried Rice… waited… and finally were filled for lunch. The Fried Rice you ask? It was okay. It was spicy but there was little to none of that fried rice goodness I’m used to. Kamaboko, carrots, peas… all missing. Had spam though!
To each their own… but we’ll be going back to Kanpai for lunches instead, sorry Queen Street Café but if I only had $ 6 in my pocket that would be the main reason you’ll see me back here.

After eating here just 10 minutes ago, it would be best to write a review as the taste is still fresh in my mouth.
This being my first time here, I opted for the furikake garlic chicken (as recommend by fellow Unilocalers) and I was not disappointed. Neither the garlic or the furikake was overwhelming (which is something hard to do when using garlic), and the plate came with with two scoops of rice. Even better was Queen St. Café’s generous portions for such cheap prices! I look forward to returning and trying their kiawe steak plate and spicy ahi bowl.
On a side note, when I tried to call in a phone order, it said their number has been disconnected.

SO this is an update. The one on Queen street re-​opened with new ownership and while it’s okay, it’s not worthy of the 5 star review i gave below. More like a 2 – 3 stars. The original Queen street girls have now moved to ward center at Paparazzi. Yes Paparazzi! At lunch time they serve their delicious plate lunches… yes their awesome perfect garlic chicken… for the same cheap price! So move on over imposter Queen Street Café… the original and unsurpassed original girls are now in Ward at Paparazzi during lunch time.

As far as plate lunch is concerned this place is tops.
I think its great that they have the option of brown rice and tossed salad. Caned juice and soda is only $ 0.50, and they have a plethora of salad dressing choices. Not to mention the regular plate is only $ 6 and the mini is a measly $ 4!
You can’t go wrong with the garlic chicken. The kiawe grilled chicken or steak is also very good.
Everyday they have a 2 – 3 specials which also look really good but I have actually never ordered… (can’t pass up the garlic chicken. :)
If you are heading d-​head on Queen St. go past Cooke St and look for all the smoke from the bbq on the makai side of the street. Parking can be kind of tight but like almost all my other reviews… Its Honolulu parking is always tight, if you don’t like it move back home!!!

The furikake garlic chicken is an awesome plate. I didn’t even need to use dressing on the tossed salad, the chicken packed more than enough flavor when paired together.
I don’t know how this place ducked my radar for so long, but I’m glad it’s on it now. $ 6 plates? Hells yea.

$ 6 for a spicy ahi poke bowl?! Easily the best lunch deal in downtown. What a bargain. Most lunch plates were $ 6, such as Kiawe steak, Kiawe BBQ chicken, or furikake garlic chicken plates, and come with a choice of white rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes, AND either fresh greens or mac salad. Plus all the drinks were one price, 50 cents, whether it was a Hawaiian Sun or a soda.
This place was pretty much just take-​out with a few tables if you wanted to sit and eat. They had their own parking lot, too. I think it was cash only, but there was an ATM machine available.
5 stars for good eats at a bargain price.

How in the hell does this place stay open? This is not your typical plate lunch/​steak plate place. The food quality could easily beat out places like Big City Diner. The portions are generous and the price? SIX BUCKS!!! The steak plate is a total winner. I love the mini teri meatballs while my friends love their chicken (any style). They even have chicken adobo on some days. Try the wasabi aioli on your tossed salad too. I would put that crap on a prime rib.
I would totally pay more but that’s the charm of this place. Plus, the workers are SUPER friendly. The parking kinda sucks but only because the place is always full.

It took me wayyy too long to discover this place. Most of the food is $ 6. Kiawe steak, bbq chicken, furikake garlic chiken, poke bowl… oh god I’m salivating. You can have half chicken half steak for no additional price! Comes with two scoops of white or brown rice or mashed potatoes, either tossed salad or mac salad, and a lot of meat. Also comes with a free canned beverage. Condiments are next to the cash register and plastic bags are available for those who would like to take it out instead. They do have daily specials so keep an eye out for that.
It gets super packed during lunch time so park at Ward and walk over instead. I can see why this little café is so popular.

Come here if you want CHOKE food for $ 6! i think they charge tax now? i love the furikake garlic chicken! i dont care too much for kiawe style cooking. plate comes with choke meat, 3 sides and a can soda! WAT A DEAL!
This place is clean with lots of tables and chairs to dine-​in and the A/​C is a plus. ALSO, they have a bathroom! which is pretty clean! they have a table on the side so you can add your condiments. or if your ordering to go, u can pack it up.
On the weekdays, this place is pretty packed during lunch time! there are soo much businesses on that small street! its impossible to find parking between 11am-​1pm!
this place would have gotten 5 STARS but i get fat from eating here! they give me waaaay tooo much food! and i HATE wasting my food!

Great value. Friendly staff. Ono food.
We had the pork chops with garlic mash and spicy ahi salad. Delicious.
I loved the spicy salad dressing that you can add to your plate. We’ll definitely be back to try the rest of the menu.

$ 6 plate lunch? I’m totally there.
Well, not exactly. It took me three times around the block to find this place. The sign is pretty inconspicuous and the building looks like all the rest, but it’s right next to Discount Mattress.
Anyway, they offer kiawe bbq steak, kiawe bbq chicken, and garlic chicken everyday, as well as daily specials (today they had hamburger steak). You can get one or two items with salad and a drink for just $ 6. No extra charge for mix plate! They also have cooked to order fried rice, pork chops, steak and shrimp from $ 6 — $ 10.
I got the bbq chicken and garlic furikake chicken. The garlic chicken was good, but a little heavy on the batter, lots of small pieces rather than a few big pieces. The bbq chicken was really good, nice grilled, slightly smoky flavor. You get so much food too. I’m still full from my meal three hours ago. Definitely heading back.
Did I mention it only cost $ 6?