St Louis Drive In

3.5
The bento plate lunch (Japanese plate) was excellent, particularly the mochiko chicken. A little oily, but I didn’t mind, it just made it tastier. The Teri beef was flavorful. And I loved having the sashimi for a little freshness. Next time I might get the deluxe to have some tempura shrimp.
The breakfast was not so great. Corned beef hash was basically mashed potato patties. Bland too.
Seems like things can be hit or miss here, but I’d definitely get their bento plates.

St. Louis Drive-​In is definitely a neighborhood institution. Nicole K.‘s Top 5 reasons to eat here (Autumn special, Student Special #½, Green river) are pretty spot on. But I would also like to add the Japanese Deluxe bento which includes maguro sashimi, teri beef, teri chicken, and shrimp tempura. But my favorite is the FRESH mahi sandwich. It’s sooooo good– legit mahi. Be sure to specify fresh cuz I think there’s a different one. It’s HUGE too and comes with fries :) Everything’s pretty much under $ 10 so it’s reasonable. Right next door is the okazuya! The only negative thing is sometimes when it’s really crowded, it’s pretty slow. You might need to wait for a bit, so be prepared!
Also every year they close around christmas time for a few weeks to go on vacation, whether it’s Vegas (the 9^th island) or somewhere else. Haha this year I went on the last day before they left (I think it was around ¹²⁄₁₈) and it was packed cuz everybody was trying to get their fix before they closed for vacation.

St Louis drive in is one of those places that is never your actual destination. You go here because nothing else is open of it happens to be right there and you’re on a time crunch. At least that’s what it was for me.
I made an unscheduled pit stop there with a friend last Thursday night on the way home from yoga. He was practically salivating at the idea of eating there. I was… let’s just say. Not. He ordered his meal at the counter and as I went to order mine I had to jump back as a huge roach was just chilling on the counter next to the order window. And the lady taking orders was not phased one bit and was annoyed that I wouldn’t move up and give her my order while hanging my my new dear friend Mr Roachey. UGH. I ordered a grilled cheese (I thought that safest).
The food was hot and mediocre, but did the job of filling the belly. I will not be back.

I got the student burger special and wow… What a disappointment. The burger is literally on a patty, bun, and mayo. The meal came with two burgers and the second one looked like a bite was taken from the patty. And it randomly had two patties on it… I thought I was going to get food poisoning. Luckily I didn’t. I would way rather go to McDonald’s than eat here.

A lot of us locals fail to remember the little family owned restaurants. We have become bombarded with these huge company owned restaurants that we fail to remember the hard working aunties and uncles we have here on Oahu, and most of all the aloha they bring.
I’d like to call this place a hidden treasure, located right across Chaminade university. If ever you are in the Palolo area and looking for a place to dine inn, make a pit stop here and I promise you will not regret.
If you are like me, you feel that the amount of food that is served to you is worth the amount you pay. I swear that I pay 8.50 for a bento here and I pay just about the same and get a little less at zippy’s… What a deal right?! And it’s not just the amount, the food taste awesome! I wish I took a picture of my seafood bento but unfortunately I was so hungry that I simply forgot… So if there comes a time I come back, I definitely will make sure to remember. Just know that it’s a good enough recommendation that a picture doesn’t justify anything I’m saying about this place. I am certain you will be satisfied! :)

I love this place. Best plate lunch around. Lots of variety and healthy options. Good fish and seafood selection. My fave is the grilled salmon. Good portion of fish and grilled just right. I can’t eat rice soni get it with tossed salad. No extra charge like other places. They are opened late which works great for my work schedule. The Wahine at the window are super nice.

Second time here and this time I tried it for my lunch break. Had da JAPANESE PLATE DELUXE. Buggah is one winnah in my books. Comes with mochiko chicken, teriyaki beef, sashimi and 2 shrimp tempura. Definitely will be back if I still work working down this side. One more thing the green is a must!

Every thing is great
Feel the place could use a remodel
That said its charms the soul…
Japanese dlx plate yum.
Fresh mahi sandwich is giant and so good.
Seafood bentos wow
You can’t go wrong, don’t be scared to try anything
It’s hard because you find one thing you love and can eat it every week forever with out disappointing you tongue.
I will tell you, I went on a 2 week every day one meal, trying everything in order
It’s all good
Literally

Definitely one of the spots you know & you go to, if you want a traditional Hawaii local plate lunch, burger or bento. I love this place & glad it’s still around, especially the Aunty who’s been helping the people for years. Check this spot out if you haven’t & become a regular… I am! Haha.

Always open late. Reasonable prices for good food. Always get the student special to Terry hamburgers french fries and a drink. You can’t go wrong they been doing the same for years. Also the Bentos are good all the foods good there and you have to get the Greenriver drink.

This place was our «go to» place for dinner when we couldn’t decide where to go. Now, I’m lucky if I get over here once a month.
The Drive In shares a tiny 10 or so stall parking lot with the okazuya next door. You could enter the lot via Waialae Ave or 3^rd Ave (I’d advise using Waialae driveway bc 99% of the patrons exit onto 3^rd Ave, and you may get stuck with nowhere to turn around.)
Student specials and a saimin are perfect comfort food. Throw in an apple turnover and I’ll be napping shortly thereafter.
Though it’s been a while, it’s really nice knowing the food hasn’t changed. I know what to order and exactly how it’s going to taste.
The ladies here are really nice and are always smiling.
There is a covered dining area with four or so tables Ewa of the takeout counter, and one or two tables down the walk, Diamond Head side, for those who prefer to partake in the delicious grindage both places have to offer.
Sorry gang, no restroom here.
People, I’ve seen many a place like this disappear from existence because some new, fancy-​shmancy place opened up, but remember, the FS place, if it does well, will turn into one of these diamonds in the rough, comfort food factories, too, one day! We need to keep places like this open, so people like me can get comforted!
Go get a student special and a saimin today!

This is a great place for plate lunches. Everything on the menu is great but make sure you try the fresh Mahi Mahi plate and fresh Mahi Mahi sandwich. The breakfasts specials are all good deals that includes a drink. Very very local. If nothing piques your appetite you can always go next door to St. Louis delicatessen they have great okazuya.

I have a soft spot in my heart for St Louis as it was the first meal I had when I first arrived in Hawaii. My auntie picked me up from the airport and took me here for a bento deluxe before dropping me off at the dorm. I never forgot that day and the food sure played a huge part of it.
Located on the corner of one of the many side streets off Waialae and Waialae, St Louis is a classic drive in… which can be difficult sometimes. The parking lot is kinda small and at dinner time can get crowded. The seating is all outdoor and limited (and not too fun in this million degree weather we’ve been having) and they have a minimum of $ 10 for credit cards.
BUT if you can get past these things — I’d suggest paying cash and taking it home or to the beach to eat — then you get to their food. And man their food is worth it. Definitely my favorite bento box on the island that I’ve had and I’d say it ranks pretty high in terms of plate lunch as well. The bento deluxe clocks in under $ 10 (so grab a drink if you want to use your card) but comes stuffed with mahi, beef, chicken, rice, and luncheon meat — all of which will make your mouth water. They also have great student specials with burgers and fries and Japanese plate lunches which are amazing as well. And don’t forget the lilikoi drink!
When I brought my sisters here, they both ended up with leftovers. The portion size is perfectly filling (okay, maybe stuffing a little) for me, but that’s saying something because I love my food and eat a lot of it.
I’m sure I’ll be back again and again until I leave Hawaii. When I imagine local food, the first place I think of is St Louis — be it nostalgia or not, I’ll always be craving a bento from here.

Classic bento/​plate lunch place.
Tried all these items and they were very good.
— Mochiko chicken, Teri beef, shrimp tempura + rice w/​furikake.
— Ahi belly
— Roast pork
— Haupia
I would not hesitate to eat here again.
Average bento $ 8 – 10. Not bad for the amount of food.

Love the classic cheeseburger and fries! The daily specials allow you to enjoy Ono Hawaiian Local food everyday! Broke da mouth!

MahiMahi nice portions! 3 filets, Cooked just right!
Comes with 2 scoops rice & side of tartar sauce & a small cup of cole slaw with French dressing.
I recommend a side of Mac Salad!
ONO-​licious! Friendly staff and great local grinds!

I’m driving down Waialae Avenue after having stocked up on provisions from Tamura’s for more «March Madness» marathon watching, when
Boing!
My brain synchs up with my rumbling stomach. Yeah. St. Louis Drive In.
Screech. I swerve left across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic into the small parking lot.
In all the time I’ve lived in Hawaii — which is most of my life — I’ve never eaten at this place. Even though I grew up in Kaimuki, and bussed, biked, and drove past this place in the ’70’s — ’80’s, not once did I set foot on St. Louis Drive In’s stoop.
I survey the scene. I see an old-​time place, old-​time people. An older Japanese woman at the window takes orders from a couple of older Japanese guys ahead of me. They look like regulars. One of them starts tearing bits and pieces from the bread of his sandwich to feed the mynah birds and sparrows in the parking lot. They look like regulars too. Old-​time.
I order the «Student #1» special — 2 small BBQ burgers + small fries + medium Green River, light ice, for $ 5.60 including tax. Hey I’m eligible. I’m a life-​long learner.
Old-​time food (aka small-​kid-​time food). The burgers are wrapped in yellow paper. Immediately I’m 8 years old again. I remember those yellow wrappers from back then, and matching mayo-​mustard mixture that would ooze out of the burgers with every bite. I remember Jolly Roger, and Burger City. I remember Burger City’s huge, spinning, animated neon sign with the little hamburgers running around the bottom and big hamburger at the top winking at you that could be seen from the new H-​1 heading East over the King-​Kapiolani-​Waialae junction (where Market City is now).
These burgers don’t have that magical sauce, but have a healthy portion of mayo (or un-​healthy portion depending on your like or dislike of mayo) to complement a delicious teri sauce. Mmm. GOOD.
The fries are thick, krinkle-​cut just like back when. Yes, the krinkle matters. Yellow-​gold, they are done just the way I like them. No doubt something I decided on when I was 8 years old.
Green River drink. What’s more old-​time than that?
For a quick, tasty bite at a reasonable price, and a short trip down memory lane, St. Louis Drive In and its «Student» specials do the job nicely.

St Louis Drive In has catered to students and locals forever. Just a divey take out window with a few outdoor tables. Their prices are reasonable and the food hasn’t changed.
For a snack, try one of the Student Specials. They’re the burgers you remember from high school and will fill you up for cheap. The Deluxe Japanese Plate is great for variety – Sashimi, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef, and Shrimp Tempura – I’ve never been able to finish one of these.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you’re craving that flavor from your childhood head on down to St Louis Drive In.

The last time & very first time I was at St. Louis Drive In
was on Election day, 11/​2014, for a quick breakfast before hubby had to go to work.
I didn’t enjoy breakfast as much as I did today.
St. Patricks Day, 3.17.2015
My boss bought the office staff breakfast from here.
& we (office & custodial staff) really enjoyed our breakfast.
It was nice to just sit together @ conference room having our breakfast.
;0)
He bought us all, plate of french toast (2 piece)
& a plate of breakfast food which consist of 2 scoops rice, egg, & portugese sausage.
& instead of coffee, tea, juice, or soda.
We got a Green River drink because today is St. Patty’s day!
We have the greatest boss! (Not because he bought us breakfast…) –LOL
We were all stuffed & food was so yummy!
Everyone said food was good!
I have leftovers for my lunch tomorrow– yay, no need to worry about lunch.
I’m going to stop by here @ St. Louis for more breakfast. ;0)

What a day for me… it started very early today, as I was running around in Kailua, & then the Liliha area. Before the late morning arrived, I was at the airport & jumping on a plane headed to Hilo today. After an extremely long day, and not eating since the morning… as I was making my way back to Oahu, I was cray cray crazeeeeeee for some quick grindz!
St. Louis Drive-​In was the place for something quick… as I was HANGRY!!!
I’ve been here a few times through the years… it’s not a regular hangout for me, but since it’s fast & cheap, why not?
When I arrived here around 8 PM tonight… there was still a lot of people waiting to put in their order for some grindz.
As I waited patiently in line to place my order, all I could hear was an old Japanese lady just yelling at her staff… and believe me, I kinda felt sorry for the other workers. To top it off, since I was tired & hungry, it only give me a headache listening to her yell… Lol!
But in all fairness to her, the drive-​in was extremely busy… and I guess she was trying to process all the orders as fast as humanly possible… but I gotta say…“boy, she was small kine… rough around da edges… if you know what I mean!” Lol!
As I was looking at the menu, I was gonna order one of the Monday specials — the Spareribs, only to hear her tell the other customers ahead of me that they had run out of all their Monday specials. Wow! I guess they were busy today.
So, for plan «B»…I ended up ordering the Bento Deluxe. What is in the bento deluxe? Well you get a bite size piece of mahimahi fish, some chewy teri beef, a piece of mochiko chicken, an small piece of egg, & a slice of luncheon meat over a bed of white rice with furikaki.
Now, when I placed my order for my Bento Deluxe, I asked the lady if they had brown rice, but she told me they had a hapa rice (mixed of brown/​white). I told her okay, that was fine.
About the grindz —
Well, if you’re looking for fancy fine dining… then this is not the place to go. But if you’re looking for no frills, cheap & fast eats, then you’ve come to the right place!
The Bento Deluxe was okay… although the teri beef was chewy, the marinade was superb! The mahimahi fish was also good too… but too bad the mahimahi fish was only bite sized. The mochiko chicken was okay too, but nothing to write home about… and of course, it’s really hard to mess up cooking luncheon meat or egg, right?
The only thing I didn’t care for about my bento was the bed of rice that was served to me. I got a whole bed of white rice… and I was gonna go back & point out their mistake, but I figured I wasn’t in the mood to argue with the angry lady, plus I was hungry and did not want to delay my eating further, so I just ate it.
There are a few outside tables to the side of the diner, if you choose to eat there after getting your order of food. There is ample parking here, as most of the customers who come here do «take out»…you know, the grab & go kinda deal, so parking is turned over very quickly.
If you like old school nostalgic drive-ins…this is da place! When I go to a place like this… it brings back old memories for me… simpler days when I was a little kid going to the drive-​in for something cheap to eat… and of course, you can’t forget the green river drink when you come to a place like this!
If you’re lucky enough, some of these old school drive-in’s served a green river float! Das da one! One of my all time favorites! Winna’s!