family-friendly dining

Arigato, Mrs. Roboto: Paniolo Santa Maria BBQ – A Flavorful Tradition

Local Tips and Insider Information

When visiting Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ, be sure to try the Diablo Fries, topped with chili, cheese, glazed tri-tip, and jalapeños for a unique and spicy treat. Also, take note of their open mic night every Wednesday, which showcases incredible local talent and can be a delightful surprise during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cuisine does Paniolo specialize in?

Paniolo offers Santa Maria-style barbecue featuring tri-tip, country-style ribs, and a variety of unique dishes that reflect a California culinary tradition.

Is there live music at Paniolo?

Yes! They have live music every night from Tuesday to Saturday, making it a vibrant place for dining and entertainment.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Absolutely! Paniolo is a BYOB establishment, allowing you to bring your own beverages without any corkage fee when you purchase food.

What is the atmosphere like at Paniolo?

The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, often with a lively outdoor stage where guests can enjoy dancing and live performances.

Customer Reviews

One visitor praised Paniolo as a “friendly family-run homestyle BBQ and live music joint” located right in downtown Kapaa, highlighting the tender and juicy tri-tip sandwiches. Another delighted guest shared that the Big Mo Rib Burger was “amazing” and noted the fun and lively atmosphere created by the live music, making it an enjoyable dining experience for the entire family.

Visitor Information and Practical Details

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. While they don’t serve alcohol, patrons are encouraged to bring their own beverages. The restaurant features a casual indoor dining area as well as outdoor seating with a stage for live performances.

Sustainability Practices and Community Contributions

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ engages in local community efforts and emphasizes a family-oriented dining experience, showcasing local musicians and food traditions that celebrate the diverse culinary landscape of Kauai and beyond.

Local Historical or Cultural Context

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Santa Maria Valley in Central California, a region known for its unique barbecue style that emphasizes tri-tip and other smoked meats. This family-owned establishment brings those flavors to Hawaii, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy a taste of California’s BBQ culture fused with the hospitality and vibrancy of island life.

More Information

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ, located in Kapaa, Kauai, offers an authentic taste of Central California’s Santa Maria-style barbecue. This family-run establishment proudly provides a menu inspired by over three generations of barbecue tradition, ensuring hearty portions and flavorful offerings. The Diaz family, who brought their time-honored recipes to Hawaii in the mid-1990s, has created a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

The menu features a range of grilled meats, most notably the tri-tip, which is seasoned and cooked over red oak, a signature element of Santa Maria barbecue. The tri-tip plate is traditionally served with fresh salsa, garden salad, beans, and garlic bread. Other standout dishes include country-style ribs, grilled chicken, and a selection of burgers, such as the “Big Mo” Rib Burger and the Pineapple Burger, each complemented by locally baked French rolls. Vegetarian options and seafood, including the grilled Ono plate, are also available.

Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ prides itself on its community vibe, hosting live music events from Tuesday through Saturday, enhancing the dining experience with local talent and allowing guests to enjoy dancing in an outdoor setting. The restaurant operates as a BYOB facility, which permits guests to bring their own beverages, creating a relaxed environment that resonates with the local culture.

In addition to its culinary offerings, Paniolo actively participates in community events and maintains a commitment to family values, as reflected in its operation by multiple generations of the Diaz family. The restaurant is well-regarded for its friendly service and dedication to customer satisfaction, contributing to its growing reputation as a prime destination for barbecue in Kauai.

Whether you’re craving perfectly cooked meats or looking for an engaging evening with live music, Paniolo Santa Maria Style BBQ serves as a notable addition to Kapaa’s dining landscape, inviting everyone to experience its unique culinary heritage and vibrant community spirit.

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill: Delicious Ono Pesto Pasta Awaits

Local Tips and Insider Information

When you visit Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, make sure to try their Ono Pesto Pasta, a fresh and flavorful option featured on both the lunch and dinner menus. For those looking to enjoy a leisurely evening, be sure to arrive during happy hour, which runs daily from 3 PM to 5:30 PM, offering fantastic drink specials and a selection of tasty appetizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cuisine does Kalypso serve?

Kalypso specializes in a mix of Hawaiian and American cuisine, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Do they have outdoor seating?

Yes, Kalypso offers both indoor and lanai seating, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Hanalei weather.

Is there a happy hour?

Yes, happy hour is available daily from 3 PM to 5:30 PM, with discounted drinks and appetizers.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

Yes, Kalypso’s menu includes various vegetarian options and some gluten-free choices to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Customer Reviews

One satisfied customer mentioned, “The happy hour is pretty killer with nine dollar lava flows and Mai Tais! The calamari was really good, and my husband loved the chicken wings.”

Another reviewer said, “After a long hike, this was a great place to fuel up. Their Ahi Poke and Mahi tacos were flavorful, and the beer was served cold—33 degrees!”

Visitor Information and Practical Details

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill is located at 5156 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. The restaurant operates from Monday to Sunday, with hours as follows:

  • Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Breakfast served from 9 AM to 2 PM on weekends).

Last seating is at 8:30 PM every day.

Sustainability Practices and Community Contributions

Kalypso is committed to using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, supporting local fishermen and farmers. This not only helps sustain local economies but also ensures that the dishes feature the freshest flavors Kaua‘i has to offer.

Local Historical or Cultural Context

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill is situated in Hanalei, a town well-known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. The region is deeply tied to Hawaiian heritage, with traditional practices and local flavors reflected in the restaurant’s menu. This makes dining at Kalypso not just a meal, but a taste of the local culture.

More Information

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill is a popular dining establishment located in the picturesque town of Hanalei on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and open-air seating, Kalypso offers a diverse menu that showcases local flavors and ingredients. The restaurant operates daily and provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a well-received happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, featuring drinks and appetizers at reduced prices.

Menu Highlights

Kalypso’s menu features a range of offerings, emphasizing fresh, local seafood. One of the standout dishes highlighted in the in-video chef demonstration is the Ono Pesto Pasta. This dish includes Ono, a firm, locally sourced fish, paired with homemade macadamia nut basil pesto, and served over pasta. The preparation involves sautéing the fish with garlic, basil, and spices, incorporating white wine and heavy cream to enrich the flavor before combining it with the pasta and pesto.

In addition to the Ono Pesto Pasta, customers can enjoy various other dishes such as:

  • Mahi Mahi Tostada: Grilled Mahi Mahi served with organic greens, black beans, and house-made salsas.
  • Kalua Pork Sandwich: Braised pulled pork served with passion coleslaw on Hawaiian sweet bread.
  • Fish and Chips: Fresh, locally sourced fish, coated in a light batter and served with fries and house tartar sauce.
  • Loco Moco: A classic Hawaiian dish featuring a grass-fed beef patty, rice, eggs, and mushroom gravy.

Kalypso also offers an extensive drink selection, including craft cocktails, local beers, and signature drinks like the Lava Flow and Mai Tai.

Dining Experience

The atmosphere at Kalypso Island Bar & Grill is casual and family-friendly, marked by an inviting Hawaiian vibe. The restaurant features multiple televisions for sports viewing, making it a lively spot during game days. The open layout ensures that guests can enjoy the beautiful weather while dining.

Local Engagement and Values

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill focuses on sourcing fresh, local ingredients to support the Hawaiian community and economy. The restaurant aims to provide a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors alike, showcasing Kauai’s culinary heritage through its menu.

In summary, Kalypso offers a range of delicious dishes and a vibrant dining experience in Hanalei. Whether you’re stopping by for a refreshing drink during happy hour or a fulfilling meal, Kalypso Island Bar & Grill remains a prominent choice for enjoying the flavors of Kauai.