The Simple Hawaii Drive-In Restaurant That Will Fill You With Nostalgia
By Megan Shute|Published November 04, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
As the most isolated population center on earth and a true melting pot of cultures, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the world’s greatest cuisine. But in order to taste some of most mouthwatering food Hawaii has to offer, you must be willing to leave the resort areas and check out local restaurants. If you’re looking for mouthwatering food in a casual setting, we know just the place to visit.
Welcome to Dean’s Drive Inn, a classic hole-in-the-wall eatery nestled on Oahu’s windward coast in a non-descript building. This is the definition of hole-in-the-wall.
Once you step inside, you'll feel right at home. This busy, colorful counter-serve joint serves up homemade and authentic Hawaiian flavors utilizing fresh ingredients.
Burgers, sandwiches, and classic Hawaiian plate lunches all have a place on the menu at Dean’s Drive Inn. Whether you’re craving a loco moco or a standard hamburger, your taste buds will not be disappointed: there are more than two dozen entree options!
If you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with the local option: a plate lunch with your choice of entree, a scoop of white or brown rice, and either macaroni salad, tossed salad, or soup.
With colorful decor and a spacious dining room that houses thirty tables, as well as a drive-through window, and plenty of parking in addition to their mouthwatering food, it’s easy to see how Dean’s has become a local favorite since it opened in 2006.
Not only has Dean’s been recognized in various Hawaiian publications, but it was featured in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. But don’t take our word for it. Stop by to see what makes Dean’s Drive Inn a family favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Dean’s Drive Inn is located at 45-270 William Henry Rd., Kaneohe, HI 96744, and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. They are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit their website.
If you love plate lunches as much as we do, click here.
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