SIDE STREET INN - KAPAHULU

SIDE STREET INN - KAPAHULU

HONOLULU, HAWAII

When one of my favorite grind spots announced that they were opening a new location on Kapahulu Avenue, I was skeptical on how they would duplicate the charm and great food at a second location. The original Side Street Inn rocks with great food and service. The second Side Street does not compare. The staff is unfriendly and seemingly uncaring. There is absolutely no feeling to the new upscale decor that is totally different than the original joint. We went to Side Street for what we think is the best Fried Rice on the planet. Unfortunately, the photo above of the rice was not taken by me. We did not get any Fried Rice even after waiting for about 1 hour. Our first two dishes were served promptly. A Spinach Salad covered in bacon bits, egg, sliced onion, cheese and balsamic dressing. Absolutely delicious. The best Spinach Salad in Hawaii. Even Keli loved it and she doesn't like spinach. Our second dish was the Kalua Pork with pineapple served on a bun with bbq sauce. These are very good and filling. I can only eat one. The dish is served with three. We enjoyed these two dishes and patiently waited for our Fried Rice.  After 45 minutes I asked the waitress if the rice was coming. She said yes. Another 5 minutes pass and she returns. I ask will it be another 10 or 15 minutes and she says probably 10 or 15 minutes but she was not sure. With that I asked for the check. Waited another five minutes and then was given our check with a quick "sorry about that". Nothing more. They did not care one bit. To make things worse, they ding you for $5 just to park your car here. Add a tip and you spend $7 before you enter the door and don't get served your Fried Rice. Couple in the elevator that takes a year to move one floor and the staff that thinks they are doing you a favor to eat here and you have a mess. I don't ever want to return. Will go to the original Side Street the next time I want Fried Rice.

HAWAII'S BEST SPINACH SALAD

KALUA PORK BUNS

HAWAII'S BEST FRIED RICE