Seemor
Hawaiian Drive InnB-Worth Trying
1095 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
· Hawaiian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (971 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Reliable Hawaiian plate lunches with big portions and fair prices; expect casual counter service, occasional delays, and a scruffy setting.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Hawaiian Drive Inn delivers satisfying plate lunches with strong food quality—particularly BBQ chicken and katsu—at excellent value for generous portions. However, inconsistent execution on order accuracy, variable service attentiveness, and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. Best approached as a reliable casual spot for hearty takeout rather than a destination dining experience.
Restaurant Summary
This counter-service spot leans casual and bustling, with island reggae on the speakers and a steady stream of takeout bags. Diners describe big, satisfying plates and friendly vibes on good days, though the setting outside can feel a bit rough. One diner summed it up: "Huge portions at a fair price, perfect for a quick bite," while others warn of occasional service hiccups. The cooking skews classic Hawaiian plate lunch—think BBQ chicken, katsu, teriyaki beef, loco moco—with a few Korean and Japanese detours like bibimbap and udon. It is comfort-first cooking rather than chefly theatrics; the chicken and katsu win the most praise, while loco moco draws mixed notes depending on the day. Portions are generous, and the value feels solid when splits and leftovers are the plan. Families will find it kid-friendly thanks to familiar flavors: chicken katsu, BBQ chicken, teriyaki beef, burgers, fries, and shaved ice. There is a basic garden salad and sides like rice and fries for simpler eaters, but true vegetarian mains are sparse, so plan accordingly if someone avoids meat.
At a Glance
- Large, shareable plate lunches at fair prices
- BBQ chicken and katsu are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Service can be brusque and order accuracy inconsistent
- Cleanliness and exterior environment vary by time of day
- Isolated food safety complaints; inspect food and report issues promptly
What Sets It Apart
- rare_lau_lau_in_area
- hearty_plate_sizes
- island_music_vibe
What People Love
- Satisfying portions that feed two
- Tender teriyaki chicken and crispy katsu
- Rare availability of lau lau in the area
- Fast call-in orders during off-peak times
- Island music that sets the mood
Points of Concern
- Order mistakes and slow corrections reported during rush periods
- A few cleanliness and food safety complaints contrasted with many clean visits
- Exterior can feel sketchy; bathroom access issues due to non-customers
- Basic vegetarian choices only; limited for non-meat eaters
- Review patterns show signs of mix of raves and sharp critiques that may not reflect every visit
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-26 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For kids: Chicken Katsu Mini ($10.95) or Cheeseburger Combo ($9.25)
- For lighter eaters: Garden Salad ($7.95) plus Spam Musubi ($2.49) if not vegetarian
- Seafood fans: Garlic Shrimp ($13.95) or Fried Mahi Mahi ($10.95)
Perfect For
- Quick, hearty lunch with leftovers
- Casual weeknight takeout for the family
- Meat-heavy cravings like katsu or teriyaki
- Budget-friendly group sharing
Location Insights
Area: Busy commercial strip serving locals; practical, drive-in style stops and errand traffic.
Safety: Mixed; reviews mention loitering and restroom misuse, but daytime foot traffic is steady.
Nearby: Near shopping centers and services along Tully Rd; car-oriented convenience.
Tully-SenterThe Tully-Senter neighborhood is characterized by its suburban feel with a strong presence of family-owned businesses and casual dining options. The dining scene is informal, often featuring authentic ethnic cuisines and affordable comfort food catering to local tastes.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–21:30
Tuesday10:30–21:30
Wednesday10:30–21:30
Thursday10:30–21:30
Friday10:30–21:30
Saturday10:30–21:30
Sunday10:30–21:28
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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