Seemor

Don's GrillBWorth Trying

Name: Don's Grill
Address: 485 Hinano St, Hilo, HI 96720, Hilo, United States
Rating: 4.5

485 Hinano St, Hilo, HI 96720 · American restaurant, Hawaiian restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (1046 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Homey local diner for hearty Hawaiian-American plates, speedy friendly service, great pies, and solid value; food quality ranges from satisfying to bland depending on the dish.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Don's Grill delivers reliable comfort food with exceptional service friendliness and remarkably fast kitchen execution, earning solid neighborhood restaurant status. However, inconsistent dish quality—with some sides tasting bland or prepackaged—prevents higher grades, and the functional diner setting lacks distinctive appeal. For Hilo locals seeking generous portions and fair island pricing, it's a dependable go-to; visitors should focus on proven crowd-pleasers like the mud pie and loco moco.

Restaurant Summary

The room reads like a classic Hilo diner: warm and bustling, with locals greeting staff and plates flying out fast. One diner put it best: "Comfort food, friendly faces, and you are eating in minutes." Expect friendly, efficient service and prices that feel fair for the island. The cooking leans home-style Hawaiian-American rather than cheffy. Loco moco, teriyaki chicken, saimin, rotisserie chicken, and stacked sandwiches headline, with the mud pie earning cult status. Many plates satisfy with big portions and diner-seasoned flavors, though a minority call some sides bland or freezer-like, so pick dishes with a strong track record. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing staples: burgers (including Garden and Impossible), pasta, pancakes and French toast at breakfast, and simple teriyaki or grilled fish. No clear gluten-free program per one review, so allergy-conscious families should ask questions or choose simpler items.

At a Glance

Local favorite vibe with fast, friendly table service
Strong value for the island with very generous portions
Mud pie and loco moco are consistent crowd-pleasers
Quality varies; some dishes and sides taste bland or prepackaged
No clear gluten-free program per review

What Sets It Apart

all_day_breakfast
famous_mud_pie
broad_menu_local_classics

What People Love

Feeling like a local rather than a tourist
Speedy, welcoming servers
Hearty loco moco and teriyaki plates
Famous mud pie desserts
Big sandwiches like the French dip

Points of Concern

Some plates and sides described as bland or frozen-style by a minority of diners
Rotisserie chicken and grilled fish quality inconsistent across visits
Isolated serious complaint about a foreign object in takeout
Limited gluten-free support; cross-contact risk not addressed

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$32-42 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose teriyaki chicken, loco moco, or French dip for dependable value
Vegetarians have options like tofu stir-fry and Impossible Burger
Gluten-avoiding diners should select simple proteins and verify prep

Perfect For

Casual family dinners after a day exploring Hilo
Hearty breakfast or brunch when other spots have long waits
Comfort-food cravings with local staples
Large appetites seeking value portions

Location Insights

Area: Everyday Hilo corridor with practical, local-oriented businesses; relaxed, working-town vibe near airport-side arteries.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical lighting and maintenance for a busy local strip.

Nearby: Near shops and services; convenient for residents, workers, and travelers passing through Hilo.

HiloHilo offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with a mix of local eateries, farmers markets, and casual dining spots. The dining scene emphasizes local Hawaiian flavors, comfort food, and fresh seafood, catering to both locals and tourists.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday Wednesday10:30–20:00 Thursday10:30–20:00 Friday10:30–20:00 Saturday10:30–20:00 Sunday10:30–20:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

View full analysis on Seemor →