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Kailua-Kona › Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONA
Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONABWorth Trying
74-5565 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
· Hawaiian restaurant, Filipino restaurant, Korean restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2899 reviews)
Takeout
Big-flavor Hawaiian plate lunches with Filipino and Korean twists, huge portions, counter-service, and basic digs; come early, expect lines, and focus on the chicken, short ribs, and pork adobo.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Broke Da Mouth Grindz delivers solid neighborhood dining with standout food quality—garlic furikake chicken and braised short ribs earn consistent raves—and excellent value for Hawaii pricing. However, occasional consistency lapses and cramped, no-frills ambiance prevent grade A territory. Peak-time waits and basic interior keep this a local favorite for cravings rather than a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
In a modest strip-mall room with lines that form before opening, this spot delivers big island flavors and shareable plates. Diners describe the counter crew as helpful and the vibe as local and lively: "We ordered, grabbed a table, and the trays arrived fast off-peak." It is no-frills inside, so expect function over form, with most praise aimed straight at what is on the plate. The cooking leans plate-lunch comfort with Filipino and Korean accents: crispy garlic furikake chicken, slow-braised short ribs, and rich pork adobo, plus bibimbap and gochujang heat for fans of spice. Portions are huge and priced fairly for Hawaii; off-peak visits shine, while peak times can stretch waits and consistency. Families do well here. Kids gravitate to cheeseburgers and fries, mild garlic chicken, white rice, and mac salad. There is also a vegetarian bibimbap and simple sides, though the menu skews meaty and bold. Space is tight at rush hour, so arrive early if you need a table.
At a Glance
- Signature garlic furikake chicken and tender short ribs earn repeat raves
- Huge, shareable portions with good value for Hawaii
- Peak-time waits and occasional order errors
- Basic ambience and limited seating; some eat in cars when full
- Shell-on shrimp can be messy and occasionally overcooked
What Sets It Apart
- signature_garlic_chicken
- massive_portions
- filipino_korean_flavors
What People Love
- Crispy, saucy garlic chicken
- Fall-apart braised short ribs
- Mac salad and kimchi sides that balance richness
- Friendly help at the counter
- Leftovers for the next meal
Points of Concern
- Service can slow at peak with 30-70 minute waits; arrive before opening for quicker turns
- Basic, warm interior with limited seating; some report no AC feel during busy times
- Inconsistent shrimp execution (overcooked) and occasional dry chicken reports
- A few cleanliness odor complaints and one food-poisoning claim; not widely echoed but worth noting
- Review patterns are consistent with typical organic activity; polarization likely due to rush periods
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$27-$36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For lighter spend, split a Garlic Furikake Chicken regular plate and add Egg Macaroni Salad
- For variety, choose a 2 Meat Combo with chicken and short ribs to balance cost and richness
- Vegetarian option: Bibimbap No Meat with sunny eggs and gochujang
Perfect For
- Casual plate-lunch cravings after the beach
- Groups who want to split big portions
- Travelers seeking Filipino-Korean Hawaiian flavors
- Takeout before sunset views
Location Insights
Area: Low-rise commercial strip near services and shops; casual, convenient for locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy by day; basic strip-mall environment with adequate lighting and foot traffic.
Nearby: Mixed retail and service businesses; near tourist-oriented Kailua-Kona corridor and lodging.
Kailua-KonaThe dining scene in Kailua-Kona is diverse, featuring casual eateries, seafood shacks, and Hawaiian plate lunch spots alongside more upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, reflecting the laid-back island lifestyle with a strong emphasis on local flavors and fresh ingredients.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday11:00–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Friday11:00–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Saturday11:00–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Sunday
Available: Takeout
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