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Bamboo Grove Hawaiian GrilleB+Worth Trying

515 S Carolina St, Portland, OR 97239 · Hawaiian restaurant, Bar, Caterer · 4.5/5 Google (1309 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A lively Hawaiian spot with generous plates, grilled meats, and friendly vibes; great value for dine-in, but service accuracy and occasional quality lapses affect takeout consistency.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by well-executed ribs, kalua pig, and guava BBQ chicken, paired with friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution—including order accuracy issues and occasional off dishes—prevents a higher grade, while isolated safety concerns add caution. Generous portions and fair pricing appeal to families and casual diners seeking hearty Hawaiian comfort food rather than culinary distinction.

Restaurant Summary

Step into a room of surfboards, bright colors, and the scent of grilled ribs where the vibe stays warm and bustling. Servers are often cheerful and welcoming, and plates arrive big enough to share. As one diner put it, "we left with leftovers and smiles." While the mood leans relaxed, note occasional service accuracy hiccups. The cooking sticks to classic island comfort: Kihei ribs with sweet teriyaki flair, guava BBQ chicken, kalua pig, saimin, and a gravy-rich loco moco. It suits folks craving hearty, familiar flavors more than culinary theatrics. Portions are generous and pricing fair, though market-price seafood can climb. Most nights feel easygoing and social rather than showy. Families do well here. There is a kids menu with teriyaki or shoyu chicken and a small burger, plus simple sides like rice and mac salad. Picky eaters gravitate to chicken-and-rice or burgers, while adventurous kids can try ribs or yakisoba. If dairy is a concern, confirm substitutions carefully since a few parents reported order accuracy issues with sides.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$28-44 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Residential-meets-commercial stretch near the Willamette, casual and local-focused with easygoing vibes and patio potential.

Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled corridor; typical urban conditions with evening foot traffic around shops and eateries.

Nearby: Close to SW Macadam Ave, riverfront parks, small businesses, and apartments; convenient for neighborhood meetups.

South WaterfrontSouth Waterfront is a modern, urban neighborhood with a mix of upscale condos and commercial spaces. The dining scene is casual to upscale, often frequented by residents and workers from nearby hospitals and offices, with a focus on contemporary and diverse cuisines.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–20:00 Tuesday11:00–20:00 Wednesday11:00–20:00 Thursday11:00–20:00 Friday11:00–20:00 Saturday12:00–20:00 Sunday12:00–20:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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