#EATLOCAL : PIONEER SALOON HAWAII
Whenever I drove past Pioneer Saloon Hawaii my heart would break, because it always happened to be on a Monday (the only day they’re closed). Or I’d arrive long after the customers left and the staff went home.
Thankfully, after months of drooling over friends’ Instagram photos, and secretly resenting them, the stars aligned and I was finally able to visit.
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Out of habit, I studied every photo and review on their Yelp page, in order to ensure my first time was special. When I got to the counter, I confidently ordered their deep fried tako (octopus) plate lunch with Shiso Wakame rice.
It’s extremely rare for my first experience with a popular eatery to go well, but Pioneer Saloon Hawaii greatly exceeded my expectations. I did feel a little guilty devouring the tiny tako, who died before they reached their full potential, but my momentary sadness didn’t stop me from enjoying every last bite.
Pioneer Saloon Hawaii is the perfect go to plate lunch destination, after a day at the beach, hiking and really hits the spot when you’re craving Japanese and local flavor.
Originally published April 1, 2014.
