Chicago Restaurant Review: Aloha Grill

Aloha Grill Hawaiian BBQ, or Aloha Eats as it is now called, is one of Chiacgo's most unique restaurants. As someone who has lived in Hawaii for over a decade, I know a lot about Hawaiian culinary delights and what true "local" food tastes like. Thus, I was more than excited to try Aloha Grill to see if they were really a Hawaiian-styled restaurant or just a gimmicky way to market a new food establishment in the Windy City's competitive restaurant industry.

First, if you're looking for Hawaiian food in the city of Chicago, your choices are pretty limited. And of those choices, I found Aloha Grill to be the best restaurant in terms of food quality, the atmosphere of the Hawaiian-themed restaurant, and service and price. It wasn't the best, mind you, when compared with actually Hawaii restaurants back home, but you can't complain when you're in the middle of the largest city in the Midwest.

Aloha Grill Food Review: The food here is quite good. Some of it isn't the best, but you'll be pleased, especially for the price you're paying. Some of it might seem familiar to a visitor from Hawaii. For example, their mixed plates look like something you might get at a local Hawaiian lunch wagon, albeit a lot fancier with a Chiacgo-twist. They also have really good seafood. One person had their mahimahi (a type of fish that is popular in Hawaii restaurants) and it looked delicious!

An important thing to note is that a lot of the food isn't Hawaiian, as in ethnicity. You won't find ethnic Hawaiian food in any great proportions here. If you're looking for a luau, this isn't it. There are a few food items that might pass as actual Hawaiian food, like kalua pork. However, even that isn't the "real" thing, as kalua pork is often baked in an "imu" (a Hawaiian, underground oven).

However, the food is Hawaiian in terms of "local" food. I recognized almost everything on the menu. A lot of them had names like what you'd find back in the islands. You'll even see Hawaiian Sun canned fruit juices available, just like at a local Hawaii food establishment.

In summary, the food is really good if you're looking for familiar, local food. If you're looking for ethnic Hawaiian food, don't get your hopes up too high.

Aloha Grill Service Review: Service seemed efficient. As with any restaurant, it can be kind of hectic when it's really busy. The attendants and waitress were friendly and food was prepared at a responsible rate. Not the best, but not bad at all. Prices were great, and I felt ok leaving a 20 percent tip.

Should you eat at Aloha Grill? If you're originally from Hawaii, or just got back to Chicago from a sunny vacation in Hawaii and want to reminisce about the islands, stop by Aloha Grill. The food is almost just like what you could get at a Waikiki restaurant, with a few Chicago additions. I would heartily recommend it for anyone who wants a little taste of Hawaii.

Aloha Grill Chicago Directions and Contact Information: According to their website (source), Aloha Grill is open every day from 11:00am. Their closing time depends on the day. The restaurant itself is at 2534 North Clark, Chicago, IL, near the intersection of N. Clark and W Deming, several blocks from the park. You can phone them at 773-935-6828.