{"id":570,"date":"2025-11-29T10:38:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T20:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aloalotravel.com\/en\/ethels-grill\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T22:09:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T08:09:47","slug":"ethels-grill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aloalotravel.com\/en\/ethels-grill\/","title":{"rendered":"[Closed] Ethel’s Grill \u2013 A Cheap Local Lunch Spot in Hawaii Famous for Mochiko Chicken and Seared Ahi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Notice of Closure<\/div>
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Unfortunately, Ethel’s Grill closed its doors in December 2024, ending its 45-year history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we are keeping this article available because there is a possibility it might reopen, and many people still want to check its operating status.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ethel’s Grill is a famous restaurant for mochiko chicken, highly popular among Hawaii locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a type of fried chicken made with sweet rice flour instead of wheat flour, and it is a must-try when visiting Hawaii!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it is not often featured in guidebooks, mochiko chicken, which has roots in Japanese cuisine, has evolved uniquely in Hawaii and become a staple local comfort food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pronunciation of the name can sometimes vary among visitors, but it is well known simply as Ethel’s Grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is hidden away on a quiet street in Kalihi, but you will easily spot it because there is almost always a line of customers waiting out front!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since it is a popular spot, try aiming for around 10:00 AM or after 1:00 PM, when you can usually get in with less of a wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethel’s Grill’s Most Popular Dish is Mochiko Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The dish is incredibly generous, packed with plenty of large, juicy pieces of chicken!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their special ginger sauce and miso soup are also absolutely delicious, making you want to come back regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It even earned a rare three-star rating as a “hole-in-the-wall but delicious” restaurant on a popular Japanese television food show featuring Hawaii specials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Hawaii, cheap and tasty restaurants often close down quickly, but Ethel’s Grill has been operating for a long time, offering huge portions at affordable prices, which is a blessing for Hawaii residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Second Most Popular Dish at Ethel’s Grill is Seared Ahi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We also highly recommend their seared ahi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the mochiko chicken is famous, this seared ahi is also incredibly delicious, making them the two signature dishes of the restaurant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is made from very fresh sashimi sourced every morning from a nearby harbor in the area. The outside is just lightly seared, and there is no fishy smell at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combination of the soy-based sauce and sliced garlic is irresistibly delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, both dishes can be ordered as a hearty combo meal that comes with exquisite seafood miso soup and a salad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Information About Ethel’s Grill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Name<\/td>Ethel’s Grill<\/td><\/tr>
Address<\/td>232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI 96819<\/td><\/tr>
Map<\/td>