Unearth The Voyage
You can taste the buzz the moment you step onto Kalakaua Ave and spot the glow of Earls Kitchen + Bar – Waikiki. The carne tacos here are the headline act, but the whole menu hits with big island energy and polished hospitality. Late hours, a killer happy hour, and a stylish room make it easy to slide in for snacks or go all out. If you are chasing bold flavor and lively vibes, this is your next Waikiki must do.
1. Carne Tacos That Steal the Show
The carne tacos arrive sizzling with a juicy char that perfumes the table. Corn tortillas cradle tender steak, bright cilantro, and a zesty squeeze of lime, balanced by a smoky chili kick you will keep chasing. One bite, and the savory juices run down, daring you to lean in for more.
Ask for extra salsa if heat is your love language, and do not skip a side of crisp slaw for crunch. The kitchen nails consistent sear and seasoning, so each taco pops with depth without being heavy. It is a simple build done with care, and that is why locals keep coming back.
Pair them with a crisp margarita to cut through the richness. Sit at the bar if you like the action and quick refills. You will finish and consider a second round.
2. Happy Hour Gold
Slide in during happy hour for wallet friendly bites that do not compromise on flavor. The room hums with upbeat energy, and small plates fly out fast. You get variety without the spend, perfect for a pre sunset snack before a stroll down Kalakaua.
Think crisp fries, saucy wings, and that whisper famous spicy salmon crispy rice locals mention. Drinks get the spotlight too, with refreshing sips that match the ocean air. Staff keeps the pace brisk yet friendly, so you never feel stranded with an empty glass.
Ask your server for the current deals since offerings rotate. Nab a high top near the action if you enjoy people watching. It is the sweet spot where value and vibe intersect.
3. Steak Frites for the Win
When steak frites show up, it is all about that crust meeting tender center. The kitchen hits a confident medium rare, then stacks on crisp fries that beg for a swipe through garlicky aioli. Each bite rides the line between comfort and date night luxury.
If you love texture, ask for a side of greens to brighten the plate. Salt, fat, acid, and heat all play nicely, making it a reliable crowd pleaser. Even if a steak once ran cool for someone, flavor stayed spot on, and service recovered fast.
Pair with a red that has backbone without overpowering the beef. The lighting leans moody, so settle in and savor. You will leave plotting a return visit.
4. Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice Crush
This little square packs a punch, balancing creamy salmon with the crackle of crisped rice. A touch of chili warmth and citrus keeps things lively, while fresh herbs add lift. It is the bite friends fight over, so order extra to keep the peace.
The texture contrast is the magic trick here. You get buttery and crunchy in the same mouthful, which keeps you reaching back. Staff calls it a sleeper hit, but locals already know the secret.
Enjoy with a bright cocktail to echo the citrus notes. If spice is a concern, ask to dial it back slightly. Either way, it lands like a flavor firework.
5. Birria Tacos Night
On some visits, birria tacos appear like a generous quesadilla, all melty and meaty. Dunk each wedge into rich consommé that drips with slow cooked depth. It is messy in the best way, so grab extra napkins and dive in.
Cheese stretches, beef shreds, and the broth sings with spice and savor. The whole experience feels indulgent yet welcoming, like street food dressed up for Waikiki. You will be smiling between sips and dips.
Ask for a lime wedge to brighten the broth. Sharing works, but you might regret splitting. It is that comforting, especially late night.
6. Szechuan Shrimp + Pork Dumplings
These silky dumplings swim in a peppery sauce that tingles without overwhelming. Shrimp and pork bring sweetness and savor, while Szechuan aromas bloom warmly. It is a dish that rewards slow bites and happy sighs.
The sauce clings just enough to coat each fold, and the portion works for sharing. Ask for extra herbs if you like a fragrant finish. A cold lager or crisp white wine resets the palate between bites.
Service tends to pace this with your other plates, so nothing lags. If heat tolerance varies at your table, request light spice. The result still lands with layered flavor.
7. Corn Avocado Dip Starter
Creamy avocado meets sweet charred corn, a scoopable combo that vanishes fast. The dip feels sunny and fresh, playing perfectly with warm chips. It is the kind of snack that makes waiting for entrees downright fun.
Texture matters, and you get creamy, crunchy, and a hint of smoke. A squeeze of lime adds zip while cilantro lifts the finish. If you want extra heat, request jalapeno on the side.
Share it early, then keep a little back for bites between courses. The portion is friendly without being overwhelming. You will end up asking for the recipe, guaranteed.
8. Seafood Platter Splash
When the chilled seafood platter lands, it is an instant showstopper. Lobster, shrimp, oysters, and sushi accents deliver ocean fresh brine and sweetness. It feels celebratory, perfect for anniversaries or a treat yourself moment.
Not everyone loves raw, and that is ok. There is plenty to share, and the staff happily guides first timers. The freshness speaks for itself, no heavy sauces required.
Match it with a crisp white or a spritzy cocktail. Take your time and enjoy the variety. This is Waikiki, so linger and soak in the glow.
9. Steak + Sushi Combo
This playful pairing bridges comfort and crave. A tender steak shares the stage with clean, precise sushi cuts, giving you surf and turf without the fuss. It is variety on one plate, and it works brilliantly.
Balance is key, so lean on citrus, wasabi, or a light soy dip. The textures keep changing bite to bite, which makes the dish feel lively. It satisfies the table when opinions split between meat and seafood.
Grab a booth if you want a slightly quieter zone. Shareable, yes, but it also makes a great solo splurge. You leave feeling like you had two meals in one.
10. Burger For The Win
Sometimes a great burger is the move, and this one delivers. Juicy patty, melty cheese, and a toasted bun come together with confident seasoning. Each bite hits that nostalgic comfort without being greasy.
Fries land hot and crisp, perfect for dipping. Add pickles for snap and ask for extra napkins because yes, it is saucy. You can dress it up with a side salad if you want a lighter balance.
Late night crowds love this order after a couple cocktails. It is steady, satisfying, and easy to share. The burger proves simple things done right still win hearts.
11. Southwest Chicken Salad Shine
Looking for fresh but filling, this salad does the job. Grilled chicken lays over vibrant greens with corn, avocado, and a zippy dressing. Every forkful gives crunch and cream in equal measure.
It photographs beautifully, sure, but the flavor is the reason to order. The seasoning leans bold without overwhelming the greens. You finish satisfied, not sluggish, which is ideal for a beach day.
Ask for dressing on the side if you prefer control. Add a squeeze of lime for extra sparkle. It pairs nicely with a light cocktail or sparkling water.
12. Dessert Decision Dilemma
Key lime pie tempts with tart creaminess, while creme brulee cheesecake crackles under caramel glass. Either way, you end on a sweet high. The portions are share friendly, but save room because they disappear quickly.
The lime gives beachy vibes, bright and clean. The cheesecake leans silky and comforting, a perfect nightcap with coffee. Pick your mood and enjoy the last lingering bites.
Servers offer confident recs if you cannot decide. Pair with espresso or a dessert wine. It is the kind of finish that makes you smile on the walk out.
13. Cocktail Hour Classics
Margaritas come bright and balanced, with a clean lime snap that plays well with tacos. The Earls Mai Tai leans tropical and fun, perfect for easing into the evening. Each sip feels tuned for island nights, never cloying.
If you prefer bubbles, the white sangria reads refreshing and easy. The bar team moves fast while keeping smiles genuine. You will feel taken care of even when the room is buzzing.
Ask for spirit upgrades if you like premium pours. Sit near the bar rail for quick service. Hydrate between rounds and you will be golden.
14. Service With Aloha
From the host stand to managers circling with quick check ins, hospitality feels dialed in. Servers like Lexi, Kennedy, Gabbie, Nadia, and Kristian get shoutouts for good reason. You are greeted, guided, and never left guessing.
Little touches stand out, like prosecco while waiting or sharp menu tips. Even on busy nights, the team keeps things smooth and upbeat. It is a culture of care you can feel.
Arrive a bit early if you have a reservation to enjoy the welcome. Ask questions, they love to share favorites. You leave feeling like a regular, even on your first visit.
15. Room, Lighting, and Vibe
The space blends beach casual with nightlife polish. Dim lights flatter the scene while still letting plates glow for photos. Music pulses but stays conversation friendly, a rare and welcome balance.
Expect foot traffic and energy, especially on weekends. The vibe invites date nights, friends nights, and post beach bites. You can dress up a little or roll in casual and feel right at home.
Ask for a booth for cozy chats or the bar for action. Either way, the design sets the tone for a fun night. It is Waikiki cool without trying too hard.
16. When To Go and What It Costs
With hours running late most nights, it is easy to fit a visit into any schedule. Prices land in the $50 to $100 range for dinner for two depending on drinks and extras. Happy hour trims the bill nicely without trimming flavor.
Weeknights bring a lively but manageable scene, while weekends buzz. Reservations help, but the team handles walk ins with grace. If there is a wait, the bar softens the time with friendly sips.
Check the website for hours and updates before heading out. A quick call to +1 808-751-2299 answers questions fast. You will find them right on Kalakaua, easy to spot and easier to love.
