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Honolulu, HI

North America

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# St Louis Drive Inn – Affordable Hawaiian Drive-In Restaurant in Honolulu, HI
St Louis Drive Inn is a beloved drive-in restaurant located in Honolulu, HI, known for its affordable plate lunches and local Hawaiian cuisine. Established as a mom-and-pop eatery, it has become a staple in the community, offering a nostalgic dining experience with a menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, and traditional Hawaiian dishes. Patrons appreciate the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Despite mixed reviews regarding service and food consistency, the restaurant's long-standing presence and commitment to local flavors keep customers returning.

## History
### The story of St Louis Drive Inn
St Louis Drive Inn was founded with the vision of providing delicious, affordable meals to the local community in Honolulu. The establishment has maintained its commitment to serving traditional Hawaiian plate lunches and comfort food, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with both long-time residents and newcomers. Over the years, it has become a cherished part of the local dining scene, embodying the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a local drive-in restaurant, serving the community for decades.
- Gained popularity for its affordable plate lunches and local-style meals.
- Adapted to changing dining trends while maintaining its core offerings.
- Survived challenges such as the pandemic, continuing to serve loyal customers.
- Recognized as a staple in the Kaimuki neighborhood, attracting both locals and tourists.

### Cultural and local influence
St Louis Drive Inn has played a significant role in the cultural landscape of Honolulu. As a mom-and-pop establishment, it reflects the local culinary traditions and the community's love for hearty, home-cooked meals. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, local ingredients has helped preserve traditional Hawaiian flavors, making it a go-to spot for those seeking authentic local cuisine. Its presence contributes to the vibrant food culture of the area, where residents gather to enjoy familiar dishes in a casual setting.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant continues to uphold its founding principles by providing a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that caters to the tastes of its patrons. Despite facing challenges such as rising food prices and staffing shortages, St Louis Drive Inn remains dedicated to offering value and quality. The establishment's ability to adapt while staying true to its roots ensures that it remains a beloved destination for generations to come.

## Community
### Community involvement
St Louis Drive Inn is deeply embedded in the local community, often participating in neighborhood events and supporting local initiatives. The restaurant fosters a sense of belonging among its patrons, who often share fond memories of dining there with family and friends. By sourcing ingredients locally and employing residents, the drive-in contributes to the economic well-being of the area, reinforcing its status as a community hub.

### Community notion about the place
The community views St Louis Drive Inn as an essential part of the Kaimuki neighborhood. Many locals appreciate the restaurant for its nostalgic charm and the comfort of familiar dishes. While some reviews highlight inconsistencies in service and food quality, the overall sentiment is one of loyalty and support for a long-standing local business. The drive-in is often seen as a place where memories are made, with patrons returning for the sense of familiarity and community it provides.

### Events and gatherings
St Louis Drive Inn occasionally hosts events that bring the community together, such as local food festivals or charity drives. These gatherings not only showcase the restaurant's offerings but also strengthen the bonds among residents. The casual setting allows for easy interaction, making it a popular spot for informal meet-ups and celebrations. The drive-in's role in these events underscores its importance as a gathering place for the community.

## Offerings
### What St Louis Drive Inn offers
St Louis Drive Inn offers a diverse menu that includes a variety of plate lunches, burgers, and local Hawaiian dishes. The focus is on providing hearty meals at reasonable prices, catering to both locals and visitors looking for an authentic Hawaiian dining experience. The menu features classic items such as teriyaki beef, mochiko chicken, and various seafood options, ensuring there is something for everyone.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at St Louis Drive Inn is casual and straightforward, reflecting the drive-in's roots. Customers place their orders at the counter and can choose to enjoy their meals at one of the few tables available or take them to go. While the food is generally well-received, reviews indicate variability in quality, with some dishes praised for their freshness and flavor, while others have been critiqued for being overcooked or lacking seasoning. Overall, the emphasis is on providing a satisfying meal that offers good value for money.

### Events and packages
St Louis Drive Inn occasionally offers special promotions and meal packages, particularly for local events or holidays. These packages often feature a selection of popular dishes at a discounted rate, encouraging patrons to try a variety of items. The restaurant's commitment to affordability makes it a popular choice for families and groups looking to enjoy a meal together without breaking the bank.

### Facilities and features
- Casual dining area with limited seating.
- Take-out service available for those on the go.
- Free parking for customers.
- Simple ordering process at the counter.
- Local-style menu featuring Hawaiian comfort food.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of St Louis Drive Inn reveal a mix of experiences, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the establishment. Many customers appreciate the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, while others express concerns about service and food consistency. The restaurant's long-standing presence in the community is a significant factor in its continued patronage.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently compliment the restaurant for its affordability and the nostalgic feel of dining there. The large portion sizes and variety of menu options are often praised, with many customers noting that they receive good value for their money. The drive-in's commitment to local flavors and traditional dishes also resonates with those seeking an authentic Hawaiian dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some customers have reported issues with service and food quality. Instances of slow service and inconsistent food preparation have been noted, leading to mixed experiences. However, the overall sentiment remains one of loyalty, with many patrons willing to overlook these shortcomings for the sake of supporting a local institution.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, St Louis Drive Inn is a beloved local eatery that offers a unique blend of affordability and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in service consistency, the restaurant's strengths in portion size and value continue to attract a loyal customer base. Its role in the community and commitment to local flavors make it a noteworthy destination in Honolulu.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
St Louis Drive Inn is situated at 3145 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, in the Kaimuki neighborhood. This area is known for its vibrant local culture and a variety of dining options. Visitors to the drive-in can explore nearby attractions, including local parks and shops, making it a convenient stop for those looking to experience the charm of Honolulu. The restaurant's location also provides easy access to other popular destinations in the city, enhancing its appeal to both locals and tourists.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does St Louis Drive Inn serve** The restaurant serves Hawaiian comfort food, including plate lunches and burgers.
**Is there parking available at St Louis Drive Inn** Yes, there is free parking available for customers.
**Do they offer take-out service** Yes, take-out service is available for those on the go.
**Are there vegetarian options on the menu** The menu primarily features meat dishes, but some sides may be vegetarian-friendly.
**What are the operating hours of St Louis Drive Inn** Operating hours may vary, so it's best to check directly with the restaurant.

## Visit St Louis Drive Inn Today
St Louis Drive Inn invites you to experience its authentic Hawaiian cuisine and friendly atmosphere. With a rich history and a commitment to community, this drive-in restaurant offers a unique dining experience that reflects the local culture. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty plate lunch or a classic burger, St Louis Drive Inn provides generous portions at reasonable prices. Join the many satisfied customers who appreciate the nostalgic charm and value of this beloved establishment.

bbbe0fb8-98bb-4971-9ee6-94240a4529ae

09/08/25 update Today at @1 pm there was a line to place your order. It's a Tuesday and this place is always busy. Take out only plate lunches and burgers and more. Prices are reasonable and plate lunches or bentos are filling. The seating area is now open. A few tables are broken and chairs as well. An update is sorely needed here. Service is usually fast and local style ( just place your order and move to the side quickly). Truly an old school drive inn place. Free parking here. No bathroom available. Support local.

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LOTS OF FOOD FOR THE PRICE BUT STILL MEDIOCRE SINCE THE LAST TIME I ATE HERE. The cooked fish was pretty good and the shrimp tempura was ok but the sashimi wasn't spoiled but it had a weird taste. I couldn't figure out why but I couldn't eat all of it. The teriyaki beef and the teriyaki pork were both way over seasoned and overcooked. The rice was a little mushy but there were some parts that were undercooked.

16799bf4-abe2-4d35-b913-4eeb9d5dc52f

Service....the lack of. At the receiving end of the horrible attitude from one of the ladies was unwarranted. If you come here enough, there's several ladies behind the counter/cashier. And there's that one, that one certain lady that takes her time before acknowledging you, doing everything else while you're the only one in line and still make you wait a bit. Unfriendly and never smiles. It is what it is. We've been coming here for years and usually it's just for the breakfast special. Once a month and when school in session then sometimes almost once a week. Is it the best tasting food? No, but the menu is simple and all one needs is a basic breakfast special (portugese sausages, eggs and rice, and a drink). Sometimes the rice is dry and hard or the eggs have shell bits hiding inside..and yet I still come back. Years ago it was under $5 and prices have gone up since to almost $8 and we keep coming back to support a local business that's been here before I was even born. And here we are today, that same certain lady behind the counter and it's 8am in the morning. Was she having a bad morning that she decided to take it out on us? I don't care about the unsmiling non-greeting but the hostile attitude was very unbecoming and to representing a business this way is sad. Today, ordered the same breakfast special #2 like always and when she handed the drinks. There were splatter soda dots on the lid and cup. Asked for napkins to wipe it clean and as she was about to hand over the rag that was sitting on the counter, we politely asked for napkins instead. Was that same rag used to wipe the counter or meant to wipe cups only, I wouldn't know but I do see that rag is stained. She grabbed a bunch of napkins and toss it on the counter in a huff. Explained to her why we preferred napkins and that only made her more upset. As we stood there watching her aggressively put our plates in the boxes and handed to us with a frown. Hopefully her day turns around for the better, but today's visit was very unpleasant for me. That one star is just based on today's service...

048bb2a6-a9f7-4ef6-bdbc-fc4b89030a4c

I would give this place a solid 3.5. The food was just ok, but I got a good value. We ordered a Japanese Plate Deluxe $15.50, but it was on special for $13.50. We also purchased a Mochiko Chicken Plate $12.50 and a large Lilikoi drink $3.50. The Japanese Plate Deluxe contained mochiko chicken, teri beef, two shrimp tempura, six ahi sashimi, salad and rice. The rice was dry. The mochiko chicken was dry and hard. It wasn't battered enough and they give huge pieces that aren't cut up. The ahi sashimi on the other hand was so good. It was so fresh and firm. They even gave a wasabi shoyu sauce for dipping. If you eat sashimi a lot you would know that this is a great deal. My hubby felt the same way about his mochiko chicken plate. He did not like it. He will never get that from here again. He's open to try something else off the menu.

9b276f2c-5dea-4dfb-aeaf-6e8a84c7d932

We had a conference to attend today at Chaminade, so I took the opportunity to stop by St Louis Drive Inn for breakfast - even though a light breakfast would be waiting at the conference. It had been ages since my last visit, but I'm pretty sure I recognized the woman behind the counter. I was happy to see prices still much lower than most other places - old-school food at old-school prices. I ordered #1: fried rice, BBQ hot dog, one egg, and a small coffee (included). I enjoyed this simple, not-so-common (these days) breakfast. Four stars for good food at a very good value.

9f19e355-80c8-4ea2-a011-b8d052392333

Old school mom & pop eatery that's been around for generations. Good prices. Good variety.

329c48d7-b081-4056-90f1-1d81c6bd68b0

Talk about nostalgic and THIS PLATE IS ON SPECIAL DEAL $12.50 what the hell! That's a meal $ McDonald's Love this place. Love the value and price Definitely thumbs up -never lets me down.

91d9818d-e1f8-43b8-8c67-2f1ec44cf606

I would be remiss if I didn't update my previous one-star review of St. Louis Drive-Inn. I was driving home on Waialae Avenue and slowed at the intersection for the red light. I saw that there were only four people near the order counter so I drove into the lot. I recall seeing the restaurant closed a few months ago while they were re-paving the parking lot. There are a dozen parking spaces plus one ADA stall. I was taken aback because 8 of the 13 parking stalls were occupied. Why were so many parking stalls occupied if only 4 people were near the order counter and one of them was a child? Ah, I didn't see the 5 people eating at the six plastic tables on the right. When I went up to the order window on the left, a woman stuck her head out from the right window and asked what I wanted. Wow, quick service compared to last time. She took my order yet still, it took about 12 minutes for me to get my food. To be fair the seafood bento I ordered had a lot of different items which were cooked from scratch since they were all still warm when I got home and ate. So 12 minutes may be warranted. The food is always good but now that they have modified the ordering process, St. Louis Drive Inn has earned my respect.

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Dec 2024 update. St. Louis Drive In keeps on plugging away. They got through the pandemic, they have dealt with worker shortages, they have coped with rising food prices. Not as cheap as before, but they gave always been a step behind the competition when raising prices. $10.50 for roast pork plate lunch? Deal! Breakfast specials that include a drink for under $10- deal! They have a stew bowl of the day, tuna sandwich and drink as a breakfast special every day except Sunday. The rotating stews are hamburger curry, beef curry or regular beef stew. deal! The arch-typical mom n pop drive in, they have been around for seemingly forever. The service can be pretty slow- but still worth the wait. They are an institution in Kaimuki and brings back memories of when the drive ins ruled the fast food landscape before the national chains came to Hawaii.

cda0f57f-fdd0-461a-9228-2a3f0a7a521e

I love the local, old school vibe at this place. Small parking lot but usually fast so there's space. They have a few tables to eat at in the front. I went here early one morning and while they do have breakfast, I was in the mood for a bbq burger. It was charbroiled and fresh with lettuce and mayo. The okazuya/deli is also super reasonable but a long wait as they can only help one customer at a time and it's cash only. My faves there are the vegetable tempura, sweet potato tempura, and chow fun. Portions are huge for the price!

Discover St Louis Drive Inn in Honolulu for authentic local flavors and a unique dining experience. Visit now and indulge in delicious Hawaiian cuisine.

St Louis Drive Inn in Honolulu - Classic Local Eats

Honolulu

St Louis Drive Inn

Honolulu County

Discover St Louis Drive Inn at 3145 Waialae Ave, Honolulu. Enjoy authentic local flavors, friendly atmosphere, and nearby Waikiki attractions. Visit today!

St Louis Drive Inn in Honolulu - Classic Local Restaurant & Tasty Eats

Learn about St Louis Drive Inn in Honolulu, a beloved spot for authentic Hawaiian dishes and friendly service. Perfect for locals and visitors alike. Read more!

About St Louis Drive Inn, Honolulu - Your Favorite Local Eatery

Opening hours for St Louis Drive Inn, Honolulu. Find opening hours for St Louis Drive Inn, 3145 Waialae Ave, Honolulu on Waialae Ave.

St Louis Drive Inn Menu Overview

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