Dean's Drive Inn

When I'm in the mood for a plate lunch on the Windward side, I used to think only of KJ's in Windward City Shopping Center.  Now, I think of two.  After seeing them featured on Cheap Eats (channel 8), I had to try this place, and I have no regrets.  

Unless you live in Kaneohe, you'll probably miss it on the first drive by.  It's located on Kamehameha Highway between Honda Windward and the Kaneohe Police Station in a little strip mall with very limited parking.

The hours are listed below.  Weekend warriors beware - they are closed on Saturdays but open on Sundays.  The fine print on the bottom warns diners that hours and days are subject to change, therefore, if you are making a special trip to Kaneohe to try this place, I would suggest calling ahead to make sure they're open.

The inside of the restaurant is colorful, but small.  There are only 5 tables.  But the tables turn around pretty quick, and since everything is made to order, by the time your food is ready, chances are you will have found a table.  

One of their signature items is the teriyaki beef.  This is no ordinary teriyaki beef.  It's more like teriyaki steak.  Regular plates come with your choice of white or brown rice, and your choice of homemade soup, mac salad, or tossed salad.

Here's a pic of the teriyaki beef up close:

Their other signature item is their ahi cakes with aioli sauce.  It was a winner and lived up to the hype.  Pictured here is a "mini" portion.

Look at the chunks of ahi!

We didn't save room for dessert, however, I've heard they're delicious.  

We are definitely coming here again, the only question is whether I'll try something different or stick to the signature items which did not disappoint.

Dean's Drive Inn

45-773 Kamehameha Highway

Kaneohe, HI

247-1300