Not sure what took me so long to find this place, but Corner Kitchen is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for good local eats and live music. I had dinner there with some girlfriends one weekend and really enjoyed the vibe inside. The food..OMG, so good. But I’ll get to that in a minute.
Right outside of Waikiki, the restaurant literally sits on a street corner across from Rainbow’s Drive-Inn. There’s usually live Hawaiian music every Monday to Saturday night, which would explain the mellow mood. The night we were there, Hiikua played in true kanikapila fashion, inviting people to come up and dance hula.
The place got pretty packed as soon as the music started. Supposedly, there are some Groupon deals going around that have been drawing large crowds. Seating is somewhat limited, so be sure to make reservations or be willing to sit at the bar. Corner Kitchen is BYOB, by the way.
Now, for the food: the menu is probably the most perse I’ve seen in a while. A blend of all ethnicities into one compact four-page menu – from Hawaiian to Japanese to Italian! I got some maki sushi and karage chicken. Possibly my favorite combo of all time, and now that I’ve discovered Corner Kitchen, I plan to come here on those late-night sushi runs or post-surf eats. The restaurant closes at 2 a.m.
Because Corner Kitchen is fairly new to Kapahulu Avenue, there seems to constantly be changes. Weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the restaurant’s most recent addition, and I must say their Facebook posts of what’s on the brunch menu looks tempting. Blueberry scones, anyone?
CORNER KITCHEN
• 477 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 • Opens 5pm to 2am • 808-732-3217
