A Real Find!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
First let me say that the current management acquired the place in May of 2006, so any references to service before that are irrelevant.
Second, the new owner has been renovating, but continues to do his best to keep the disruption at a minimum. There will be inevitable glitches, but overall I'm pretty impressed.
Third, I have been assured that he is dedicated to returning the Royal Hawaiian to its former glory and reputation of the best and least expensive food and drink in Orange Coast area.
Finally, the place has at least two--and maybe more--distinct personalities, so when you go will determine the type of experience you enjoy.
Weekday evenings, it's a local watering hole. Not crowded. Seated and served immediately, no reservations required. Great ambiance and friendly crowds. Goof food and drink at *very* reasonable prices. The house special Lapu-Lapu is a whole lot of tasty booze in a large brandy snifter for under ten bucks. One should do the trick. Their ribs are also great--a house specialty--and also under ten bucks.
Friday and Saturday nights are a whole different story. The Royal Hawaiian metamorphoses into a very hip, very happening 20- to 30-something nightclub that spills out onto the sidewalk outside. The food and drinks are still great, but don't expect fast service--they're swamped. The timid should come back some other time. If you're bold enough to elbow your way all the way up to the bar, you should get a drink in just a few minutes. Otherwise....
I haven't had a chance to try it during the daytime--weekdays or weekends--but i imagine that when I do, I'll probably find two more personalities.
I'm a people-watcher, and a bit crazy. I'm a writer. I like places like this because in addition to being great fun, they also provide marvelous material for fiction.
bob
Pros: A Hemingway hangout, if there ever was one! Good Food, Good Booze, Great Prices and Ambiance
Cons: Don't expect a quiet dinner on Friday or Saturdy night--it's more of a nightclub then.