Soon's Kal Bi Drive In image

Soon's Kal Bi Drive In

Restaurant Fast food restaurant Barbecue restaurant Korean restaurant

No-frills restaurant dishing up Korean barbecue, burgers & rice bowls for takeout. People often mention meat, good, chicken, Meat, bento, Hawaii,


Address

898 Ala Lilikoi St, Honolulu, HI 96818

Website

www.facebook.com

Contact

(808) 836-7665

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (511 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 10 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: meat (15) good (9) chicken (7) Meat (6) bento (6) Hawaii (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Hamala M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by here right before heading to the airport for my departing flight. Friend of mine asked me if I had tried meat Jeon before, which essentially is a meat pancake. Hawaiian style Korean food is a nice twist and the bbq beef was a great addition as well with generous portions. Bean sprouts and veggies help give a nice refresher from all the meat.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Teri B. 5 years ago on Google
    A friend recommend that I leave the tourist spots and venture out. I ordered the BBQ 3 meats combo with chicken and beef. It was nice & tender. The location was nothing special, a few booths to eat on site, it's hidden behind the safeway. Great for take-out.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sage K. 4 months ago on Google
    Soon’s has been my go-to spot for years, being raised in the surrounding area. It's the ultimate destination for Meat Jun enthusiasts like myself. I often opt for their bento, as it conveniently combines Meat Jun, fried chicken, and vegetables in one satisfying meal. The reasonable pricing for the bento is another highlight, making it a great value. Occasionally, it can get crowded, so I've found that ordering ahead is a smart move to save time and bypass standing in line. Overall, Soons remains a cherished and reliable choice, consistently delivering delicious flavors and convenience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Margo P. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a must do when in Oahu! This is cash only so prepare. There are three booths to sit at, but mostly a pick-up & go place. We had the Saimin & meat Jhun mix -ono grinds! They also have a catering option for beach or family takeout. Never disappoints! ❤️
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach G. 1 year ago on Google
    CASH ONLY I saw some mixed reviews but the photos looked good so we gave it a try. Food is EXCELLENT. The bbq chicken is absolutely insane. We also got the bento combo and it was great too. I love ordering at the window and eating outside. Super worth. Will definitely come back next time I’m in this part of town
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony 1 year ago on Google
    5/5! Had a local friend recommend this place to me as one of the must visit food spots to hit in Hawaii. I can say, I was not disappointed and really loved the food here. It's a very lowkey spot, kind of a, "If you know, you know" spot and when you try the food, you'll understand why there's always a line here. The Food: I went with the Meat Jhun (Beef Cutlet) plate. It's kind of hard to describe, but its basically a thin beef cutlet that is housed in an almost egg/flour mix batter. Believe me, its incredible. They provide a small little soy dipping sauce to pair with it, and it's amazing. Pair it even more with some rice, that's a meal right there. The Service: The service was okay. It was a little slow, but understandable. There was a long line, and it's small little restaurant that you walk up to and order. Also, this is a CASH ONLY place, so come prepared with some bills. The Atmosphere: The restaurant is setup for you to just walk up and take your order at the window. They have big menus for you to browse while you're waiting. And there are some tables on the side, but not much. Overall, a 5/5! Hands down a spot that you must visit while in Hawaii. Remember, the restaurant is CASH ONLY, so have a couple of bills on hand.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric G. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was delicious (cash only). But I'd like to share is my experience with the people I waited in line with. I wasn't aware that this was cash only, and ended up ordering at the window before I found out. I was a bit embarrassed, but a group of young ladies, teenagers perhaps, immediately offered to buy my dinner. I politely declined and used the ATM right around the corner, but what a kind gesture from complete strangers! I get that this is Hawaii and ohana and all of that, but to just feel the love with no hesitation, speaks to the type of people that this establishment attracts. I'll definitely be back, and hopefully I'll be able to buy somebody their dinner 😁
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ezinne B. 4 months ago on Google
    Food came out so fast, looked exactly like the picture and was delicious! The sauce was amazing it was my 1st time having kimchi and it was excellent! Can't wait to try again. Just make sure you bring cash! Worth every penny!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Shen O. 1 year ago on Google
    Super quick service. The mandoos were fantastic. The bbq chicken and mac salad were okay. However, the Meat Jun was bland and tough, almost a jerky texture inside. It's worth another visit, to try their kalbi.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed B. 2 years ago on Google
    Always our first and last meal in Oahu! My favorite is Meat jun— the taste is great- always consistently tasty. Staff are friendly as well. Plenty of parking but can get busy during lunch and towards dinner. Local folks eat here a lot so definitely that’s a good sign. First tried this back in 2002 and I’ve become a regular ever since.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 adamltw 1 year ago on Google
    My wife used to live in Oahu and she and the kids loved this place. It's all I heard about for 10 plus years. Finally got to sample it and all I can say is the hype was totally accurate. Amazing. Delicious. Fresh. A must stop in the Honolulu area !! Cash only.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jill M Ward (Homes of Hawai'i R. 6 months ago on Google
    Always consistent food! We love kalbi, meat jun and mandoo. Their sauce is the best! Service is really good and the food comes out fast. There are only three booths, so plan on taking to go.

  • 5/5 Arlene T. 1 year ago on Google
    Good Meat Jun & Kalbi. It's a hole in a wall. Renovated dining area looks so much better than before but it's kinda hot & lots of flies, birds & chicken while eating. Tables were dirty. Limited eating area.

  • 5/5 Nicolle V. 1 year ago on Google
    This place has AMAZING CHICKEN. Flavorful, juicy, served hot. We got the bento box and BBQ chicken plates. Staff was friendly and service was FAST. We were amazed at how fast our food was ready. Overall, great experience. Already can’t wait until the next time I eat here.

  • 5/5 Toddi N. 1 year ago on Google
    The one thing that is truly unique is their meat Jun. I've only found Soon's that prepare it this way. The sauce is also very delicious and specific to Soon's. Prices have gone up significantly, but that's happened everywhere. If you are in Salt Lake, you should stop by. Bring CASH no other methods accepted.

  • 5/5 david s. 5 months ago on Google
    The sweet aromas of grilled meats, make you salivate as you walk up the front window. Great selections, hard to choose, and grateful for the combo's including fermented veggies ,meat juhn, kalbi, bulgogi, and chicken. Onolicious!

  • 2/5 Daniel F. 8 months ago on Google
    I was craving some meat jun so I ordered a mix plate, was really excited to try it as I heard good things. Unfortunately the meat was super dry, sand paper like texture with paper thin slices of meat on each piece. I was expecting some thicker juicer pieces. The price is a bit high for what you get as well, with just white rice and a little bit of veggies for almost $19. I'd say $14 or $15 would be more reasonable.

  • 5/5 Marty B. 1 year ago on Google
    I always read food reviews with caution when people say that something is good and is the best. Normally, I tend to find things are over hyped and average at best. However, with that said, I tried out Soon's today and have to say this stuff is the bomb!! Their beef short ribs are the best that I have had hands down! The meat is tender and smokey. I am going to assume that they are cooking it on charcoal because it tastes like backyard BBQ off the grill at home. I don't like to hype things up or write reviews, but this place deserved it. I only had the short rib and highly recommend it. I didn 't eat anything else, so I can't really make any other recommendations. But for sure try the short ribs! You will not be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Malissa F. 1 year ago on Google
    It had been over 30 years since I have been back to the island and my favorite Korean place. You are still here and your food is still amazing

  • 5/5 Michael L. 1 year ago on Google
    I haven't had a bento since 2001!!! Tried 100 different Hawaiian food places on mainland but nothing comes close! I'm coming back home soon and 1st place I'm going is Soon's!!!

  • 1/5 Brenda O. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordered sons special. Food was not hot. The meat jun was dry and cold. Everything was precooked. The Kalbi sauce was good but the meat was tough, same with the bbq meat.

  • 5/5 Linda N. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place, we always get the Soon's Special, when I was stationed there back in '92. got married 1999 and went back every year with my husband and every time we come back as soon as we leave the airport, this is the first place we hit. I dream of soon's it's what brings me back to Hawaii plus the beautiful beaches LOL

  • 5/5 Bob C. 1 year ago on Google
    Man Doo Combo is so good! Chicken thigh with man doo, rice and Kimchi…amazing.

  • 4/5 Noel D. 2 years ago on Google
    The taste isn't the same when I was back in High School (94) but the place is still a favorite. I just wish they accept credit card or debit cards.

  • 5/5 Melanie F. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been going to Soon's for over 15 years. Their food has been consistently good, and service is always quick and friendly. I love their combo plates and bento.

  • 5/5 Nick S. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was great! Close to the airport. Great welcome to Hawaii

  • 5/5 aron n. 2 years ago on Google
    You want Korean-style BBQ fast. You want good prices! You don't want to wait. You are hungry! GO HERE! Smell the meat grilling and get your order made in a few minutes max. DELICIOUS!

  • 3/5 Blu Phone South K. 2 years ago on Google
    Big amount of food for reasonable price in Hawaii. Really like this place. However, I ordered some food by phone beforehand so that I could just stop by, pay, pick up and leave quickly. NO. I still had to join the line amongst the people who are going to order and pay. Such a silly service. I'm reducing the stars.


Call (808) 836-7665 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Cash-only
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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