$$ Pit stop for Korean BBQ & more Soon's Kal Bi Drive In - Barbecue restaurant in Honolulu, United States
Open on Google Maps
Our Ranking
Address
898 Ala Lilikoi St, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States
Contact
+1 808-836-7665Rating on Google Maps
4.40 (454 reviews)Working Hours
- Saturday: 10am to 8pm
- Sunday: 10am to 8pm
- Monday: 10am to 8pm
- Tuesday: 10am to 8pm
- Wednesday: 10am to 8pm
- Thursday: 10am to 8pm
- Friday: 10am to 8pm
Amenities
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Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
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Payments
- Cash-only
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Planning
- Usually a wait
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Amenities
- Good for kids
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Offerings
- Quick bite
- Comfort food
- Small plates
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Atmosphere
- Casual
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Highlights
- Fast service
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Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
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Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
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Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Health & safety
- Staff wear masks
- Staff get temperature checks
- Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
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Service options
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Outdoor seating
Reviews
Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (7) place (9) food (9) meat (10)-
5Linda N. 7 months ago
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
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5Arlene T. 1 month ago
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.
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5Nicolle V. 3 months ago
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.
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5Toddi N. 3 months ago
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.
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5Marty B. 3 months ago
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.
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5Margo P. 3 months ago
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! ❤️
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5Zach G. 3 months ago
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
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5Malissa F. 5 months ago
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
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5Michael L. 7 months ago
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!!!
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5Hamala M. 1 year ago
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.
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5Bob C. 7 months ago
Man Doo Combo is so good! Chicken thigh with man doo, rice and Kimchi…amazing.
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5Melanie F. 1 year ago
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.
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5Ed B. 1 year ago
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.
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5Nick S. 1 year ago
Food was great! Close to the airport. Great welcome to Hawaii
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5Eric G. 1 year ago
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 😁
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5aron n. 1 year ago
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!
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4Noel D. 1 year ago
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.
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4Teri B. 4 years ago
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.
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3Shen O. 8 months ago
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.
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3Blu Phone South K. 1 year ago
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.
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1Brenda O. 5 months ago
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.
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Call +1 808-836-7665 Open on Google Maps
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