What should I order at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery?
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
Coconut Shrimp
Frequently praised for being perfectly crispy and delicious, often mentioned alongside great drinks as a favorite appetizer.
Ahi Poke Bowl / Ahi Poke Stack
Highly recommended for its freshness and flavor, considered one of the best by reviewers and a must-try Hawaiian dish.
Steak
Noted for being well cooked and well seasoned, making it a reliable and satisfying entrée choice.
Grilled Salmon
Mentioned as delicious and well prepared, a popular seafood option among diners.
Spam Fried Rice
Recommended for being fresh and delicious, a local favorite comfort dish.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Highlighted as a favorite item, appreciated for its flavor and portion.
Kalbi Ribs
Described as bursting with flavor and highly recommended by the staff, a standout dish for meat lovers.
Makai Burger
Mentioned as excellent, a solid choice for burger lovers with good flavor.
Mango Salad
Noted for being excellent and a fresh option alongside other dishes.
French Fries
Called 'out of this world,' praised for their quality and taste.
Musubi
Liked for its taste and uniqueness, a recommended snack or appetizer.
Pineapple Cake
Recommended as a perfect sweet finale to the meal, highly praised by guests.
Death by Chocolate (Dessert)
Mentioned as excellent, a popular dessert choice to end the meal.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
About Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
Lively bar & grill for seafood, steaks & pastas in a marine-inspired space with a rotating bar.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Romantic
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery known for?
It is best known for the rotating bar, ocean views, and Hawaiian inspired food and drinks. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the tiki-style cocktails, sea-facing views, and dishes like pork sliders, coconut shrimp, and ahi poke bowl.
What dishes are most recommended at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery?
Reviewers most often recommend the pork sliders, coconut shrimp, coconut prawns, ahi poke bowl, and bulgogi. People also mention that the seafood is fresh and flavorful, and that the portions are large for the $20 to 30 price range.
What is the atmosphere like at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery?
The vibe is casual, romantic, and very scenic, with a tiki theme, Hawaiian music, and a rotating bar that looks out toward the ocean and sunset. It seems to work well for groups, couples, and solo diners, especially people who want drinks and a view.
Is Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery good value?
Yes, many reviewers say the food and drinks feel reasonably priced for the $20 to 30 range. They mention huge portions, well-made cocktails, and a strong overall experience with the view and service included.
Do you need a reservation at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery?
Dinner reservations are recommended and the restaurant accepts reservations, which makes sense because it is popular with tourists, college students, and groups. Reviewers also note that some menu items can sell out when demand is high, so going earlier can help.
Is parking available at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, On-site parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery have vegetarian options?
Yes, Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery offers vegan options.
Is Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery kid-friendly?
Yes, Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery is good for kids.
Restaurants like Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery in Santa Cruz
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city