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Pan-Asian restaurant in Santa Cruz, California
What should I order at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery?
What to order
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🥇
Poke Bowl
Recommended multiple times for being fresh, flavorful, and delicious, with reviewers specifically praising it as one of the best they’ve had.
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🥈
Coconut Shrimp
Mentioned more than once and described as perfectly crispy and delicious, making it a standout appetizer.
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🥉
Kalbi Rib Plate
Called very delicious and specifically highlighted as a must-order when asked for as the all kalbi rib plate.
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4
Guava-Soy Sauce Steak
Praised as absolutely delicious, juicy, and tender, making it one of the most memorable entrées in the reviews.
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5
Spam Musubi
Recommended as yummy and a tasty Hawaiian-style bite that fits the restaurant’s theme.
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6
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Mentioned positively as part of a great meal, with reviewers saying they loved them.
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7
Loco Moco
Noted for the restaurant’s local spin and described as delicious, showing it was a pleasantly surprising Hawaiian comfort dish.
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8
Bbq Mix
Called delicious and part of a satisfying food order, with reviewers saying the food and drinks were great overall.
Details
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
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
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
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.
