This is by far our most popular section. Everyone on Maui seems to want to know where they can find the best bar (and bartenders), pizza slice, sushi roll and plate lunch. On an island still dedicated to the visitor and service industry, these aren’t trivial questions.
Best Restaurant
Lahaina’s Honu Seafood and Pizza gets voted Best Restaurant of 2013, completely winning over the hearts and stomachs of MauiTime’s readers. Award-winning Chef Mark Ellman’s most recent venture has enthralled us with foods that have inspired him from his world travels. Mediterranean, East coast, Asian, Italian and Hawaiian regional all merge for the perfect menu that includes gourmet vegan, gluten-free, brick oven pizza, wok-fried whole fish and fried oysters. 1295 Front St., Lahaina; Honumaui.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Mala Ocean Tavern
Best Vietnamese
Was it the summer rolls, the comedian waiters, their award-winning fried shrimp, or the Vietnamese burritos that our readers preferred? Probably all of the above. No matter what Vietnamese dish you order here or who you order it from, it’s the best on Maui. The menu is full of noodle dishes, hot pots, curries, seafood and veggies. Owner and chef Jennifer Nguyen’s cuisine has made this sometimes difficult to locate restaurant, but it’s definitely a journey worth taking. 1792 Main St., Wailuku; 808-243-9560. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Bale
Best Local Food
Sato’s on Wili Pa Loop in Wailuku has been known for noodles like dry mein and saimin, but their local grinds are the favorite for MauiTime’s readers. Sam’s location is one of the old spots in Wailuku, and it opens early at 6am but is closed by 2pm. You can expect it to be busy at lunch–you’ll have to wait for a seat in the small cafe, but it’s worth it. Their won ton mein, sandwiches, teriyaki and beef tomato are all great bargains at less than $8. Sam Sato’s also makes homemade manju and turnovers. If you’re too full, you should take some home, as they’re the house specialty. 1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku; 808-244-7124. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Eskimo Candy
Photo Courtesy of Coconuts Fish Cafe
Best Fish Tacos
Two corn tortillas stuffed with fresh catch sounds simple enough to prepare, but you’d be surprised how difficult it can be to pull off properly. On who does that best, our readers were clear that the answer is Coconut’s Fish Cafe. They top the fish off with plenty of their special recipe France’s Coleslaw with coconut milk and a generous portion of mango salsa. In fact, they’ve gotten so popular that the owners have opened a Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Arizona. 1279 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-875-9979; Coconutfishcafe.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Paia Fish Market
Best Place To Buy Adult Beverages
MauiTime boozers hankering for a shot of Justin Timberlake’s 901 tequila know the drill– Aloha Discount Liquor has it in stock. Our favorite place to buy adult beverages also has a great assortment of tobacco, and a newly built second-level wine attic they like to call the sexiest wine shop in all the island. Why? Because proprietor Johnny Aloha is relentless at getting the best wines and spirits at the best prices for you. 2439 S. Kihei Rd., #109A; 808-874-8882. alohadiscountliquor.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Wine Corner Paia
Best Local Cheap Eats
Since our readers apparently enjoy their local eats with a great ocean view, they decided that Aloha Mixed Plate’s outdoor lanai, sunsets and happy hour are where they want to go. The mixed plate cuisine has a rich history from the plantation days and their menu gives tribute to Maui’s melting pot of today. You’ll find great kalua pig, chow fun, kalbi ribs and teriyaki beef, all served up with two scoops rice and one scoop mac salad. Your cheap eats here are served from morning local moco until dinner’s Hawaiian plate. 1285 Front St., Lahaina; 808-661-3322; Alohamixedplate.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Blue Moon Cafe
Best Mexican Food
Good Mexican food may seem hard to come on an island that’s 3,500 miles away from the Mainland, but that hasn’t been the case since Amigo’s rode into town. Their daily specials on burritos, tacos chimichanga and nachos are always a good way to go, but pretty much everything on the menu is tasty. Perhaps the best thing about the place is that you can eat at Amigo’s in Kihei, Lahaina or Kahului. Amigosmaui.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Pinatas
Best Barbecue
The best barbeque meat on Maui comes from a custom Texas-built wood rotisserie smoker, but the folks at Beach Bums attribute it mostly to their use of kiawe and guava wood and their special house-made secret sauces and rubs. Of course, it’s also possible their baby back rib fest Wednesdays and prime rib and lobster fest Tuesdays may have swayed your votes. Their unique Ma‘alaea harbor views don’t hurt, either. 300 Ma‘alaea Rd.; 808-243-2286; Beachbumshawaii.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Fat Daddy’s
Best Business Lunch
The food landscape in Kahului has been transformed with Bistro Casanova, which are readers have decided is the place on Maui to get the Best Business Lunch. There are sweet and savory crepes, panini and housemade pasta and salads–all served efficiently, so you don’t have to wait around before getting back to the office. 33 Lono Ave., Kahului; 808-873-3650; Bistrocasanova.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Kono’s on the Green
Best Vegetarian
The mighty kale and acai bowl couldn’t find a better spokesplace than Choice Health Bar in Lahaina. When our readers want to go green in their diet, Choice is the best restaurant on Maui to get the goods. It’s because Choice founders Emily Kuntz and Katheryn Dahm are hard at work finding you the best organic produce and fruits on Maui before combining them into smoothies and elixirs that you never even thought possible. 1087 Limahana Pl., Lahaina; 808-661-7711. @jenrusso
Runner-up [TIE]: Fresh Mint/Veg Out
Best Burger
A juicy hand-formed, all-beef patty served on a gourmet bun is just the beginning of the legendary Cool Cat burger. What you put on it is your call: they have green chiles, onion rings, pineapple, teriyaki, bacon and mushrooms. If you can imagine it on a burger, they can serve it from their third story roost over Front Street. Not feeling particularly creative? Try the Burger of the Month–in veggie and beef versions–for an over-the-top sandwich sensation. 658 Front. St,. Lahaina; 808-667-0908; Coolcatcafe.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Best Pau Hana
When the day is over and it’s time to unwind from the grind, our readers like to head over to the Dog and Duck Irish Pub. There’s always a cute smile behind the bar to hand over a really cold drink. If you’re hungry, no worries because you can stay for dinner–the traditional Irish fare and evening entertainment are welcome at any time. 1913 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-875-9669; Theworldfamousdogandduck.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Diamonds
Best Local Pizza
This year, our readers decided that Maui’s very best pizza comes from Fabiani’s in Kihei. It only took a year for this family-owned restaurant to move up from their getting named as last year’s best new restaurant to this year’s best pizza. Their thin crust Italian American artisan pizza starts with handmade dough from their bakery. Next, it’s topped with whatever you want. Sounds good, and at happy hour it’s half off, too. 95 E. Lipoa St., Kihei; 808-874-0888; Fabianis.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Pizza Madness
Best Barista
You can find the Best Barista at the Starbucks in Kihei. There she makes all our caffeine dreams come true. Ironically, Fasha doesn’t abuse coffee like those who voted for her, but she also doesn’t resent those who can’t go a day without their cup of joe. Opening can be brutally early for her, but Puckett takes it in stride, and says the people she works with at Starbucks make it the best job ever. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Megan Kanekoa
Photo Courtesy of Five Palms
Best Pupus
Our readers’ favorite spot to order pupus has been located in the Mana Kai Hotel, overlooking the bay at Keawekapu Beach, since 1995. The Chinese rib pupu at Five Palms is amazing, and the scallops, soups, salads and sushi pack the menu with variety. A phenomenal happy hour awaits if you’re hungry 3-7pm or 9-11pm, when all pupus and sushi go half-price. 2960 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-879-2607; 5palmsrestaurant.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Monkeypod Kitchen
Best Spam Musubi
We often see the words “local delicacy” next to Spam Musubi, and there’s truth in that. You take one scoop rice and one slab of Spam, add a little teriyaki sauce and you’ve got the Best of Maui Spam Musubi. Foodland keeps this hot number under the warming lights in the morning. The balance of a carbohydrate foundation with salty Spam is just one of the many joys of local culinary delights. Foodland.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Minit Stop
Best Local Hot Dog
Fukushima’s special blend of a steamed dog, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, pickle and warm bun can’t be beat, as our readers know only too well. It’s also the perfect snack on your way to any Eastside destination, and a staple for those who live in Haiku. 815 Haiku Rd.; 808-575-2762. @jenrusso
Runner-up: South Shore Tiki Lounge
Best Dining With A View
High on the hill abutting Wailea’s Gold Course, Gannon’s takes the votes for the Best Dining with a View on Maui. The fabulous vista from the top of Wailea Golf Club Drive overlooks Kaho‘olawe, Molokini and the West Maui Mountains. It’s almost as breathtaking as being in a helicopter, though it tastes much much better. From beneath their cathedral ceilings or out on the outside deck, you can take in the award-winning Chef Bev Gannon’s cuisine from 8:30am to 9pm. 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr.; 808-875-8080.gannonsrestaurant.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Honu Seafood and Pizza
Photo Courtesy of Jawz Fish Tacos.
Best Food Truck
When it comes to getting food on the go, our readers love the Jawz Taco Truck. Those trucks have been serving mouthwatering fish tacos for years at Big Beach, way before it became trendy to operate one. If you don’t get out to Makena much, try their tacos and burritos on the food truck during Kihei’s Fourth Friday Town Party. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Shark Pit
Photo Courtesy of Lahaina Grill
Best Dinner
MauiTime’s readers decided that of all the restaurants on Maui, Lahaina Grill is the Best Dinner. Since 1990, the establishment has won awards and accolades from publications in Hawaii and the Mainland for providing some of the finest dining anywhere. From their carpaccio of filet mignon to their Wagyu beef raviolis on the appetizer menu to entrees including Kona coffee roasted mountain meadows rack of lamb, Marcho Farms center cut all natural veal chop and Wild Pacific salmon filet, this is as good as it gets. 127 Lahainaluna Rd.; 808-667-5117; Lahainagrill.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Mama’s Fish House
Best Seafood
In this category, it’s kind of hard for other places to compete against Mama’s Fish House, where the catch is so fresh that the name of the boat on which it was caught is listed on the menu. Dealing direct with the talented local fisherman means that Mama’s gets the best of the day’s catch. The crab-stuffed mahi is their signature dish, but don’t let that sway you from tasting some of their more unique fish dishes. The ahi rolls and kama are among the most unreal treats from sea to table you can eat. 799 Poho Pl., Kuau; 808-579-8488; Mamasfishhouse.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Paia Fish Market
Best Health Food Store
This is more than just our island’s best health food store. It’s a Paia landmark, and part of the Northshore lifestyle. There’s more natural food packed inside Mana than you’d think possible. There are natural foods, locally grown produce, fresh breads and gourmet dairy products. You can also dive into their hot foods bar, which has wonderful breakfast burritos and tofu summer rolls. 49 Baldwin Ave., Paia; 808-579-8078; Manafoodsmaui.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Hawaiian Moons
Best Local Distiller/Brewer/Winemaker
We’re lucky to have our very own brewed beer. You can get cans of Big Swell IPA, Bikini Blonde, and Coconut Porter at the supermarket, or on tap at your local watering hole. Even better, you can tour the brewery in Lahaina and see how it’s made, or head to Kahana where their brew pub serves even more beer on tap. What’s more, owners Garrett and Melanie Marerro will be building a new brewery and brewpub on the Southside to keep up with demand, so we can expect even more island-inspired suds coming soon. 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy., Kahana; 808-669-3474; Mauibrewingco.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Ocean Vodka
Best Local Coffee House
Kahului’s oldest mom and pop coffee shop FTW! Their win shows sometime those who’ve been doing it the longest also do it the best. The Hana Highway coffee shop got the votes this year for their delicious coffee, cool staff and great food. If you’re in a hurry, you can even serve yourself a cup and drop your dollars in the puka. The cafe opened in 1981 and has been making wicked coffee ever since. From 2pm till close you can get a cheap jolt with their happy cappy hour, when cappuccinos are just $2. 444 Hana Hwy., Kahului; 808-877-2877. Mauicoffeeroasters.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Wailuku Coffee Co.
Best Burrito
What MauiTime’s readers voted as the best burrito on Maui is far is bigger than your forearm and full of Mexican/Maui fusion. Named Ho‘okipa, Shark Pit and La Perouse, these burritos are huge meals in themselves. Maui Tacos has been making winning burritos all over the island for years, but at the Kihei Kalama Village and Napili locations you can now order them with a beer. Located island-wide. Mauitacos.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Ono Tacos
Best Fine Dining
Chef Peter Merriman’s passion as a forefather of Hawaiian regional cuisine comes through in his Kapalua restaurant, which got big votes for fine dining. The restaurant offers superb service, a modern dining room overlooking Kapalua Bay and the freshest local ingredients. Merriman’s honestly takes an interest in your experience, taking fine dining to a new level. As our readers know very well, Merriman’s would be the epitome of fine cuisine anywhere in the world. 1 Bay Club Pl., Kapalua; 808-669-6400; Merrimanshawaii.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Capische?
Best Happy Hour
It’s tequila on the menu at Maui’s best happy hour, where they pour some of the best margaritas on the island. Milagro’s sits at Baldwin Avenue and Hana Highway in Paia, and is one of the most delightful spots on the island to sip a refreshing beverage–so much so that it’s the only live entertainment Milagro’s needs. Their Happy Hour lasts a good deal longer than most places, too–from 1pm to 5pm you can get $3 house-made margaritas and $3 Kona brew drafts. Of course, all that people-watching will give you an appetite so you might as well opt for an order of ahi taquitos, or you could always try something new from the menu they launched this month. 3 Baldwin Ave., Paia; 808-579-8755; Milagrosfoodcompany.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Three’s Bar and Grill
Best Mai Tai
Our readers have once again proved their discerning tastes. See, Monkeypod doesn’t just serve any old Mai Tai. Theirs features a honey lilikoi foam that will change the way you think about all things Mai Tai. This modern version of the venerable rum cocktail is, in fact, so good that we’re certain Don the Beachcomber himself would order it. Jason Vendrell, Monkeypod’s beverage manager, describes it as “just one of those drinks you can’t miss out on trying.” 10 Wailea Ike Dr #201; 808-891-2322; Monkeypodkitchen.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Mama’s Fish House
Best Fish and Chips
In the world of frying flaky fish in beer batter until it’s hot and crispy, MauiTime’s readers choose Mulligan’s over everyone else. Can you blame them? Backed up by their big wedge potatoes and homemade tartar sauce, it’s a taste of Ireland that wins every time. Of course, they’re on the lunch and dinner menu, but you can also get their mini version on the happy hour menu 3-6pm and from 10pm to midnight. 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea; 808-874-1131; Mulligansontheblue.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Eskimo Candy
Best New Restaurant
It didn’t take long for Nuka to catch the attention of MauiTime’s eaters. The new Haiku sushi restaurant has a certain way with food, which our voters found was something to celebrate. The Haiku restaurant, which opened early this year, has an inviting dining room that overlooks an open kitchen where patrons can watch Chef Hiro’s sushi artistry with house-milled rice, vegetables and fresh fish. Nuka pays homage to Japanese cooking but brings it to a level well worth driving to Haiku. 780 Haiku Rd.; 808-575-2939; Nukamaui.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Fleetwoods on Front St.
Best Luau/Dinner Show
We seem to forget that luaus aren’t just for visitors. Even locals love a good luau. When it comes to which one is best, our readers chose Old Lahaina Luau. This makes sense, given their authentic imu roasted pork, spectacular hula show, bottomless mai tais and incredible staff. 1251 Front St. Lahaina; 808-667-1998; Oldlahainaluau.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Feast at Lele
Best Fish Sandwich
When you’re in need of a fish sandwich, our readers know that only Paia Fish Market will do. So what the Market insists on calling it a “fish burger”–this is their signature item, and they do it better than anyone. You can have blackened seared ahi, salmon, mahi or ono, and it comes garnished with their own recipe coleslaw made fresh daily. These generous sandwiches are incomparable, and they’re a big part of why the Paia Fish Market is crowded every day. 100 Baldwin Ave., Paia; 808-579-8030; Paiafishmarket.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Coconut’s
Best Steak
Ordering prime cuts of beef in a traditional steakhouse has an allure all its own. Ruth’s Chris Steak House may be a big chain, but they know how to cook a steak. Grilled to your taste, with a tab of butter and the fixings. My latest infatuation is the ribeye, marbeled and juicy but the Porterhouse will do in a pinch. Fans of good filets know that Ruth’s Chris has USDA prime. 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.; 808-874-8880 / 900 Front St., Lahaina; 808-661-8815; Ruthschris.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Makawao Steak House
Best Bar
Owner Mikhail Tassi once described his Tiki Lounge to me as the beating heart of the Kihei Kalama Village, and our readers would seem to agree. You can get just about anything from behind this well-stocked bar, but their specialties are true Tiki drinks like the Zombie and Pin Up Potion. Put that next to their calamari, Thai Phoon pizza or pork riblets and you might think the fun stops there. You’d be wrong, of course, because the South Shore Tiki Lounge hosts daily live entertainment starting at 4pm, late night dancing and other special events. 1913 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-874-6444; Southshoretikilounge.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Ambrosia
Photo Courtesy of Tokyo Tei.
Best Japanese
Consider this a little slice of Japan. Here, Eunice Kitagawa creates traditional Japanese cuisine with great local ingredients. Tei-shoku meals are served on lacquer dishes, unless you go family-style, in which they bust out platter-size versions of their menu items. Special recipe tempura batter, donburi, kinpira gobo and more make Tokyo Tei ichiban among MauiTime’s readers. 1063 Lower Main St., C-101, Wailuku; 808-242-9630; Tokyotei.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Sushi Paradise
Best Local Farm
Maui’s best local farm is a fourth generation operation, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t modern. Kula Country Farms has a Facebook page to keep you updated on when the strawberries patches are ready to pick and get you excited about upcoming crops like the pumpkins that are coming in the fall. The Kula Country Farms food truck serves up strawberry delights among other comfort food goodies on Kihei Fourth Friday parties and sells flowers and vegetables from their farm stand across from Rice Park, just past mile marker 13 on Kula Highway. 375 Koheo Rd., Kula; 808-878-8381; Kulacountryfarmsmaui.com.
Runner-up: O’o Farms
Best Dinner And A Show
Paula Fuga and Mike Love, Anuhea, Hapa and John Cruz all perform on the Stella Blues Supper Club stage, as well as special acts you won’t catch anywhere else. Seatings start at 6pm where you can take in a leisurely three-course dinner before the entertainment begins. Even if you don’t have time to eat, going in for the late sitting with cocktails and pupus is a pleasure, too. There’s something to be said for kicking back at a table with food and drinks while watching a show, and our readers agree. 1279 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-874-3779; Stellablues.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Mulligan’s on the Blue
Best Chef
Chef Sheldon Simeon sharpened his skills as executive chef at Star Noodle and Leoda’s, and I’ll be forever grateful for his Vietnamese crepe and handheld corn pie. But he achieved fame nationwide with his stint on Bravo’s Top Chef Seattle competition, taking Season 10 by storm. Maui swelled with pride as Simeon showed how his creativity has been inspired by our local culture. Like many, we were devastated as he got kicked off the show just shy of the finale. Although Simeon has since moved on from Star Noodle and Leoda’s, and hasn’t resurfaced in a kitchen as of yet, he assures us that he’s working on some top secret projects. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Bev Gannon
Best Female Bartender
South Shore Tiki Lounge in Kihei has a habit of winning MauiTime Best Bartender awards, and this year has proven no different. For 2013, our readers decided that Grace is the one they most enjoy having mix their cocktails and pour their beers. For the last two years, Grace has worked at Tiki, first as a server and for the last year as a bartender. Originally from Northern California, she’s both an avid gamer and an unabashed San Francisco 49ers fan. She mostly works days, so be sure to congratulate her during your lunch break. South Shore Tiki Lounge, 1913 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-874-6444; Southshoretikilounge.com. @apignataro
Runner-up: Candice Seti
Best Server
Renee Tyler
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Renee has served food and beverages at the South Shore Tiki Lounge in the Kihei Triangle for the last year. As our readers know, she’s friendly, smiles a good deal of the time she’s on duty and generally does her best to get her customers’ orders both correct and delivered in a timely manner. And given the crowds that the Tiki Lounge can rack up on weekend nights, that’s no small feat. South Shore Tiki Lounge, 1913 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-874-6444; Southshoretikilounge.com @apignataro
Comments
comments