Burger Guide. 02.

Who doesn't love a good burger...and the french fries that go with it?

All burgers are not created equal; however, everyone's tastes and preferences differ as well. Therefore, this burger guide is less of a review and more of a compilation of places to grab a burger on O'ahu.

Of course, I'll certainly let you know if I loved or disliked a something, but don't take my dislikes to mean it's a bad burger. I'm just super picky about my meats (sorrynotsorry), so give it a try!

KUA 'AINA SANDWICH

66-160 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa

Kua 'Aina serves up one of my favorite burgers...and fries! No fussy sauces, just a good burger. Added bonus is their shoestring fries. So ono!

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JOHNNY ROCKETS

91-5431 Kapolei Parkway in Kamakana Ali'i Mall

(Also Pearl Highlands, Pearl City)

I probably had one of the worst burgers at Johnny Rockets. I wanted to love it since I've seen them on TV and the restaurants were new and fun...but something was off. I tried their signature Rocket Single burger which was loaded with way too much special sauce to begin with. I'm not sure if gamey is the right word, but the meat just tasted bad. Next!

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W&M BAR-B-Q BURGER
3104 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu 

Another absolute favorite is the "Royal" at W&M. It's always a treat because of it's limited parking and faraway (from me) location. There's something about a no frills, plain 'ol burger in that plain wrapping paper...did I mention it's very reasonably priced? Their fries are nothing to write home about, and many people love their crab flavored (macaroni) salad, but for me it's all about the burger!

the "royal" hamburger includes lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese.

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MC DONALD'S

Okay, okay...just including McD's for kicks. But in all seriousness, I've never had a bad burger from McD's. They also have the best fast-food fries, in my opinion. I usually get plain hamburgers or cheeseburgers but will splurge on a Big Mac once in a while (minus that third bun). What's your go-to here?

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THE SURFING PIG

3605 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu

The Surfing Pig signature is a bacon-burger blend topped with bourbon onions, smoked gouda cheese, and citrus aioli. Fancy. And delish. Definitely a splurge in terms of calories/fat/cholesterol, etc, but worth it. 

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KAILUA TOWN PUB AND GRILL

20 Ho'olai St, Kailua

A friend claimed this was one of the best burgers he had, so I had to try it. I can see why guys like it...it's a lot of burger, about an inch thick, lean and on the firm side. Pretty good, but not in my top five.

Did you see any you'd like to try?

In case you missed it, check out:

Burger Guide 01

Travel Tip | How I Save on Food

Vacations and staycations can be costly!

In addition to airfare and hotel accommodations, there's entertainment, food and gratuity, transportation and parking. It's likely that your hotel is in a touristy area which means

higher prices all around.

Ilikai Hotel

Quick story: We went to California/Disneyland one year and stayed with family. We had home cooked meals EVERY NIGHT. While I truly appreciated the hospitality and the money I saved, I also wasn't able to dine at any of the restaurants I'd been wanting to try.

Ruth Chris Steak House, Waikiki Beachwalk

For me, food is a big part of the travel experience, and I love trying recommended places, new-to-me places and local fare when available. And, of course, you'll want to hit up those instagram-worthy spots! But all these meals and snacks add up for a foodie like me.

Saw these donuts on instagram.

So how do I stay within budget?

Swap out one meal a day. 

By that I mean I'll have one "home" meal a day.

Here are a few ways:

1)  Look for hotels that offer free breakfast.

Even a continental breakfast is good enough to hold you over until a mid-morning snack or lunch. It beats the pricey coffee + scone from the coffee shop in the hotel lobby everyday. 

$12 coffee + pastry from the hotel lobby.

2)  Bring a few groceries to the hotel room.

I always bring the following non-perishable items to the hotel for a weekend staycation:

(Vacationing away from home? Make a run to a local grocery store.)

- a loaf of bread

- almond butter packets

- a small jar of honey

(Goober peanut butter + jelly combo works, too!)

- bananas

- packets of tuna

- squeezable mayonaise 

- bottled water

A recent stay at Turtle Bay Resort. Tuna sandwiches were perfect after a morning of swimming!

Peanut butter + jelly sandwiches and a banana are great for breakfast before you head out for the day. This also makes a great snack.

Tuna sandwiches make a quick lunch if you're back at the hotel for a rest.

If I pass by a store on the way back to the hotel, I'll grab yogurt, OJ, and fruit which are all great for breakfast or a quick snack and will fit into the small room refrigerator.

Traveling with young children? Stock up on snacks that you can throw in your bag, as impulse food purchases when kids get fussy add up!

This is what breakfast looks like before we head out for the day.

3) Opt for a suite with a kitchen.

With research and planning, it's possible to get a great deal on a suite. With the addition of a kitchen, you can prep all the quick breakfasts and snacks in #2, but now you have the option to cook.

A piece of fresh fish (or steak) from a local market + a packaged salad is a simple and easy dinner.

*     *     *

Of course, nothing is set in stone, but at least you have options. If you love breakfast, have it! Then maybe enjoy a lite lunch at the room. If you want to try that cute lunch place you saw on instagram, go for it! Then skip the big dinner and grab a bottle of wine + cheese to enjoy on the balcony while watching the sunset. The idea is to save...so you can splurge.

Checklist:

Do you like dining out when traveling?

Or are you more about the activities and entertainment?

In case you missed it:

Burger Guide 01

Burger Guide. 01.

Who doesn't love a good burger...and the french fries that go with it?

All burgers are not created equal; however, everyone's tastes and preferences differ as well. Therefore, this burger guide is less of a review and more of a compilation of places to grab a burger on O'ahu.

Of course, I'll certainly let you know if I loved or disliked a something, but don't take my dislikes to mean it's a bad burger. I'm just super picky about my meats (sorrynotsorry), so give it a try!

BASALT

2255 Kuhio Ave, Waikiki

Voted best happy hour menu by me, you can get this amazing 4oz wagyu burger for only $5, add (perfectly cooked) fries for $2. That's a Waikiki meal for a steal! Did I mention they have good happy hour wines for $5 a glass?

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CARL'S JR.

2140 N Nimitz Highway, Honolulu

The only Carl's Jr. on O'ahu happens to be in a gas station. It's weird to see the clerk ringing up a gas sale before taking your order. But anyways...the burgers are pretty good, big, but a bit too saucy for me. It's a mess to eat and your bun gets soggy.

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TEDDY'S BIGGER BURGERS

7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Hawaii Kai

(Lots of locations around the island, however, some are by owner, some are franchises. Haleiwa, Wahiawa (franchise), and Kailua are locations I've been to.)

Teddy's Bigger Burgers are made fresh to order. They go a bit overboard with their "specialty" burgers that their menu is overwhelming. Plus with all the add-ins to the burger, it can't be good for you! Stick to the basics and you'll enjoy a delicious burger.

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HONOLULU BURGER CO.

1296 S. Beretania, Honolulu

(plus various pop-ups around the island)

Kudos to Honolulu Burger Co. for keeping their menu local; their beef is free-range and grass fed here in the islands. They, too, have lots of "specialty" burgers which becomes overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Unfortunately, I don't remember anything about the burger other than it being pricey. Nothing special? No lasting impression? Hmmm.

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H&T BURGERS

46-056 Kamehameha Hwy, Windward Mall, Kaneohe

(Also Pearl Ridge Shopping Center, Aiea)

I ate here not knowing anything about this place other than a friend's high recommendation. Come to find out, they are known for their teri sauce which you can see is not only on the burger, but also drizzled on their fries. It was good! The burger was moist and flavorful, the fries were on the crispy side (which I like). It's a bit messy to eat, so grab enough napkins!

Did anything tickle your fancy? 

Would you try any of these?

Stay tuned for the next installment of this burger guide!