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!

*     *     *

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!

*     *     *

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.

*    *     *

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?

*     *     *

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. 

*     *     *

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

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?

*     *     *

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.

*     *     *

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.

*     *     *

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.

*     *     *

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!