West Side Restaurants that are open during the pandemic
As we continue to work thru our current situation and Covid-19 restrictions, many Maui restaurants are opening their doors and welcoming back diners.
As much as we are sheltering in place and doing our best to flatten the curve we like to venture out and support our local community. In the last few months we have ventured out to try and support some of our favorites across the island. Here's what we have found on the West side... Hope you enjoy! There are definitely more restaurants that we need to try more to come soon.
Mala is always a favorite as it is oceanfront and very quaint. The food is always delicious. I enjoyed an amazing Ahi sandwich and bloody Mary for brunch.
Who doesn't love a Cheese Steak? Captain Jack's has one of the best Cheese Steak sandwiches. I love to have the Jessee's (which is no longer on the menu) but if you want to know it's a cheese steak sandwich with jalapenos and hot sauce. The melted cheese and the soft amoroso roll are hard to beat. I do also love their blackened fish tacos. If you haven't noticed by now I love love love hot spicy food.
Teddy's Bigger Burger is an excellent choice if you are looking for a large variety of burgers cooked to your perfection. Lots of great choices on the menu from the size of the burger to the items you choose. They also have a monthly milkshake special.
Thai Chef has a new owner and she has been so happy to welcome everyone into her lovely little restaurant. My absolute favorite is the Tom Yum Soup in a Hot Pot. The mixture of galangal, tomatoes, mushrooms and shrimp are hard to beat. We ask for a side of rice on the side to put inside the soup. YUM! Since I like mine extra spicy I have to tone down the star level of the soup if I am sharing. Medium spice is good. 5 stars. Thai food hot is based on 1-10 stars. I generally like 8 stars which is extremely spicy. Most people can handle maybe around 2-3 stars but 5 stars is a good starting point if you like spice. Another one of my favorites is pork laarb. The mixture of the minced pork, garlic, scallions and mint make this a light delightful entree. & best of all you can BYOB! Or have yourself a Thai Iced Tea.
Castaway's has opened back up on North Kaanapali Beach. The view is amazing and the staff is always kind and helpful. My favorites there are the Loco Moco, Huevos Ranchero, Burger or Fish Tacos. The Cherry Margarita is a favorite of mine too. The slightly tart drink is also refreshing on a warm Maui day.
The Noodle Bar is located by Foodland. It is Vietnamese Pho. I have been here many times and have only ever gotten the Spicy Beef Noodle. It is a huge bowl of broth, noodles, meat, veggies, scallions and then on the side you get a plate of fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime squeeze and jalapenos. I always add extra spice from the spices on the table. They do great take out also.
Sea House is always a favorite of mine and steps away from one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island. I love Seahouse because you can have breakfast until 2pm and you can also have lunch starting in the morning so whether you get there early or late you can have both breakfast or lunch. Don't forget to try their happy hour too. They have small plates at reasonable prices. Great for sharing.
Merriman's on the point in Kapalua Bay has just opened. The atmosphere is hard to beat and with live music and the sunsetting drinks and food are always a good combo. You will love it.
Maui Waikiki Brewing Company has just opened there doors last month and it has been packed ever since. They are offering Prime Rib specials Fri-Sun for only $30 dollars. Cold Beers on Tap.
Lahaina Pizza Company is a nice restaurant in the middle of Front street that is open air with views of Lanai. They have great pizzas, sandwiches and salads to choose from. Often times they have live music. Nice place to enjoy a meal, sunset and music.
Down the Hatch has stayed open since this whole pandemic started. They are open air in the Wharf Lahaina location. The Ahi Benedict is my favorite. Make sure you get extra wasabi hollandaise. For lunch/dinner I like the Lava Lava Shrimp or the Lobster/Crab Stuffed Grilled Cheese. Super rich but delish!
Cool Cat's also in Lahaina is great for Burgers, Salads, Milkshakes and even baked potatoes. If you have a craving for a baked potato you can get one here. I love the Marilyn Burger it has a Ortega chile pepper on top.
Paia Fish Market has lots of options but my favorite is the blackened fish tacos. It comes with cole slaw, house made tartar sauce and you can choose from either Cajun rice, french fries or home potatoes. I like the cajun rice but sometimes opt for fries or potatoes depends on my mood.
Pi Pizzeria lets you create your own pizza. I love the Margerita pizza or the Mexican pizza which is off the menu. Those are my favorite along with a fresh tossed cesear and a blueberry Vodka drink but most times I just have iced tea.
Prison Pizza is also a favorite of ours. Hatch is the owner and they have a sister restaurant in Upcountry called Serpico's. We love the Combo pizza, or traditional pepperoni. Cesar salad and extra anchovies.
Amigos- If you are looking for some Mexican food. Amigos is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have 3 locations across the island including downtown Lahaina, Kahului off Dairy Rd and one in Kihei off S. Kihei. The Lahaina and the Kihei locations offer outside dining which is nice. I love the Carne Asada burrito with serrano chiles. The carnitas are also very good and flavorful.
That pretty much takes care of the West Side be sure to look out for the rest of our island adventures and updates. What's your favorite?