![\"Big](\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Big-City-Diner-Chicken-Salad-1024x682.jpg\")
Big City Diner Chicken Salad<\/p><\/div>\n
About Big City Diner<\/h2>\n
Big City Diner is a beloved restaurant chain in Hawaii, renowned for its mouth-watering breakfast, brunch, and dinner options. With multiple locations scattered across the islands, it has become a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional American comfort food and local Hawaiian dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Whether you\u2019re indulging in their famous loco moco or savoring one of their juicy burgers, there\u2019s something to satisfy every discerning palate.<\/p>\n
A Homegrown Dream Born in Kaimuk\u012b<\/strong><\/h2>\nFounded in 1998 by Lane Muraoka, a Kailua<\/a> native and \u2018Iolani School graduate, Big City Diner started with one simple idea: serve hearty, local-style food in a place where everyone feels welcome. The first location opened in Kaimuk\u012b, quickly becoming a go-to spot for families, students, and late-night diners.<\/p>\nThanks to its popularity, Big City Diner expanded across O\u02bbahu, bringing its signature dishes to neighborhoods all over the island:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Kailua Town Center<\/strong><\/a> (opened 2002)<\/li>\n
- Waipi\u02bbo Shopping Center<\/strong> (2005)<\/li>\n
- Pearlridge Center<\/strong> in \u02bbAiea (2007)<\/li>\n
- Windward Mall<\/strong> in K\u0101ne\u02bbohe<\/a> (2015)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Each location keeps the same laid-back vibe and crowd-pleasing menu, making Big City Diner a familiar taste, no matter which side of the island you\u2019re on.<\/p>\n
A Spot for Every Generation<\/strong><\/h2>\nBig City Diner is more than a restaurant \u2014 it\u2019s a gathering place. Whether you\u2019re fueling up after a beach day<\/a> or sitting down for Sunday brunch with grandma and the keiki, the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like part of the \u02bbohana.\u00a0The menu is packed with options for all ages and appetites, from plant-based bites to indulgent classics.<\/p>\nAs one happy customer wrote on Yelp: \u201cBig City Diner always gives such a home-cooked comfort food feel, and each time I eat here, I feel so satisfied.\u201d \u2014 Yelp review<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"Big](\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Big-City-Diner-Salmon-Salad-1024x683.jpg\")
Big City Diner Salmon Salad<\/p><\/div>\n
Must-Try Bites<\/h2>\n
Big City Diner celebrates the bold flavors of Hawai\u02bbi, with dishes inspired by Korean, Japanese, and American traditions. One of the most popular menu items<\/a> is their famous chicken wings tossed in a spicy guava-BBQ sauce<\/strong>, served with celery and carrot sticks.<\/p>\nHere are several other dishes to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Grandma\u2019s Incredible Kimchee Fried Rice<\/strong> \u2013 A savory mix of spicy kimchee and fried rice, topped with eggs your way.<\/li>\n
- Guava BBQ Baby Back Ribs<\/strong> \u2013 Sticky, smoky, and sweet with tropical guava sauce.<\/li>\n
- The Original Really Loco, Loco Moco<\/strong> \u2013 Juicy beef patty over rice, covered in rich brown gravy and eggs.<\/li>\n
- Boneless Korean Kalbi Steak<\/strong> \u2013 Grilled to perfection with a secret house marinade.<\/li>\n
- Da Big Burger<\/strong> \u2013 Bacon, cheddar, avocado, and caramelized onions on a potato bun.<\/li>\n
- Malibu Chicken Sandwich<\/strong> \u2013 Fresh saut\u00e9ed mushrooms, jack cheese, and California avocado with roasted garlic mayo on a whole wheat bun.<\/li>\n
- Paniolo Burger<\/strong> \u2013 A classic burger with guava BBQ sauce and crispy onion strings.<\/li>\n
- Citrus-Grilled Salmon<\/strong> \u2013 A light, zesty choice with herbs and lemon.<\/li>\n
- Kimchee Burger<\/strong> \u2013 Bold, spicy, and packed with flavor.<\/li>\n
- Mac & Cheese Burger<\/strong> \u2013 The name says it all\u2014comfort food at its finest.<\/li>\n
- Old-Fashioned Chop Burger Grilled<\/strong> \u2013 A classic burger option that provides a nostalgic dining experience.<\/li>\n
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast<\/strong> \u2013 Featured in the hearty Upcountry BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad.<\/li>\n
- Hamburger Steak with Crispy Onions & Gravy<\/strong> \u2013 A huge homemade hamburger patty smothered in demi-glace & topped with crispy sweet onions.<\/li>\n
- Mamasan’s Homemade Meatloaf<\/strong> \u2013 Served over a bed of fresh saut\u00e9ed spinach and topped with marsala mushroom brown sauce.<\/li>\n
- Roasted Garlic Cheese Bread<\/strong> \u2013 Part of the popular Pupu Platter, perfect for sharing.<\/li>\n
- Simply Just Wings <\/strong>\u2013 Unbreaded chicken wings with ranch dip served with skin-on fries, and steamed white or brown rice.<\/li>\n
- Big Brownie Pie<\/strong> \u2013 Topped with indulgent vanilla bean ice cream for a deluxe dessert experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Breakfast and Brunch at Big City Diner<\/h2>\n
At Big City Diner, breakfast is served all day, every day, ensuring you can start your day right no matter the time. The menu boasts a wide array of options, from classic breakfast staples to unique local favorites. Dive into the two eggs any style with a choice of breakfast meat, featuring fresh local eggs and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham. For a heartier option, try the Big City Diner three-egg breakfast, which includes three fresh local eggs, your choice of link sausage, bacon, or country-style ham, and homemade corned beef hash. Don’t forget to pair each dish with freshly brewed island coffee.<\/p>\n
\u201cSunday brunch with my faves at @bigcitydiner. Can\u2019t beat the pancakes and people watching.\u201d \u2014 @waikikieats<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWeekends at Big City Diner are all about brunch, with a menu designed to satisfy your mid-morning cravings. The famous breakfast burrito is a must-try, stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheddar cheese for a kick. For a local twist, opt for the chicken katsu, served with a side of steamed rice and fresh local eggs. Their variety of omelets, including the ultimate three-egg omelet, served with fresh mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and sweet onions, are also a delight bite.<\/p>\n
Lunch Bites<\/h2>\n
The burgers and sandwiches are crafted with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection, making each a cravable treat. You can add roasted garlic fries as an optional enhancement or crispy sweet onions as a garnish or topping to add texture and flavor. For a unique twist, the kalbi burger is topped with grilled kalbi beef, roasted garlic mayo, and crispy sweet onions. For vegetarians, the grilled portobello mushroom with caramelized onion and jack cheese is a flavorful choice. If you’ve really worked up an appetite, the beast burger is served with honey-cured bacon atop two beef patties.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat loco moco hit different today. Mahalo for the ono grinds!\u201d \u2014 @grindz808<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nFor a light and healthy midday meal, their salads and soups are a popular choice. Enjoy Tutu\u2019s Caesar salad, featuring big croutons and imported parmesan, or the Paniolo chicken salad with lime-marinated chicken, sweet roasted corn, and chopped Roma tomato. If you\u2019re in the mood for something warm, their famous Big City chili, served with a scoop of steamed rice and shredded real cheddar cheese, always hits the spot.<\/p>\n
Community is at the Heart of Every Meal<\/h2>\n
From its earliest days, Big City Diner has been deeply rooted in the Hawai\u02bbi community, going far beyond the plate to make a difference in people\u2019s lives. One of the most consistent ways the restaurant supports the community is through partnerships with local nonprofits. Over the years, Big City Diner has supported organizations like the Special Olympics Hawai\u2018i<\/a>, the American Heart Association<\/a>, Boys & Girls Club of Hawai\u02bbi<\/a>, and countless school programs across O\u02bbahu. Whether it\u2019s donating food for fundraisers, hosting community nights, or simply helping raise awareness, the team is always looking for ways to serve, which is a passion of Founder Lane Muraoka.<\/p>\nAs Muraoka shared in an interview, \u201cWe\u2019re a neighborhood restaurant, and we\u2019re nothing without the people who support us. Giving back is just the right thing to do.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThat spirit of aloha was especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many restaurants struggled just to stay afloat, Big City Diner found ways to support others \u2014 donating meals to frontline workers, school staff, and k\u016bpuna in need. In a time of uncertainty, they doubled down on kindness and compassion.<\/p>\n
They regularly host fundraising nights where a portion of dine-in and takeout sales go toward supporting local athletic programs, student clubs, and classroom supplies. It\u2019s a simple, feel-good way to share a meal and support the community at the same time.<\/p>\n
Their generosity hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed. On social media, Big City Diner often gets shoutouts like:<\/p>\n
\u201cMahalo @bigcitydiner for supporting our school\u2019s fundraiser tonight! We love your food and your aloha!\u201d \u2014 @808ohanaeats<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThey also make a strong effort to support Hawai\u2018i\u2019s farmers and producers. Many of their ingredients \u2014 from fresh greens to local beef \u2014 are sourced right here in the islands. It\u2019s a quiet but powerful way to keep the economy strong and reduce its environmental impact.<\/p>\n
Follow the Flavors on Social<\/strong><\/h2>\nWant to see what\u2019s sizzling in the kitchen? Follow Big City Diner on Instagram<\/a> or Facebook<\/a> for food photos, weekly specials, and community news. Big City Diner fans also love sharing their foodie finds online.<\/p>\n\u201cKimchee Fried Rice and a guava mimosa? Yes, please. \ud83e\udd24\u201d \u2014 @hungryinhawaii<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPlan Your Visit<\/h2>\n
You\u2019ll find Big City Diner in several O\u02bbahu neighborhoods, so it\u2019s easy to add a stop during your next island adventure. For directions, hours, and reservations, visit the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\nPro tip:<\/strong> If you’re getting your food to go, order ahead during graduation or the holidays \u2014 it gets busy early.<\/p>\nMore Hawaii Travel Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Where to Find the Best Local Plate Lunches on O\u02bbahu<\/a><\/li>\n
- Family-Friendly Things to Do on O\u02bbahu<\/a><\/li>\n
- O’ahu Beach Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whether you’re looking for a late-night bite, a laid-back brunch, or a place to catch up with friends and family over a tasty bite, Big City Diner is always a good idea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re craving a taste of local-style comfort food served with aloha, Big City Diner is a must-visit. For more than 25 years, this neighborhood favorite has fed generations of Hawai\u2018i locals and lucky visitors alike. From stacked loco mocos to smoky guava ribs, the dishes feel like home \u2014 even if you\u2019re visiting for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":165,"featured_media":123549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[262,3915,3900],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-123192","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-oahu","category-oahu-restaurants","category-visiting-hawaii"],"yoast_head":"\n
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Thanks to its popularity, Big City Diner expanded across O\u02bbahu, bringing its signature dishes to neighborhoods all over the island:<\/strong><\/p>\n Each location keeps the same laid-back vibe and crowd-pleasing menu, making Big City Diner a familiar taste, no matter which side of the island you\u2019re on.<\/p>\n Big City Diner is more than a restaurant \u2014 it\u2019s a gathering place. Whether you\u2019re fueling up after a beach day<\/a> or sitting down for Sunday brunch with grandma and the keiki, the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like part of the \u02bbohana.\u00a0The menu is packed with options for all ages and appetites, from plant-based bites to indulgent classics.<\/p>\n As one happy customer wrote on Yelp: \u201cBig City Diner always gives such a home-cooked comfort food feel, and each time I eat here, I feel so satisfied.\u201d \u2014 Yelp review<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Big City Diner Salmon Salad<\/p><\/div>\n Big City Diner celebrates the bold flavors of Hawai\u02bbi, with dishes inspired by Korean, Japanese, and American traditions. One of the most popular menu items<\/a> is their famous chicken wings tossed in a spicy guava-BBQ sauce<\/strong>, served with celery and carrot sticks.<\/p>\n Here are several other dishes to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n At Big City Diner, breakfast is served all day, every day, ensuring you can start your day right no matter the time. The menu boasts a wide array of options, from classic breakfast staples to unique local favorites. Dive into the two eggs any style with a choice of breakfast meat, featuring fresh local eggs and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham. For a heartier option, try the Big City Diner three-egg breakfast, which includes three fresh local eggs, your choice of link sausage, bacon, or country-style ham, and homemade corned beef hash. Don’t forget to pair each dish with freshly brewed island coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cSunday brunch with my faves at @bigcitydiner. Can\u2019t beat the pancakes and people watching.\u201d \u2014 @waikikieats<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Weekends at Big City Diner are all about brunch, with a menu designed to satisfy your mid-morning cravings. The famous breakfast burrito is a must-try, stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheddar cheese for a kick. For a local twist, opt for the chicken katsu, served with a side of steamed rice and fresh local eggs. Their variety of omelets, including the ultimate three-egg omelet, served with fresh mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and sweet onions, are also a delight bite.<\/p>\n The burgers and sandwiches are crafted with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection, making each a cravable treat. You can add roasted garlic fries as an optional enhancement or crispy sweet onions as a garnish or topping to add texture and flavor. For a unique twist, the kalbi burger is topped with grilled kalbi beef, roasted garlic mayo, and crispy sweet onions. For vegetarians, the grilled portobello mushroom with caramelized onion and jack cheese is a flavorful choice. If you’ve really worked up an appetite, the beast burger is served with honey-cured bacon atop two beef patties.<\/p>\n \u201cThat loco moco hit different today. Mahalo for the ono grinds!\u201d \u2014 @grindz808<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n For a light and healthy midday meal, their salads and soups are a popular choice. Enjoy Tutu\u2019s Caesar salad, featuring big croutons and imported parmesan, or the Paniolo chicken salad with lime-marinated chicken, sweet roasted corn, and chopped Roma tomato. If you\u2019re in the mood for something warm, their famous Big City chili, served with a scoop of steamed rice and shredded real cheddar cheese, always hits the spot.<\/p>\n From its earliest days, Big City Diner has been deeply rooted in the Hawai\u02bbi community, going far beyond the plate to make a difference in people\u2019s lives. One of the most consistent ways the restaurant supports the community is through partnerships with local nonprofits. Over the years, Big City Diner has supported organizations like the Special Olympics Hawai\u2018i<\/a>, the American Heart Association<\/a>, Boys & Girls Club of Hawai\u02bbi<\/a>, and countless school programs across O\u02bbahu. Whether it\u2019s donating food for fundraisers, hosting community nights, or simply helping raise awareness, the team is always looking for ways to serve, which is a passion of Founder Lane Muraoka.<\/p>\n As Muraoka shared in an interview, \u201cWe\u2019re a neighborhood restaurant, and we\u2019re nothing without the people who support us. Giving back is just the right thing to do.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n That spirit of aloha was especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many restaurants struggled just to stay afloat, Big City Diner found ways to support others \u2014 donating meals to frontline workers, school staff, and k\u016bpuna in need. In a time of uncertainty, they doubled down on kindness and compassion.<\/p>\n They regularly host fundraising nights where a portion of dine-in and takeout sales go toward supporting local athletic programs, student clubs, and classroom supplies. It\u2019s a simple, feel-good way to share a meal and support the community at the same time.<\/p>\n Their generosity hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed. On social media, Big City Diner often gets shoutouts like:<\/p>\n \u201cMahalo @bigcitydiner for supporting our school\u2019s fundraiser tonight! We love your food and your aloha!\u201d \u2014 @808ohanaeats<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n They also make a strong effort to support Hawai\u2018i\u2019s farmers and producers. Many of their ingredients \u2014 from fresh greens to local beef \u2014 are sourced right here in the islands. It\u2019s a quiet but powerful way to keep the economy strong and reduce its environmental impact.<\/p>\n Want to see what\u2019s sizzling in the kitchen? Follow Big City Diner on Instagram<\/a> or Facebook<\/a> for food photos, weekly specials, and community news. Big City Diner fans also love sharing their foodie finds online.<\/p>\n \u201cKimchee Fried Rice and a guava mimosa? Yes, please. \ud83e\udd24\u201d \u2014 @hungryinhawaii<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n You\u2019ll find Big City Diner in several O\u02bbahu neighborhoods, so it\u2019s easy to add a stop during your next island adventure. For directions, hours, and reservations, visit the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> If you’re getting your food to go, order ahead during graduation or the holidays \u2014 it gets busy early.<\/p>\n More Hawaii Travel Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you’re looking for a late-night bite, a laid-back brunch, or a place to catch up with friends and family over a tasty bite, Big City Diner is always a good idea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you\u2019re craving a taste of local-style comfort food served with aloha, Big City Diner is a must-visit. For more than 25 years, this neighborhood favorite has fed generations of Hawai\u2018i locals and lucky visitors alike. From stacked loco mocos to smoky guava ribs, the dishes feel like home \u2014 even if you\u2019re visiting for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":165,"featured_media":123549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[262,3915,3900],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-123192","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-oahu","category-oahu-restaurants","category-visiting-hawaii"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
A Spot for Every Generation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Must-Try Bites<\/h2>\n
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Breakfast and Brunch at Big City Diner<\/h2>\n
Lunch Bites<\/h2>\n
Community is at the Heart of Every Meal<\/h2>\n
Follow the Flavors on Social<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Plan Your Visit<\/h2>\n
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