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Hula Grill (Closed) (Hawaiian cuisine)  $

 7.5
JaT Rating

1330 West Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, 94403  (Directions)


650.349.6010


Website  Menu  vCard

            
Festive atmosphere with burgers, teriyaki, katsu, pupus, kahlua pork, fish


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 998
Reviewed: 9/13/2005
Rating: 7.5
My photo gallery 		It was a late night today at work and was in zombie commute mode on the 92 freeway. I exited Hillsdale and was going to make a quick run to Subway or McDonalds...I know...I know..they are chains but sometimes I get the urge. I turn this corner in whatever shopping center its called and find Hula Grill and another new spot, Southwest Grill. Since I had mexican food yesterday, Im going with Hawaiian food.

With a couple of tables outside, I wasnt in the mood for freezing so I took it indoors. Not too many people inside but Im willing to give it a try. Browsing the giant menu on the wall, I set my sights for the Mahi Mahi Macadamias. Comes with 2 scoops of sticky white rice and macaroni salad, I should have substituted the mac for green salad but too lazy to get up from my table and change the order.

The restaurant is festive with surfboards all over the place and walls painted a bright yellow. The table cloth was hawaiian prints and even had crayola crayons to keep the little ones busy. Little hula dolls at tops of the table dividers, I like this place and I can get a lei at the counter...woohoo.

Short wait later and to my surprise was deep fried mahi mahi in a lightly battered mix. I thought it was going to be grilled....my mistake...I should have ordered one of the grilled fishes. The breading reminded me of the same breading you would see on Chicken Katsu, light and crispy, almost an brown orange color. You can easily pass this stuff for fish n chips. Hint hint...what do you think Hula, Mahi Mahi fish and chips on the menu? I liked the batter but the cut of fish was thin and couldnt taste how the fish was. Rice was sticky...just the way I like it.

So heres the dealio, when I think hawaiian food, one of the 1st things that comes to mind is leftovers. I dont ever think I have successfully finished a full plate. They give you so much food, its nearly impossible. Sad to say, I left Hula Grill still hungry. I liked my $10 meal but cmon...you guys serve hawaiian food, load up my plate!

There's no question I'll be back, its on my way home everyday from work. I have to try the kahlua pork, chicken katsu, and loco moco. Come visit Hula Grill for the laid back atmosphere and tasty food.

***Update 04/09/06 ***
Ive been informed by Alan that Hula Grill is no longer around. Pretty sad because the food was decent and people were nice. Hopefully they will find another spot to reopen.
 
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