IMR: Places: Restaurants: Side Street Inn

Side Street Inn 1225 Hopaka Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Web: None

Side Street Inn doesn't make much of an impression from the outside. Okay, I'll be honest: from the street, with trash bags and empty boxes piled everywhere and cars parked bumper to bumper mere inches from the windows, the place looks like a dump. The fact that its neighbors are auto shops and bars of questionable repute doesn't help, either. But if you can find parking (hint: to park on the roof, go up the ramp behind the place on Kona Street), and get in through a door that's not blocked by junk or delivery vans, you'll be well rewarded. The daily lunch menu is simple, but heavy on flavor and value. And the casual atmosphere (including a bustling late-night sports bar), tasty pupus, and creative kitchen staff have won this modest eatery quite a devoted following... and more than a few dining awards. Specialties include fried rice, poke, and pork chops.

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