Hula's Island Grill Awards

Hula's Island Grill Restaurant Review:

Hula's Island Grill has become a beloved hangout for good reason. Vintage-inspired environs transport diners to 1950s Hawaii. There's more comic appeal here than kitsch, but this grass-shack-meets-tiki lounge makes for a rowdy night of entertainment. Try the smooth and sweet blood orange martini made with blood orange passionfruit liqueur, or sip a Dark and Stormy, which comes with a broken, blown-out paper umbrella. Soak up some of the spirits with a basket of thick plantain fries; dig into the luau pork plate (slow-roasted pulled pork with soy glaze, pineapple, sticky rice and coleslaw); or go for the Jamaican jerk chicken with a side of johnny cakes. We like the numerous and creative vegetarian options, including the "jungle tofu" bowl with "jungle curry" sauce, peanuts, cabbage, black beans and rice. Simple fresh fish dishes are available, along with many blackened and macadamia-encrusted preparations (and rest assured they comply with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program). View surfing on the TV above the bar and relax.