FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Teddy's Bigger Burgers won the vote for having the best burger on Oahu. Gracie Thacker serves up a Monster Double with mushrooms and onions.
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Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is heaven on a bun
Call it fast food, or good food quickly, the fact is we love our meals hot, fast and easy to handle. But make no mistake about it, topping the best burger category is anything but an insult to the palate.
Teddy's Bigger Burgers, voted by Star-Bulletin/Midweek readers as best burger on Oahu, offers big juicy sandwiches, hand-scooped milk shakes and a decor that harkens back to a time of car hops, surfing and rock 'n' roll.
Ted Tsakiris, the Ted behind Teddy's, sounds almost political when he talks about the success of his restaurants. "Our principle beliefs revolve around a one-burger, one-customer experience and the work environment needed to achieve this mission."
Tsakiris is quick to point out that Teddy's is not a fast food restaurant.
"We do take longer for both shakes and sandwiches. However, you can't rush freshness. The fresher the product, the longer the wait. We like to believe it's worth it."
Evidently so do Oahu diners.
Any list of must-visit restaurants has to include a spot popular with locals for more than four decades. And there's no better place for Hawaiian grinds than Ono Hawaiian Food.
Owner Toya Shimabukuro credits stability with keeping the food quality high and the customers coming.
"My mom (Sueko Ohyoung) started it. I got a sister working here, a cousin, a few sons and nephews. That definitely helps," she said.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
The familiar pink box. The aroma of fresh-baked manapua. So wonderfully delicious it must be Libby.
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Ono is as famous for its long lines as it is for the lau lau, and don't expect that to change.
"It's a family business and the more we expand, I feel, things might change," Shimabukuro said. "We don't have a fax machine. We don't have a computer. We're old-fashioned. We do things like we did in the old days."
Why mess with success?
Show up to your new job with that familiar pink box of steamed treats and you'll make instant friends. Since 1962, Libby Manapua Shop has been satisfying its customers with a simple menu centered around one of Hawaii's favorite foods. Char sui pork, chicken or black bean. Take your pick, you'll find no better.
"A lot of people say it reminds them of the old style char sui manapua," manager Sandy Ambriz said. "We try to keep everything lean so it's not oily."
Though Libby's has been on the lips and taste buds of islanders for years, hearing the good news is always fun.
"It must mean that we are doing something right," Ambriz said.
Other winners are: L&L Drive Inn (plate lunch), Genki Sushi (sushi), Legend Sea Food (Chinese food), John Dominis (seafood), Assaggio's (Italian food), Ruth's Chris (steakhouse), Liliha Bakery (bakery), Cold Stone Creamery (ice cream), Leonard's Bakery (malasada), Gulick Delicatessen (okazuya), Kapiolani Coffee Shop (oxtail soup), Gyotaku (Japanese food), Todai (buffet), Matsumoto's (shave ice), Zippy's (family dining and late-night eats), Tamashiro Market (fresh fish), Orchids (Sunday brunch) and Tsukenjo Lunch House (lunch wagon), McDonald's (fast food), Mai Tai Bar (happy hour), Down to Earth (vegetarian), Palomino Restaurant (business lunch), Cheesecake Factory (dessert), Michel's at the Colony Surf Hotel (romantic), Subway (sandwich), Starbucks (coffee), Phuket Thai Restaurant (Thai), Hale Vietnam (Vietnamese), Elena's Home of Finest Filipino Foods (Filipino), Kim Chee (Korean), and Aaron's Atop the Ala Moana (restaurant/view).
Hawaiian
1. Ono Hawaiian Foods
726 Kapahulu Ave., 737-2275
2. Young's Fish Market
1286 Kalani St. Suite 101, 841-4885
3. Helena's Hawaiian Food
1240 School St., 845-8044
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Plate Lunch
1. L & L Drive Inn
Over 50 locations statewide, 951-9888
www.hawaiianbarbecue.com
2. Rainbow Drive Inn
3308 Kanaina Ave., 737-0177
Express 324 Coral St., 537-9065
3. Zippy's
31 Locations on Oahu
www.zippys.com
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RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
At Ono Hawaiian Foods, a friendly, comfortable atmosphere adds to a great experience.
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Okazuya
1. Gulick Delicatessen
1512 Gulick Ave., 847-1461
2. Fukuya
2710 S. King St., 946-2073
www.fukuyadeli.com
3. Mitsu-Ken
1223 School St., 848-5573
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Sushi
1. Genki Sushi
98-450 Kamehameha Hwy., 485-0227
45-480 Kaneohe Bay Dr., 247-9595
885 Kapahulu Ave., 735-7700
www.genkisushi.com
2. Kozo Sushi
Moiliili, 951-5696
Pearlridge, 483-6805
Kahala Mall, 738-5696
Kapahulu, 739-2785
Koko Marina, 396-8881
Windward City Shopping Center, 235-8881
www.kozosushihawaii.com
3. Yanagi Sushi
762 Kapiolani Blvd, 597-1525
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Chinese
1. Legend Seafood Restaurant
100 N. Beretania, Suite 108, 532-1868
2255 Kuhio Ave., Suite S11, 926-8999
2. Hee Hing
449 Kapahulu Ave., 734-5544
www.restauranteur.com/heehing
3. Kin Wah Chop Suey
45-588 Kamehameha Hwy., 247-5024
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Seafood
1. John Dominis
43 Ahui St., 523-0955
www.johndominis.com
2. Red Lobster
165 Ala Moana Blvd., 955-5656
www.redlobster.com
3. Todai
1910 Ala Moana Blvd., 947-1000
www.todai.com
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Italian
1. Assaggio's Ristorante Italiano
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 1259, 942-3446
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-0756
354 Uluniu, 261-2772
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy., 623-5115
2. Verbano Italiano Ristorante
1451 S. King St., 941-9168
3571 Waialae Ave # 101, 735-1777
98-151 Palimomi St # A2, 487-1118
www.verbanohawaii.com
3. Bravo Restaurant
Pearlridge, 487-5544
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Steakhouse
1. Ruth's Chris Steak House
500 Ala Moana Blvd., #6C, 599-3860
www.ruthschris.com
2. Hy's
2440 Kuhio Ave., 922-5555
www.hyshawaii.com
3. Outback Steakhouse
1765 Ala Moana Blvd., 951-6274
6650 Kalanianaole Hwy., 396-7576
94-810 Ukee Street, 671-7200
302 Kamokila Blvd., 674-1300
www.outbacksteakhouse.com
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Buffet
1. Todai
1910 Ala Moana Blvd., 947-1000
www.todai.com
2. Makino Chaya
1936 S. King St., Suite 102, 955-5966
94-780 Meheula Pkwy., 625-6200
98-150 Kaonohi St. Suite B219, 486-5100
3. Buffet 100
98-150 Kaonohi St., 488-8181
Ward Warehouse, 591-8199
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Bakery
1. Liliha Bakery
515 N. Kuakini, 531-1651
2. Napoleon's Bakery
24 Locations on Oahu
www.zippys.com
3. Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave., 737-5591
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CRAIG T. KOJIMIA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Everything's great at Liliha Bakery, and the coco puffs, they're to die for. Carol Asentista holds tray full of heaven.
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Manapua
1. Libby's Manapua Shop
410 Kalihi St., 841-2253
2. Char Hung Sut
64 N. Pauahi St., 538-3335
3. Royal Kitchen
Chinatown Cultural Plaza,
Shop 175, 524-4461
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Japanese
1. Gyotaku
98-1226 Kaahumanu, 487-0091
1824 S. King St., 949-4584
2. Kyo-ya Restaurant
2057 Kalakaua Ave., 947-3911
www.restauranteur.com
3. Yohei Sushi Restaurant
1111 Dillingham Blvd. E1A, 841-3773
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Oxtail Soup
1. Kapiolani Coffee Shop
1520 N. School St., 845-3687
Waimalu Plaza, 488-7708
2. Zippy's
31 Locations on Oahu
www.zippys.com
3. (tie) Kenny's
1620 School St., 841-0931
www.kennysrestaurant.com
3. (tie) Like Like Drive Inn
945 Keeaumoku St., 941-2515
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Coffee
1. Starbucks
39 Locations on Oahu
www.starbuckshawaii.com
2. Honolulu Coffee
Ala Moana Shopping Center,949-1500
Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, 533-1500
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 923-8181
Bishop Square, 521-4400
www.honolulucoffee.com
3. Lion Coffee
1555 Kalani St., 847-3600
www.lioncoffee.com
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STAR-BULLETIN
Starbucks is an easy-going place to sip java, talk with friends or get a little work done.
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Ice Cream
1. Cold Stone Creamery
10 Locations in Hawaii, 944-3445
www.coldstonecreamery.com
2. Baskin Robbins
18 Locations on Oahu, 947-7300,
623-3631, 488-3100, 671-7775
www.baskinrobbins.com
3. Dave's Ice Cream
8 Locations on Oahu
www.daveshawaiianicecream.com
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Shave Ice
1. Matsumoto's
66-087 Kamehameha Hwy., 637-4827
www.matsumotoshaveice.com
2. Waiola Store
2135 Waiola St., 949-2269
3. Baldwin's Shave Ice
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy. Suite 10, 486-5656
www.baldwinsweetshop.com
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
...or shave ice from Matsumoto's, cold treats put a smile on everyone's face.
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Malasada
1. Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave, 737-5591
98-042 Kamehameha Hwy., 484-1545
2. Champion Malasadas
1926 S. Beretania St., 947-8778
3. Punahou Carnival
1601 Punahou St., 944-5711
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Burgers
1. Teddy's Bigger Burgers
539 Kailua Rd., 262-0820
134 Kapahulu Ave., 926-3444
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy., 394-9100
2. Kua Aina
66-160C Kamehameha Hwy., 637-6067
1116 Auahi St. Bay 5, 591-9133
www.kuaaina.com
3. W & M Bar-B-Q Burger
3104 Waialae Ave., 734-3350
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Family Dining
1. Zippy's
31 Locations on Oahu
www.zippys.com
2. Kenny's
1620 School St. , 841-3733
3. Big City Diner
108 Hekili St., 263-8880
3569 Waialae Ave., 738-8855
94-800 Ukee St., 678-8868
1060 Auahi St., 591-8891
E-Mail: bigcitydiner@hawaiiantel.net
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Fresh Fish
1. Tamashiro Market
802 N. King St., 841-8047
2. Tamura Enterprizes Inc. (Tamura's)
440 Kilani Ave., 622-4117
54-316 Kamehameha Hwy., 232-2332
3496 Waialae Ave., 735-7100
211 Hiwi Pl., 621-8488
1001 California Ave., 621-1860
3. Ward Farmer's Market
1020 Auahi St., 591-8411
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Sunday Brunch
1. Orchids at the Halekulani
2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311
www.halekulani.com
2. John Dominis
43 Ahui St., 523-0955
www.johndominis.com
3. The Willows
901 Hausten St., 952-9200
www.willowshawaii.com
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Lunch Wagon
1. Tsukenjo''s Lunch House
705 Cooke St., 597-8151
2. Ige's
98-025 Hekaha St., Stall 16, 486-8728
3. Kewalo's (Kanda Lunch Wagon)
Kewalo Basin
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Fast Food
1. McDonald's
52 Locations on Oahu
www.mcdonalds.com
2. Jack in the Box
28 Locations on Oahu
www.jackinthebox.com
3. Burger King
13 Locations on Oahu
www.burgerking.com
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Happy Hour
1. Mai Tai Bar
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 3247, 947-2900
www.maitaibar.com
2. Side Street Inn
1225 Hopaka St., 591-0253
3. Ocean Club
500 Ala Moana Blvd., 531-8444
www.oceanclubonline.com
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Pork chops and fried rice, cooked up by Matt Toya and Colin Nishida are broke the mouth staples at Side Street Inn.
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Sandwich
1. Subway
64 Locations on Oahu
www.subway.com
2. Ba-Le
14 Locations on Oahu
3. Quizno's
8 Locations on Oahu
www.quiznos.com
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Late Night Eats
1. Zippy's
31 Locations on Oahu
www.zippys.com
2. Like Like Drive Inn
945 Keeaumoku St., 941-2515
3. Anna Miller's
115 Kaonohi St., 487-2421
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Vegetarian
1. Down to Earth
2525 S. King St., 947-7678
201 Hamakua Dr., Ste. C105, 262-3838
Pearlridge, 488-1375
2. Legend Seafood Restaurant
100 N. Beretania St., Suite 108, 532-1868
3. (tie) Ba-Le
14 Locations on Oahu
3. Govinda's
51 Coelho Way, 595-3947
U.S. Sustainability Courtyard, 772-1810
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Business Lunch
1. Palomino Restaurant
66 Queen St, 528-2400
2. Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steak House
Ward Warehouse, 591-2005
www.kindcaids.com
3. Mariposa
Ala Moana Shopping Center,
951-8887
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Dessert
1. Cheesecake Factory
2301 Kalakaua Ave., 924-5001
www.cheesecakefactory.com
2. Liliha Bakery
515 N. Kuakini, 531-1651
3. Cold Stone Creamery
10 Locations in Hawaii, 944-3445
www.coldstonecreamery.com
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Thai
1. Phuket Thai Restaurant
1960 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 109, 942-8194
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy., Suite A6, 623-6228
2. Keo's
2028 Kuhio Ave., 951-9355
www.keosthaicuisine.com
3. Mekong Thai Restaurant
1295 S. Beretania St., 591-8841
1726 S. King St., 941-6212
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Vietnamese
1. Hale Vietnam
1140 12th Ave., 735-7581
2. Ba-Le
14 Locations on Oahu
3. Mai Lan Vietnamese Restaurant
1224 Keeaumoku St., 955-0446
or 955-3956
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Filipino
1. Elena's Home of Finest Filipino Foods
94-866 Moloalo St., Unit D4A, 676-8005
2. Mabuhay Café & Restaurant
1049 River St., 545-1956
3. Julie'z Restaurant
590 Farrington Hwy., Suite 532,
693-8778
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Korean
1. Kim Chee
Kaneohe, 235-5560
Kailua, 261-5719
Aiea, 487-2905
Honolulu, 597-8017
Kaimuki, 737-7733
2. Yummy Korean Bar-B-Q
13 Locations on Oahu, 941-4588
3. Sorabol Korean Restaurant
805 Keeaumoku St., 947-3113
www.sorabolhawaii.com
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Romantic
1. Michel's at the Colony Surf Hotel
2895 Kalakaua Ave., 923-6552
www.michelshawaii.com
2. La Mer
2199 Kalia Rd., 923-2311
www.halekulani.com
3. John Dominis
43 Ahui St., 523-0955
www.johndominis.com
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STAR-BULLETIN
Michel's at the Colony Surf is perfect for romantics.
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Restaurant View
1. Aaron's Atop The Ala Moana
410 Atkinson Dr., 955-4466
2. Sarento's
1777 Ala Moana Blvd., 955-5559
www.tristarrestaurants.com
3. John Dominis
43 Ahui St., 523-0955
www.johndominis.com
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