Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant
15-2942 Pahoa Village Rd, Pahoa, HI, 96778
Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Pahoa for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Pahoa for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Pahoa for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
15-2942 Pahoa Village Rd
Pahoa, HI, 96778 - Phone (808) 965-9990
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Peg P.
We happened upon Luquin's as we were exploring this lava-threatened town of Pahoa and its funky stories and shops. It's an older place and could use some remodeling and reflooring but heck, when you have Kilaua Volcano breathing down your neck, why bother? We really enjoyed our breakfast here.....We had to wait until 10 am before we could drive the road to see the lava flow. An excellent use of our time having breakfast here. I had French Toast and it was generous and delicious. My partner had eggs and loved them. The service was great and it's obviously a favorite local hangout. I hope it's still here on our next trip back to the Big Island.
(5)Christen g.
Nice little hang on the main strip. We got the: Deluxe burrito sub carnitas (awesome -- HUGE) 2 shrimp taco plate with beans and rice (delightful) The margs were too sweet, the service was pretty laid back - but the vibe was great. The food was great. I'd go back for sure.
(3)Beka K.
Holy cow! Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had! If you're ever in the area, I would recommend this to anyone! I had the cheese enchilada with rice and beans as well as a piña colada. Everything was cooked fresh, sour cream was homemade, drink was phenomenal and the enchilada sauce was to die for! Wish I had one of these back home. Fantastic job to the cook and great service! This place definitely deserves 5 stars!!
(5)Lola W.
Okay ... went back to Luquins today (second time) and it was great. Decided to try the Chicken Flauta Combination Plate as another Yelper had suggested and it was good. The Lilikoi Margarita was also good.
(4)Liseann G.
Nope. Stay away. The service was AWFUL. The food was mediocre at best. But I did like my margarita, even though it didn't come out until my food did. We sat at the table for 25-30 minutes with no acknowledgment from a waitress. We ordered our drinks along with our food since we had ample time to peruse the menu. 20 more minutes later after we ordered, we had to ask for our drinks. The hostess befuddled asked "she didn't bring them yet?" (Side note: why is there a hostess if she only directs you to seat yourself and then stands around socializing with other employees? Okay...) finally drinks and food come out at the same time. By this time it's an hour later. So we chug and eat and are ready for the check. Which doesn't come for another 20 minutes after we finished. Food wasn't great. Service was terrible.
(1)Lauren S.
I am not sure what has happened - maybe new management or a complete lack of management, but my Luquin's days are over. I find the staff to be not just uninterested, but completely rude. I was criticized last week by one of the female employees which not only put a sour taste in my mouth - but miraculously also made me want to leave immediately. Furthermore, the quality of food has taken a nose dive as I'm positive my friend was served day-old-meat in an entree on the same day. Maybe if the lava destroys all of Pahoa except Luquin's I'll think about going back. Actually - no, not even then.
(1)Danielle P.
This may have been THE BEST Mexican food I have EVER had! And in Hawaii?! No kids menu, so we ordered one bean and cheese burrito for 3 kids to share and it was plenty! HUGE!!! I ordered a cheese enchilada and double decker shredded beef taco. My husband ordered the "off-menu" shrimp enchilada plate with verde sauce. It was all amazing but we had to order more shrimp enchiladas because we devoured them! I highly recommend this place. It was not crowded at all when we went and the service was quick and attentive!
(5)Kanoe I.
Ugh..... seriously needs AC esp. On super hot days like today! Fans were only turned on in certain sections .. just spreading the hot air around. My sister ordered the 2 beef enchiladas with beans, rice, sour cream and guacamole and I ordered the chicken enchilada, potatoe hard shell taco with beans, rice, sour cream and guacamole. We ordered the kids cheese Quesidillas. I didnt really care for the food at all... the beans and rice with tons of hot sauce was mostly all I ate with a bite or two of my nieces Quesidilla. Not to sure if our waitress was super busy or not, but not once did she ask how our food was nor refilled our waters which ran low quick. My sister order some sort or margarita which she didn't drink.. Guess laquins was having an off day!
(2)Todd C.
Great hangout. Great place for a steak! Mac salad is ono! Great Mexican food for the island, but not the most authentic ever. Salsa could be a lot hotter, but most people here don't eat very hot food. Must try if you are in Pahoa!
(4)George B.
Food was good, but service was not. Servers definitely don't have a problem showing that they are cranky when busy. Felt like we were walking on eggshells at times.
(1)Greg A.
Really good Mexican food. Awesome location and is laid back, local. Love their salsa. The chips were a bit stale I thought. My daughter had the enchiladas and the sauce was very good. I had beef tacos shredded beef very good. The Mexican rice good and a bit garlicky tasting I think. Service was descent they auto added a tip to the bill.
(4)Spencer B.
Cool little place. Lots of locals hanging out. Pretty good beer and food selection. Check it out if you are in the area!
(5)Kathleen O.
Authentic Mexican Restaurant in a rustic laid back town with decent food. Our waitress was excellent, knowledgable and fun. Singing from the kitchen added a pleasant twist. We had the fish and shrimp fajitas. The pepper and onion were pale and on the overcooked side. The Ono wasn't fresh. The Chile Relleno was too doughy. Portions were large and overall good if you are hungry.
(3)Shawnda C.
Very good mexican food. Staff and manager very nice and attentive. Went for lunch and came back next day for breakfast. Great eggs Benedict and homemade hollandise sauce. Kelly and Shawnda
(5)Kekai A.
Ate here Sunday, Jan 12. Sat ourselves in the dining area close to the bar. We were immediately served water, followed by the tortilla chips and salsa, which were complimentary and fresh! I had a lilikoi margarita rimmed with li hing mui, hubby had the mango. Both were delish and reasonably priced (humongous margaritas). Our waitress was so awesome, personable and attentive. We ordered chicken nachos, taco salad, flauta with beans and rice and ala carte chicken enchilada. Everything was served so quickly, so fresh and ono! My first review of this place wasn't good. This time, no complaints! Can't wait to go back! The food, the service and the price for four people ($54 with drinks) was awesome!
(5)SHELLEY A.
This place is been around for ever and is still consistent on having great Mexican food! They even have a great burger which makes the husband happy! Their margaritas are to die for and the chips and salsa is so fresh and delicious! I have eaten here since I was a little girl and still love to go on a weekly basis. Their prices are very affordable and they give you lots of food what more can you ask for? A must stop place if you're in Pahoa town.
(5)Oscar M.
Okay so here it goes. First lemme express that I am from southern Cali and was ferociously spoiled on killer Mexican food my whole life. Luquins gets you by, everything is average, not bad, not great, just average. Rice average, beans average, a plus on the big mugs for beer above average. Bartending is reviving in a massive way nowadays, juice is fresh squeezed, margarita pre mix is frowned upon, and using the fountain gun is an absolute no no. Aside from the lilikoi margarita all juice is packaged and syrup. Staples like Menudo or fresh chicharones are absent. And only one kind of salsa when the standard is a salsa bar with a variety of at least 3 is the norm. Small inexpensive changes would liven the menu the staff and the experience all together. Love everybody there and the model has been working for years, I think we can all agree, a little face lift and Luquins can take the title of the best Mexican food on the island.
(3)Wilbur P.
We had lunch at Luquin's on September 17, 2014. Luquin's has the reputation of being the best Mexican restaurant on the island, or at least on Hilo side. I would agree that it is the best on Hilo side, but that does not say much. Its main competition would be Rueben's on Kamehameha in Hilo, and Rueben's is simply bad. Anyway, having heard the compliments for the past 10+ years we decided we had to give it a try just in case the approaching lava flow wipes out Pahoa, so we took the hour long drive from our home specifically to have lunch. Looking at the place, it is pretty much a dump inside with well worn cheap furnishings, cracked and missing vinyl floor tiles, uneven floors. But restaurants looking like this often prove to have the best Mexican food, so I was optimistic. The salsa that came with the introductory corn chips was good -- picante and lots of cilantro -- so we were off to a good start. For entrees we had enchiladas and tacos in combination plates. They included refried beans and rice. The refried beans were tasteless. The Rosarita vegetarian refired beans we buy at Costco have more flavor straight out of the can. The rice, however, was a pleasant surprise. It was probably the best rice I have had in any Mexican restaurant anywhere, and I lived many years in areas in which Mexican cuisine was predominant. The enchiladas and tacos were nothing special. Not bad, but there was nothing to recommend them. Service was good by the standards of such restaurants. Other diners were predominantly Pahoa locals -- you will know you are not in Kansas any more. There is off street parking, but to reach it may require a drive down a side street and then approach from the rear, kind of tricky for first timers. Even though this review is unenthusiastic, I would eat there again to try other menu items if I was in the vicinity for some other reason. I would not, however, make the long drive just to dine there. The price is very reasonable for what is served.
(3)Kris Z.
Came here for breakfast! I had the fish eggs Benedict, family had loco moco, and chorizo! We also tried the famous margaritas! Everything was amazing! We r coming back!
(5)Sara A.
Luquin's has been around for such a long time. I remember going to Luquin's for dinner when I was in elementary school (I'm 23 now) to celebrate a good report card. They started out as a little restaurant and kept growing and expanding and now the restaurant takes up a huge portion of the building in Pahoa. They have two bars and three rooms of tables. I can say with confidence that the food at Luquin's has only gotten better with time. To start off, each table receives complimentary chips and salsa (both taste homemade). The salsa is on the spicier side and gives that kick without the lingering burning sensation. The chicken flautas are my favorite dish. The flauta is deep fried and comes loaded with shredded chicken (you can order it with beef or tofu instead) and cheese with a side of lettuce, sour cream, and guacomole. The burritos are also muy bueno. Burritos come wet (with sauce on top) and are also loaded with meat (or tofu or beans) of your choice and cheese. All combination plates come with rice and beans, which are also muy bueno and probably homemade. There is also an extensive drinks menu. I'm not big on alcohol but I have tried the virgin margaritas and those are delicious. There are a lot of flavors to choose from too. Not only is the food good here but the service is also friendly and efficient. Our waters were always filled to the brim and the waitress was quick to take our order and clear our plates. This gem should not be overlooked the next time you find yourself in Pahoa town.
(5)Chasity W.
Pretty decent Mexican food in Hawaii. Way better than we have in Alaska, and we needed a good Tex-Mex fix. They have an awesome Mexican beer section on tap. My only complaint was that our poor waitress was slammed. From what I can tell, she was the only one. She was very nice though.
(4)Logan C.
I have lived in Pahoa and eaten here many times . The people are wonderful from the bar tenders , waiters and bus help. I was very excited when they started offering prime rib on Friday nights and was told that it would be Saul's beef , and had gone for three Fridays in a row. The last time I went I am sad to say the prime rib was not prime to say the least ! It was gamey and very tough ! I brought it to the attention of my waitress and was told that there had been manny complaints that night , and was told I would be compensated my next visit . I returned the next Friday and though I had the same waitress and inquired about the prime rib that night I was disappointed to find out that it wasn't what I had hoped and had a burger instead , not to mention was not comped for the last meal that was inedible .
(2)Karla V.
My husband & I decided to try Luquin's Mexican Restaurant because a friend back in California recommended it to us. Its about 25 minutes away from Hilo, but it was worth the drive. Its self seating & the minute we sat down we were served chips & salsa & water. Their nachos are delicious! As well as the burritos we ordered. My friend ordered the fish tacos combination plate & she said it was good. She really liked the rice. Portions are just right. Service was awesome. Their margaritas with li-hing on the rim is yummy! If you don't mind making the drive, I would say try it out!! Food is very authentic.
(5)Mikala T.
Sorry. Really disappointed as I was expecting real Mexican food. No where near it. Id not go back at all.
(1)Andrew T.
We ate here twice, first for breakfast, service was good, food was decent, prices seemed a little high but OK, you know, 3 stars "A-OK"....just can't squeek it up there to 4 stars "yay I'm a fan." Then we returned for dinner, I asked the waitress's advice and she recommended the chili relleno as being a specialty of the owner, so I ordered that, it was good, but I was underwhelmed and remember feeling the portion size of the entree was a little small compared to the size of the plate and the beans and rice. I liked the beans and rice. We asked about the pitchers of margaritas and the waitress candidly advised ordering them by the glass instead as a better value. They were pretty good. Overall it was pleasant enough. But nothing that really knocked our socks off so that we wanted to rush back again soon.
(3)Agnes G.
Most awesome Li Hing Mui/ Lilikoi margarita. Plus, fabulous cheese enchilada off the a la carte menu, if you want to eat light.
(5)Terry K.
Located on the main road in a quaint little town Pahoa, about 10 miles south of Hilo Inernational Airport is what I am told is an authenitic mexican restaurant. Luquin's owners are from Guadlajara I am told. Now, I've been to Guadelajara and remember very well the general nature and taste of the "Guadelajara" style of food preparation. I give them 4 stars for their daily specials as they are prepared and taste like you were dining in Guadelajara.... Don't order the burritos. Order their specials (Do you know that they don't serve burritos in Mexico? That burritos were created in the US?) You will not be disappointed. With your order comes a large basket of tortillas (corn tortillas), home made, accompanied with their homemade salsa. And if you really wanted to "mix" with the locals, I understand their bar and the owner made maggies is THE DRINK to have during their happy hour (which seemed to be all open hours ?) and the locals do welcome you with open arms. So- if you're passing through to and from the Hawaii National Parks, detour into the little town of Pahoa and snack at Luquins before heading back to Hilo- or whereever you would be heading to
(4)Isabel R.
I'm from LA... I know me some tacos! That said, I like to see how the rest of the world eats their tacos so I visit Mexican restaurants in each location I visit. Stopped here. Ordered a Guinness...( I know it's not a Mexican beer but I like Guinness and less calories. ) ordered a fried beef taco. The chips and salsa were good.. Made with new oil so they felt lighter. Taco is here.. Moment of truth... Took a bite and then, like magic, the taco disappeared. I murdered that taco. So delicious. Long story short... Get the taco!
(4)Lydia D.
Muy delicioso!!! I notice alot of the reviews are written by folks from California...claiming "I am from California...and I really KNOW Mexican food..." Well it's kinda true when we Californians say that... I mean Mexican food is Everywhere in Cali. But back to Luquin's, which is in Pahoa... about 20 or so minutes south of Hilo. Luquin's has really good Mexican Food...(sorry Lucy's and Reuben's). The two aforementioned are good substitutes, if you are in Hilo, and don't want to take the drive down to Pahoa. One of the things that separates Luquin's from the (2? ) other Mexican restaurants on the east side of Big Island, is their salsa! They have freshly made salsa that is served with bottomless chips. They will keep the salsa coming if you want more! There margaritas are tasty! I got the lilikoi margarita... I like how they put the li hing mui around the rim of the glass. aye mamasita!!! I also had the chicken enchiladas, served with their refried beans and rice...topped with sour cream! Oh sooooo delicious! (onolicious!) The look of Luquins is like an old country diner or something.. squeaky wooden floors, and a worn down kinda look on the inside... (y que?) that means "and what?" - in other words, what do you expect then? You are in old town Pahoa... sit your okole down and eat! I love this place and will drive there anytime I am on Big Island!!! On another side note...sometimes they get local bands to play in there, at the joint right next to Luquin's (Akebono Theatre). So you can catch a show as well!!
(5)Olen R.
The lilikoi margaritas are dangerously good! The fish tacos were awesome and they even had live music on a Sunday night. The music was really good, not too loud, and a good variety. Good food, good drinks and good music, what more could you ask for?
(5)Azia M.
Love this place, relaxing and resonable..Can't go wrong with mexican..Great location as well..
(4)Dawn E.
I can't believe how many people think this is good Mexican. And I've had good Mexican IN HAWAII. Like maybe a few miles from this place so it's not like this is all the Big Island has to offer. When I think Mexican, I don't think bland, but everything I had was bland. How can you not make a delicious fish taco in HAWAII? And the beef is local? Every cheap burger I had my whole trip was good, but put beef in this taco and... meh. Service was sort of fine. I'd say it's nothing to write home about but here I am writing home about it so... Every bit of my experience here was unremarkable. Every bit. (Well, except my company, my company was awesome.)
(1)Jordan R.
Had breakfast there the other morning. As usual the food was great. The service left something to be desired. We asked for water numerous times and the waitress kept us waiting while she talked with one of her coworkers. When the wife commented on this the waitress told her to "relax". The girl needs some training in customer service. This won't stop me from returning as they have the best Mexican food in town but I did have to comment on the rude behavior of the waitress.
(4)Steven B.
A trashy dive restaurant with 'ok' service. The food is good Hawaiian twist on Mexican food. I had Ono Quesadillas, that had a mild white cheese and lots of fish inside and a Mango-Lillquoi margarita. Yummy. The food is a little pricy.
(4)Kristin Y.
This is one of the reasons why I keep coming back. Their pulled pork sandwich special. I know what you're thinking... Why am i getting a sandwich at a mexican restaurant? But trust me, if you happen to come on a day where they make this you'll know what I mean. Delicious fresh pulled pork, caramelized onions, cheesy goodness and just the right amount of barbecue sauce. Fries were hot and crispy and the Mac salad had the right amount of mayo, not drowning in it like other places do. The only thing that could use improvement is a toasted bun. The bread held the sandwich together but if it was toasted it would have been that much better. Other than this special, I stick with the tamale dinner which is another favorite of mine or go with their burritos/tacos. Service is always great and the food never disappoints. :)
(4)Sheree M.
Really good Mexican food place in Pahoa. It was a Sunday evening and they had live music. We were referred her by locals. The food was excellent and prices were great. I had the bean burrito which is covered in your choice of red or green..I chose green. It was really good although they did just run out of guacamole which was a bummer. My husband had the chicken taco salad he said it was ok. Each of our meals was less than 9$. The staff was very friendly too.
(4)Candle m.
The Best liquoi margaritas with lee hing mui that you will ever have. The only thing Iwe noticed is the glasses have become a lot smaller. We always got a nice big and deep Margarita over the years. WHATS UP !!!! Also all the young waitresses have been replaced with middle aged, no personalities and the laughfter and fun is gone too. The food is delicious though, so do not stop going !!! It is the best after going to the hot ponds to relax.
(4)Suzie L.
Love this place! Best affordable grinds in Pahoa. Pahoa is such a funky, charming town and Luquin's is a fixture, standing proud on the corner for decades. Food is pretty good, margaritas are tasty, and little known fact - they serve guinness! Service is quick even when they are slammed. They have no-anitbiotic, hormone free beef. One thing though - it needs a paint job in the worst way, but then, it might not be as funky... Happy, smiling people abound.
(4)Tina J.
I have been going to Luquins since I was a child. They have great food and great service. The staff is always very friendly. I recommend Luquins to everyone, it has a great family environment.
(5)Dania-Maria K.
I do still enjoy LuQuin's, but my brother, after getting to the middle of his Deluxe Burrito, found a longer white hair embedded in his food. Yuck! The food is good, but this shouldn't be happening, right?
(2)