Monday 11th of April 2011 07:39:40 PM
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Update:12/12
My initial visit was just a few days after the first tapping. The first two house taps were Aloha Lager and Paniolo pale ale. As joelambic mentions, several other brews were in the works. There were also guest taps flowing at the time including an array of imports, regional crafts and Hawaiian brews. On my most recent visit, there were still a couple guest brews but eleven taps featured a nice range of house brews. I enjoyed both the Velvet Red (billed as a Red Stout) and the Paka Bock (cherry & beechwood smoked malts).
There is a short L-shape bar with about 10 stools and some table seating inside with a large covered patio attached and shielded from the road by bamboo fencing. The brewhaus is in a separate building out back. The menu includes an array of Mexican appetizers, salads, burritos & combo plates. There is a moderate size off street parking lot. This location is Hawaii's highest brewery at 2,764' above sea level.
Selection: 4.75 |
Atmosphere: 4.75 |
Service: 4.5 |
Food: 4.25
Wednesday 24th of June 2009 08:40:58 PM
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Located in Waimea (or some may say South Kohala or - as the USPS does - Kamuela) on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, this taqueria is a great locals' place.
[Note: Several mapping sites have a problem accurately showing the location of this place. It is located in town on Rte 19 northeast of the merge with Rte 190.]
The Japanese word for octopus, tako, which is in common use in Hawaiʻi was chosen as the restaurant's mascot and hence the name. To my knowledge though, not "tako tacos" are on the menu.
The food selection is what you'd expect for a taqueria; tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos. All food, including a selection of salsas, are made fresh. Food prices are a little high if compared to mainland taquerias but seem average for the location.
A recent remodeling has added a bar that was serving three Maui Brewing beers on draft, several bottled beers, margaritas, and home-made soft drinks. Beers were served in standard pint "sleeve" glasses.
Word has it that a brewery is in the works on the property so new beer selections could be available in the near future.
Our visit was mid-afternoon during the week and still had a fair amount of customers coming through. The small location can make for a cramped feeling but everyone was having a great time. Live entertainment is available at times.
Service was great but I could see it might suffer during busy times with staff dividing time between the bar and the food counter.
Check this place out when visiting Parker Ranch, the W. M. Keck Observatory, or other area sites.
Update:
18-March-2011
With the opening of their brewery, this place has changed its name to Big Island Brewhaus and Taqueria. The first beers were tapped early March 2011. Our visit presented three house beers on tap: Aloha Lager, Paniolo Pale Ale, and Overboard IPA). An Irish Stout was planned to be tapped on St. Patrick's Day. Several guest beers are also on tap including beers from Kona Brewing and Maui Brewing.
My favorite of the trip was the Pale Ale. The IPA was being served on a beer gas mix so I think that dropped it in the standings for me. I think the IPA will be served on CO2 at some point so look forward to that whenever I get the next chance.
Some remodeling has also added a few more indoor tables and the installation of a fence around an outdoor seating area has extended table space where alcohol can be consumed. At this time only part of the outdoor space has overhead protection but plans are to finish that shortly.
For those with little ones or those who don't drink, the house-made soft drinks are fabulous. I've tried both the limeade and the lilikoi (passion fruit) cream ale.
Selection: 4.25 |
Atmosphere: 4.75 |
Service: 4.75 |
Food: 3.75