Mainland Restaurants Not In Hawaii

Oh sure, Hawaii is absolute paradise but, if you're like me, you have some food cravings that you just can't satisfy on the islands. Here is a list of the restaurants I wish we had here along with some replacement options for some.

Chipotle

I would kill for one of their delicious chicken burritos. That combination of chicken, cilantro rice, cheese, and sour cream call to me! The closest you are going to get is Paniolos Hawaii or BIC Tacos.

In-N-Out

If you have ever eaten at In-N-Out on the mainland you know that there is something special about their burgers and fries. Especially animal style. We do have Teddys Bigger Burgers which is so good and we now have a Five Guys as well.

Olive Garden

I know this is mediocre Americanized Italian food, but that salad dressing is killer. Their bottled stuff is not the same. We have Auntie Pasto's here and their food is better than Olive Garden so that's close.

Dunkin Donuts

Way back in the day there was a DnD here on Oahu, but it's been gone for a long time now and everyone has their own story as to why it is no more. Fortunately, Regal Bakery has great doughnuts.

Joe's Crab Shack

Yes, we're surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and have access to amazingly fresh seafood and there are plenty of seafood restaurants here. But Joe's would be perfect here.

Panera Bread

All of their delicious breads and pastries, oh man, I crave them.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic has the most amazing selection of drinks. You can customize pretty much anything. Plus their tater tots can't be beat. Five Guys is probably the closest to Sonic's, but not quite the same. The good news is that Sonic is coming to Hawaii, but we're still a ways off from that.

Krispy Kreme

Yeah, yeah, there is one location on Maui but I don't want to fly to another island to get my doughnut fix. I want my doughnuts hot and fresh off the line. Regal Bakery has great doughnuts though.

Waffle House

I love their thin waffles, they are so good. Plus prices are pretty cheap here. Until they get here, KOA Pancakes will do.

White Castle

You can buy their frozen sliders at most grocery stores, but it's not the same as a freshly made one. I mean, they're both kind of gross but one (the real one) is gross in a way that I want to actually eat it.

Del Taco

Similar to Taco Bell, but not exactly the same. Maybe a little bit better quality food. Taco Del Mar is even better.

Famous Dave's BBQ

Yummy, gooey BBQ food and delicious sides. The closest you are going to get here is Dixie Grill - Bar-B-Que & Crab Shack, which might actually be better than Dave's.

Boston Market

Their rotisserie chicken is moist and tender and their choice of sides is unbeatable.

Chick-fil-a

I don't know what they add to their breading for their chicken but it is addictive!

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's is owned by the same company as Outback Steakhouse, which we have here so why no Carrabba's? Try Assaggio Ristorante Italiano instead.

Texas Roadhouse

The special thing about Texas Roadhouse are their rolls and cinnamon butter. Holy moly! Buzz's Original Steak House serves great steaks and has a huge salad bar.

Mrs. Field's Cookies

Mrs. Field's Cookies are different from other cookies, but sadly there are no locations here. You can find great cookies from Paradise Cafe or Cookie Corner.

Steak 'N Shake

Serves cheeseburgers and their side by side shakes are to die for. Until then Teddys Bigger Burgers will do just fine. Their burgers are some of the best (as are their shakes).