Disappointing dinner

Question

When we stayed at the Marriott my wife and I walked to dinner most nights. We have spent many nights in Honolulu over the years although we enjoy the other islands more. On my morning walk one day I saw Lulu’s. The menu looked inviting so we went on our last night. While the food was passable that’s where the good ended. While facing out at a rail side table we were disconnected from the restaurant. We couldn’t tell when our meals arrived as our backs were to the dining room. This would be okay for the view during daylight I’m sure but not after dark. Another horrible discovery was that the chairs were made of raw metal with no cushioning at all…..extremely uncomfortable. And lastly the noice level was through the roof especially with live entertainment. I guess this place must have a loyal following but we found it disappointing.

Answer

It sounds like your experience at Lulu’s in Honolulu was underwhelming, particularly compared to what you might expect from a restaurant in a bustling tourist area. While the menu appeared promising, the overall dining experience fell short in several ways.

From your description, a few key issues contributed to the disappointment:

The seating arrangement—being at a rail-side table with your backs to the dining room—made it difficult to engage with the service staff or even know when meals arrived. This layout might work for daytime views, but at night it can feel isolating.
The chairs were uncomfortable, made of raw metal without any cushioning, which would certainly detract from enjoying a leisurely dinner.
The noise level, especially with live entertainment, was overwhelming and likely made conversation difficult. This can be a common challenge in popular beachfront or tourist-oriented restaurants.

It seems Lulu’s has a loyal following, probably because of its location, menu, or entertainment, but it doesn’t always align with everyone’s expectations for comfort and service.

If you’re looking for alternatives in Honolulu that balance good food, pleasant ambiance, and comfortable seating, you might consider:

Roy’s Hawaii Kai – Known for excellent Hawaiian fusion cuisine in a comfortable setting.
Hula Grill Waikiki – Offers beachfront views, live music, and seating that generally allows for a more relaxed dining experience.
House Without a Key (Halekulani Hotel) – Famous for sunset views, Hawaiian music, and hula, with more comfortable seating options.

Overall, while Lulu’s might appeal to some for its location and entertainment, it’s understandable why the combination of noise, uncomfortable chairs, and service disconnect would make it a less enjoyable choice for a quiet, pleasant dinner.

Disappointing dinner

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