The menu at Honolulu Harry’s, a Hawaiian bar and cafe in University Park, involves “a notice from the proprietors,” a relatively lengthy, stream-of-consciousy handle with a standard theme that we should invest much more time using treatment of ourselves. It concludes by telling the reader, “You’re very good enough.”
If only the restaurant aimed so substantial.
But probably that is the key problem. Perhaps Honolulu Harry’s wishes to be more of a bar than a restaurant.
It does make a indicate mai tai, a de rigueur consume for any Pacific Islands lounge.
The greatest of the food items I sampled was the Maui Meatballs appetizer from the “small bites” section of the menu. (There are 13 modest bites as opposed to six entrees.) The meatballs have been properly formed and dense, coated with a sweet glaze and served on a bed of pineapple salsa. The 4 balls ended up very good-sized for a $10 appetizer.
But the Holy Guacamole, which was wholly disappointing, appeared to have been built some time in advance and lacked coloration. Taste, too. A good squeeze of lime and a dash of salt may well have assisted.
The Island Tacos that my meal companion purchased experienced an unlucky fishy taste. The parts of blackened grouper were being served in delicate flour tortillas with some raw cabbage and extra of that pineapple salsa. The 3 tacos ($22) had been accompanied by a pasta salad that 1 supposes was intended to be a just take on Hawaii’s ubiquitous macaroni salad. And it was good.
My Ahi Bowl ($28) experienced cubes of yellowfin tuna that had been seared but was tepid and listless. It was dotted with dollops of avocado cream and experienced scallions, cubed cucumbers and jalapeños. The bowl was fashioned out of rice flour that I believe was intended to be edible. But the bowl was chewy alternatively than crispy, as while it had absorbed much too much humidity.
The storefront room occupies two rooms on the initial flooring of the Wellesley Condominium building. On just one side is the bar with seating at the counter in addition a few hightop tables. The other aspect is a dining place with tiki tchotchkes in framed shadowboxes backlit in blue. Several bamboo gentle fixtures hold around the numerous tables and chairs. In amongst the two places, for some rationale, there is a very hot pink neon signal that reads, “I liked it so it’s mine.” There is also out of doors seating on the entrance walkway.
The evening I frequented, the place was occupied by a large team of individuals sporting identify tags milling about. There seemed to be only two folks functioning in the front of the house, tending bar and tending tables, so our hold out to position an purchase was overly prolonged. I appreciated that the server who finally greeted us apologized for the delay, even though we did question why the other human being just seemed to be casually chatting with people at the bar.
These men and women had created the correct alternative. Honolulu Harry’s is a greater place for a frilly cocktail than a meal.
Honolulu Harry’s is at 2305 Edgewater Travel, Orlando (map). It is open for supper Tuesday by means of Sunday. The cell phone number is 407-493-1973. Take note that the only thing on the site is an ordering variety for takeout or delivery. Mai tais not provided.
