Hawaiian Drive Inn
Explore Hawaiian Drive Inn
If you’re cruising through South San Francisco and looking for a spot that’s pure, old-school charm, Hawaiian Drive Inn at 128 Hazelwood Dr is one of those hidden gems that feels like stepping back in time to 1976. Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior or the “drive inn” name-it’s not a drive-thru, just a cozy, no-frills spot with about four tables inside. What it lacks in fancy decor, it more than makes up for with generous portions and prices that are practically unbeatable, especially for the Bay Area. Managed by two warm, experienced ladies who clearly know their way around a kitchen, everything is cooked fresh on-site-no frozen shortcuts here. Signature dishes like the Katsu mini-plate and the full-sized Loco Moco come with perfectly creamy macaroni salad and fluffy rice, and each bite shows that care. Even a simple spam musubi is handled with the kind of attention that makes comfort food feel special. One of the quirks to note is that it’s strictly cash-only, which keeps overhead low and prices friendly, and honestly adds to that throwback vibe. Whether it’s the crisp, flavorful Katsu or the massive portions that keep locals and visitors coming back, this place delivers a heartwarming slice of traditional Hawaiian-style diner cooking. The atmosphere is casual and lively, giving you a clear view of the cooking action and a chance to chat with the owners, who bring a lot of personality to the experience. With hours running daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., it’s easy to drop in for lunch or dinner, and the friendliness of the staff makes even a short visit feel like hanging out with family. Everything here, from the affordable pricing to the genuine care in the cooking, makes Hawaiian Drive Inn a standout in a sea of modern, high-overhead eateries, and it’s the kind of spot where you can enjoy massive portions of comforting Hawaiian classics without breaking the bank.
Photos Of Hawaiian Drive Inn
Business Info
LOCATION BAKERY SHOP
HOW TO FIND ?
CALL TO BOOK A TABLE & DELIVERY:
+1 650-871-2836
INFORMATION
128 Hazelwood Dr, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States
A small hole-in-the-wall gem that’s a throwback to 1976, but the food is great and the prices. Just cannot be beat, especially in the Bay Area. Things to note upfront: 1. CASH ONLY – y’all, the prices are this cheap because these ancient Asian elders aren’t having to pay for the overhead of a credit/debit card machine. Stop with the indignant posts about them trying to not report their tax earnings. 2. Hours – Google hours might be wrong. These are community updated, so if you’re upset at the wrong open times, go ahead and submit an edit. Their website says 11am-8pm daily. 3. It is a no frills, no fancy place. This San Bruno location had about four tables inside. Two Chinese aunties (these ladies had to be at least 65+) managed the orders and the cooking. 4. They are called Hawaiian Drive Inn. No where does it say they are a drive-thru! Food: We had a Katsu mini-plate, a full sized Loco Moco, one spam musubi, and two canned sodas at a price of $26.95!!! Both plates came with macaroni salad and rice. And it was delicious. Katsu was crisp and had great flavor. Macaroni salad had just the right amount of mayo. Places like these won’t be around forever. The people that run most of these are getting up there in age, so enjoy it whilst they are around.
S B
The prices can’t be beat. I ordered chicken katsu and the lady took raw chicken from out of a bucket and fried it. The portions were huge so next time I’d share a plate or just order a mini plate. Cash only. Single bathroom in the back. Street parking only. I’d definitely come here again and will probably try the bento option.
Fan F
The food is very good, and the portions are huge. You can see the ladies cooking everything and nothing is frozen, all fresh meat being cooked. CASH ONLY!
J Villa
Hawaiian Drive Inn is a good place to get cheap food. The portions they give are so big, mainly because of the rice plus lots of meat, and the food is delicious. I hot the BBQ short ribs plate, and I enjoyed eating it. They only accept cash. The service is friendly. I will certainly be back in the future.
Osbaldo Martinez
Local, cash only, takeout Hawaiian spot. Decor is dated, but I'd rather have cheaper food than have an updated interior. Street parking may be difficult during busier times, but solid food and good prices.
Alex Pham
BBQ chicken was plenty and good for the price. Not a lot of flavor, but thankfully they have sriracha and soy sauce to kick it up.
Marlon Evangelista
EXCELLENT PRICE!! GOOD QUANTITY!! LOVELY STAFF!! Ok enough of the caps lock lol .. coming back when I'm in town for sure!
Graffiti Ninja
Chicken Katsu with 2 scoop rice and mac salad. Onolicious. You get your money's worth, I made 2 meals out of this.
Thomas Mendoza
