- Attraction: Ono Kine Grindz
- Location: 7215 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
- Industry: Hawaiian Restaurant
- Website: https://www.okgrindz.com/
Ono Kine Grindz, which translates to “delicious good food” in Hawaiian, has been serving authentic island cuisine to Wauwatosa since 2010.
Opened by Wisconsin native Guy Roeseler (who spent years living in Hawaii) and Honolulu transplant David Lau, this hidden gem combines restaurant, market, and cultural experience all under one roof.
You’ll be greeted with a warm “Aloha” the moment you step inside, where the intoxicating aromas of traditional Hawaiian cooking immediately signal that you’re in for something special. This isn’t just another restaurant – it’s Milwaukee’s award-winning best takeout destination that has been converting Midwestern palates to the flavors of the Pacific for over a decade.
Authentic Hawaiian Flavors That Transport You
Kalua Pig: The star of the show that keeps customers coming back for more. You’ll find this traditional Hawaiian pulled pork is impossibly tender and juicy, slow-cooked to perfection with that distinctive smoky flavor that makes you close your eyes and imagine you’re at a traditional luau.
The meat practically falls apart with your fork, and the authentic preparation methods make this the closest you’ll get to island-style kalua pig outside of Hawaii itself.
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Keep Exploring →Poke Selection: Fresh ahi tuna poke prepared with traditional Hawaiian techniques showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity. The cubes of ruby-red tuna are perfectly seasoned and fresh enough to rival what you’d find at any Hawaiian fish market. Each bite delivers that clean, oceanic flavor that makes poke such a beloved island staple.
Char Siu Chicken: Tender five-spice chicken thighs grilled to perfection and topped with sesame seeds and diced green onion represent the Chinese influence that’s so integral to Hawaiian cuisine. The sweet and savory glaze creates an irresistible caramelization that keeps you reaching for more.
Purple Sticky Rice: This vibrant, naturally colored rice is consistently praised as some of the best customers have ever tasted. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor and perfectly sticky texture makes it the ideal accompaniment to any protein dish.
Lihing Carrot-Pineapple Slaw: This sweet and tangy side combines slivered carrots with pineapple and is spiced with powdered Li Hing Mui, a Chinese salted dried plum. The unique flavor profile of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty makes this refreshing side dish completely addictive.
Spam Musubi: A block of sticky purple rice topped with savory sauce, a slab of fried Spam and wrapped in Nori to hold this “island kine sushi” together. Don’t knock it until you try it – this beloved Hawaiian snack offers the perfect balance of textures and umami flavors.
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Discover MoreMarket Experience and Island Atmosphere
Hawaiian Marketplace: Hawaiian sauces, candies, dried mixes, canned goods, juices, coffee, and more line the shelves, creating an authentic shopping experience. You can choose from a fabulous selection of vintage Hawaiian shirts to complete your island experience.
Cozy Dining Space: The intimate dining area features only a few tables, making it feel like a small neighborhood spot you’d find on the islands. The furniture is a charming mix of regular tables, chairs, and patio furniture, including an opened patio umbrella that adds to the laid-back island vibe.
Aromatic Welcome: The smells of casual “surfer” food continually waft through the long, narrow space, creating an immediate sensory connection to the islands. The open kitchen allows you to see the care and attention that goes into every dish.
Cultural Immersion: You’ll find inspiring cookbooks, authentic art and music, Kona coffees, festive Aloha shirts, and unique mercantile and gift items that make browsing while you wait part of the adventure.
Other Considerations
Value Pricing: You’ll discover this is a very good amount of delicious food for the price, with generous portions that rival what you’d expect from island plate lunches. The restaurant maintains a moderate price range, making authentic Hawaiian cuisine accessible without the airfare to Honolulu.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Style Service: Your food will come in compostable to-go containers whether you dine in or take out, maintaining that casual, unpretentious island style. The format encourages sharing and creates that communal feeling so important to Hawaiian culture.
Limited Seating Strategy: If you plan to dine in, arrive prepared for limited space, but the experience of eating everything while it’s at optimal temperature makes it worthwhile. The cozy quarters actually enhance the authentic neighborhood feel.
Catering Excellence: The restaurant has earned rave reviews for wedding and event catering, with couples moving from Honolulu specifically praising the authenticity. The team goes above and beyond with tastings and menu customization.
Hours and Availability: The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays and shuts down for a few hours between lunch and dinner service, so plan accordingly. Delivery and takeout options are available through multiple platforms.
Ono Kine Grindz
📍 7215 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
