From Honolulu to San Diego

My recent Yelp reviews...

Technically my 1st taste of Hawaii. If you're going to be stuck in Waikiki, this place is open late, poke tuna is decent, prices are reasonable, and the seedy late night riff-raff don't seem to han...

The Sand Bar & Grill on Yelp

Sam (90 reviews) reviewed The Sand Bar & Grill

Location: Honolulu

Categories: Bars, American (Traditional)

We went to the North Shore to see some killer waves but found killer shaved ice instead. The choices were overwhelming so I told them to surprise me, and they did. I liked that many of their flavor...

Matsumoto's Grocery Store on Yelp

Sam (89 reviews) reviewed Matsumoto's Grocery Store

Location: Haleiwa

Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts

The Costco in Honolulu was practically the same as SoCal except for a few key points. Taro chips by the bulk, more Portuguese sausage than you'll ever know what to do with, 1/4lb hotdog, and gelato...

Costco on Yelp

Sam (88 reviews) reviewed Costco

Category: Wholesale Stores

Location: Honolulu

Maybe the food didn't live up to my expectations but this is a really quaint little joint with the local staples that are all so interesting to me. Laulau pork hit the spot, the lomi salmon a bit f...

People's Cafe on Yelp

Sam (87 reviews) reviewed People's Cafe

Category: Hawaiian

Location: Honolulu

I can imagine becoming apathetic towards Zippy's food if it became a regular habit but being from out of town I find the food to be an adventure. The chili moco will land like a brick in your gut b...

Zippy's on Yelp

Sam (86 reviews) reviewed Zippy's

Location: Honolulu

Categories: Diners, Fast Food, Hawaiian

Now this is a local taste I can enjoy without that commercial BS that from that trap that is Waikiki. Malasadas that are simple and burst with tradition in every bite. A must taste in Honolulu.

Leonard Jr.'s on Yelp

Sam (85 reviews) reviewed Leonard Jr.'s

Category: Bakeries

Location: Aiea

A refined dining experience that carries an equivalent price tag. Lamb shank was probably one of the best I've eaten, but certainly pricier than others I've eaten.

Chopahn Authentic Afghan Cuisine on Yelp

Sam (84 reviews) reviewed Chopahn Authentic Afghan Cuisine

Category: Afghan

Location: Gaslamp, San Diego

With no Smash Burgers in LA, this was a treat. Nutter Butter malt, San Diego burger, and chili fries hit the spot. The bun was excellent while beef had a slight aged meatiness that was nice and jui...

Smashburger on Yelp

Sam (83 reviews) reviewed Smashburger

Category: Burgers

Location: Mission Valley, San Diego

I guess this is the sit-down dining location as opposed to the El Zarape in University Heights. I must say I much prefer the smaller location where the prices are right and the portions are not rea...

El Zarape on Yelp

Sam (82 reviews) reviewed El Zarape

Category: Mexican

Location: San Diego

More burrito and taco choices that make you feel empowered and not overwhelmed at kick-ass prices. Scallop tacos were a 1st for me and they were glorious, as were the shrimp and mahi mahi.

El Zarape on Yelp

Sam (81 reviews) reviewed El Zarape

Location: University Heights, San Diego

Categories: Mexican, Seafood

Large portions, reasonable prices, exotic tastes like Arabic coffee and honey cake. Dining quality food that's positioned at the take-out level!

Mama's Bakery & Deli on Yelp

Sam (80 reviews) reviewed Mama's Bakery & Deli

Location: North Park, San Diego

Categories: Middle Eastern, Bakeries