Welcome to Uncle D's Kauai
At Uncle D's Kauai, the spirit of aloha meets smoky BBQ in a unique food truck experience located in Lihue, Hawaii. This hidden gem, known for its warmth and community vibe, serves up tantalizing American-style barbecue, including flavorful pulled pork sandwiches and hearty brisket mac and cheese boats. Customers rave about the generous portions and inviting atmosphere, where people of all ages gather to enjoy delicious food. Run by the charming Uncle D himself, this spot not only satisfies hunger but also embodies the resilience and joy of Kauai’s culinary scene, making every bite a celebration of island life.
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3501 Rice St #1010, Lihue, HI 96766 Hotline: (808) 635-8448
Discovering Uncle D's Kauai: A Culinary Haven on the Island
Located in the beautiful Lihue, Hawaii, Uncle D's Kauai is more than just a food truck; it's a hidden gem blending the best of American BBQ with the spirit of island life. Nestled within a shopping plaza at 3501 Rice St #1010, this charming spot is frequented by locals and visitors alike, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with the aromas of smoked meats and the sounds of laughter and enjoyment.
A Diverse Menu of Flavorful Offerings
At Uncle D's, the menu is limited, but it doesn’t skimp on flavors. The standout items include:
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: A hearty sandwich loaded with tender pulled pork, offered with two sides, priced around $17. It's a perfect introduction to the smoky BBQ style that Uncle D is known for.
- Brisket: Smoked on select days, this melt-in-your-mouth brisket has garnered rave reviews, enticing patrons to return for another taste.
- Mac and Cheese: Served in a unique “boat” style with toppings like brisket and pulled pork, this dish has quickly become a favorite.
- Variety of Sides: Guests can enjoy choices like coleslaw, baked beans, and kale salad, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Community Vibe and Exceptional Service
Uncle D's Kauai shines not just in its menu but also in its warm hospitality. Customers rave about the friendly service, often mentioning Uncle D himself as a welcoming presence. From the moment you arrive, you're treated like family, with patrons feeling appreciated and valued. As Mindy P. noted, it's reminiscent of discovering a speakeasy amidst a disc golf shop, proving that this restaurant's charm extends beyond just food.
Quality and Convenience
While Uncle D's may have limited hours, the culinary experience is worth planning around. Many reviews highlight the freshness of the meals, with food cooked to order, ensuring that each dish is hot and flavorful. Customers like Andrea S. and Darren O. emphasize the delightful taste of the food, particularly the juicy pulled pork and the savory sides.
Experience Beyond Food
Uncle D's Kauai is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s an experience. With benches available for outdoor seating, diners can enjoy their meals while soaking in the local vibe. There's even an opportunity to imbibe—choose from a selection of craft beers and soft drinks to complement your meal.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit Culinary Destination
If you find yourself on the island of Kauai, make a point to visit Uncle D's Kauai. Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a delicious meal, you’re sure to leave satisfied. With a friendly atmosphere, mouthwatering menu, and exceptional service, Uncle D's is a culinary destination you won't want to miss.
For more information, give them a call at (808) 635-8448 and get ready to indulge in some of the best BBQ on the island!
Wanted to try this place for a while but it wasn't open . Small spot w a limited menu. There was a line of old and young from all races when I went in which is a good sign but who doesn't like bbq? Friendly cashier . I tried a pulled pork sandwich which includes 2 sides for about $17.00. Coleslaw is on the side or on top . There are benches to wait outside and different drinks for you to choose from. Food took a while to come out but probably bc it was so busy. The sandwich was a small sub w chips underneath so price is right. Macaroni salad was solid but not a fan of the baked beans .will go back so I can try the brisket and Mac and cheese.
Not sure if the gentleman that helped us was uncle D, but he was super cool and friendly. Both sandwiches were off the hook as well the sides. Baked beans, macaroni salad, and kale salad was a great pair with the smoky BBQ sandwiches. Definitely worth the drive!
Stumbled upon this place via Yelp, but what really drove us in was the fact that they are also a disc golf shop; largest in the state actually! I'm a BBQ snob and my husband is an avid disc golfer so this was a match made in paradise for us. The food did not disappoint; we arrived around 2:45 and were told that the kitchen closes at 2:30 but the owner happily accommodated my hunger and craving for BBQ. We were offered their Mac n cheese boats topped with brisket and pulled pork. Outstanding meat and portions! They also offer a mild or spicy sauce. We opted for the mild and is was a yummy sweet island bbq.
Food was incredible. Was lucky enough to be there Saturday for the Brisket. Very delicious!! Wife got the Philly Cheesesteak which was extremely delicious as well. Great job and the service was perfect. Definitely hitting this place each week.
We were in a pinch trying to get to the airport and were in the mood for Hawaiian BBQ and stumbled across this store - which is a compilation of a restaurant, liquor store and surf shop. It was good, but there are no modifications that were permitted to the meals. It is very basic as it is a one-man shop. I prefer access to condiments, etc when I eat and would have loved options. The food also takes a while to get as again, one person is working there. It is great if you have time and are not a picky eater.
First timer here, and goodness gracious, how bomb is this place? We were helped by Uncle D himself!! He was so personable and even handsome . They're moving in to a new location, but the merchandise was nicely organized and displayed. I chose the Day Drinking Society shirt which is super cute! I ordered the medium heat brisket Mac n cheese boat with a side of the kale salad. Soooo dang good! Thanks, Uncle D!!
Incredible food and service! This was a great find. They have tons of smoky meat, canned/bottled craft beer, discs, and even gifts to take back home. Staff did a great job of explaining all the food options and we settled in two pulled pork sandwiches. They were amazing, and came with some great chips, and your choice of two sides. Plenty of food. We really wanted to try the brisket, but they only smoke that on certain days, and can run out FYI. After you order you can sit outside in the courtyard of the mall and enjoy the people watching. They will bring your food to you.
*I tried the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. Both were delicious! *Lots of drink options - bottles of beer, whiskey, soda and more *Cool local spot for quality food and hospitality *This gem is tucked away in the back of a shopping plaza. Park, grab and go! *I definitely bought their homemade sauces to take home ;) Mahalo Uncle D!
Really good KC style bbq here on Kauai. I had a pulled pork sandwich spicy, with a kale salad and Mac and cheese. Loved it. The pulled pork was just as good without the bun as with! That is the test of great pulled pork. The kale salad and Mac and cheese were both great sides. I had slaw on my sandwich wich was a great addition. My wife had the Philly- she loved it too. I didn't try. She said the beans were top notch. Great place by the Marriott/Royal Sonesta on Kalapaki Beach!
Only open very limited hours, this BBQ is legit! Make it a priority to come here and split a meal. Almost like a speakeasy in a disc golf shop, this place is a hidden gem! (Pick up a disc while you're here--great selection!) only a few options, but still something for everyone. We had the pulled pork sandwich the first day--delicious! And the Mac n cheese with pulled pork the second day. Both were ono! The best part is how friendly the staff is. They got hit hard during Covid and are just trying to make it on the island. Come support them and have a fantastic meal!