Aloha Specialties

When the restaurant is open my parents and I came in for dinner one evening and I ordered the beef stew it felt like I was back home on Oahu so if your traveling to Vegas that’s where you can stop by For BLD Mahalo’s

Can’t believe I haven’t left a review yet. Been this little gem since I was a little girl. I know going to Vegas as a ⁵⁄₆ year old probably wasn’t the best thing, but I had so much fun in this hotel. This hotel gives off a Hawaiian /​Asian vibe and it’s because all the locals (Hawaiians)come and stay here. The hotel itself could use some remodeling, but the food is comfort.
Located on the mezzanine floor is this awesome Hawaiian restaurant that feels like Hawaii in a nutshell. Spam, they got it. Saimen, they got it. Loco moco, definitely got it.
From what I know as of recent they are going to remodel this whole place so check before coming to see if they are opened.
Don’t forget to get shaved ice next door.

3.13.16: Highly rated place. I’m not sure why. The atmosphere most likely will remind you of the casual dining spots in Hawaii.
The place was super busy which is great for them. They ran out on some stuff while we were ordering. It’s different that when ordering a plate you get rice, however if you get spam musubi that is considered your rice. I prefer to eat my Hawaiian style dish with just rice.
We ordered their special, it has fish, pork and chicken, we were given rice but my sister who ordered the local plate did not. They asked for it but they told her no and said that’s what her spam musubi is for.
The taste of everything was alright. I thought it was okay. If you’re a local (lived in hawaii) though like my sister and bro-​in law, you will be highly disappointed. Some people may like it because there are not alot of options probably. Sorry but probably won’t come here next time.

Every time I come to Vegas and stay downtown, I always end up making my way to Aloha Specialties because I miss Hawaii food. I pretty much always order a Saimin which is pretty legit, and as my mom always says, it’s not just S&S Saimin like another place in Vegas apparently sells. They include kamaboko, and I got mine with wonton last time, which aren’t the best wontons I’ve ever had, but definitely decent.
They also now take credit card! For the longest time they only did cash, so that’s more convenient.

I’ve been wanting to come here for along time as it is a local favorite. I perhaps visited on an off night. I was not impressed. I do want to return to try their oxtail soup.

Food: (–1star)
Definitely a Hawaiian local favorite. If you walk into a restaurant and most of the customers you see are Hawaiian, that tells you something right?
–Local plate: the chicken was good. The beef didn’t have enough of that charbroiled flavor/​texture (not enough heat) and they pan-​fried instead. Their teriyaki sauce was quite good though. Light yet still holds that flavor and spice in it. Musubi has too much rice but was still quite good. I finished it. Go figure.
–Loco Moco: Hamburger meat a bit dry but flavorful. Egg wasn’t over soft/​medium cooked (runny) like it should but over hard. Over-​fried is more like it. So this is main part i didn’t like about this dish. Their gravy was actually good and worked perfectly.
Overall, i actually liked this place more than a few places i had in Maui. Just cost alone made me happier here.
Price:
Very descent. Loco moco plate ($ 7.50) and Local plate ($ 10) which has teriyaki beef & chicken and 2pc of spam musubi. Their portions are very generous too!
Ambiance:
Very casual. As you walk in, seems like a regular dine in pad but you actually go order first and pay, then go grab your own table. They have a water table where you can serve yourself and they will bring you your utensils. Place is clean but very casual like where it may seem unclean and a hole in a wall to some. Generally a laid back place.
I do want to say this place may be more 3.5 than a 4 and not that bad to be a 3. Knowing for the good bang for your buck, portion and i know ill be coming back despite a few flaws, i kept it at 4 stars.

Always a full meal for an inexpensive price. Everything I’ve ordered here as been outstanding from the Saimin soup, teriyaki chicken and rice, spam musibi, and loco moco and portions are huge great for sharing. A great place for lunch or dinner however it can get really crowed during weekends and seating is very limited as a lot of large groups dine here.
I normally grab some macadamia chocolate chip cookies to go.
Don’t forget to tip your server. :)

This place has quickly become a staple on all of our Vegas trips. Since we frequent this area now cause the vibe is so much nicer than the dooshie strip clientele, this has become a must-​go for any meal. I have noticed that I’ve catered my selection based on the meal too.
Breakfast: Loco Moco. Classic favorite and well executed here.
Lunch: Kim Chee Saimin. Soup soothes the soul.
Dinner: Combo plate or Korean Chicken.
Yes, I can come here for all 3 meals… and yes, I actually have before.
BTW, if they’re closed, then you’re probably on vegas time and haven’t seen the sun in a while. This just means you need to go downstairs and get the ox tail soup. You’re welcome.

Aloha Specialties is seriously a hidden gem. The food is cheap and delicious. Order at the counter and find a table.
Ocha zuke ($ 11.50): fried soba, teriyaki chicken, spam, and tofu accompanied with fishcake, assorted pickles, hot green tea and rice. I didn’t get the chance to eat the whole thing because I lost my appetite when I was there. I did taste almost everything and it’s very good for the price.
Haupia ($ 1.25): I only had one bite of the haupia. I could kinda taste the coconut and it was kinda good.
Fruit punch: I love drinking fruit punch with my Hawaiian food.
A little piece of HAWAII inside the CALIFORNIA hotel in LAS VEGAS. What more can you ask? Too bad they were out of the oxtail soup when I was there.
4 stars! I hope I’ll get another chance to try this restaurant again.
Aloha Specialties is yummylicious!

a hidden gem, and by hidden i mean from the tourist.
found this beaut on a whim when leaving the Mob Museum. (which is amazing but we’ll save that for another review). We wanted something not super expensive BUT super delicious. *heads to Unilocal*Thanks to y’all Aloha Specialties fit the job. It was a short walk from the museum, located on the mezzanine level of the California hotel/​casino.
The menu is pretty simple, and the meals are about $ 10 each, they can easily be shared or saved for a second meal later in the day! They come with rice and macaroni salad. I’d say, if you’re in the downtown area and enjoy Hawaiian food, this is your place!

#48 review for 2016 Unilocal 100 Challenge
When I read and hear Unilocalers say this place comes close to island food, I had to check it out.
Despite the undesirable smell of cigarette smoke once you enter the casino to get here, I would say it is worth it to try them out.
Overall rating is a solid 3.5 stars. I wanted so much to fall in love with their garlic fried chicken. I loved loved their gravy but I seriously did not taste any garlic on them chicken! =/​
Their Portuguese sausage was yum alongside their musubi. In fact, we ordered extra musubi to take with us.
Definitely you get the ohana feeling seeing how the staff works together. It’s a very laid back feel. I need to go back and give them another try!

As a born and raised local, I’ve come here for years with my family to enjoy a quick bite to eat. I’ve watched the service deteriorate since I was a child, yet the food has stayed the same. Wonderful.
The only reason this is a three star review is because the food is just as phenomenal as it was when I was young. The Sai-​Min is incredibly flavorful and soothing. We ordered two bowls of the Chicken Tofu Sai-​Min with added vegetables, having ordered the regular as well as the kimchi before.
Usually, service is fine. This time, however, service was horrid. We waited 45 minutes for two bowls of Sai-​Min. Usually this wouldn’t bother us, we’re fairly patient people and all we had planned we’re errands. What made the whole experience agitating was the fact that people who ordered after us were receiving their food, and we were just sitting there, very hungry. I understand that some dishes take longer to prepare than others, but it was simply ridiculous. I was prepared to walk out. On top of it, our waitress kept singing loudly and high pitched, and something terrible was going on the hallway beside the kitchen. I have no idea what it was, but it was slightly gear-​grinding and loud. Almost like a fork was stuck in a sink’s garbage disposal.
The décor hasn’t changed since I was small. Frankly, it looks dirty and unmaintained due to age. I love the photos of the owners, though. It puts a smile on your face, honestly. Drinks are pricey and the water station is a serve yourself, open to anyone who’d like to sneeze on the pitchers or in the ice. So many problems… but the food. The food is still great.
Overall, if you’re a very patient person with nothing to do but talk and spend time with your company, who also does not mind being disregarded by staff, then this is perfect. The Sai-​Min saved the review. It’s just that delicious.

This place is what it is! Unfortunately the atmosphere is consistent to the hotel they are located in so it’s a bit old feeling and since it is a Casino, no windows are available to see the outside or time of day.
Perhaps the tables could be smaller to accommodate more people to be able to eat as well. I know, it needs to be big to fit food, but I’m one that orders 3 meals for two people with 3 side dishes. When I say they can have more two people tables, it can be done.
Anyway, the service is direct and I forgot how «as a matter of fact» direct people are in Hawaii and the aloha was reserved for tourists. haha! Know waht you want to order by the time you get to the register and be clear. Other people are waiting and the ordering process is what it is. Even as a local Honolulu boy, I felt a little unwanted but I just relaxed and let things go since the atmosphere was just relaxed and care free.
The food! yes! Thank you for having a place I can eat some Hawaiian food while visiting Las Vegas! The portions are abundant like Hawaiian food should be! Lots of rice! yes! get your own water! yes! Costco sized Tabasco! yes! Weird fat Portuguese sausage? weird but that seems to be the standard in Vegas everywhere I had them.
Overall a fan and I visited 3 times in the 5 days I was in the area. .. even though I spent $ 50 just for a taxi ride to and from the strip to get here! :p yeah, what can I say?

A visit to Las Vegas is not complete to us until we visit California Hotel and dined at Aloha Specialties. It just isn’t. We’ve been going to Aloha Specialties for as long as I remember.
Saimin soup is my go to dish here. Broth is excellent and noodles are perfect. A good soup for a cold night. Yum yum.
Garlic Chicken is the bomb. Crispy and garlicky goodness. Mac salad was on point. I just have to remember to ask for gravy on the side lol.
Spam musubi for the win. Delicious!
Service is friendly and fast.
Price is reasonable and its CASH only here.
If you’re looking for good True Hawaiian food, look no further. You’re in the right restaurant =)

Got the baked/​fried garlic chicken with gravy on the side. It’s not too oil and very crispy.
Since the garlic chicken is crispy, it’s better for you to dip the chicken in the gravy instead of the gravy being pour all over the chicken… that’s just our take on it when eating it.
Yummy. Yummy. and Yummy.
Highly Recommend this place.

Such simple food but so good!
I had the Saimen and the boy had the Loco Moco. We honestly didn’t realize how much food that was because we also had the Spam Musubi. Get everything you want to try on the menu, because its delicious.
Highly recommend the spam musubi!

*** Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE 96/​100***
We have been coming here for years, even when we moved to California and would come to Vegas it’s always a must for us to have at least one meal here. Sadly, I’ve noticed the quality has been steadily going downhill throughout the years. The service even though slow, was always pleasant but lately it seems that everyone is on the edge and very easily irritated by people. Last Saturday I witnessed the cashier snap at someone in the back/​kitchen in front of patrons and they weren’t even discreet about it. So awkward and unprofessional if you ask me. Also the food isn’t what it used to be taste wise, portions are still ginormous but what’s the point in that if I don’t even want to finish it. The Korean chicken is still flawless, thank God for that! Perfectly crisp skin and tender juicy meat with a kick ass marinade. The teriyaki hamburger steak was awful, the steak was dry and the teriyaki sauce had a cloying sweetness that was undesirable. Kalua pork was ordinary, the one I make at home tastes so much better. No lie. Lol
Their Green Valley location is still my preferred place as not only the staff nicer, but they offer a wider variety of the menu as well. They have Chicken Katsu and Fried rice for example that their California Hotel location doesn’t carry.

The second highest population of Hawaiians are located at The California Hotel in Vegas. It’s true! If you’ve been at this hotel, you’ll know what I’m talking about. You know this place is good since you’ll notice the amount of old timers here.
Aloha Specialties is my must visit when I’m in town. It’s the same order every time. Garlic chicken served crispy on both sides. Gravy on the side. Comes with three slabs of chicken, rice, and mac salad. Hawaiian Sweet Punch is a definite must. One of these days, I’m going to ask them to spike it with vodka. I always forget to ask.
Nothing fancy. Just good comfort food and friendly people.

This is a must on my list whenever I’m in Vegas. Where else can you grab an amazing (and huge) bento plate, play some slots, listen to folks talk in Pidgin, and sit next to a WWII veteran from the 100^th Infantry Battalion?
The Korean chicken plate, bento plate, and saimin are my favorites here.

This review is long overdue as I’ve been here more times than I can count, over the years.
The California Hotel & Casino is like the capital of the 9^th Hawaiian island, known as Las Vegas. If you’re from Hawaii, you know this to be the truth! Take a stroll thru the casino — the odds of hitting the lottery are better than never seeing someone from Hawaii.
Anyway — some locals like to go the California to eat at Aloha Specialties. Somewhat reasonable prices for decent portions. This last visit, I had a bowl of Saimin with won ton and a side of macaroni salad. The Saimin broth is ok but the noodles are a little thick and a little chewy. Won tons — too much dough. I prefer to have more meat filling. A little on the chewy side too. To clarify — not a crunchy chew but bordering under cooked pasta. Al dente.
Macaroni salad — made with too much mayo. I love mayo but if you take a look at my pics, it was like instead of using one entire container of Costco size mayo, two were used.
Walking in — get in line to place your order then find seating. No table service. Your order is brought out and if you want water or refills, there’s a water station. I can’t speak as to refills as I opted for water.
I know I have posted other reviews that are critical of «Hawaiian» restaurants. This one is no exception. Having been born and raised in Hawaii — I’m not a fan of this place and I only went because family was craving one of the dishes served there.

Its Vegas time again!!!
On my most recent trip to the Ninth Island, I hit three places I want to share. I finally dropped by here after I started Unilocaling. Aloha Specialties is in the California Hotel in DT Vegas. The hotel caters to junkets from Hawai’i, and AS offers local, casual cuisine.
I ordered the Aloha Bento ($ 10.95 — Teri beef, Redondo hot dog, korean spiced chicken & mahi mahi over furikake rice). In addition, I got a side of mac salad ($ 1.95). My wing man ordered the chicken tofu saimin ($ 6.95) w/​wun tuns ($ 1.50).
The bento was a ton of food! However, none of the items really wowed you. In addition, the mahi mahi was buried under tartar sauce. Nonetheless, its hard to get Redondo brand sausages & hot dogs on the mainland: 3.5 Stars. Secondarily, the mac salad was excellent. It was made w/​Hellmans vs Best Foods, and you could taste the difference. But the portion was so big, I was stuffed afterwards. I’d rather have a smaller portion of mac salad, and remove one of the proteins, or give less rice in the bento. There is way too much rice in the bento: 4 Stars. Lastly, my wingman really liked his saimin. The portion was large, the noodles were chewy, and you received a ton of wun tuns for $ 1.50: 5 Stars.
Regarding the ambiance, it is a traditional, casual Hawaiian place. The only difference is they bring the food to you: 4 Stars. On the other hand, I thought the cashier was giving me attitude at first, but I realized she just had a «bitchy resting face» — a la youtube — LOL! She was actually nice, as was the waitress who brought our food: 4 Stars.
I know of no better place to enjoy Hawaiian grinds close to the strip. In addition, if you find yourself in the California Hotel between 11 pm & 9 am, the coffee shop downstairs serves oxtail stew — Ono grinds!!!