A College Student’s Favorite Spots for Late-Night Grinds

Open until 1 a.m. on weekends: Aburiya Ibushi. Photo: Vanessa Hathaway

Wailana Coffee House, Anna Miller’s Restaurant, Liliha Bakery, Zippy’s: Pre-pandemic, O‘ahu had a plethora of late-night dining options, including favorites that were open 24/7. Many have cut back their hours or shut down altogether, but that hasn’t curbed my late-night appetite. Since I often like to reward myself at the tail end of a long day of UH classes, part-time work and interning for HONOLULU Magazine, even though options are more limited these days, I’ve come up with a regular rotation of places where the food hits the spot. Here are my favorites.

Photo: Maddy Chow

Sikdorak

Nothing satisfies my empty stomach more than a hearty spread of Korean barbecue, and this hole-in-the-wall is a $29.95 all-you-can-eat heaven for midnight lurkers. Often frequented by fellow twenty-somethings, Sikdorak’s intimate and lively environment makes me feel like I’m at a friend’s cookout.

My favorites here are the bulgogi and beef brisket, but if I’m seeking something sweet and spicy, I go with the gochujang pork belly. Grilled at the table, each fatty, marbled bite melts in my mouth.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m., 655 Ke‘eaumoku St. Suite 108, (808) 949-2890, honolulukoreanbbq.com, @sikdorak808 

SEE ALSO: AYCE Nights: My Favorite All-You-Can-Eat Korean Barbecue Spots in Honolulu

Photo: Courtesy of Oh My Grill

Oh My Grill

After a long day, sometimes all I need is the comfort of a classic plate lunch. Oh My Grill’s ‘Aiea location is the place to go—it closes at midnight (Waipahu closes at 8 p.m. and the McCully Shopping Center branch is still closed after a fire).

Oh My Grill offers local favorites including loco moco ($14.99), saimin ($6.99–$8.99) and chili spaghetti ($14.50), but my go-to is the regular garlic shrimp plate ($14.50) with two scoops of rice and mac salad. The large shrimps are smothered in a garlic-butter sauce with the perfect amount of saltiness, and the plate doesn’t leave me feeling overly full. Grab some chopsticks, throw on a cheesy chick-flick and I’ve got myself the coziest ending to a busy day.

Open Sunday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., 98-199 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 456-2121, ohmygrillhawaii.com, @ohmygrillhawaii

Photo: Vanessa Hathaway

Aburiya Ibushi

The bustling atmosphere of this izakaya makes it an ideal place for classier late-night dining. The clanging of cookware and loud greetings from the kitchen and waitstaff transport me straight to Japan. Ibushi garnishes its raw takowasabi ($5.50) with green onions and roasted sesame seeds, which adds a warm crunch against the refreshing wasabi—something I particularly enjoy and haven’t found in other takowasabis. The Uni x Salmon Roe Rice Bowl ($24) topped with nori is a light meal but packed with flavor and texture. I recommend making a reservation, as this spot fills up quickly.  

Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., 740 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 738-1038, @aburiya_ibushi 

SEE ALSO: When the Emergency Order Shut Down Honolulu Dining Rooms, These New Restaurants Decided to Open Anyway

King of Thai Boat Noodles

The smell of curry, peanuts and chiles beckons me into this late-night dining spot in Waikīkī (the Ke‘eaumoku Street location closes earlier at 11 p.m.). I love this place for the bold Thai flavors it packs in each dish, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those who have a low spice tolerance.  

The name is deceiving, since King of Thai offers more than just noodles. The roti flatbread with peanut sauce ($12) is perfect if I’m not feeling like excessive spice, but my favorite is the Panang Curry with chicken ($15). The coconut milk and spicy curry create an aromatic experience for my nose and taste buds, preparing me for a good night’s sleep.  

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., 2146 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 888-2112, kingofthaiboatnoodle.com, @kingofthaiboatnoodles 

SEE ALSO: From Comfort Food to Adventurous: King of Thai Boat Noodles Has a Dish for Every Mood

Photo: Vanessa Hathaway

Don Quijote

This 24-hour Japanese store near Ala Moana Center is my sanctuary after a night on the town. The quiet of its 2 a.m. atmosphere brings the peace I need after the deafening music of the concert venue or club I just came from. Inside at this hour are fellow post-party wanderers, aunties and uncles grabbing last-minute groceries and teenagers getting good ole junk food.  

I head straight for the premade meal section. There is never much left, as the kitchen is closed and most meals have been scraped up by earlier shoppers. The options typically consist of mochi, beef or Spam bentos or cold yakisoba noodles. I always opt for a spread of fatty salmon nigiri ($7.99) or an oily shrimp tempura curry bento ($9.50). If I just need something to snack on, I get a bag of shrimp chips ($3.49), Milkita ($2.79) and a bottle of Natchan apple juice ($2.29) using the coupons my aunty gave me.  

Open 24/7, 801 Kaheka St., (808) 973-4800, donquijotehawaii.com, @donquijotehi