$45 Pau Hana for 2: Beef 3 Ways at Han no Daidokoro

With prices on the rise, we’re on the hunt for the best happy hour deals where two people can fill up without breaking the bank. Frolic’s $45 Pau Hana series (yes, we’ve upped it from our earlier $40 price point) scopes out crave-worthy spots that deliver value.

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

Han no Daidokoro, famous for its premium wagyu from Japan, opened its second location in Waikīkī in December. Unlike its Ward counterpart, this spot offers happy hour every day from 3:30 to 6 p.m., with the last seating at 5 p.m.

I’ve passed by the Ward location countless times, always telling myself that one day, I’ll go. When I heard about happy hour at the new spot, I finally had my excuse—and let me tell you, it was so worth it. The happy hour menu offers six drinks, 16 dishes and 11 yakiniku-style premium beef samplers. We tried five things and not a single one disappointed.

Here’s what my mom and I ate for $45.

SEE ALSO: $40 Pau Hana for 2: Fresh, Filling Flavor Bombs at Merriman’s Honolulu

HANBurger Sliders, $14

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

Two soft buns sandwich a juicy beef patty with tomato, lettuce, cheese, wasabi aioli and sauce. Each bite is packed with flavor. The wasabi aioli comes through at the end without overpowering the burger, and the sauce adds a touch of sweetness and ties it all together.

But what really sets these sliders apart? They’re made from sirloin and rib cuts. The result? A ridiculously tender slider that melts in your mouth.

Assorted Kimchi, $6

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

Comes with four types: cucumber, radish, mountain potato and traditional Napa cabbage. I had never tried mountain potato kim chee before—it’s surprisingly crunchy and a little slimy. It reminds me of a lighter version of radish kim chee. The cucumber kim chee has the seeds removed for a crunchier bite. The assortment is refreshing, the perfect side dish in between meatier bites.

Washu Beef Bowl, $11

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

A bed of rice topped with thin slices of beef, caramelized onions and a mildly sweet sauce, all finished with a sprinkling of fresh green onions. What sets this apart is the quality of the beef. You know how some beef bowls can be too fatty, or you hit that one tough piece? Not here. Every bite is tender, juicy and balanced with just the right amount of fat. Compared to every other beef bowl I’ve had, this one is the best, hands down.

And if you’re wondering what makes washu beef so special, I did, too. Turns out it’s a crossbreed with half of its DNA from Japanese wagyu cows and the other half from American Angus cows. Who knew!

Bibimbap, $9

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

A colorful mix of rice, bean sprouts, carrots, radish, kim chee, bok choy and minced beef, topped with a sunny-side up egg and nori. A small container of gochujang comes on the side, so you can spice it up to your liking—I add a lot because I like mine extra spicy. The textures are perfect, with the veggies adding just the right amount of crunch.

But here’s the crazy part: The minced beef is actually ground beef tongue. I’ve always been too scared to try beef tongue, but I swear if they hadn’t told me, I never would have known. Here, it’s boiled for two hours to remove the smell, chewiness and any gaminess.

Crème Brûlée, $5

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

For a sweet treat to finish off our pau hana, we have to go for the creme brulée. Creamy custard topped with a torched, golden-brown layer. There’s something so satisfying about breaking into that crispness with your spoon. It is slightly thicker and creamier than most creme brulée I’ve had, but still extra indulgent.

My mom (average eater) and I (a lighter eater) are completely satisfied. If you want to switch things up for a more filling meal while staying within the $45 budget, you can swap out the kim chee side and crème brûlée for a larger dish like the Beef Bowl, Stone Bowl Garlic Rice or Beef Summer Rolls (each $11).

I’m already planning my next visit—I’m eyeing the Washu Beef Jerky, Beef Summer Rolls and whatever the soup of the day may be.

Han no Daidokoro validates parking at the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach, which is about three blocks away. Your validation will get you four hours of free parking.

Happy hour daily from 3:30 to 6 p.m., restaurant open 3 to 10 p.m., 2380 Kūhiō Ave. #104, (808) 200-2729, hannodaidokoro.com, @hannodaidokoro.waikiki