Grampies

Whether on an island, or on the mainland… I love me a good food stand. I’m currently staying at the Ala Moana hotel, and just a hop, skip and a jump away from my temporary place of residence is a little kitchen on wheels called Grampies.
They’re a comfort food joint that specializes in down-​home BBQ eats, and being on the island chain, of course they’ve got a plate lunch special on the menu. From noon-9:00pm, you can get the ol’ standbys that come standard on a mixed plate, as well as your choice of steak, pork or chicken for only $ 5. Not a bad deal for meal that’ll definitely leave you full.
It’s not exactly the most delicious thing I’ve ever put in my mouth, but for only 100 nickels, it’s well worth supporting a local mom ‘n’ pop operation (or would that be gram and gramp?).
Service is pretty slow, so chalk that one up to being on «Hawaii time,» I suppose.

«Home of the Baby Back Ribs»
is the banner that caught my attention passing this red wood shack, near the corner of Kapiolani and Kalakaua. Saddened and strumming to the Oahu rib and brisket blues, I was hoping for Grampies to be the ONE. The one that would set closure to my summer quest for ‘Cue. Finally, after three recommendations to try this place, it was time.
Ribs here are good. Succulent, great (honey based) BBQ sauce and most importantly: a nice smoked wood flavor cooked into the meat. Sides: okay. Plain white rice, salad and baked beans that tasted like it was out of a can. $ 10 for a regular and $ 7 for a mini. Worth the price? Well, I just wish they either gave more food or brought the price down a few duckets. With only 4 pieces of ribs in my $ 10 plate, don’t expect to get full here. I sure pray your miles vary.
Other entrees are catfish (or) red snapper with fries $ 10, a sausage sandwich for $ 5 and a teri burger $ 3. Some of their sides include: collard greens, mac N cheese, wings, etc. which will run you an additional $ 3 to $ 6. Take out or eat there, they have a dining area and close at 8pm. I’m assuming they’re open for lunch, though not exactly sure.
Grampies is definitely a great quick fix for ribs and as David mentions, a decadently messy but delicious one at that. If they only included better sides AND added more meat, this baby back wood shack would be bangin’ in the biz. I recommend you local ‘Cue fans try this place once, even if I feel many may fancy a Tony Roma’s Express better.
3 stars
Grampie’s on Kalakaua Ave

A small BBQ stand in the parking lot behind Diamond Head Video and across the street from Century Center on Kalakaua Blvd. I think there were some positive aspects about this place and I think if they continue they will improve along with their star rating. I ordered a regular BBQ plate with ribs, beans, salad & rice. Their ribs were pretty good with an absolutely wonderful BBQ sauce. I was very impressed with how good their sauce was. The BBQ beans were a little thin/​watery, but did have great flavor. yum…
This BBQ stand just opened and they do need to work some things out so you should take that into consideration when writing a review. Hopefully, after a 3 or 4 months of business they will have things polished.
PS. Make sure to have plenty of napkins it is messy. ;)
PPS. Thanks to fellow Unilocaler Eric A. for letting me know about this place. I never knew it was there or hadn’t heard anything about it…