I don’t know about you, but COVID is starting to weigh heavily on me. Specifically, I miss travel and perhaps more than that I miss planning our travel adventures. I was lamenting this fact with my oldest daughter when she suggested we take a trip to the islands in Powell, Ohio.
Escape to Hawaii at Huli Huli Tiki Lounge
Tucked into the quaint downtown area, amongst little shops and restaurants you’ll find your escape to Hawaii. Huli Huli Tiki Lounge is an Hawaiian themed restaurant offering up delicious dishes and drinks from the islands.
I was hesitant at first, but she’d been before and couldn’t wait for me to try the Bang Bang Broccoli. Still cautious of COVID concerns, we headed out on a Tuesday evening so as to avoid the crowds.
We easily found a parking spot on the street, though I understand there is a parking lot just a short walk away. From the outside the restaurant looks much like its neighbors, there were two tiki totems to show us the way.
Dining in the Islands
Stepping inside, however, revealed a Hawaiian tiki bar. The crowd was light and spacing was adequate to allay any coronavirus concerns. It felt almost like I was on vacation, prior to 2020.
Given the choice, we passed up sitting at the bar or a high top table and selected a booth. Each booth was decorated as a neat little tiki hut. And towards the back of the restaurant was a large glass garage-type door that opened to reveal patio dining during warmer weather.
A Taste of the Islands
Marina, my oldest, had been to Huli Huli a few times and raved about the Bang Bang Broccoli. We decided to trust her review and ordered two servings to split amongst the three of us. It did not disappoint. Broccoli florets were lightly breaded in a tempura batter and lightly drizzled with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.
Though we were torn on the menu choices, we eventually settled into our order. Marina opted for the katsu pork build-your-own plate and I went with the grilled chicken version of the same. Both were excellent. For mine I had half with the bang bang sauce and half teriyaki. If I were to order the same again, I would likely go for the teriyaki on the entire order.
You can top your build-your-own plate as you like. I ordered all of the toppings so as to give them each a try. The pineapple salsa was stellar and really made the dish. Other toppings included pickled carrots, spring mix, cucumber and scallions. I would probably skip the pickled carrots next time. They weren’t bad, just not to my taste. One good thing is that you can order all the toppings fearlessly. They serve them in such a way that you can pull them in as you like, more to the side of the rest of the dish.
Natalie order the salmon rice plate. But then again, given the choice, Natalie almost always opts for the salmon dish. I joke that she is part grizzly bear. There were no complaints in her review and she said she’d definitely order again.
Vacation Drinks
If you’re looking for a drink with dinner, they have several island themed drinks, both with and without alcohol, served in festive glassware. Though I don’t often order drinks with dinner, I splurged into our vacation themed night out. Marina ordered the Sloe Boat to Mexico and I had a Shipwreck Shirley. They were festive and fruity and not large enough to even provide a buzz. Just in case, Natalie was along as our designated driver.
Escape to Hawaii at Huli Huli
If you’re thinking of visiting the islands, or at least Powell’s nod to the islands, check out Huli Huli. Their menu, complete with price is available on their website. Though our bill was a bit more, mostly due to drinks and appetizers, the prices are very reasonable. A couple forgoing the appetizers and opting for water to drink, could easily get full on about $25.
If you’re looking for more great Ohio eats, take a look at our other reviews. Do you have a favorite restaurant in your area? We’d love to do a review! We focus on Ohio restaurants in every category, from food trucks and hot dog stands to fine dining.
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