Best Steakhouses in Kauai

Owned and operated by two local friends who have a knack for making a great steak, Killah Steaks quickly became a local favorite as soon as the road side steak wagon opened. Very casual, and pretty quick, this eatery is a low key, low priced option for a great steak. They have expanded from a simple two item menu and now offer fresh local fish, shrimp, and multiple steak plates. Enjoy at the onsite and road side picnic table or take to eat at a nearby beach. Each plate comes with local side staples such as mac salad, a simple green salad, or rice. Sometimes they sell out and close early.

Merriman's Poipu has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike since it made a home in a new shopping center in sunny Poipu. Combining gourmet food with sustainability, the restaurants serves up amazing steaks, seafood and other dishes made with 90 percent local ingredients. They purchase produce daily, and used locally grown beer and locally caught seafood. Adjacent to it is Merriman's Downstairs Cafe, offers a casual lunch alternative to the slightly more formal dinner spot. Both are centrally located in Poipu, just a short drive from all of the gorgeous white sand beaches in the area. Great for a date night.

Long-lived and comfortable, Brennecke's attracts a wide variety of folks, from those who step in off the beach for a snack to those who come for a family dinner. Their signature kiawe-wood broiler imparts great flavor to steaks, burgers, chicken and fresh fish, and the salad bar offers fresh, crisp makings for light eaters. A good selection of sandwiches and appetizers makes for terrific munching, and kids are welcome in the busy, amiable establishment. Next door is Brennecke's Beach Deli, for made to order sandwiches and burgers to quickly take to go across the street to the beach. Clean, charming, and delicious.

Illuminated by tiki torches and surrounded by trickling streams and tropical vegetation, this lively, open-air establishment proves irresistible to patrons. The welcoming ambiance complements the menu, which boasts a wealth of fresh fish and steaks. Plus, Keoki's bar is a fantastic hangout for those who want to drink, socialize, and munch on appetizers and light fare. Wonderful steaks, nachos, burgers, salads, and a delicious dessert menu are all available here. Centrally located in Poipu and easily accessible from any of the lovely beaches in the area. On weekends (usually Thursday to Sunday evenings), you'll catch live bands playing terrific Hawaiian tunes and folks dancing to the catchy rhythms. Fun and beautiful.

Steak and ribs is what you can expect at Kalaheo Steak and Ribs, where the extensive menu offers a multitude of variations to those dishes. You get a bit more with events like karaoke, and live music. Other foods such as fresh sea food, pastas, and salads area also offered. Even vegetarians can find a meat free meal or two here, although the steaks dominate. They bring nightlife to the south side with a full bar aptly named The Saloon. The decor fits the name, and it's quite heavy on the western theme throughout the entire place. A good stop when headed back from the west side.

In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer, and Olympic athlete, this casual restaurant offers patrons a bit of island culture. An indoor waterfall, live Hawaiian music, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Lunchtime brings quesadillas, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, while dinner offers steaks and an abundance of just-caught fish, prepared to your specifications. An incredible salad bar also pulls in patrons, and the hula pie, a house special, is not-to-be-missed. Lunch here is amazing, but if you're looking for nightlife this is a great spot too, live music and dancing after dark.

The allure of the Old West runs strong at Wrangler's, at least as it was interpreted by the cattle ranchers of the North Pacific! The establishment features a cowboy-themed decor, letting you know that the food is going to be both rustic and authentic. Steaks of all sorts satisfy most folks; try a T-bone or a sirloin, sizzling hot and flavored with herbs and spices. If that's not your style, opt for a fresh fish special, a local specialty, or even a Southwestern-styled treat. Outdoor seating is available, and the place is especially convenient for travelers to Kauai's west coast.

Kalapaki Bay makes a stunning backdrop for this lively restaurant, which is popular with visitors to eastern Kauai. The outdoor deck offers terrific ambiance, although the maritime-themed interior is inviting on its own. Ocean-fresh seafood is a delicious standard and includes ahi and crab napoleon, baked lobster tail, sauteed scallops, and coconut shrimp. Pastas also find a ready audience, as does the signature slavonic steak, thinly sliced and dressed with a sauce of wine, butter, and garlic. Other possibilities include lamb chops, beef medallions, pork ribs, and cold-smoked Cornish hen. JJ's has a pure chart house feeling with sailboats hanging from the ceiling and fish everywhere.