TS says. good food, good prices!"

Name: Local Boy's Cafe
Address: 1803 Democrat Street
Call: 847-0696
Plate Lunch Prices: $4.00 to $7.50
Hours: M-F 4:30 am to 2:00 pm; Saturday 6:00am to 1:00 pm; closed Sunday
Macaroni salad alternative? Yes, toss salad w/french dressing

Specialties: Fresh Mahimahi, Calimari Steak, Hamburger steak, etc.

AND I SEZ:

Hawaii's poor economic situation has not been kind to many restaurants, especially the budget priced locations. Some of the places I have critiqued in the past are know longer around (See my Critique graveyard section) some places I was going to post disappeared before I had a chance to do the formal write-up.

And yet, for every hole-in-the-wall, lunch wagon or greasy spoon that disappears, there is always that special place, that pleasent surprise, that still makes plate lunches that special experience in Hawaii. As many places as I have tried over the years, it's still the "word-of-mouth" that will usually alert me to that special place.

Take " Local Boy's Cafe" as an example- they've been around for six years and I didn't hear about them until a Hawaii friend now residing in L.A. came back for a visit. GW (And I don't mean George Washington), arrived on a Friday, was introduced to Local Boy's on Saturday. Clue number one that this might be a great place was that GW promptly ate there for lunch on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and left the islands that Thursday night. (That's five times in seven days) Clue number two that this might be a special place is because GW told me his bus driver friend recommended the place. Bus driver recommendations are like truck driver recommendations- pure gold. Clue number three was GW is very careful about his recommendations-. GW is a friend of CH who has made two recommendations that didn't pan out. So........ he was very reluctant to say anything for fear of being labeled a CH clone. (Are you following all of this?)

I can honestly say that I'm glad GW recommended Local Boy's Cafe. Where else can you get FRESH Mahimahi with a lemon butter caper sauce, two scoops rice, mac or toss for $5.25 ?

Fresh Mahi/Chopped steak combo- $5.50

The mahi is grilled, but not overcooked. The lemon butter caper sauce is a real winner, keeps the mahi moist and tender. The chopped steak was super- thin slices of beef ( not chunks like many places) with a nice mixture of carrots, celery and onions with just the right amount of seasoning. The mac salad was also pretty good, better than many places.

I've had the Mahi three times, Local Boy's was very consistent each time. I've also had their Hamburger Steak plate, fresh homemade patties with grilled onions, covered with a tasty brown gravy . This is the best Hamburger Steak I have tasted in a long time. GW also had their Kalbi/pork chop combo- thin sliced Kalbi, a winner.

Fresh Mahi/Hamburger Steak Combo- $5.50

Local Boy's Cafe is small, with four tables able to seat a total of 16. The people there are very friendly and helpful, if there was ever a place that made you feel special, this is it.The owner/cook comes out and talks to the customers , makes everyone feel at home. Most people do take out- being located in an industrial area, parking is something of a problem. It's not uncommon to see guys waiting in cars/trucks with the motor running while a partner runs inside to pick-up the goodies.Grabbing a plate and driving to Sand Island (about 10 minutes away) is probably a good plan.

In addition to their regular plates (Calimari Steak for $5.25) they have a Local Boy's Special Combo Plate-Beef Stew,Teri Steak, Hamburger Steak. Hot Dog, rice and mac salad for $5.25. Most plates are $4.25 (Chili Frank, BBQ pork, Teri steak, etc.) while the non-fish combos are $4.75, w/fish combos being $5.50. They also serve fresh ahi when available. On the wall in front of the kitchen is an index card board with specials that usually will sell out before the end of the day. Go there early if you want to try something special. Getting some type of combo plate is the way to go. There is also a breakfast menu that is served till 10:30 am. They even have homemade corned beef hash and Loco Moco. Best time to go is between 9:00 and 11:00 am.

Local Boy's Cafe has a slogan, "Where everybody is somebody"- this place is a winner all the way around. Good food, good prices, friendly service, nice atmosphere. The two side walls are covered with pictures of people who have eaten there. Not just celebrities mind you, mostly everyday guys like you and me. They have taken their slogan to heart. Let's hope that Local Boy's Cafe is around for a long time to come!

"Where Everybody is Somebody"

Food: Can't get enough of that Local Boy's Cafe

Service: Makes you feel special!

Atmosphere: "Everyday Joe" celebrity wall is fun!

Value: The standard by which all others will now be judged .