Luquins

Whenever I am in Pahoa I make it a point to eat at Luquin's mexican restaurant. The food is excellent and plentiful,(I never go away hungry). On nights when every table in the house is packed, the food may take a little longer, but the servers are cheerful and hustle the orders out. And there's nothing better than a house margarita after a day in the sun. I think my favorite thing about Luquin's is the variety of specials the cooks put out; from pasta in white sauce, potato leek soup, prime rib, chicken mole', or any of the wonderful not on the menu specials, even raw "poke". More than you expect from your average Mexican restaurant. But then Luquin's is anything but average. Even the 100 year old building on a whole street full of 100 year old buildings has its own character. I always take my friends to Luquin's and I always enjoy the dining experience.

Food's not bad but does not live up to its reputation. Folks down Pahoa way seem to love the place and for typical TexMex food, its ok. There's a great family/community gathering feel to the place as its one of the largest dining/bar establishments in Pahoa. I give the owners credit for creating a place that Puna residents enjoy.I had heard the owners were from Mexico and had real Mexican dishes on the menu. I haven't dined in Mexico but have researched many dishes from various regions there. I had hoped to find something different on the menu that would appeal to my sense of adventure. Maybe they have the dishes and I didn't recognize them.I enjoyed the tortillas and salsa, very tasty. Guacamole not available that day (dependent upon island ground avocados, tasty little buggers). On a low carb diet, I ended up ordering taco salad without the beans. It was generous and ok.I would not steer you away from this place, you can have a filling meal and a good time.