Bubba's burgers, Hanalei Gourmet, Zelos are all on or near the northshore and reasonable. Kids will love Bubba's.

I agree those establishments are good quality, however, I'd like to add to the list The Dolphin restaurant. Its a little more money but well worth it.

Zelo's hands down for the price and variety of food.

Yes, Dolphin is great but more $$$ - you'll spend easily $20-30/adult. Don't remember the prices on the kids' menu. Beamreach was also very nice if its still in business.

Aha, Beamreach! I could not remember the name of that place. It's off the road to the Priceville Hotel, somewher near or just past the Bali Hai Condos (not to be confused with Bali Hai Restaurant). We had a nice early dinner at (Winds Of) Beamreach this past July.

You'll probably experience "sticker shock" when you see menu prices here on the north shore, but...

First, I've gotta say I still don't understand the fascination of Bubba Burgers. Burgers cooked from frozen patties just aren't my thing...

As for Beamreach, it closed in 2002/2003 and just recently reopened as Sabellas. They're still working out the kinks, but it should be running smoothly soon. The menu has a seafood/steak focus.

Kids seem to enjoy the restaurants which have menus specifically for them: Zelo's and Hanalei Gourmet in Hanalei town; CJs Steakhouse and Paradise Grill at Princeville Center.

Wake Up Cafe in Hanalei has been good and reliable. Not very expensive.

I have friends that swear by Tropical Taco, the guy who used to operate out of his green van as you entered Hanalei.

Ditto Auntie M's Paradise Grill.
Mahalos to all.

Hanalei Mixed Plate has very good food and large portions at a very reasonable price, as i recall about $5-7 for a full meal. It is next to Ching Young shopping Center. It's very small, you go in, get your food then sit outside at picnic tables, which are under a roof. We've eaten there several times over the years, most recently May 03, and always had good meals there.

I had expected the meal prices in Kauai to be outrageous. They really aren't. There are plenty of reasonable priced restaurants. If you are trying to save money on food, we always stop at the Wal-Mart in Lihue after landing and grab snacks, breakfast foods, etc for the hotel room.

The ambiance (or whatever you want to call it) is the main draw at Bubba's. While the burgers are ok, its the first place we had vegetarian burgers and they were really good! Sort of like whitecastle - its the whole experience!

Auntie Maria -
You had mentioned an alternative hamburger place in one of the previous posts - one that uses fresh patties? I am a hamburger (actually hot cheeseburger) fan and would like a reminder on the name of that place... Mahalo

Another vote for Zelos. Really good burgers, nachos, and ice cream pie for dessert.

Don't get to Zelo's too early - until early evening thery have a VERY limited menu.

When I was in Kauai in November I ate lunch and dinner at Zelo's. The menu seemed the same; certainly not limited at lunch.

Crazy4Hawaii: When my homecooked burgers just aren't enough, we drive down the hill to the Hanalei Gourmet (in the old schoolhouse building).

Plain burger, or burger-with-gorgonzola, or burger-with-choice-of-cheese, or
burger-with-pepper jack-cheese & avocado & bacon -- with fries, of course!

My sister went to Kauai and loved Zelos to. But she hated Tropical Taco, I do not know if this helps. Good luck!

We didn't particularly care for Bubba's, and have never bothered going back (too many restaurants, too little time).

The only time I noticed any flys in Kauai, was sitting outside eating a Bubba Burger.

BTW -- we were at Beamreach in July, so they certainly didn't close until after mid 2003.