Rainbow Drive-In — Review by Food Network
Honolulu, United States — Hawaiian
Rainbow Drive-In is a 48-year-old Hawaiian drive-in located just outside Waikiki that specializes in classic Hawaiian dishes like loco moco and shoyu chicken. The reviewer was particularly impressed with their signature loco moco, highlighting the perfectly cooked hamburger patties and their exceptional homemade gravy that combines tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and secret spices simmered with homemade chicken stock made with dried shrimp and kombu.
What was great: Excellent loco moco with perfectly tender hamburger patties and an exceptional homemade gravy made with unique ingredients like dried shrimp and kombu. The gravy is made fresh in large quantities (250-300 gallons weekly) and truly stands out as the highlight of the dish.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The main focus of this review was Rainbow Drive-In's signature loco moco, a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of two hamburger patties topped with gravy, served over rice with a fried egg. The hamburger patties proved to be perfectly cooked and tender with a subtle onion flavor incorporated directly into the meat. The egg arrives sunny side up, and the entire plate is generously covered with their signature gravy. The reviewer praised the quality of every component, noting that the patty was tender and well-seasoned, the gravy had a tomato base that made it distinctive, and the overall combination created an explosion of flavors that worked in perfect harmony.
The Experience
The reviewer arrived at Rainbow Drive-In during a busy period and had to wait in line, which is typical for this popular establishment just outside Waikiki. The drive-in has maintained its reputation for 48 years by consistently serving Hawaiian specialties. The kitchen staff was welcoming and took time to walk the reviewer through their gravy-making process, explaining the secret ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices were not mentioned in the transcript, the reviewer ordered the loco moco and appeared satisfied with the portion size and quality for what appears to be a casual drive-in setting.
Notable Moments
The gravy is to die for.
That gravy will make a believer out of you. Try the shrimp.
The kitchen staff revealed that their gravy is made fresh daily using a carefully guarded recipe that includes tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, caramel coloring, chili powder, granulated onion, granulated garlic, sugar, and secret spices, all combined with a homemade chicken stock simmered for two to three hours. The surprising secret ingredient is dried shrimp, which adds depth to the gravy base.
The Verdict
Rainbow Drive-In delivers an authentic Hawaiian dining experience with their exceptional loco moco. This establishment is perfect for anyone craving genuine Hawaiian comfort food or those seeking an authentic taste of the islands. The reviewer highly recommends trying the dish, emphasizing that the homemade gravy is truly exceptional and makes the entire plate special.