*** A short update can be found here.
I know a lot of folks were really sad when Mo's Island Grinds closed down. Over the last six months, I was wondering what happened to Mo. I know he was going thru some pretty rough times personally. Then about two weeks ago I get a really strange comment on my A & D Hawaiian BBQ post, "hey kirk, check out this place that just opened up. It's called homestyle hawaiian. Your going to get a kick out of this place. " It from someone named "Mo". Could it be??? Unfortunately, no address or general location for a place called Homestyle Hawaiian. The email address was bogus……. Strange, a mystery, many questions…..
The story finally broke when I received a couple more comments from "Mo". Which led me to the strip mall on the corner of Mesa College Drive and Ashford. Those who've read long enough may recognize this as the former location of Phil-Am Kitchenette.
The old signage is still up, but a banner had been placed on the awning. It read "Homestyle Hawaiian", so I guess I was here? A folding grease pencil board was up in front of the entrance, and in the classic "Mo's" style all the offerings for the day were listed.
The interior is a bit cluttered with Hawaiian kitsch-y knick-knacks, doo-dads, and thing-a-ma-jiggies……
The floors could maybe use a bit of a scrubbing….but there he was, Mo, in the flesh. Open only for about ten days, hadn't really told anyone about opening. Over the last six months, Mo has been keeping himself busy with catering gigs, and just plain laying low.
Of course I wanted my favorite dish, the Korean Chicken, and maybe some Katsu, but Mo was having a new fryer installed, so I'd have to wait until the weekend for that. I settled for a Loco Moco:
Mo told me that portions were a bit smaller than the gin-normous sizes back at Mo's, and prices now start at five bucks for some items. The loco moco was one of the items that has remained the same, three scoops rice (double-deckered, plus one under the burger), 12 oz patty, etc, etc, etc….. It tasted just the way I remembered, you can read about it here.
I realize that Loco Mocos aren't for everyone, but this a pretty good version.
So there you go, Mo is back in action. Currently, he is the only employee, so he'll be taking your order, cooking your food, and working the register. I'm hoping things work out, and will be back for some Korean Chicken in the near future.
Homestyle Hawaiian Island Style Food
7524 Mesa College Drive
San Diego, CA 92111
OMG YAY!!! Kirk, you have no clue how happy I am to have Mo’s back. My favorite plate lunch in SD by far and I was a sad boy when Mo’s closed down as I drove down from Mission Bay for Korean chicken and Loco Mocos…. I shall be going tomorrow!!!
Hi Derek – Great, I’m glad to be able to deliver good news!
Well awesome! Glad Mo’s back and I will have to stop by soon.
Woohoo!!! Finally!
we’ll have to try this! yum!
hi kirk
never been to the original mo’s, but now bert and i can go check out this new place. he likes loco mocos…i’d like to try that korean chicken myself!
I’m so glad Mo’s back. I loved him at the old location. We ordered the Korean Chicken every time. Yum!
gawdamnnnn that loco looks “ono”! had to look that word up =p i still gotta try a loco moco …any recs in my area? or should my first experience be at mo’s? =)
I was a big fan of Mo’s… and since I live in Scripps Ranch it was a bit TOO convenient.
Will definitely check out his new digs .. I could go for a loco moco π
so glad your local fix place is back! I’ve never tried Cafe 100’s loco moco but it is supposed to be the original π
I’m in class, drinking my mug of coffee reading this post. My stomach just let out a grumble. I am definitely stopping by this afternoon because loco moco is on my mind. I am so glad Mo’s is back! Thanks for always letting us be in the know Kirk π
Hi Carol – It’s really nice to have Mo back!
Hi Liver – I never knew you were such a fan of Mo’s stuff.
Hi Lynnea – Give Mo a couple of weeks to get things straightened out, and try the Korean Chicken.
Hi CC – Right off the 163!!
Hi Caroline – You may want to give Mo a few days to get that fryer dialed in…..
Hi Sawyer – Check out Mo’s the next time you’re in town, or Island Style Cafe:
/2008/09/10/island-style-ca/
Hi Pat – Funny, the Missus and I were saying that this place is probably a bit too close to us…..
Hi Kat – I’ve had the Loco Moco at Cafe 100 many times, and it never looked like that. But I never had the cheapo $1.99 version….
Hi Linda – I hope I didn’t distract you from class too much.
I may not go loco for loco moco, but Korean chicken? Hellz yeah!
Too bad no Korean chicken. I would’ve defintely eaten than. Never had a loco moco in my life!
I just had an L&L loco moco, which now seems very pathetic next to Mo’s version. This new location is pretty close to work; maybe too close!
I loved Mo’s until the time we had horrible food there. Now that the food’s back to normal, Mo’s will be back in my regular rotation. Thanks for letting me know!
OMG!!! Loco moco!!! Oh, how I miss eating loco moco and plate lunches. For five bucks and some odd cents, I will definitely visit this place. I want to see if they can beat Tip Top’s.
By the way, why wouldn’t anyone like loco moco? Maybe that person didn’t have the “good” loco moco.
I paid a visit to Homestyle Hawaiian today for lunch and had the Loco Moco. Because of Kirk’s enthusiasm for it, I had to try it. Anyway, I had my first today and it was awesome…and huge. I wasn’t able to finish it and I’m a big guy. I’ll definitely be back to try the other items and I’ll bring reinforcements for the Loco Moco!
Mark
The name od the place doesn’t matter, follow the chef! …and Mo is in excellent chef, his food is awesome!
Hi G – I think the Korean Chicken is the best thing that comes out of Mo’s kitchen.
Hi SageMom – I think the chicken is now available.
Hi Sandy – You know, I was thinking how dangerously close Mo’s is to the way home….
Hi Liver – I think there was a time where Mo wasn’t around much…..but hopefully all is straightened out now.
Hi Tammy – Actually the loco moco is $7.95, but more than enough to feed the both of you!
Hi Mark – You shoulda’ seen how huge the portions used to be!
Hi Jorge – Actually, I like the name Homestyle Hawaiian, it has a nice ring to it…..
hey everybody, it’s great to be back. I just wanted to say thank you for supporting me all these years. I will make it a point to put out the very best stuff possible. And yes, a lot of stuff has been sorted out. So, everything is on the up and up.
OMG!!!! i am going tomorrow! i’m another happy person — overwhelmed that he’s back! i’m gonna email my husband right now and tell him the good news! (hubby is deployed and we used to go there all the time!) YAAAAAY!
Hi Farrah – I hope you have a wonderful meal!
This is an interesting dish “loco moco”.
I did not know “Hawaiian cuisine” is like this.
It looks like a Salisbury steak. Quite juicy and filling I will enjoy very much.
Hi MrZ – The loco moco originated in Hilo in about 1949. You can get a bit of history here:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/LocoMocoHistory.htm
Been there twice, and the food is as awesome as ever. I hope many more people come to enjoy this food. It’s great quality, large quantities (well maybe not as much as the old place, but that’s more then understandable), and relatively inexpensive.
I hope you all remember for now that it’s Cash Only as Mo has not yet gotten his Credit Card Machine; and he usually takes 60 to 90 minutes in the afternoon to restock and to spend some time with family, which I am sure we all can wait for for such awesome food.
One more thing, try the Lumpia ^_^
Hi RCLC – Yes, the food is as good as ever. I’m waiting until Mo gets settled down to do a more detailed post. Also, he’s currently closed on Sundays.
Mo, you are amazing!
I had my husband’s surprise party catered by Homestyle Hawaiian this weekend and the food was FABULOUS! Everyone was raving about it. My personal favorite was the shortribs- sweet, spicy and lots of tender meat. Other best bets are the Korean chicken, and Teriyaki Chicken.Thank you Mo and Homestyle Hawaiian, I will definitely be using you again!
Good to hear Mo is back with some great Hawaiian food. Hey Mo good luck I know what is like to be doing five different jobs at one time! Press on!
Hiya
I am glad to have Mo’s BacK! Went there Tuesday and did a loco moco take out. He downsized on portions from the old place?!!! When I got my plate to go.. the container was bulging and wouldnt even close.
Upon feedn da mouth, it made my face go buddha!
A faithful customer who will be back every week.
-buddha
Hey Eric – In the post I say, “The loco moco was one of the items that has remained the same” so hopefully, that explains the loco moco!
This is awesome he used to have a place near my house and I thought they just closed down. Great Kalbi ribs!
Hi Chris – Wow, this post was from last year! I’m glad you found it though.