This is going to be a “one off” post. You’ll soon see why.
I was in the Poway area recently and was looking for an early lunch. I thought about checking out the new location of HFS, but it was just not poke weather, and I had already tried out Pho Tan in that strip mall. I recalled that there was a “Hawaiian BBQ” place in the mall near North Park Produce, so I parked and took a look. And yes, the place is named Ipo Hawaiian BBQ.
It was on one of those rainy days and I was just wanting a loco moco so I walked on in.
Hmmm…..looking at the menu…
Teriyaki – Garlic Shrimp…….Pineapple-Orange Chicken….Tornado Potato? Fresh Coconut? Seems like what someone “thinks” food “back home” is like?
Anyway, I ordered the Loco Moco, $18.55 from the nice young lady. She kindly gave me a cup for water. Taking a look at the cup, well, it was interesting….
And then looking at the condiments……
No Tabasco….but LKK Soy Sauce…no Aloha Shoyu or even Kikkoman!
And then the loco moco.
It just didn’t look right, that really tarry-dark-black gravy.
The best item on the plate was the mac salad, which still needed salt and had too much mayo.
Still, it was edible.
The rice had furikake sprinkled on it, a plus; but it was cold and on the chewy end of the scale.
That gravy was super thick and had a weird bitter-sweet flavor.
Even worse was the burger patty, just look at it.
While decently seasoned, it was almost burnt, super chewy, and dry.
At least the eggs looked fine, until you actually put that fork into it. It was over cooked and had that “fishiness” that I don’t care for.
There were a couple of stray eggshells in there for (not-so) good measure.
You know, I hate wasting food; but between that gravy, the leather-like burger, fishy-overdone eggs….well, I just couldn’t bring myself to finish this.
There’s a part of me that feels bad about doing this post and perhaps if Ipo was closer to home I’d give it another try. But doing a 45 mile round trip and spending about twenty bucks it’s just not worth it to me. Though perhaps “FOY” SD Julie might have a recommendation for what to get here? Or perhaps one of you out there might know what I should try?
Funny thing; if I recall correctly, “Ipo” means something like “sweetheart” in Hawaiian…based on this loco moco……
Ipo Hawaiian BBQ
12370 Poway Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
Current Hours:
Daily 1030am – 830pm
This place has been around for a long time, so they must be doing something right – just not the loco moco! I haven’t been to Ipo in forever, but I always associated it with Korean BBQ items like kale. Hopefully someone else will chime in with a recommendation.
It seems that they might have changed ownership in 2024 Sandy? At least that’s what I’ve read online.
“There’s a part of me that feels bad about doing this post and perhaps if Ipo was closer to home I’d give it another try.”
No need. This was just such a complete disaster.
It was really bad alnc! Such a bummer!
I feel like they changed owners (maybe more than once) but if you had gotten that Loco Moco 3-4 years ago, I think your opinion would be better. They are very, VERY hit and miss these days, so much so that I don’t even bother when there are better options not too far away. Sorry you had such a poor experience!
Thanks for the info Dave! That’s so sad….
Sorry you had such a bad experience. That meal looks bad! I’ve only eaten there once years ago and didn’t care for it. I believe they’ve changed ownership and based on your review/photos I doubt I’ll ever try it again. And what’s with the cup???
Yes, it was pretty bad Julie! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Saddest loco moco I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen more than a few. Better luck NEXT time!
It was very disappointing Peter!
bummer
Yes, this was really bad Kat
That loco looks bad
It was Kimo!
This is unfortunately my hood. We haven’t been to Ipo since 2013. It wasn’t good and it looks like it was better back then! That cup is pretty funny though. Sorry for your meal. That looks the opposite of ono.
Yes, really disappointing RD!