A bright rainbow sign, the scent of smoked pork, and a menu filled with Hawaiian comfort food give Ono Kine Grindz a personality all its own.
This small Wauwatosa restaurant has built a devoted following by bringing island-inspired plates, friendly service, generous portions, and hard-to-find flavors to North Avenue.
For locals, it is more than a quick meal—it is a delicious little escape.
How Ono Kine Grindz won locals’ hearts
Ono Kine Grindz won people over by bringing something Milwaukee-area diners could not easily find elsewhere: Hawaiian-style comfort food prepared with warmth, personality, and plenty of aloha. 🌺
The restaurant combines a deli, market, takeout kitchen, and catering service, giving customers several convenient ways to enjoy its island-inspired menu, from a quick weekday lunch to a generous family spread.
Visitors can pick up hearty plates, Hawaiian snacks, sauces, and prepared foods by the pound, making the restaurant just as useful for an easy dinner at home as it is for a special gathering.
That flexibility, combined with the restaurant’s distinctive flavors, helped turn curious first-time guests into regulars who return whenever they are craving smoky meats, savory sides, and a taste of the islands.
Local food coverage describes Ono Kine Grindz as a Hawaiian deli and market with limited indoor seating, carryout service, catering, and a wide selection of prepared foods, details that help explain its lasting neighborhood appeal.
The setup feels made for real life, whether someone needs an office lunch, a weekend feast, a convenient takeout dinner, or a memorable dish that inspires guests to ask, “Where did you get this?”
The restaurant’s popularity also comes from its welcoming sense of place, with co-owners Guy Roeseler and David Lau often described as friendly, approachable, and closely connected to Hawaiian culture.
Their personal involvement gives Ono Kine Grindz a warmth that large barbecue chains cannot easily recreate, because customers feel they are being welcomed by people who genuinely care about the food and the community around it.
Reviews frequently praise the owners and staff for their kindness, while diners also highlight the generous portions, reasonable prices, flavorful meats, and dependable service that make the restaurant easy to recommend.
The menu gives regulars plenty of reasons to return, moving beyond ordinary barbecue with Kalua pig, Char Siu chicken, ahi poke, Local Style Deluxe Saimin, Spam Musubi, dumplings, slaw, and other island favorites.
That variety makes the restaurant especially appealing for groups, since one person can order smoky pulled pork while another chooses tuna poke or a comforting noodle bowl, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.
A visit to Ono Kine Grindz is ultimately about more than finding something filling; it is about discovering honest, flavorful Hawaiian food served without fuss, which is exactly why this small Wauwatosa spot continues winning local hearts.
Food Highlights
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Kalua Pig: Traditional Hawaiian smoked pulled pork seasoned with alae salt, this is one of the restaurant’s essential orders. The meat delivers the deep, smoky flavor barbecue fans want while reflecting a classic Hawaiian preparation, making it a must-try for anyone visiting for the first time. 🔥
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Char Siu Chicken: Grilled chicken thighs seasoned with Chinese five-spice barbecue flavor bring a sweet, savory, aromatic profile to the plate. Customers regularly praise this specialty, and it is a flavorful choice for diners who want something different from standard barbecue chicken.
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Combo Plate: A popular pairing of Kalua pig and Char Siu chicken, the combo plate lets newcomers sample two of the restaurant’s signature meats in one meal. Reviews specifically recommend the pulled-pork-and-chicken combination, making this a smart order for hungry first-timers. 🍗
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Local Style Deluxe Saimin: This hearty noodle dish combines char siu chicken, an egg, shrimp shumai, lotus root, scallion, kim chee, fresh noodles, and hondashi broth. It is a must-try for anyone who wants a comforting Hawaiian-style bowl with several textures and flavors in every bite.
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Ahi Poke: Hilo ahi tuna is tossed with spicy sesame shoyu, inamona, ogo seaweed, and onions for a bright, savory dish with a gentle ocean freshness. The poke gives the menu balance and provides a lighter option alongside the restaurant’s smoky meats. 🐟
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Spam Musubi: This island-style sushi snack pairs Spam with seasoned rice in a compact, portable serving. It is one of Hawaii’s best-known casual foods and a popular choice for guests who want a quick bite, a side, or a memorable introduction to the restaurant’s broader menu.
Atmosphere
Ono Kine Grindz has a relaxed, modest, and takeout-friendly atmosphere rather than a polished dining-room setting, with a small interior that keeps the focus on good food, conversation, and cheerful service.
The rainbow sign outside and shelves filled with Hawaiian products add a playful island-market feel, making each visit feel like a quick escape to the tropics.
Although seating is limited, that has become part of the restaurant’s charm, as the food travels well for family meals, office lunches, backyard gatherings, and catered celebrations.
Bottom Line
Visit Ono Kine Grindz for smoky Kalua pig, flavorful Char Siu chicken, generous portions, friendly service, and Hawaiian specialties rarely found in the area.
The casual market-and-deli setting, catering options, and welcoming owners make it ideal for quick meals, group orders, and delicious food discoveries.
Address: 7215 W North Ave Wauwatosa, WI 53213
📞 (414) 778-0727
🕔 Open Tue–Thu, 11 AM–2 PM and 5 PM–8 PM; Fri–Sat, 11 AM–8 PM (closed Sun–Mon)