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Hula's Modern Tiki
Categories: Restaurants Hawaiian Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Caribbean Hawaiian, Seafood, Caribbean [Edit]
4700 N Central AvePhoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 265-8454
Announcement
Yelpers! We want your opinion ~ you can win HH for two! http://www.yelp.com/ev...
- Hours:
Mon 11 am - 10 pm
Tue-Thu 11 am - 11 pm
Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat 10:30 am - 1 am
Sun 10:30 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
367 reviews for Hula's Modern Tiki
Review Highlights
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"Really cool cocktails AND sweet potato fries." In 85 reviews -
"I had the Mai Tai and I totally recommend it." In 35 reviews -
"Camelback/Central is the closest light rail stop." In 26 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
367 reviews in English
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Review from Laura L.
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hula's was my spot when I lived in CenPho. I would go out and then come here for a drink at the bar by myself. The bartenders were all super friendly and helpful. Or I would bring friends for a pre-night drink. Or I would have a bite to eat before heading to Scottsdale for a night of drinking. You get the picture.
Things I love about Hula's? Sweet potato fries and their accompanying Hula Sauce, Black Bean Burgers (even though they are a little messy and tend to fall apart) and the Ahi Poke (A-MAZINGGGGGG). Oh yeah... and the Dr. Funk (whoooo that is one strong drink)!
It is a little pricey for drinks outside of happy hour and service outside can be spotty. Still, it is definitely one of my top five places to go for a drink (or two) in Phoenix.
I just remembered another reason I love Hula's: they play Gilligan's Island and other old tv shows and movies that give me nostalgia and put a smile on my face. -
Review from James S.
Phoenix, AZ
4/30/2012
I'll get the drama out of the way now and say, unequivocally, I love, love, love this restaurant. My wife and I are vegetarian, and it's not only veg-friendly, it's excellent. Their veggie burger is one of the best I've had in the city, and Dr. Funk may be my favorite drink of all time, with the Scorpion Bowl coming in a close second. Spicy tofu tacos? Excellent. My favorite dish is, by far, the Jungle Tofu bowl, which should always leave me with a to-go box, but is always consumed fully on the premises. I almost never get dessert anywhere, but their key lime pie is the best I've had since Key West...no kidding.
Parking can be a bit of a bear on the wrong night here, but my favorite time to visit is on a Saturday afternoon when it's almost always quiet and relaxing. We have an electric car, and their two charging stations are a plus, but at night they are almost always occupied by gas burners.
And before I forget, the staff here has always been lovely, from the hosts, to the bar and wait staff.
As a last word, Hula is my go-to place when I need to relax and forget about my troubles. They really make me feel like I'm on a tropical island. -
Review from Lisa F.
Phoenix, AZ
4/20/2012
I realize the review page says Hula is not a place for kids but since it was 1:00, in the p.m. I figured my husb. and I could give it a try with our 3 year old and not give anyone a heart attack. Mosly elderly folks at this time of day. We were greeted timely enough and allowed to sit where we pleased. Chose the booth seat against mirrored wall. Our boy was well behaved, only a little loud happy talking here and there. He coiored with crayons and paper that we brought. Stayed at the table with us.
We were not told someone will be with you in a moment by other server who tended to others for about 5 minutes. When our server came, we ordered tea, water, a fancy juice for our boy and shrimp rolls.
Shrimp rolls came before drinks. They were crispy on outside but filled with imitation crab and only a few bits of shrimp. Good sauce.
Tea and water came and then then a few minutes later the juice. The boy enjoyed a big juice with cerrries, oranges, and an umbrella.
Husb. ordered a fish dinner with sweet potato fries, ceasar salad and mac n' cheese for our boy. Would share.
It was a LONG time before main food finally came. I asked about it as we all were getting antsy. Server told us that it would be less than 5 minutes as they were waiting on the mac n' cheese. She said sandwich (we didn't order a sandwich but we took it anyway) was ready and did we want it now, before the mac n' cheese. Yes!
Sandwich and fries came out COLD and the salad came out warm. All three tasty though. Mac n' cheese came too and it was NOT hot.
All in all, maybe they didn't like that we had a 3 year old with us. There was a group of young twentish girls giving us the eye.
Don't worry, we'll never take him there again. Not sure if I'll even go with girlfriends for happy hour.Comment from M. Dana M. of Hula's Modern Tiki 4/20/2012
Sorry Lisa! We have lots of families with kids, many of whom… More » -
Review from Moriah B.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2012
Everything I put in my mouth at Hula's was amazing. Started off with a blood orange margarita, tart but loved it. Then The Volcano was delivered to our party of 8. It tasted like jungle juice and served family-style. For dinner I had the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on top and sweet potato fries. I think the fries were my favorite, then the coleslaw, and the pork last. It was all tasty though. Since it was a friend's birthday, they brought their signature sundae which was heavenly. Vanilla ice cream with macadamia nuts mixed in, topped with toasted coconut and other stuff. Overall, pretty stoked with my food choices. Server was awesome until we asked to split the check. She should have asked first! Just a little 'tude but oh we'll. Definitely want to go back and try other deliciousness.
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Review from David C.
Phoenix, AZ
5/20/2012
Had dinner there with family last week for wife's graduation and all the food was great can't wait to go again, plus they had a nice atmosphere.
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Review from Karen B.
5/17/2012
First visit to Hula today for lunch. The Big Sur Black Bean Burger (their version of a veggie burger) was excellent, and it's true ... it's the best in town. My son had the pork tacos and he said they were delicious. Great place. I'll be back!
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Review from Marisa C.
Phoenix, AZ
5/16/2012
Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants. It's a frequent on Wednesdays for their all night happy hour. Also Sunday all day happy hour, cant beat $2 mimosas! I eat out a lot, and hit this place at least once a week. Service is always great, food is fabulous, and the location is awesome!
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Review from J.D. L.
Phoenix, AZ
4/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Took my Gal here because of the ROTD. Cool Central Phoenix bar. Drank the Hawaii Five-0's. HH $5. They were very refreshing. Also ordered the crab cakes $5. Three delish spicy cakes were served.
Our server was very attentive even tho she was super busy. And the house was packed but all were happy today.
Later in the week we came over on Good Friday. This was a super romantic evening. A full moon behind whispy clouds. Sat on the patio next to the fire pit. It was chilly. The warmth was very welcome. Many of us were against the fire.
Ordered the Hawaiian Lobster Bisque 6. Traditional creamy lobster soup with coconut milk and a hint of siracha pepper sauce. And the Butterfish $16 Macadamia encrusted mango-papaya sauce, rice, slaw. Had the Hula's Mai Tai $7 Appleton"s Gold Rum, Orange, Curacao, Pineapple & Lime Juice, Orgeat, Dark Rum.
What a great late nighter.
Later that year:
Spicy Thai Chicken $13. boneless chicken breast, spicy thai sauce, avocado, fried sweet plantains...Sweet Plantains!Listed in: Downtown Midtown
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Review from Heather G.
Phoenix, AZ
4/19/2012
Seriously? Yes.
Just yes.
My review is yes.
Anytime anyone asks if I want to eat here, the answer is yes.
This place is GREAT!
Love the tea. the drinks. the food. the service. the atmosphere.
It's dog friendly! Theres a great fireplace outside. Can you sense my excitement?!
To be fair, I typically order the same thing when I go (polynesian chicken sandwhich & sweet potatoe fries)
We recently went during happy hour and had these bomb little shrimp appys? Stop reading my review, and just go. This place is a must. -
Review from Andrew T.
Phoenix, AZ
4/16/2012 6 Check-ins Here
Ah, to the many countless nights I have spent here soaking up what I refer to as "the best drinks in the valley" hands down. To the mornings I have spent recovering from similar nights. Hulas will always be on the tip of my tongue the second someone ask "where should we go in Central Phoenix?"
The fish cakes are amazing, as is everything else. The service is incredible. The ladies there make sure I am never empty handed (even if that means delivering it to me while I get distracted hitting on certain people ::clears throat:: Dana)
Hula's is where I typically bring my first dates, just ask the servers I'm sure they will attest. I have held my last two birthday parties here and they are always more than accommodating.
Whether is brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks you can't go wrong here. -
Review from Jared S.
Bloomfield, CT
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hawaiian pork tacos were really tasty! Prompt courteous service. Good atmosphere.
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Review from Melinda L.
Phoenix, AZ
3/25/2012
I visit this place for the 1st time last week. I had passed this place a couple of times and really wanted to visit mostly due to the outdoor seating and look of the restaurant. I went on a Wednesday night, they had late happy hour which was great. Got a Pink Bikini Martini which was good, Hawaiian Ceviche which was awesome, nice chucks of fish yummy!!!, Also I got the sweet potato fries...loved them. These were just the appetizers which were like $3-$5 during the happy hour time. Since they were so cheap I kinda stocked up on the appetizers. For the main course I have the Spicy Thai Chicken Bowl, OMG..it was so good.
The wait staff was quick and attentive and it was a little busy.
I would mos def go back to this place, good food, good ambience, great place to go just chill out. -
Review from John F.
Phoenix, AZ
4/23/2012
I had a very late lunch earlier in the day and stopped by Hula's Modern Tiki around 9 PM for a very quick bite. I sat outside on a beautful spring evening and enjoyed Seared Ahi on Wonton Crisps(On Starter section of Menu) and a delicious slice of Key Lime Pie. I did not like the Beverage that I ordered but would come again for dining.
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Review from Denice Z.
3/1/2012 1 photo
I am nostalgic ,as a kid in the 70's vacations consisted of places that always had a Tiki bar My summer home in upstate New York was in walking distance to the Tiki resort ..then there is Hawaii of course ...ah the memories .
I have a serious thing for Tiki bars ,every home i ever lived in i built a Tiki bar ( except my new one ) Gimme time !
Whoda thunk that in the valley of the sun ,i would find one ( big excitement here)
Aloha Au Ia`oe...( i love you ) let me count the ways ....
1.seriously loved the bar - totally unique, and a beach bunny like myself felt right at home ,and fond memories of all my hot surfer boyfriends came to mind
2.nice patio ,nice fire pit ..i dug it !
3.happy hour -WOW i am so Dr.funked up off 3 of those tasty bad boys .
4.nice happy hour menu & the coconut shrimp rolls hit the spot .
5.friendly ,funny patrons ...i was told i looked like the little mermaid "in a GOOD way "
ha ha ha
( note to self : never add a gloss to my hair myself again )
so to recap , even if i wasn't totally dr. FUNKED UP , i would still love this place ! nice chill spot, good service .i had a great time ..... i am a total fan !Listed in: Hot 5 star hits across the…, Libation Locations
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Review from Taric W.
Phoenix, AZ
3/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
It's Tiki Time. B-)
Grab cocktails left and right. Dr. Funk? Hell yeah. Mai Tai? Packs a punch every time.
Now sit on the patio and people watch in style...and if you like island food but you're not feeling adventurous, this is perfect for you. I tried the pulled pork sandwich and the jerk chicken. The jerk sauce is a bit sweet, and not nearly spicy enough for my taste. But it's still tasty. My pulled pork sandwich had an amazing slaw...the overall sweetness, and the heavily buttered bun was a bit overpowering. I don't need everything to taste like cinnamon and allspice.
I think I'll come here for the cocktails and appetizers. Those sweet potato fries are the best I've had! -
Review from Justin v.
Phoenix, AZ
5/16/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I love Hawaii and I love rum and Tiki's and like Polynesian sauce from Chick Fil-A and I like Pineapples and cool looking glasses and happy hours. I love Hulas because it has all these things. What really makes this place is the drinks, I haven't had such good tropical drinks since i visited Hawaii, seriously they hold up and hold up well plus they come in awesome glasses that you can purchase or if your a real douche steal ( I don't condone that). The only reason Hulas doesnt get 5 stars from me is the food, its been hit and miss for me. Not bad but not AMAZING, and when you build a place like this with such fantastic drinks and an excellent ambiance you would only expect the food to follow suit. That being said I will go again and try something new again and hopefully I'll find that dish that blows me away but for the mean time I'll enjoy drinking like I'm on a tropical island in the middle of the desert.
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Review from Jennifer O.
Mesa, AZ
3/24/2012
I went here last night because I had gotten a Voice daily deal....I was a little wary to buy it at first due to some of the mixed reviews (at the time), but I had wanted to try it for awhile and decided to go for it.
Well, I am very glad I did!
The BF and I decided to share two entrees, the cocomo (?) chicken and the jerk pork plate. The chicken was good, it had a coconut crust that was a bit crispy and had a sweet sauce on it. It came with some delicious fried plantains and rice and beans that weren't my thing, but the BF loved it! As good as the chicken was, the jerk pork is where it's at! The pork was spicy, savory, and abundant. The dish came with johnny cakes that went perfectly with the pork... they are like slightly sweeter and richer corn bread. Ridiculously tasty. It also came with the same plantains, but the rice had a delicious salsa on it that was sweet and spicy...the BF didn't like the salsa, but I loved it! (worked out perfectly, huh?). Needless to say, I can't wait to come back and try this place again.
PS A table by us got the coconut banana pie and I was just about drooling....it looked so good, that's on the must try list for next time. -
Review from Dallas G.
Phoenix, AZ
So. Hula's Modern Tiki...
I was at Hula's MT the night I met Porn Star Ron Jeremy.
I was at Hula's MT the night I found out how to forgive a family member for murdering their lesbian lover in their sleep in Nebraska.
I was at Hula's MT the really inspiring time I heard that song from the movie Rad, Send Me an Angel (by Real Life, 1989).
I was at Hula's MT the time I witnessed a family of four drink 5 Volcano bowls.
I've written there.
I've been cold.
Hot.
I've seen Keely there probably 100 times.
I've ordered things not on the menu and found no phlegmy aftertaste.
I've had a birthday party there.
I've been to a birthday party there. I fell into a wall after leaving there.
I've had caffeinated beer there. I've had un(not de)caffeinated beer there.
I've found it to be delicious and drunk.
Get the black been burger. You're welcome.
Get the Scorpion Bowl. Don't drink and drive. Do have a pulled back hair holder.Comment from M. Dana M. of Hula's Modern Tiki 2/20/2012
That wasn't Ron Jeremy, it was me (common mistake). Sadly,… More » -
Review from Roxanne T.
Phoenix, AZ
3/29/2012
Order the ahi...scrumdiddlyumptious!
If you're on a dinner date, they'll seat you at a small table and tend to you less, but the food is still pretty delightful.
Not a very authentic feel in terms of ambience but fair warning with 'Modern' in the restaurant title.
Would I go back? Wouldn't doubt it... -
Review from Thomas S.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 1/30/2012
Spotless! Service. Dining room. Restrooms. Patio. Spotless!!
Next time I shall forgo table seating and plop my butt on the floor to eat. Yep. That's how clean Hula's is!
Service was polished and friendly. Dana was working the brunch crowd and attending to everyone's needs. Most importantly everyone enjoyed their brunch.
I say Bula Bula to Hula's!!Listed in: I HEART Central Avenue, I'll Take Hot Meat Between Two…, CenPho Phun!, Where The Cool Things Are
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2010
Aloha! Mele Kelikimaka! Don Ho! That's pretty much all the Hawaiian I know. I'm delighted a little… Read more »
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Review from Norm R.
3/26/2012 3 photos
Very casual vibe, friendly staff, nice location, good food and drinks - what's not to like about Hula's. A great place to relax and dine with friends and pretty much any place you sit is a good place - the bar, the patio, the main dining area. Parking can be a bit tricky during peak times, though.
Comment from M. Dana M. of Hula's Modern Tiki 3/28/2012
Norm, thanks so much for your kind words, man. Just a quick… More » -
Review from Paul S.
Phoenix, AZ
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really do not know why it took so long for me to find this place!! It has such a great, relaxed vibe and oh man the mai tais are incredible! [I highly recommend the Dr. Funk!]
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Review from Bryan B.
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Makes me want to time travel back to the 60's and sip tropical cocktails overlooking a volcano. Hula's has to be in one of the most unique buildings in Phoenix. I recommend sitting at the bar to check out all the memorabilia exploding from every crevice.
Our bartender was jovial and uniquely looked like the Mayhem guy from the All State commercials. Very fresh ingredients and the Sweet Potato Fries are banging.
There are a variety of house cocktails and I stumbled out a Tiki Bastard! Gin is my new poison. -
Review from Kyle J.
Phoenix, AZ
I was just asked the other day to name off my top three restaurants in Phoenix and this was one of them. I love all things Tiki and retro, what better place than Hula's Modern Tiki right. There is no other place in the valley that you can literally "share a drink" with some friends than Hula's by ordering a flaming scorpion bowl with long straws for everyone..
Between their own take on the famous Mai Tai and the Spicy Thai chicken, Hula's adds a twist to your traditional Hawaiian fare. To name a few entrees I have enjoyed and would order again: the Thai Chicken Bowl is a must try, the Fish Tacos are monstrous, maybe a Pineapple Chicken Sandwich for some flavor, or the Wings for an excellent starter. Sweet Potato Fries, Duh!! Grab a large order, you wont regret it.
If your there just for drinks and some patio time, you really can't go wrong with anything in a Tiki mug, just know your limit when it comes to a rum cocktail.. They call em' sneaky tikis for a reason!! For something smooth a cream try the Dr. Funk, it'll surprise you!! If not, stick with the classic Mai Tai, sailor.
They have weekly happy hour and be sure to sign up for their Text notification to receive specials and secret passwords. Also, look out for their other two locations in Santa Cruz and Monterrey Bay. At every location the service, food, and cleanliness has been top notch. The staff is very friendly regardless of how busy it gets. -
Review from Terese S.
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Visiting from Chicago we found Hula's on YELP. It completely lived up to the reviews! We will be back on our next trip.
Food - simply delicious. Close to anything we've ever ordered in Maui. I had the butter fish crusted in macadamia nuts. Fabulous. The mango chutney topping was the bomb. Great flavors and combinations going on.
Drinks - excellent. Well poured, mixed and delivered with love. Staff - very helpful with recommendations and had a great sense of humor. Ambiance - sit outsdie. Awesome patio area with firepit-perfect for a cool February night.
Will recommend to all who visit from Chicago. -
Review from Brittany C.
Tempe, AZ
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
everything is delish.
go on the weekend for $2 mimosasssss!!!
its very trendy, a great place to just sit each and enjoy. -
Review from Joyce C.
Peoria, AZ
4/6/2012
Had to come check this place out because there is one back home. Just to help me miss home even more, I went here for a late lunch. I had the Polynesian Chiken Sandwich with Sweet Potatoes. Great atmosphere, friendly welcoming workers, and of course delicious food. The portions have always been too much for me, but there is always that option for a to-go box. I haven't been to any happy hour functions, but this place is always packed & busy. I will bring good company next time I go instead of being a loner girl at the bar, Aloha!
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Review from Kelly V.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 5/12/2012
Extra points for a thank you for my review from the owner! It's awesome to know that he cares about the guest experience enough to respond. I do not, unfortunately, live close to Hula's but I can't wait to go back. :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/10/2012
We ended up here on a pub crawl and made a mental note to come back. I'm glad we did! The drinks… Read more »
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Review from Amanda V.
Peoria, AZ
2/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Brunch!
Scorpion Bowl!
MIMOSAS.
Service has always been stellar, and you can't go wrong with any of their cocktails! -
Review from Matthew V.
Long Beach, CA
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Do not pass up this place while in Phoenix. My spouse hates seafood and devoured it here.
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Review from Chris C.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is more of a 3.5 star one, but I round down as a general rule.
We hit up Hula's tonight for dinner. All in all, some good-sized portions (I had the half rack of ribs), decent sides, and very good service.
My ribs were a bit pedestrian: it said mango BBQ, but it was basically just... BBQ sauce. Nothing wrong with that, but nothing amazing going on here either. The ribs were cooked well enough, coated in sauce (I enjoy both dry and sauce-drenched, so no big issue here) and they were just fine. They just weren't anything too special.
The sweet potato fries were dead-on, and the aioli, while it could've used just a bit more kick and a bit less mayonnaise, was a good touch.
The mac 'n cheese was a big disappointment to me. The noodles were over-salted, almost as if they had salted the water entirely too much, and it just had nothing special going for it.
Mac 'n cheese is a tricky beast: you have to convince the eater that this is worth the calories and shame, and this one failed desperately in that regard. Not enough flavor and yet, too salty. A good sized portion for $5, though.
The girl had a pulled pork sandwich which was tasty enough, and she really enjoyed her side house salad. (It was tasty. I tried a bite.)
Our friend had the Hula Burger and it looked big and cooked nicely, and she seemed pleased.
Overall, a decent meal. The service was very good, the ambiance was fun and open, and it was definitely serviceable. I'd like to go back and try one of their fish options in the future, since they had a good selection of mix-and-match fish and prep styles that sounded really fun. -
Review from Jackie D.
Phoenix, AZ
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hula's is amazing! I recently moved to the Biltmore area at the end of November and saw Hula's as I was driving down Central one day and decided to give it a try. I quickly became obsessed and for good reason!
I've been here over 10+ times the last few months with girlfriends for Happy Hour or with my boyfriend on a weekend evening and I have always had outstanding service, amazing food and awesome drinks that knock my socks off. Not to mention the prices are totally reasonable!
The Ahi Caesar Salad and Sweet Potato fries are my favorite go-to's. And the Blood Orange Martini is soooo good. My boyfriend swears by the the Teriyaki Ribeye.
I have to give the owner a shoutout for taking good care of my boyfriend & I about a month ago on a Friday evening. (This rave review is long overdue!)
My guy is in the Marine Corps and is stationed in Cali so we only get to see each other on the weekends when one of us makes the 6 hour drive to each other. He arrived around dinnertime on a Friday night and we headed to Hula's for his first visit. We were both starving and ordered quickly after sitting down. The food was delayed quite a bit for whatever reason and our server kept coming over to apologize. We assured her that we didn't mind at all... we only get to spend about 48 hours with each other so we were just enjoying each others' company, so no big deal! We never even questioned what the hold up was even though we had noticed that it was taking awhile. We finally got our food & our server told us that dessert was on the house for our patience. We thanked her & told her it wasn't necessary. Again, no big deal, we hadn't voiced a single complaint! My boyfriend did decide to take advantage of the offer though since again, we came in starving and we enjoyed a delicious dessert. He also asked the server if Hula's sold their awesome teriyaki glaze for purchase. To our surprise, our server went back to the kitchen & came out with a coffee cup wrapped in tin foil filled with the glaze for us to take home! Talk about going the extra mile regarding service! My boyfriend was tickled. At the end of our meal, even MORE to our surprise, our server dropped off a check with a balance of $0.00. She told us that the owner really appreciated our patience & understanding and that our meal was on the house. We were blown away!
To the owner of Hula's... THANK YOU. I have told this story to so many people and spread the word around about Hula's to anyone who hasn't tried your restaurant yet. My boyfriend is now rightfully obsessed with eating at Hula's whenever he comes to town on the weekends & I try to frequent the restaurant at least once every couple of weeks with girlfriends on the weekdays. -
Review from C C.
Glendale, AZ
4/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food and atmosphere very good. Service...meh.
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Review from sean h.
Phoenix, AZ
1/7/2012
I'm torn on this rating. Two stars is "Meh, I've experienced better.", and I have. Three stars is "A-OK", which it was.
Had the manager not compensated me for the ridiculously small plate of ribs I got, this review would be scathing. But he did make it mostly right and that went a long way towards fixing the overall experience to a third star. But two things about the third star: I shouldn't have to feel like a cheapass by wondering if I got a full rack or a half rack. The food didn't feel like anything special, which would have been acceptable if the prices were far lower.
Two stars it is.
Our party arrived on a Friday night--we were in the area, a little lost for a good place to go. I remembered this place as a good hangout spot on a weekday night, which it definitely is.
Tonight, we were seated promptly and never waited very long for anything--the service was fast and top-notch. However, i'm having difficulty with this whole hipster thing where the wait staff dresses in street clothes. It weirds me out and it's almost insulting for as expensive as the place is.
I totally dig the overall ambience. The restaurant itself appears to be in a rehabbed auto mechanic's shop, creating something totally unique in a region of unique rehabs. The comfortable patio hangs right off Central Avenue, creating a rare big-city kinda place in Phoenix. The fire pit is just cool, they play good and fun music. Ambience is about the one thing about this place that actually lines up with the price, contributing solidly to Uptown's burgeoning vibe.
The beer selection felt weak. We didn't order cocktails, so I can't comment on that.
Going through our courses....The potstickers were good, but the thai peanut sauce just tasted weird. The spicy edamame was an interesting twist but I didn't find myself very hungry for it My friend ordered the cajun burger which he thought was "mediocre." I ordered what turned out to be the smallest full rack of ribs in Arizona described above--the mango to the sauce was too slight leaving it fairly generic, altho the fries and slaw were pretty good. The meat, yeah I wolfed it down, but in the end it didn't seem like anything to write home about.
The food and drink, all in all, felt more or less average. The problem with average is in how much this place charges--I'm not going to give three stars to an expensive restaurant that serves three star food. Given the other choices in the area that I still need to try out, I don't see much of a reason to come back for dinner again. -
Review from Brandon K.
Revere, MA
2/7/2012
I really loved Hula's.
Decor: I think it was an old garage or fire department prior to being opened as an upscale tiki joint. Despite being a 'modern' tiki joint, I love that they have big-screen plasmas and projection TVs playing 1950s and 1960s movies, like Jack Rabbit Slim's from "Pulp Fiction".
Underneath the bar is a very large and impressive collection of vintage tiki mugs. Lots of framed posters of 1960s surf movies.
The food was pretty good. The drinks even better. Hula's mai tais go down smooth and, due to the typical Phoenix heat, it's easy to get two or three.
They managed to do a really good job of mixing the upscale with the vintage tiki stuff.
Hula's is the best tiki joint in the Phoenix area! -
Review from Ann C.
Phoenix, AZ
3/28/2012
We went last Friday for the first time since last fall and holy crap, when did it become such a cool place to be?! We used to get a table on the awesome patio but this time had to squeeze into a tiny table inside. Oh well. Good for them!
Parking is a bitch so I found the gravel lot and hoofed it. It's ok--you don't have to wear hooker heels here to fit in.
Happy hour is a decent deal--$2 off drinks. But when the full price is just $7-9 for a mixed drink, don't feel bad if you miss the 6pm cut off! My fave is the ahi tuna burger. It's not ground up--it's a giant hunk 'o fish, cooked perfectly. I paired it with the sweet potato fries. If they're from a frozen bag, I'd be shocked. Or maybe I don't care; they at least look homemade! My girlfriend got the tacos and raved--two (plus the rice, etc.) made for a filling dinner. Portions are perfect.
Drinks are clever and super strong, so, please, get a cab. Love the mixed crowd here--everyone is welcome! -
Review from Carol K.
Gilbert, AZ
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fun place to hang out on the patio and imbibe. Enjoyed the inventive cocktails- both the mai tai and tiki bastard were winners. So was the poke. The latter had a generous crumble of macadamia nuts which was a nice touch.
The crowd was a mix. Glad we tried it while in the neighborhood. Not sure we would go back as a destination. Good day drinking joint. -
Review from Sarah N.
Phoenix, AZ
1/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great patio!!
We didn't eat, just day drinking.
Waiter was great! -
Review from Sean H.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/30/2012
Great place to eat at when the weather is nice outside.... Great open air relaxed atmosphere
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Review from Joe S.
Phoenix, AZ
3/24/2012
Good food good time
Comment from M. Dana M. of Hula's Modern Tiki 3/24/2012
Thanks Joe! Appreciate the kind words. Glad you had a good… More »
