If June Gloom’s got you down, head over to the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach for a healthy dose of Aloha. One sip of their signature Lapu cocktail and a warm smile from their friendly staff are all you’ll need to relax and remember that you do in fact live in paradise.
The Royal Hawaiian has been a mainstay in Laguna since 1947, but a 2006 remodel gave it just the refresher it needed to enhance its notorious tiki charm. It now offers guests larger dining and bar areas, flat screen TVs, great live entertainment and an updated tropical décor. Rest assured though: the fantastic food, laidback atmosphere and accommodating service remain as good as ever.
Royal Hawaiian’s menu offers something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a great burger and fries or a refined steakhouse meal, you’ll find it here, and at reasonable prices.
There are few a menu items I can’t help but recommend. For a delicious beginning, the Garlic Shrimp Bruschetta (only $5 during happy hour by the way) is phenomenal. These jumbo shrimp are perfectly cooked in a creamy wine sauce and served atop delicate slices of toasted baguette. The Ahi Poki, with it’s light yet distinct flavors and soft crunch from chopped macadamia nuts is also amazing, especially when scooped up with a crisp fried wonton.
As for the entrées, the filet mignon, served with an island-inspired steak sauce, is melt-in-your-mouth good. And if you like ribs, you’ll weep with happiness when your lips meet the tangy house-made BBQ sauce that comes slathered all over their baby backs.
Just make sure you save room for dessert, because the Pele (flaming—literally—hot fudge sundae) and the cream cheese brownie á la mode are not to be missed.
Cap the night off in true island-style with a Lapu or a Mai Tai which have drawn locals and visitors to the Royal Hawaiian for decades. Enjoy live bands nightly - every Thursday through Sunday.
