Hy's Steak House

Expensive ambience

by 2forlunch at Citysearch

We ate here the first week in February. The guidebooks recommended this place saying that it had "hand's down" the best steaks in Hawaii and raved on and on about the seasonings and quality of ingredients. Our experience here was NOT a happy one. We had reservations and got there little early and were seated immediately. The place is strikingly beautiful with exquisite wood paneling and carved wood trim, georgeous antiques and art. The wait staff wear tuxs. We were planning a "no holds barred" dinner but the minute we looked at the menu our plans changed. Appetizers were in the mid-$20 to mid-$30 range and it just went up from there. We elected to each get the steak and lobster dinner and a bottle of wine and leave it at that. That entree was $68.75 each and a bottle of the house pinot noir was $45. This did not come with a soup or salad. The waiter brought the wine and poured a little for me and said he would be back to top our glasses but he didn't come back. It took a very long time for the food to come. They did bring out a slice of cheese toast while we were waiting. We opted for the 9 ounce strip over the 7 ounce filet. With this was with what I'm guessing was a half pound lobster tail, a very small baked potatoe and no more than 10 sugar peas. The steak was perfectly cooked medium rare but had absolutely no seasoning whatsoever. The lobster was so overcooked that it was tough to cut with a steak knife. The peas were cold and the potatoe was dry. The waiter never came by to ask if we needed anything until he brought the check. Someone else did come by and ask if we wanted dessert. We saw other waiters making a production out of cherrys jubilee but opted out. Add it up. Without the tip the bill was $200. These people are living on hipe. The ambiance is amazing but the food is a ripoff.

• Pros: ambience
• Cons: price, food, service

Outdated, overpriced, stay away

by povartrader at Citysearch

We went to Hy's last night and I was truly disappointed after reading all the reviews of the restaurant.

We ordered a house salad to share before our steaks. It was WAY overseasoned with the vinaigrette sauce and I could only take two bites before starting to gag.

The server completely ignored us when we tried to get his attention. When he finally came back it was to bring us our steaks.

I had their special, the "Oscar" which was their butterflied filet mignon with king crab legs on top of a bed of spinach and asparagus. At first look, the presentation was not bad but the bernaise-like sauce which was drizzled on top of everything was way too overwhelming. The steak was dry and underseasoned. The vegetables were the best part of the dish, which does not speak well for a steak house.

My wife had the prime rib, which she thought was underportioned but seasoned well.

On both of our dishes, we had the garlic mashed potato which was pretty good.

We were both truly disappointed at the ambiance of the restaurant. The linens and the interior seem to be from the 70s and the dungeon-like atmosphere was not for our tastes. There are other fine restaurants which are decorated with a traditional/classic ambiance but the food is truly outstanding. (House of Prime Rib in San Francisco is one example of this.)

Our bill came to slightly over $100 with no alcohol. I was expecting a lot more. I feel as if we could have stayed in our hotel room, ordered room service and paid the same price for the same type of food.

Hy's was pretty crowded and seemed to be filled with locals. We were looking for a Hawaiian spin on great steaks, but ended up having a horrible dinner and very underwhelmed.

• Cons: Overpriced, Outdated Ambiance, Bottom Line - Bad Experience, Bad Steaks

Wonderful steakhouse

by donttalktofreaks at Citysearch

Hy's offers something for everyone, whether it's beef, chicken, lamb, or seafood. The steaks are always cooked to perfection. The service is wonderful. The table side service is lovely. My one disappointment is their failure to regulate the attire. The establishment is reminiscient of a colonial period. Heavy furniture and book lined walls. I love to dress up when I go, but unfornuately, too many people show up in jeans or shorts and aloha shirts. It tends to take some of the class out of it. My advice is to dress up and make a night out of it. It's pricey but worth every penny.

• Pros: food, valet parking, ambience, service
• Cons: attire of other patrons, pricey

Blast from the past

by foodie at Citysearch

I have been to Hy's for romantic dates and for family dinners. A span of over 25 years!!!!! The service and food superb. It has class that has faded from our society of fast food and ordinary restaurants.

The Oysters are top notch and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. There are lots of table side service, which is non heard of now a days.

Dress up, grab your special loved one and celebrate each other!!!! You are worth it!

• Pros: valet parking,(a must in Waikiki), Excellent service, ONO (delicious) food
• Cons: a bid pricey - but it's worth it.

I love this place -

by grasshut at Citysearch

The reason i like hy's is because they have a terrific menu - everything is delicious. There is a broad spectrum of prices on the wine menu, and they treat their customers with such class that you feel as though you've been transported back in time. Also, if you have the time to look around the place check out the woodwork - it is exquisite!

P.S. - if you like iced tea get the lilikoi syrup - and for desert i'd suggest the banana's foster: they fire it up right at your table!

• Pros: friendly, ambiance, food