Henry Louis

Henry Louis
Alan Ballesteros
Bar
Contemporary
2850 Paa Street Honolulu, HI 96819 Phone: 808 833 3728 Neighborhood: Mapunapuna Map
Sandwich
Ribs

Ask chef Alan Ballesteros of Henry Louis to describe his food and he pauses for a moment before saying “ International, local, Pacific Rim, Italian… whatever’s out there.” That’s not to say that the food at this popular Mapunapuna restaurant and bar is confused – more that it has wide appeal and a very adventurous chef. Alan, who grew up cooking and learned his trade through some of the city’s best known restaurants, like Byron II and owner of Henry Louis, Ron Locar, are passionate about their food. “I come up with ideas when I travel and go to different restaurants, “ says Ron “ and I pass them onto Alan who works on them.” The result is an ever-changing menu that regulars can’t get enough of and one that’s a real surprise to those who stop by the bar expecting just a few pupu and beer.  “We have a ‘Cheer’s like atmosphere, here,” says Ron, “where people know who you are– and want to know  about you if you’re new. But we’re also really proud of our food.”

The menu changes every six months or so, and  there are weekly specials that rotate depending on seasonal availability of items such as fish and vegetables.

But it’s the ribs, ‘the best suckin’ ribs in Hawaii’ that are the big draw for customers old and new. I’d heard so much about them and heard that the restaurant claimed they have the best in Honolulu that I drove out one morning to go check out their claim.

“ We go through abut 140lbs or more of ribs each week, “ says Alan to give me an idea of how popular the fall-off-the-bone meat really is. The secret? Well, as in the tradition of all great restaurants, Henry Louis isn’t telling.  Alan says the secret is in the sauce, which is “a cross between an Asian and Texan base.” The base is more shoyu influenced and there’s a gratifying lack of the  sugary sweetness that sometimes comes from over use of tomato sauce. They’re sweet for sure, but there’s definitely a hint of something more – and they truly do fall off the bone. Served with a plate of potatoes and veggies, it’s a huge portion to get through on your own – but there are always customers willing to try.

The atmosphere at Henry Louis is formed largely by the layout of the bar/restaurant. At one end of the old building, there’s the bar (with a sports theme) and at the other, the main restaurant – a collection of tables and booths that offer both privacy and a good view of the restaurant.

The old Henry Louis was taken over by Ron and his partner in 1993 and they’ve been putting out good food ever since. Ron, who was a regular customer for years, remembers how his involvement came about. “Anson Kaneshiro, who worked at Henry Louis, called me one night to tell me that the bar had been sold and I remember thinking ‘gee, too bad, I always wanted to own that place’.” He got his opportunity soon after however, and now spends his time working with Alan on menu suggestions and keeping the customers coming back for more.

Daily specials include some of Alan’s favorite dishes, and the regular menu includes soup, salads (one with a killer bleu cheese dressing) and entrées that feature local favorites such as a Hawaiian Plate ($12.95), Teriyaki chicken ($12.95) Prime Rib ($17.95) seafood selections and of course, the best suckin’ ribs in Hawaii.

An extensive pupu menu is available all day and features poke, sashimi, oysters, fried saimin, and dozens of hot entrees. The local lunch crowd in Mapunapuna and a host of nighttime regulars already know the value of the food and the friendship they find at Henry Louis, but for those who’ve never been, Ron describes his place.  “We’re a friendly place – where everybody knows everyone else.” And where debate about the ribs is always a topic of conversation. Want to see if they really are the best suckin’ ribs in Hawaii? Check out Henry Louis and be the judge.