Mister D’s Ono Steaks Lunch Wagon
I usually see a lunch wagon parked on the side of the highway in the Hilo industrial area during lunch on workdays, and I always tell myself to try one of them one day, but I always put it off.
Today there was Mister D’s Ono Steaks. I think I’ve seen some other kinds of lunch wagons here before, too. The two words “Ono Steaks” made my tummy rumble. That was it! I drove off the highway and parked next to the wagon.
A few other people were there, ordering both the regular steak plates and teriyaki steak plates. A girl in front of me ordered a bunch of regular steak plates and a loco moco. He started to fry the egg in a small pan (glad they have a grill this time!), and fry the patty on a flat grill. Now I was torn: loco moco or steak plate? It looked like it was turning into a decent loco moco, too.
Well, I’m glad that their menu was simple.
I stuck to the plan and ordered a regular steak plate ($6.50, no tax). Along with the steak plates and loco mocos, they also had “pork tonino”, which I don’t think I’ve ever had. A co-worker tells me that its basically pork bbq with a vinegary-onion sauce. It sounded good.
Soon after ordering I heard a loud searing noise. ~4 minutes later, my plate was ready. That was fast. On the side they have a bunch of condiments and salad dressings for the salad included with the steak.
A very generous serving of medium-rare steak already cut up, tossed green salad, and two scoops of rice. I wasn’t asked how I wanted the steak cooked, so if you want it cooked differently, make sure to let Mister D know.
The steak was nicely seared, mostly tender & juicy, and seasoned well with a lot of pepper, giving it a nice spicy kick. I’m not sure what kind of cut it was (chuck maybe?), but some parts were a little chewy. Still, for $6.50, this was not a bad deal.
I think I might come back if I have the cravings for a freshly cooked steak again, and next time I’ll be sure to investigate their loco moco!
February 7th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
i woulda went with the loco moco for sure….
February 8th, 2006 at 11:43 am
That looks so delicious!!!! Making me hungry. Funny, ever since Times Super Market started their steak day, steak lunch wagons and fund-raising steak shacks been popping up every where and at the same price too. I’m surprised, on the Big Island as well.
February 8th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
James , That’s looks like a winnah. Good price too.BTW, where was he parked? Looks like near Lex Brodies or Blaines.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
James,
Wow! $6.50 for all that, pretty good!! I go to a place near HNL and they don’t give near that much food.
February 9th, 2006 at 9:36 am
James - That’s really great prices! And $3 for a loco, $5.50 for a double loco. Can’t wait for that post.
February 9th, 2006 at 9:39 am
ono brah….! ono!
February 9th, 2006 at 6:20 pm
I found your blog by a whole bunch of cross connections, and THANK YOU! I grew up in Pahoa, and your pictures were the best damned pictures I’ve ever seen in a blog. Man, the quality of your snaps…It made me hungry. (yeah, the haole style language, right? I left Pahoa a long time ago. Thanks again.) (by the way, ever thought of submitting to a food magazine?)
February 10th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Hey! James, glad you enjoyed the Mr. D’s “ONO STEAKS”. Ironically, the person that made your steak is my dad. If you stop by my house right down the street from Mary Ann’s house, you’ll see the big white lunch wagon…..Haha! Actually he started off with a different menu, and this time he wanted to start on a different project. If you ever need some grinds from the lunch wagon, just let me know whenever I’m in Hilo.
February 10th, 2006 at 10:30 am
BIG D, I’m hoping to go back and try their loco really soon (maybe today even!)
lance, cool, i never tried the ones on Oahu. i’ll keep my eyes open next time i fly over!
Dean, yup he was parked near blanes! just a little more down the road.
kyle, yeah it was a lot… i hardly could finish it
Kirk, ahhh i’ll probably post the loco on my next post
how has your loco moco adventures been going?
kelly, oooooonooo grindz dis one!
jodi, thanks for stopping by! i’m glad you found my blog… and thanks for the flattering comments. i love pahoa (especially their restaurants)… i really need to post some from pahoa next time. although i’d love to write for a food magazine, i really don’t think i write well enough… writing is always very hard for me. this blog has really helped me improve, though!
charley!!! man, i had a good feeling this was your dad’s truck… the famous “Mister D’s” gave it away. i remember seeing it in your garage, but it didn’t have steaks at that time. i think his new menu is great. i’ll be trying his loco moco soon! thanks man.
February 10th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
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March 6th, 2006 at 11:19 pm
If you have any trouble finding the truck during the week, you can always find it parked at the Makuu farmers’ market north of Pahoa on Sundays. There is a seating area next to it, and a small stage at the end of the seating area which is often used for live musical performances during market hours.
April 21st, 2006 at 6:13 am
Howard you rock Daddee Ono , cant wait to taste the steak!
June 27th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Thanks for this site!
hifue.info
June 29th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
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November 10th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
I need a lunch wagon…know of any? There’s big development going on/Kauai and I want to get started. Finders fee….call ellie @ 1-808-635-0054
January 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
i had 1 lunch wagon b4 an i gotta tell u dis is 1 of da bess
February 29th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
chunks of steak look absolutely yummy! seeing the very thin lines of gristle it
looks like it might be round steak. can never remember the diff btwn top and bottom. (NO pun intended)