There was a line by the time we came for dinner. However once inside the restaurant we saw that it wasn’t full. We eventually figured out that they were short staffed with one auntie running the floor from order taker, server, bus person to cashier all on one. She had a tough job and for the most part delivered though we did need to send one dish back because it was no longer warm. This place specialized in many different varieties of saimin (12) and Hawaiian diner food (loco moco, oxtail soup) in a typical setting. I got the Tanaka saimin and it came in a big bowl full of egg noodles, wontons, seaweed, char siu, fish cake and Chinese broccoli. The veritable kitchen sink of saimin. The broth was rich and warming. The meal included fried fish (though my cousin got shrimp tempura), Mac salad and beef teriyaki strips. I liked all three. My other relatives got spaghetti and chicken katsu which were large plates and more than each could eat in one seating. Hopefully the staffing shortage will be resolved soon.
This was our 1st time to Tanaka's and now is one of our favorite restraunts. Our meals were amazing and the best fried ice cream ever! AND, the service was great!! We're gonna try the banana cream pie next time :)
I forgot to mention in my previous post that the service is excellent, fast, and most personable where front staff all get to know you and time permitting, will stop by to say hello. If you're yearning for that old time hospitality experience, look no further. And as a past restaurant manager, I am aware of the kitchen staff is normally very quick to prepare your orders. Prices have remained affordable and most selections even less than other local style family dining restaurants. Cleanliness is apparent from entry to restrooms.Two words of most positive caution:1. The entrees are huge, so be prepared to take home leftovers.2. Due to dark film sun protection windows, from the outside, you have no idea how busy they are until you walk in and see the crowd waiting (prime time breakfast and lunch hours) in a huge waiting area. But the wait time is usually minimal (with a full restaurant and 6 parties ahead of us, we were seated in 12 minutes) other times usually less than that.For fear of omitting someone, I believe the entire staff is great, most friendly, and special.But there is one person that tops the list and must be recognized for her excellent accommodation and personable care for everyone that enters. Regular patrons between 6am - 3 pm will immediately know whom I'm speaking of: Yes, hostess, Carol. But she's much more than that. Customer Service(s) & Hospitality Coordinator fits the bill here. She is so amazing, fast, aware of the entire operation, and makes time to chat with return guests, as well as those waiting for tables. You can't miss her, or I should say: She can't miss you!
I've been here before and the food was always great! Our food came fast and hot. I had the chop steak and veggies and every bite was so good! My bf had the chicken katsu he said the chicken was tender, juicy and came with katsu sauce. We tried fried ice cream and that was delicious as well. We got here around 10:30am on a Wednesday and it was good timing because the lunch people started to roll in and tables started to fill.
The food was good.I ordered the Chicken Katsu and gave it a 4 / 5 Stars just because the chicken didn't have much taste. The crispness was there but the chicken was a bit oily too.Also the waitress forgot about our party but that was ok because we got to sit in a bigger table.
I really wasn’t expecting much when I stopped by. All I was hoping for was to get a quick bite and a coffee. Turned out Amazing! Great quality food and excellent service. I will definitely be back.
My dad always mentioned this place while we were here for the past 3 weeks. We finally had enough of Zippys and went there for dinner at Tanaka Saimin. It wasn't busy like around 5:30pm. The greeting was awesome and the service was great. Especially the food, it was phenomenal! My dad had the stew butterfish w/rice and I had the Saimin special w/tempura, potato salad, and teriyaki beef(small portions) Apologize I totally forgot to take pictures. I ate it straight away ? and forgot the camera. Oh well, def a place to go. Mahalo and enjoy!
This is the best place to eat. They make ono grinds. You must try for yourself.
Definitely a good place to go for a dinner in town. I like the food and although the price is a little above average, it is somewhat worth it. I just can't give 5 because sometimes the dishes are a little bit soapy and their A/C is pretty much non-existent. Still Decent overall!
My favorite place to eat Saimin, none other than Tanaka Saimin.