Tucked into a tiny Uluniu Avenue storefront a block off Kalakaua, ME BBQ has been Waikiki's go-to for cheap, enormous Korean BBQ plate lunches for nearly thirty years (now under new owners after a 2024 lease shakeup, but holding the line on portion size and flavor). The kalbi short ribs are the signature, charred, garlicky, soy-marinated, and piled on rice with four banchan sides for a plate that's both filling and well under $25. The combo plates pair kalbi with BBQ chicken, chicken katsu, or meat jun, and locals swear by the spicy pork. There's barely a place to sit, so most orders go to the beach or the hotel room. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and a perfect post-surf or late-night protein bomb.
"Best kalbi plate in Waikiki, hands down. Massive portion, perfectly charred, and the price can't be beat. We came back three times in a week."