Budget Bites: Happy hour at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series will show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

I wouldn’t have expected to find a loco moco at a popular steakhouse in Waikīkī. Yet, that’s one of the best deals on the happy hour menu at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Royal Hawaiian Center is known for its U.S.D.A Prime steaks that are dry-aged in the eatery’s own aging box. The restaurant offers its happy hour menu from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at the bar and lounge; first-come, first-served.

Fun fact: The eatery’s happy hour has been around since 2010. It used to be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The eatery’s housemade chips with sour cream are complimentary and a nice way to begin your dining experience. Your server should bring a basket to your table, but if not, just ask about the chips.

The seafood combo ($26) is one of my favorite dishes from the happy hour menu. It comprises six crostini topped with ‘ahi tartare, lobster and crab. Both the lobster and crab are reminiscent of a refreshing crab salad. Each crostini features a generous portion of seafood.

The ‘ahi tartare ($18) and lobster crostinis ($18) can also be ordered on their own.

At $12, this mini loco moco is cheaper than some plate lunches, and it features a good portion. The patty itself is thick and flavorful, and we can’t get enough of that savory mushroom gravy.

Other dishes on the happy hour menu include steak sliders ($24) — a customer favorite — hamburger sliders ($14) and steak tartare ($24). We held off from ordering more to save room for steak.   

The Taste of New York ($83.95) is one of the most popular deals on the happy hour menu. It includes a 12-ounce, bone-in, dry-aged New York sirloin that’s brought sizzling to your table. It’s served with sides of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes, and New York-style cheesecake for dessert.

Nearly $84 sounds steep for a happy hour deal, but the eatery’s New York sirloin steak is about $110 on the a la carte menu — and that’s without any sides or dessert. It’s a nice option for a special occasion if you’re celebrating during the week.

If you order steak, just remember — the steak is still cooking slightly on the sizzling hot plate, so keep that in mind when choosing your desired level of preparation (we often go with medium rare).

Drink discounts on the happy hour include wines by the glass, martinis and cocktails ($8 each) and draft beers ($6 each).

CONTACT
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener
Royal Hawaiian Center
2301 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu
808-922-3600
wolfgangssteakhouse.net
Instagram: @wolfgangswaikiki
Happy hour is 3-6:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.