Established in downtown Port Allen, the nation’s westernmost brewery features 10 handcrafted beers, six pinball machines, five large high-definition televisions and 80 seats.
Kauai Island Brewery &Grill features an industrial theme to go along with its surroundings and purpose of crafting quality beers. Its 35-foot-high corrugated metal ceilings and walls give the brewery an open and spacious feel. The chandelier lights, catwalk leading to the second-story mezzanine, and sunset views over Hanapepe Bay give the popular pub a casual, fun atmosphere.
The brewing company showcases a copper-clad brewhouse featuring more than 10 handcrafted house beers on tap with several rotating guest microbrews. Refreshing beers on tap feature catchy names like Westside Wheat, Leilani Light, Lilikoi Ale, Wai’ale’ale Golden Ale, Na Pali Pale Ale, Cane Fire Red, Paniolo Brown Ale and Pakala Porter. Its full bar also serves wine, mixed drinks and cocktails.
The company recently installed a new brew system, said Brewmaster Dave Curry.
“We were brewing on a five-barrel, or 155-gallon system. Now we putting in a 10-barrel system, doubling the size of it. We’re putting in the tanks right now as we speak,” he said.
The friendly staff is welcoming, and service is fast despite a busy happy hour from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Their tasty grill menu features a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers, as well as a variety of fresh fish dishes and “ono” entrees ranging in price from about $13 to $18.
Nachos, wings and ahi poke make great starters before trying main entrees like Kauai Beef and Falafel Veggieburgers or Kalua Pork and Blackened Fish sandwiches. The restaurant also features keiki menus with crayons for coloring.
Perhaps the most unique draw of the Kauai Island Brewery &Grill is the upstairs game room featuring classic pinball machines (rotating between Star Trek, Wizard of Oz, Indiana Jones, The Addams Family, X-Men, Creature From the Black Lagoon, and Monopoly) and two retro gaming consoles loaded with Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Asteroids and other classic favorites.
Kauai Island Brewing Company has its origins in Waimea Brewing Company, which was located on the historic Waimea Plantations. Owners Bret and Janice Larson, along with their brewmaster Dave Curry and his wife Christina, created Kauai Island Brewing Company and moved to their spacious location at Port Allen Marine Center in 2012.
The Kauai Island Brewery &Grill is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 4350 Waialo Road in Eleele.
I’m surprised you don’t see a long line of alcoholics standing outside to get in there to get their fill. What I gather from all those boot leg U-tube moon shiners is that using copper based stills gives the spirits a more nature robust flavor, preserving its unique flavor within the liquor.
So if one uses lilikoi mash in frementation, its flavor will be noticed in the end product verses using stainless steel containers that often filters out its unique flavor.
Dave went to the police and said he might have been the one who hit the kid. Police arrested him for leaving the scene. Case under investigation.