Makana: Authentic Hawaiian Cuisine in NYC

Makana Introduce

If you're looking to escape the ordinary and find a culinary gem with a distinct flavor profile, look no further than Makana. Tucked away in New York City, Makana isn't your typical American restaurant. It's a vibrant eatery that brings the authentic, laid-back vibe and incredible tastes of Hawaiian cuisine to the heart of Manhattan. With a menu rich in island classics and a friendly atmosphere, Makana has become a go-to spot for locals craving something different.

This neighborhood favorite stands out by blending traditional American restaurant concepts with the unique culinary traditions of Hawaii. This fusion creates a menu that is both familiar and exciting, offering everything from classic poke bowls to hearty plates like Loco Moco and Kalua Pig. Whether you're a longtime fan of Hawaiian food or just curious to try something new, Makana promises a memorable dining experience that transports you thousands of miles away without ever leaving the city.

Makana is conveniently located at 1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA. Situated just a block from the City College campus, its location makes it a popular and accessible spot for students and residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation, with several bus routes and subway lines serving the area. This prime Upper Manhattan spot ensures that whether you're coming from class, work, or just exploring the city, Makana is a simple and quick destination. The welcoming storefront on Amsterdam Avenue makes it easy to spot and find, inviting you in for a taste of island life.

Makana offers several convenient services to make your dining experience as smooth as possible. These services are designed to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers while still providing high-quality, delicious food.

Delivery: Can’t make it to the restaurant? Makana offers delivery service, bringing their delectable Hawaiian-inspired dishes right to your doorstep. This is perfect for a cozy night in or a busy workday lunch.
Takeout: If you're on the move, their takeout service is a great option. You can place your order and pick it up to enjoy wherever you'd like, whether it's at a nearby park or back at the office.
Payment Options: For your convenience, Makana accepts debit cards, making transactions quick and easy.

The menu at Makana is a true highlight, featuring a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Hawaiian cuisine. From appetizers to full meals, there's something to satisfy every craving. The restaurant's focus on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes truly shines through in every bite.

Starters: Get your meal started with crowd-pleasers like Spam Musubi ($5.95) or savory Vegetable Gyoza Dumplings (6 for $6.95).
Tacos: For a lighter, flavorful option, try the 2 Fried Fish Tacos ($7.95) or the 2 BBQ Huli Chicken Tacos ($7.95).
Makana Classics: These signature dishes are a must-try. The Loco Moco ($13.95) is a hearty classic, while the Kalua Pig ($12.95) offers a taste of traditional Hawaiian barbecue. You can customize your base with options like White Rice, Garlic Rice, Mixed Greens, or Brown Rice.
Poke Bowls: A favorite among many, the Poke Bowls are fresh and satisfying. Choose from the Ahi Tuna Bowl ($12.95) or the Salmon Bowl ($12.95), and select your base from White Rice, Garlic Rice, Mixed Greens, or Brown Rice.
Lunch Bowls: Available from 11 am to 3 pm, these affordable specials are perfect for a midday meal. Options include the BBQ Huli Chicken ($8.95) and the Kalua Pig ($9.95), with your choice of base.

You can contact Makana at the following details:

Address: 1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
Phone: (212) 368-5033

Makana stands out as a unique and compelling choice for dining in New York City. The restaurant's appeal lies in its distinctive vibe and the authentic flavors it brings to a bustling urban environment. For many, it's a go-to spot not just for a meal, but for an experience.

One of the key reasons to choose Makana is its fresh, great-tasting food. Many patrons praise the quality and flavor of the dishes, from the perfectly cooked Loco Moco to the flavorful poke bowls. The affordable lunch specials, in particular, are a major draw, offering a delicious and filling meal at a price that won’t break the bank. Located just a block from City College, the restaurant has cultivated a "hip environment" that is especially popular with students and young professionals. The nice atmosphere and friendly service contribute to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, making it a great place to catch up with friends or grab a quick bite.

While some may find certain menu items, such as the Plantation Iced Tea, to be a bit on the pricier side for the quality, the overall consensus is that the food is a hit. The dedication to Hawaiian classics like Loco Moco and Kalua Pig, alongside lighter fare like poke bowls, ensures there's something for every palate. Ultimately, Makana offers a slice of Hawaiian paradise in New York City, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful dining adventure. The combination of its convenient location, excellent food, and inviting atmosphere makes it a reliable and beloved choice for locals and visitors alike.

Makana Vibe

Starters
2 Spam Musubi $5.95
Teriyaki glazed pan seared spam on top of sushi rice, wrapped in seaweed
Vegetable Gyoza Dumplings (6) $6.95
Pan seared Japanese dumplings served w. our homemade sauce

Tacos
2 Fried Fish Tacos $7.95
Panko crusted white fish, Asian slaw, maui onion, wasabi aji sauce
2 BBQ Huli Chicken Tacos $7.95
Island style BBQ chicken, Asian slaw, toasted sesame seeds, spicy mayo

Makana Classics
Choose a base: White Rice, Garlic Rice + $1, Mixed Greens + $1, Brown Rice + $1
Loco Moco $13.95
2 Pat La Frieda beef patties topped w/fried eggs, caramelized onions, covered in a mushroom brown gravy topped w/crispy garlic. A Big Island original. Comes with Haw'n style macaroni salad
Kalua Pig $12.95
Hawaiian traditional smoked flavored pork wrapped in banana leaves and slow oven roasted. Includes Macaroni salad and Roast Corn. Another Hawaiian favorite!

Poke Bowls
Choose a base: White Rice, Garlic Rice + $1, Mixed Greens + $1, Brown Rice + $1
Ahi Tuna Bowl $12.95
Premium sushi grade tuna marinated with seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, shoyu, sesame oil and onion. Premium grade sushi rice. Comes with seaweed salad, edamame and crab salad
Salmon Bowl $12.95
Premium sushi grade salmon marinated with seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, shoyu, sesame oil and onion. Premium grade sushi rice. Comes with seaweed salad, edamame and crab salad

Lunch Bowls
11-3 pm. Choose a base: White Rice, Garlic Rice + $1, Mixed Greens + $1, Brown Rice + $1
BBQ Huli Chicken $8.95
Hawaiian's favorite island style BBQ chicken grilled to perfection. Includes white rice and roast corn
Kalua Pig $9.95
Hawaiian traditional smoked flavored pork wrapped in banana leaves and slow oven roasted. Includes white rice and roast corn

Makana Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout

Payments
Debit cards
Credit cards

Makana Photos

Makana Location

Makana

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA

Makana Reviews

An average rating of ★3.8 from 63 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This place used to be really good but it has gone down both in quality and service. The cashier did not put the student discount in my bill didn't tell me about it. When confronted he said I don't know how to do it.The food however was burnt greasy and raw all at the same time. I ordered the vegetable and rice and it came with a ton of rice and two leafs of kale.There was literally half a teaspoon of gravy in the corner.Raw beef patties aside, it actually is not that easy to burn a fried egg.
December 03 · pejman ghaemi mohammadi
A block from City College, it is a hip environment to catch some food. With a nice atmosphere, great food, and an affordable lunch special Makana is one of my go-to's. The only negative is I feel like some items on the menu are a little bit pricey for the quality. For example, the Plantation Iced Tea is $4, which is a stretch for me.
March 01 · Khristian Adesina
This place is not it! Second time trying a lunch bowl from this location. How can the food be so awful ? I ordered the bbq pork lunch with garlic rice. The rice was drowned in sauce. Couldn’t really enjoy the garlic flavor. The chunks of pork were so meh. The Mac salad was disappointing.
October 13 · Brigitte
I ordered the Chicken Katsu and Plantation Iced Tea! (Before I added the sriracha sauce the katsu was lined beautifully♡) My meal was amazing and so are the staff! The store inside is small, clean, and cozy and a good place to eat by yourself!
July 05 · Jasmine Mejia
Not sure what’s going on here but the food quality has been slowly going down but still tasty. Been ordering here once every few weeks for the last 2 years. Todays food was BAD. I hate doing 1 star reviews but this is warranted (at least for today). The aloha wings sauce and skin was tasty but the meat itself tasted like the meat had been frozen or cooked, frozen and refried. It was tough and dry. We thought ‘okay well maybe it’s because they want to use up their chicken inventory and some of the chicken is older’ which is understandable (there was a special). We got our usual order of the 2 short ribs. All the ribs were overcooked, dark and we’re frankly inedible. A whole 40$ meal not edible except for the macaroni salad. We really love(d) this place but if Makana keeps making food like this they’ll certainly keep losing business sadly.
July 04 · A M