One thing that can be said about Kauai is that there is no shortage of tasty food. Because you do not need to a passport to travel from the mainland (as a US citizen), it’s easy to slip in to the touristy Hawaiian grind of going to nice, over priced, and mediocre restaurants because they have an ocean view or the “best mai tai on the island”. However, if you are feeling up for a DELICIOUS authentic plate lunch –or even just the best deal you’ll find on all of Kauai –Mark’s Place is the place for you!
I believe that, because of their proximity, it would be a great idea to incorporate a visit to Mark’s place with a visit to the near bye Koloa Rum Company. This is convenient because you can soak up some of that rum with the immense portions served at Mark’s Place (the rum is delicious also!). We did this and were able to eat off our buzz while enjoying a view of the mountains that protect Poipu.
First of all –make this one of the first meals on your trip. You are going to want to go back and because they are only open Mon-Fri you will need to plan accordingly. So what to eat? I definitely suggest the first time trying the Mark’s Famous Mixed Plate. It’s $8.95 and I swear to God it weighs three pounds. You get macaroni salad, katsu chicken, beef teriyaki, cole slaw, and the BEST beef stew I have ever had in my life. 
You should try this “sampler” first because everything is delicious but you will probably have a favorite out of the different options and now you will know what to order next time. Some things that aren’t in the combo plate that you should also give a try are the Loco Moco (traditional Hawaiian plate breakfast dish) and the spam musubi (I think musubi in general is creepy but it’s traditional!).
We also saw quite a few people grabbing Bento Boxes to go which looked delicious. AND if there are enough of you eating together (i.e. four appetites worth or more) I would definitely recommend checking out their awesome take out “Pau Hana” dinner specials (“pau hana” is Hawaiian for “after work”). They usually run around $40; a sample of a Pau Hana dinner is: Roast top sirloin of beef with au jus and horseradish cream, oven roasted potatoes, tossed greens and blueberry bread pudding for $39.75! Dinner for the two of us on Kauai averaged $60 so under $40 for four people is a steal.
Mark’s Place is a locals place. The employees are hard working and friendly so make sure to be polite and tip the heck out of them. They are open Monday through Friday 10am-8pm; they are in an industrial park but let’s be real –you’re not there for the view you are there for the food! They also cater events. I wish I could have had a Mark’s Famous Mixed Plate on our wedding day (we were in Kauai for our honeymoon).
1610 Haleukana St # A Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 245-2522
Mark’s Place Website
