Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar - Hawaii Restaurant

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar

0.0(0 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar, offering the best Bar experience in Waimea. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Colorful Slice of Mexico in Waikoloa

Stepping into Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar feels like entering a vibrant Oaxacan courtyard. The walls are splashed with the whimsical, intricate patterns of their namesake—the alebrije folk art sculptures—creating an environment that is as playful as it is authentic. Positioned right in the heart of Waikoloa Village, this spot has become a local go-to for residents looking to escape the resort corridor’s polished veneer for something with a bit more soul.

The Oaxacan Connection

The kitchen leans heavily into traditional preparation methods. You will notice the rich, earthy scent of toasted chilies and slow-cooked meats the moment you walk through the door. Their mole dishes are the centerpiece here, featuring deep, complex sauces that require days of layering ingredients. Whether you are ordering the classic enchiladas or their signature carnitas, the seasoning is consistently bold. The bar menu complements these heavy, savory profiles with sharp, citrus-forward margaritas, usually served with a generous rim of house-made tajin.

Know Before You Go

The space is lively, bordering on boisterous, especially on weekends when the open floor plan amplifies the chatter of large families and groups. It is the perfect venue for a casual birthday dinner or a post-beach refuel, though the acoustic resonance means you might have to lean in to hear your dining companions. Parking can get a little tight in the shopping center lot during peak evening hours, so arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for an early weeknight visit when the service team can spend more time breaking down the nuances of the daily specials.

Location

68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr, Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96743

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 0 community reviews
W

William StohlerGoogle Maps

Recently

Cold, bland chicken enchiladas. Fish tacos with very little fish. Chips that didn't taste as good as bagged chips. Salsa was decent. The margarita was mostly ice. Overall, some flavors were there, but the food wasn't hot and didn't taste as if it had just been prepared. We won't return.

K

Kinan WhyteGoogle Maps

Recently

Really enjoyed the service and friendly vibe. Really loved our waitress. Digged the atmosphere, great open space. The food was really disappointing—I was almost shocked how low quality it was. It didn’t seem like anything was fresh, maybe as if all ingredients are canned. We just got the nachos so I could be missing something here but I cant help but ping the owner and management in hopes they make some adjustments. Maybe some actual fresh cheese and real home style salsas alone would go a far way but for the future after this food experience i think I’ll explore alternative options.

A

Akori NGoogle Maps

Recently

This is a pretty bad restaurant for Mexican food. The salsas are all extremely sour. That’s a theme here. The rajas tacos were oily and tasteless. But the worst was the apparently award winning plate of cauliflower. That was a random assortment of things thrown in together, with no rhyme or reason. This place is severely lacking if you are vegetarian/vegan. It appears this would be a good option but it is super disappointing.

R

Rena GGoogle Maps

Recently

Drinks are great. But the food is so so. Mexican rice was under done . Crunchy. The flavor was so so. Ceviche needs more flavor. Beans had zero salt in them, they were bitter. Fries were good.

K

Korie ValehoGoogle Maps

Recently

Arrived with a five top for a late lunch, it was pretty mellow and quiet. Food and drinks hit the spot, everything was great. They have a great selection of food and drinks to choose from. I’d suggest this place to anyone who needs a casual lunch that are lower in price point in comparison to the resort prices in the area.

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Krystal BerryGoogle Maps

Recently

I would give them 10 stars if I could. My husband and I popped in on a whim and we can’t wait to come back during our next vacation. We had a fabulous lilikoi margarita with delicious chips and salsa to start with, followed by a vegan cauliflower bowl and pork enchiladas. Every single bite we had was out of this world-so much flavor is imparted into each and every dish. The beans and sauces stood out just as much as everything else. Staff is super friendly as well. We can’t wait to come back!

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Aashutosh VyasGoogle Maps

Recently

Such a unique Mexican restraunt, we spoke to Douglas and he explained the tedious process that goes into every meal/side. while other restaurants use premade mixes Alebrije does everything by hand from scratch. Personally I loved the award winning Baja bowl and cauliflower bowl. the atmosphere of the restaurant was warm welcoming and kind, I loved the open concept and the staff was exceptionally kind.

S

Scott MitchellGoogle Maps

Recently

My wife and I tried here as the menu stated it accommodated gluten free folks. What a Find, we both ordered the 3 taco specials, we both changed our tacos to (hers) chicken, onion, cilantro and cheese only, mine was grilled steak. BEST TACO'S we have EVER eaten, Anywhere in our lives. Yes, we've been to Mexico many times. They said they will make some GF desserts, so we can have those next time too. Can NOT wait to come back here in March with the adult kids. Looked like could use a few more customers, only writing this so they stay in business, not to make a giant wait next time we come. Go Here, they deserve the business, for the phenomenal food they put out. We'd give 10 stars if we could too, like another reviewer said

T

Tiffany RuppGoogle Maps

Recently

Upscale Mexican dining without the ridiculous prices. Handmade chips and house medium salsa. When we came they still only had the soft opening menu. Mainly ceviche and a few things for the keikis. Pollo quesadilla mainly. But they are very good. Our kids ate them up like they were going out of style. Mermaid mule is a delightfully smooth tropical concoction. Mango is fresh and lively. The green aqua Chile is a good spice level for anyone who likes spice.

S

Sharon ColsonGoogle Maps

Recently

I recently dined at Alebrije Hawaii, and I must say, it's the best Mexican food I've tasted outside of Mexico! What impressed me the most was their thoughtful inclusion of vegan options. I opted for the soy chorizo chilaquiles, which were absolutely delicious and paired perfectly with a side of beans. The meal started with fresh corn chips and salsa, both of which were exceptionally flavorful—the chips were delightfully crispy, and the salsa had just the right balance of flavors without being too spicy. My husband tried the enchiladas suizas and declared them the best he's ever had! We were both impressed with the generous portions and how well each plate was prepared. The staff even accommodated our baby by providing sides of beans and avocado. To complement our meal, we enjoyed margaritas made with high-quality tequila and no additives, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to excellence in every aspect. Their extensive knowledge of tequilas was evident, and I'm looking forward to trying a tequila flight on my next visit to sample more of their offerings. Beyond the outstanding food and drinks, the staff's warmth and helpfulness added to our dining experience. It's clear that Alebrije Hawaii is a labor of love, being family-owned by owners hailing from Mexico City. Overall, it was a delightful dining experience that left us eager to return and explore more of their menu. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors in a welcoming atmosphere!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Common questions from diners about Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Waikoloa.

They offer a traditional Mexican dining experience made from scratch in a vibrant atmosphere.

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