Polli’s Mexican Restaurant

Sometimes the iconic sign “Come on in and eat or we’ll both starve!” is a sign a restaurant has a good sense of humor — other times, that it truly wants you to eat there for charity’s sake. We aren’t sure which applies to Polli’s. We haven’t seen much of a sense of humor on display here, but it seems busy enough that they don’t need to beg.

The fare is sloppy, cheesy, average Mexican food at generally reasonable prices, and more so when you take advantage of the daily specials. Served with a mix of flour and corn tortilla chips, the salsa is very good, the guacamole, as well — but why do you have to pay for your chip basket? We are surprised at how much we like the tender pork with chili verde. The burritos are generous and the cheese sauce is not too overpowering. The bar at this tiny, cowboy-country sit-down restaurant is packed with locals who watch the surf flicks on the TV. The margarita is nothing to write home about, but if you must have one and can’t drive down to Milagros, Polli’s will just have to do.

Address: 1202 Makawao Ave., Makawao, Upcountry

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Parking: Street, Lot
Phone: 808-572-7808