Donnie's Barbecue Smokehouse Soul Food Express

Jerk chicken wasn't marinated or seasoned jerk chicken. It was however a very small portion over a large bed of rice. Disappointing and overpriced. Stay clear.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The worst customer service I’ve ever seen. I paid $50 for a single plate, waited 40+ minutes for my food while all the employees stood around doing nothing.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I had the chicken gizzards..oh man are they delicious!!! I will be back again believe that!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is by far the best soulfood restaurant I've had on this island. The food is just about addicting and reminds me of back home. You take one bite, and before you know it, you eaten your whole plate. The owner and the worker are extremely sweet, patient, and friendly. They make you feel welcomed from the moment you enter until you leave. ***Side note that if you get a sweet tea in a Mason Jar and follow them on Instagram, you'll see they have deals on the jars.

Kid-friendliness: The workers there give little toys for the children to play with or distract them so parents can eat.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Donnie and his Daughter are awesome we loved talking to them. The Gumbo is his specialty.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Firstly, I was hesitated to come because I seen a few negitive reviews. Didn't sound like somewhere I would like. I don't write reviews ever on this account but I NEEDED TO

But I will be honest this was some of the best soul food I've had in a long time.

Greens spicy and on point with that turkey meat.

Mac and cheese was good.

Catfish was good not muddy tasting. My son enjoyed it had fun watching a kid's movie. They realized he was bored because his tablet died so they put on a movie for him. WHAT PLACE DOES THAT.
The staff is super friendly. It gives you momma and grandmama cooking vibes and familt that ive desperately needed.

I will be back for the shrimp and grits (they gave me a sample).

Kid-friendliness: If your the only one in house they will be willing to change the TV for you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

The flavor (or lack thereof), and wait time was absurd.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

I really….REALLY wanted to like this place. The staff was super nice but the food was terrible. Spent like $50 and didn’t eat $5 of it. Maybe they had an off day but I won’t be back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

The chicken and Waffles were the Bomb!! The fries and Red beans and rice were very tasty
And some of the best French fries I’ve had

Got the tips plate and the meat was tough. Seems like it should have been cooked longer. Disappointed for the price.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

When a saw a decent rated bbq joint in Hawaii I got exited until I tried it. I spent around a $100 and got rice, Mac n cheese, rib tips, a brisket sandwich, jerk chicken, and fried okra. Keep in mind I ordered when they opened so all the food should of been fresh. The Mac n cheese just tasted like plain macaroni, the rib tips were 70% cartilage and had the texture of rubber tire, the brisket was covered in a overly sweet bbq sauce and the meat itself had no flavor, the jerk chickens only seasoning was char, and the okra was half burnt and unseasoned. On everything that I love, this was the worst bbq I've ever eaten.

Food: 1

Service: 1

1st off let me say I usually don't give reviews and if I do their bad but this place I've been to many times & they deserve a good review....They have great food I've tried almost everything and i plan on trying everything and they welcome you into their restaurant like family
I am very appreciative that we have a soul food restaurant in waipahu that serves not only good food but good company as well...So if your looking for a good family type good food restaurant then I suggest
Donnie's BBQ Smokehouse in waipahu.....

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got the shrimp and grits ? will definitely be a regular spot for me. And I had a great conversation with owner's daughter, super friendly!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The brisket in the sandwich was so tough I couldn’t chew it let alone swallow any of it! Beef tips also so tough! I’m pretty sure it was reheated in the microwave. The meat was all dried out and tough! Disappointed. The sides, don’t get me started. No taste. Beans were so-so. I make better cornbread at home out of a package. It all went into the trash. $50 down the drain. Save your money folks.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Rib Tips Plate, Brisket Sandwich

I was pretty disappointed with the food especially for the price and wait time. My mom and I decided to try the rib tips and brisket sandwich which DID NOT taste like it was fresh off the grill or stove. The meat was tough and hard- tasted like it was frozen & heated up in the microwave. $46 and 45 minutes later and I’m going to McDonald’s

Food: 1