Down the Hatch Maui on Postcard

"As Naiwi Teruya watched flames engulf his Lāhainā apartment on the evening of August 8, his first thought was, 'I need to get to my kids,' says the 35-year-old executive chef of Down the Hatch, a casual seafood joint that once stood on Lāhainā’s iconic Front Street."

Maui Wildfires Leave Restaurant Workers Devastated—And Grappling With Tourism | Condé Nast Traveler

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@bonappetit

"Executive chef of Down the Hatch, a casual seafood joint that once stood on Lāhainā’s iconic Front Street." - ByAli Francis

Maui Wildfires Leave Restaurant Workers Devastated—And Grappling With Tourism | Bon Appétit

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@afar

"Founded in 2015 by three childhood friends from Georgia, Down the Hatch brings a Southern twist to the aloha spirit. The classic watering hole serves shrimp po’boys, chicken and waffles, and Mexican-inspired fare like seared ahi tacos, but the real draw is the cocktails, which range from tiki favorites and Moscow Mules to craft libations like the Snake Oil with gin, dragon fruit, lilikoi kombucha, and CBD oil. Featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives , Down the Hatch also boasts the longest happy hour in Maui. It takes place daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features specials on appetizers, draft beers, and select cocktails."

The Best Bars in Maui

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@cntraveler

"Despite its unassuming spot on the basement level of The Wharf Shopping Center, Down the Hatch—which was famously featured in Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives —is one of the hottest places to eat and drink on the island. The vibe here is always popping, but especially during happy hour (3 to 7 p.m.), when you'll find bartenders slinging brews, Mai Tais, and tasty-looking fried things to a happy, lively crowd as some epic live ukulele wafts in the background. Don't leave without trying the Lava Lava Shrimp—crispy fried shrimp tossed in an addictively spicy aioli and served in a metal martini glass" - Kris Fordham

14 Best Bars in Maui: Our Favorite Spots for Drinking Any Time of Day | Condé Nast Traveler

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Faith Baby

Google

Seriously not worth the hype & wait!! This restaurant came well recommended in many social media platforms and reviews and SO….we went & were very excited but was very disappointed. Restaurant is mostly open air & most shaded areas were full that day. Despite telling my host that we would like a more shaded seating area away from the sun, he left us at a seat sun tanning under the sun when there were still some sheltered seats inside the building. We had to move ourselves to find a better shaded seat. We tried the Lobster & Crab Stuffed Grilled Cheese that everybody was raving about & I don’t understand why it has such good reviews. The bread was good, creamy sauce was okay but where is the lobster & crab? I can barely see or taste it! Fish & Chips was fresh but the batter was so poorly made, they were thick and soft. Chips were okay but we were not there for the chips. Lastly, we had the Crispy Coconut Shrimp which was nothing to shout about. Shrimp was fresh but small & it doesn't have the fragrant coconut crispy batter that I have tasted in other places & it was over-powered by the sweet Thai chili & mango salsa. Overall, Down the Hatch didn’t deliver & I will gladly bring my money elsewhere with better service & food anytime. Don't waste your time!

Anastasia Bekris

Google

Amazing food in a chill, casual atmosphere. Come at Happy Hour and dinner for live music. Order at the counter and the wait staff will bring your food to you. The sign on the stairs to enter the restaurant lets you know how long the wait will be for a table. All dishes have fun presentation- This is a great spot to hit for happy hour! The POG Foam Mai Tai, Lava Lava Shrimp, and the Lobster & Crab Mac & Cheese were the best! Parking note: Park on the street for free if you can, or in a side parking lot (for a fee)

tony villa

Google

Arrived at 10:20am. Before the lunch menu switch and I didn’t want to wait so we ordered breakfast. You have to order at the counter and then find a table. We all found suitable items. The women ordered a mimosa flight and enjoyed it to the end. The food came out quick and hot. Everyone finished their plate no problem. Happy hour here starts from 2-5 with entertainment. Definitely work the visit.

Jauqulyn Sonnier

Google

Our group had lunch at Down the Hatch - Maui one afternoon after doing a submarine tour in the area. We saw an order of the Lobster & Crab Stuffed Grilled Cheese going to anther table and knew we had to try it.. and we're so glad we did! It was so very tasty! We also ordered the shrimp tacos, calamari, loaded fries and bacon brussel sprouts.. everything was delicious! Even though it was a hot afternoon, we found a table in the shade overlooking the koi fish pond.. and had the best time!

Brandon Evans

Google

Times Visited: 1 I came for the fish tacos and they did not disappoint! Crispy, with some really excellent 'melt in your mouth' fish, topped with a bunch of awesome ingredients made for really delightful fish tacos. Probably the best I've ever had! Though there is a part of me that thinks the ingredient ratio is a bit off... Tacos kept leaking ingredients when I would take a bite. But overall, excellent. I am mildly disappointed with the chips and salsa... Chips aren't much to write home about, they're quite hard and while they might be made fresh, they definitely weren't hot when they came to me so that magic is kind of lost. The salsa is also not much to write home about, and desperately needs a change to make the flavor a bit more BOLD. It's such a weak flavor it's hard to notice what it's even made of. But I'm glad it's included with the meal, and would rather have free weak chips and salsa rather than no free side. The Coconut Crystal Shrimp appetizer though? Heavenly PERFECTION. They could not have made a more perfect dish. Sweet, sour, fresh, fruity, tangy, crunchy... Excellent. No notes on that! The staff were helpful, and I liked how hands off the experience was, just ordering from the front (and thank goodness, you can get your own unlimited soda refills), and while the atmosphere was maybe a notch or two too loud, I like how it was a local musician and I'm overall happy with the experience.

Stephanie Schmidt

Google

Visited for happy hour for the first time. You place your order at the counter and then find your own table. If you'd like more drinks you order from the bar. Most of the tables were dirty as they had not been wiped off between customers. We had to ask the server to wipe down our table but it was still sticky. Despite lacking a bit in service and cleanliness, we were very impressed with the dishes we ordered! We ordered the coconut shrimp which was served with a fresh mango salsa, the lava lava shrimp, and the lobster and crab grilled cheese. They were all delicious and would order all again!

Rakesh Garg

Google

I went there fully expecting a tourist trap. NOT! Phenomenal food, very friendly servers, helpful order taker, great vibes, pleasant live music, prompt service. Prices were right and did I say the food was awesome! A “must do” in Maui. Lava lava shrimp with rice and veggies is fantastic! Tacos were fresh and delicious and so was the sampler. I would encourage them to umph-up their drinks though. Cocktails were weak and left a lot to be desired. Stick to beer and standard stuff and your experience will be perfect!

Rachel Quist

Google

We came here on our first night after finding out almost everything is closed after 10pm! This is a great place to eat the kitchen is open late and they also have great drinks. There was a DJ and a small dance floor. Great inside/outside feel. We got the quesadilla and the pull-boy sandwich and they were both delicious.

Faith Baby

Google

Seriously not worth the hype & wait!! This restaurant came well recommended in many social media platforms and reviews and SO….we went & were very excited but was very disappointed. Restaurant is mostly open air & most shaded areas were full that day. Despite telling my host that we would like a more shaded seating area away from the sun, he left us at a seat sun tanning under the sun when there were still some sheltered seats inside the building. We had to move ourselves to find a better shaded seat. We tried the Lobster & Crab Stuffed Grilled Cheese that everybody was raving about & I don’t understand why it has such good reviews. The bread was good, creamy sauce was okay but where is the lobster & crab? I can barely see or taste it! Fish & Chips was fresh but the batter was so poorly made, they were thick and soft. Chips were okay but we were not there for the chips. Lastly, we had the Crispy Coconut Shrimp which was nothing to shout about. Shrimp was fresh but small & it doesn't have the fragrant coconut crispy batter that I have tasted in other places & it was over-powered by the sweet Thai chili & mango salsa. Overall, Down the Hatch didn’t deliver & I will gladly bring my money elsewhere with better service & food anytime. Don't waste your time!

Anastasia Bekris

Google

Amazing food in a chill, casual atmosphere. Come at Happy Hour and dinner for live music. Order at the counter and the wait staff will bring your food to you. The sign on the stairs to enter the restaurant lets you know how long the wait will be for a table. All dishes have fun presentation- This is a great spot to hit for happy hour! The POG Foam Mai Tai, Lava Lava Shrimp, and the Lobster & Crab Mac & Cheese were the best! Parking note: Park on the street for free if you can, or in a side parking lot (for a fee)

tony villa

Google

Arrived at 10:20am. Before the lunch menu switch and I didn’t want to wait so we ordered breakfast. You have to order at the counter and then find a table. We all found suitable items. The women ordered a mimosa flight and enjoyed it to the end. The food came out quick and hot. Everyone finished their plate no problem. Happy hour here starts from 2-5 with entertainment. Definitely work the visit.

Jauqulyn Sonnier

Google

Our group had lunch at Down the Hatch - Maui one afternoon after doing a submarine tour in the area. We saw an order of the Lobster & Crab Stuffed Grilled Cheese going to anther table and knew we had to try it.. and we're so glad we did! It was so very tasty! We also ordered the shrimp tacos, calamari, loaded fries and bacon brussel sprouts.. everything was delicious! Even though it was a hot afternoon, we found a table in the shade overlooking the koi fish pond.. and had the best time!

Brandon Evans

Google

Times Visited: 1 I came for the fish tacos and they did not disappoint! Crispy, with some really excellent 'melt in your mouth' fish, topped with a bunch of awesome ingredients made for really delightful fish tacos. Probably the best I've ever had! Though there is a part of me that thinks the ingredient ratio is a bit off... Tacos kept leaking ingredients when I would take a bite. But overall, excellent. I am mildly disappointed with the chips and salsa... Chips aren't much to write home about, they're quite hard and while they might be made fresh, they definitely weren't hot when they came to me so that magic is kind of lost. The salsa is also not much to write home about, and desperately needs a change to make the flavor a bit more BOLD. It's such a weak flavor it's hard to notice what it's even made of. But I'm glad it's included with the meal, and would rather have free weak chips and salsa rather than no free side. The Coconut Crystal Shrimp appetizer though? Heavenly PERFECTION. They could not have made a more perfect dish. Sweet, sour, fresh, fruity, tangy, crunchy... Excellent. No notes on that! The staff were helpful, and I liked how hands off the experience was, just ordering from the front (and thank goodness, you can get your own unlimited soda refills), and while the atmosphere was maybe a notch or two too loud, I like how it was a local musician and I'm overall happy with the experience.

Stephanie Schmidt

Google

Visited for happy hour for the first time. You place your order at the counter and then find your own table. If you'd like more drinks you order from the bar. Most of the tables were dirty as they had not been wiped off between customers. We had to ask the server to wipe down our table but it was still sticky. Despite lacking a bit in service and cleanliness, we were very impressed with the dishes we ordered! We ordered the coconut shrimp which was served with a fresh mango salsa, the lava lava shrimp, and the lobster and crab grilled cheese. They were all delicious and would order all again!

Rakesh Garg

Google

I went there fully expecting a tourist trap. NOT! Phenomenal food, very friendly servers, helpful order taker, great vibes, pleasant live music, prompt service. Prices were right and did I say the food was awesome! A “must do” in Maui. Lava lava shrimp with rice and veggies is fantastic! Tacos were fresh and delicious and so was the sampler. I would encourage them to umph-up their drinks though. Cocktails were weak and left a lot to be desired. Stick to beer and standard stuff and your experience will be perfect!

Rachel Quist

Google

We came here on our first night after finding out almost everything is closed after 10pm! This is a great place to eat the kitchen is open late and they also have great drinks. There was a DJ and a small dance floor. Great inside/outside feel. We got the quesadilla and the pull-boy sandwich and they were both delicious.

Down the Hatch Maui

Down the Hatch Maui

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