The Diaz family grew up cooking and eating Santa Maria Style BBQ for over three generations and respectfully brought the Santa Maria valley tradition to the Hawaiian Islands. Art Sr, Joanne, Michelle, Jared, Art Jr, and Karleigh Diaz began locating to Kauai in the mid 90's. Some married and had children on the enchanting island of Kauai.
Our family started small, attending farmers markets and various festivals as a source of income due to the recession. We started off with two small BBQ grill's naming our first venture in the business "Recessions Santa Maria Style BBQ". Our main goal, to give hardy portions at a reasonable price. Soon after we began offering catering services, which prompted the need for a large and mobile BBQ pit.
Our family started small, attending farmers markets and various festivals as a source of income due to the recession. We started off with two small BBQ grill's naming our first venture in the business "Recessions Santa Maria Style BBQ". Our main goal, to give hardy portions at a reasonable price. Soon after we began offering catering services, which prompted the need for a large and mobile BBQ pit.
Reviews (20)
Wayne Emigh
Feb 02, 2022
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Kevin Hoover
Feb 01, 2022
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Came here on a Friday evening to listen to music ($20 cover charge per person & BYOB). I hadn’t brought enough cash or a credit card, but I was able to pay using my iPhone (thank goodness for technology). We were seated at a table just past the entrance to the outdoor seating area where a group of local musicians were already playing. I did dash out to the ABC Store just around the corner and bought a bottle of Prosecco. The hostess was able to give us a couple of plastic glasses for our bubbly. Most of the crowd were locals and several children were in the audience. Music was pretty good and
Sean Gordon
Dec 31, 2021
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I've dined at Paniolo several times over the past few years and they have always served healthy, delicious, high quality food every time. The Tri-tip plate is what I usually order and it is always excellent! The owners and staff are friendly and welcoming, and the live music is always tons of fun! If you're on the island and looking for good food and a fun atmosphere Paniolo has it!
Sedona L.
Dec 26, 2021
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Sunni Singh
Dec 22, 2021
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Sue F.
Oct 30, 2021
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First things first. Paniola Santa Maria is not to be confused with Paniolos - they are two different establishments. We enjoyed our visit Tuesday nightso much that we are going back tonight. In fact, our food was some of the best we have eaten in our 10 days here on Kauai.
I had the tri-tip steak sandwich. Oh so tender beef on a locally baked French roll. It is served with cheese and salsa. I didn't get the salsa and yet it was still flavorful. (The salsa looked and smelled delicious, I unfortunately can't eat salsa. I know, bummer, right?!) It is typically served with chips but you
I had the tri-tip steak sandwich. Oh so tender beef on a locally baked French roll. It is served with cheese and salsa. I didn't get the salsa and yet it was still flavorful. (The salsa looked and smelled delicious, I unfortunately can't eat salsa. I know, bummer, right?!) It is typically served with chips but you
Dave S.
Sep 03, 2021
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The vibe is incredible! Live music from a really tight band to boot. My wife and I shared the tri-tip and pork combo plate. Moist, juicy and full of flavor. Really tender stuff. They really know bbq!
Hard working family own the place. Could not have been nicer to us.
Real diamond in the rough! They've been at it for 5 years, and I'm convinced they are on the verge of hitting it big.
Hard working family own the place. Could not have been nicer to us.
Real diamond in the rough! They've been at it for 5 years, and I'm convinced they are on the verge of hitting it big.
Jim W.
Jul 31, 2021
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Great bbq! This is a traditional true to form Santa Maria style bbq. Tri tip plate is the go to but their burgers are thick and delicious. You'll need lots of napkins. Centered around live music, they don't serve alcohol but will direct you next door the ABC store to bring your own. Bring a small cooler if you plan to stay for the music.
Loya Anne B.
Jul 21, 2021
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Mick M.
Jun 18, 2021
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I recommend the Paniolo for its local atmosphere, live music, outside dance area and any food that is not fish. We ordered the Ono sandwich and Ono salad. Both were overcooked to a rubbery consistency. My wife would not allow me to send it back.
It you want the best fish go to the Hukilau. The fish there really is ono!
It you want the best fish go to the Hukilau. The fish there really is ono!
Rich Brinkly
Jun 15, 2021
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Sebastien B.
Jun 04, 2021
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Stephanie Graham
May 17, 2021
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Addy P.
May 02, 2021
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What a fun spot! Live music and delicious bbq, can't ask for much more! The owners and staff were very welcoming and friendly.
The Western Burger is delicious and HUGE. Their bbq sauce is very tasty. My husband got the Combo Plate with Tri Tip and Ribs which was also excellent. It's BYOB and conveniently there's the ABC Market right next door.
They music is different depending on the day you go. We saw The Party Kauai which was a really fun cover band!
Had a blast... We'll be back!
The Western Burger is delicious and HUGE. Their bbq sauce is very tasty. My husband got the Combo Plate with Tri Tip and Ribs which was also excellent. It's BYOB and conveniently there's the ABC Market right next door.
They music is different depending on the day you go. We saw The Party Kauai which was a really fun cover band!
Had a blast... We'll be back!
Ivan Kozlov
Feb 17, 2021
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I was a little disappointed by the actual barbecue as I was expecting more from it and more OF it. However, the atmosphere was nice and I enjoyed the semi casual atmosphere and live music. It's cool that the servers are there to help but you are expected to order yourself. Wish they had drinks instead of just byob.
R. J.
Nov 05, 2020
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Jo Val
May 19, 2020
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Andrew H.
Mar 01, 2020
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"'Ohana" means "family." "Family" means "no one gets left behind." But if you want to leave, you can. I'll remember you though." -Lilo
The warm sense of Ohana and Aloha flowed through every fiber of this humble BBQ joint and music venue.
This was one of our top 2 (the other is Tahiti Nui in Hanalei) favorite places we dined while in Kaua'i over the course of 12 days.
This is, truly, a family-run business. Grandma runs the counter, the boys run the kitchen, Grandpa plays with his grandson while they all take turns watching the incredible
The warm sense of Ohana and Aloha flowed through every fiber of this humble BBQ joint and music venue.
This was one of our top 2 (the other is Tahiti Nui in Hanalei) favorite places we dined while in Kaua'i over the course of 12 days.
This is, truly, a family-run business. Grandma runs the counter, the boys run the kitchen, Grandpa plays with his grandson while they all take turns watching the incredible
Robinette Clemens Cruise Meyer
Feb 18, 2020
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Megan Smith
Oct 18, 2018
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Best place for local live music in town. Featuring local musicians almost every night of the week!! Good bbq and even better hosts. The people who own this place are top notch! Real family people. Love the food and it is BYOB!!! I would suggest that the chili and rice come with a big bowl of chili and rice on the side. Other than that A+
