Kona Grill - Oakbrook

Review summary

1. T

   Tattianna

   Chicago

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Food was over rated, service was ok. Price didn't match for the experience.
   

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2. K

   Kristil

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 1

   Our reservation was for 7:15 pm. Upon arrival, there was a wait of about six reservations. We were told that our table was not ready and was being cleaned. While waiting, we observed that the bathrooms were out of service due to pipes busting. Plumbers were fixing the issue. We were seated around 7:30 pm. The bartenders were overwhelmed as well. One bartender appeared to be working like the “Energizer Bunny” non-stop. No one greeted our table for about ten minutes at least. One of the servers grabbed our bill payment machine from the table, said nothing to us and proceeded to give the machine to a couple waiting at the bar. Another five minutes after that, my significant other stopped a wait staff member walking past us. He asked who was our server and the response was “any three of us”, pointing at the bartender who was working extremely hard as one of the three. At this point, we waited a few more minutes to get water. The extremely hard working bartender brought those over to us. We ordered the Avocado egg rolls for starters. I ordered the Surf and Turf (filet (cooked medium) and lobster roll) with Sweet Chili Green Beans. Along with the Lobster & Shrimp roll. My Significant other ordered steak (cooked medium) as well and a side of Mac and cheese. We both had one alcoholic beverage. The starters took about 15 minutes to come out. At this time, it is now 8:20ish pm. The Avocado Rolls were delicious; five stars!!! The Entrees came out around 8:45pm. My entree: the Filet and the Lobster roll looked okay. The Lobster roll looked more appealing. The filet looked dry. Once cut into, it was fine; not great. The other steak was cooked medium well (not as requested). I never received the green beans; got mashed potatoes instead. I was told no substitutions. 👀 The Mac and cheese looked like boiled elbow noodles fresh out the pot with a sprinkle of cheese sauce. Very poor rating. The Lobster & Shrimp roll was delicious. Not the best first impression.
   

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3. H

   Heather

   VIP

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   1.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Awful. Made reservation in advance. This place is poorly managed. Visited on Valentine’s Day. Yes, we anticipate it to be busy. We should have left immediately after checking in. Staff and management was noted to inform patrons at the bathroom that it was out of service due to a plumbing issue- no apologies-no explanation. Sure, it’s how you explain things and treat people. A fully packed establishment and you have zero bathrooms and can not wash hands…problem number one. We drove over an hour for our long anticipated evening proactively making reservations. No where in the reservation was a limited menu expressed. We chose Kona because of its various options. No meat options and the ability to an accommodate food allergies. Not today! Absolutely ridiculous and frustrating. Was informed no modifications allowed…so after travel time and bringing my family, I’m limited to one to two items. Then my children attempt to order and the first three items we are informed they are out of. Ok-cool. We were rushed and not even sitting when the waitress who under duress (I wonder why, poor management) informed us kitchen is backed up and we should place appetizers or food quickly to help with the wait time. It’s 730pm with a one year old, easy order kids meal with fries. So the child isn’t fussy. We order drinks, didn’t get the glass or wine correct. We placed our dinner order. After an hour no appetizers or any food came out. The tables around us started receiving food. My one year old was fussy. I asked an employee if she could help check on the kids meal and fries and she snapped saying she isn’t my waitress…I had enough. I walked to the front to find the waitress asked the bill for the drinks and we left. We drove a few minutes away…at this point shortly after 830pm (7p reservation) to McDonald’s and I fed my kids in the car. Understood it’s Valentine’s Day, but this was some of the worst service ever and you can’t even use a bathroom and wash hands. Completely unsanitary
   

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4. G

   Giovanni

   VIP

   Chicago

   19 reviews

   2.0

   19 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Service was very slow. The kitchen must have been understaffed. The food was decent, but not enough to overcome the poor service. Not worth going back.
   

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5. K

   Katie

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Very small portions considering the price. Sushi rolls were very basic and small for $22. We received our entrees before the appetizers came out. The chicken satay appetizer was 4 tiny pieces of chicken that looked like a pan fried chicken nugget. $15 for a small bowl of edamame. The margaritas were tasty but very small . The bathroom was out of service when we first arrived. At the end of the meal I tried to use the bathroom and the floor was sopping wet and no toilet paper in the stall. Overall just a bad experience.
   

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6. D

   Deano

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was below average. The lobster came cold and the filet was tough cooked medium. The Mac and cheese was also super dry and no flavor. I’d rather have mac and cheese I make at home. Sushi was amazing. Not worth $200 meal. Probably won’t return.
   

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7. R

   ROSEMARY JUAREZ

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had sushi and all of us enjoyed it. Our waiter Jack was attentive and helpful.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   VIP

   Chicago

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 2

   I love the restaurant. Food and service were both impressive. My only hesitation, and it is obviously a matter of personal preference, is with the ambiance. The restaurant was not very full but all of the booths were taken so we got a table in the center of the room. As a result of the lighting and the table configuration it felt more like eating at a school cafeteria than a nice restaurant. Again, everything in control of the restaurant staff was executed at a very high level.
   

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9. k

   kimberly

   Chicago

   14 reviews

   4.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Usually go for happy hour however our grandson wanted Kona for his cheese pizza! I have been a huge fan of Kona’s for years. However the prices have seen quite an increase. I think for a while they were short staffed in the patio area but I can understand that since it owns of the norm for them. The general manager came by and was super friendly and engaging. Spoke to my grandson and gave him a gift bag. He is 8 and loves going to Kona. She also gave me a few pens when I told her I collect pens. Food was good as was service. I just find it higher in price.
   

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10. L

    Lawrence

    VIP

    Chicago

    113 reviews

    5.0

    113 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The $39 special was outstanding. A lot of good food for the price. Demi did an excellent job of providing service for my meal. She was friendly and resolved all my needs.
    

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