Stuart B.
Yelp
Alright folks, here's the lowdown on The Gazebo--a tiny adventure off the beaten path. To get there, you've got to park in a hotel/motel lot, walk through an apartment complex, and voilà, it's right by the water next to a swimming pool. Talk about a hidden gem with a twist!
We found this spot on Yelp with glowing reviews and decided to give it a shot after a swim at Kapalua Bay. We showed up around 1 p.m., an hour before closing, and only had two parties ahead of us. You have to wait outside, but they do give you umbrellas to shield you from the sun. No seating though, unless you fancy lounging by the pool away from the line.
Now, the big question: is it worth the wait? If you're staring down a long line, I'd say no. If the line's short and options are slim, maybe. The location is cute, like a gazebo with an open-air feel, ocean breeze, and views of snorkeling folks and fancy condos. Instagram gold, but the food? Meh.
I ordered the chicken plate. Bland chicken, a side of mushrooms and grilled onions, a huge salad, and some white rice. Nothing to write home about. My wife's corned beef hash and eggs? Equally unimpressive. Basic, basic, basic.
The saving grace? The macadamia nut pancake with coconut syrup. The syrup was delicious, though the pancake itself wasn't anything special. There are probably other items on the menu that might be better. We saw some ladies with a giant plate of fried rice that looked good, and they had leftovers!
But, here's the big whammy: the little birds. These feathered fiends fly all over the dining area, swooping in on plates, stealing food while people are eating, and generally being a nuisance. One even left a "gift" on our table after strutting around. It's a health hazard and seriously annoying to have to shoo birds away while trying to enjoy your meal.
So, is The Gazebo a must-visit? For us, not really. Free parking is a plus, but the wait and the birds? Not worth it for what we ordered. Maybe give it a shot if you're craving that fried rice or want a scenic Instagram post. Otherwise, you can probably find a better spot. Just keep an eye on your food and watch out for those pesky birds!