Maui and Sons Brings Island Living to Hollywood Boulevard

It’s not quite Maui, but it’s the closet thing to it that you’ll find in Hollywood.

The legendary surfing retailer, has teamed up with Sunset Entertainment Group, the owner of the Pig 'n Whistle, to bring Hollywood its first beach bar and grill. Maui and Sons Bar and Grill offers SoCalers the opportunity to feast on Hawaiian fare and sip on exotic cocktails in a bar that prides itself on being a beach lovers paradise.

Stepping into Maui and Sons is like jumping on a six-hour flight to paradise, taking a cab straight to the beach, and grabbing a drink by the shore. A giant surfer shark with phenomenal abs stands outside the entrance, decked out in flashy swim trunks and lures you into the bar.

A thatch tiki bar greets you as you walk inside, transforming you into an island state of mind. Thirsty patrons perch on tall bar stools and a long wooden table makes room for large parties. Various beach artifacts like surfboards and hammerhead sharks hang from the ceiling.

Framed surfing photos cover the walls and keep several flat screen TVs company. Candles housed in wicker holders grace the top of booths creating a warm glow and a welcoming atmosphere. Above the wooden bar, the menu is scribbled on a board in colorful chalk. The bar’s outdoor area has a relaxed open air patio fully equipped with heat lamps, surf boards, palm trees, potted plants, and tiki umbrellas.

Located at 6708 Hollywood Blvd, Maui and Sons serves a variety of island food like Bodacious Tacos (spicy shrimp served with Cajun tarter sauce, shredded lettuce, and tomato ($7), the Aloha Bowl (marinated and grilled mahi-mahi served over steamed rice with black beans, guacamole, and lime ($8), The Marlinator (blackened swordfish served on a Hawaiian-style sweet bun with tartar sauce and coleslaw), and Attack of the Killer Calamari (Calamari marinated in buttermilk and spices, deep fried and served with homemade cocktail sauce ($8). There are also Hawaiian favorites like the Dawn Patrol (seared spam on a sweet bun with fried egg and honey mustard) available. Wings, salads, burgers, and sandwiches are also on the menu. For dessert, Maui and Sons recommends The Megadamia (one huge macadamia nut and white chocolate chip cookie served with vanilla ice cream ($5).

A full service bar offers draft beers with selections like Blue Moon, Sierra Nevada pale Ale, Landshark Lager, and Guinness for $3 at any time of the day. Specialty drinks are $6 and include selections such as the Surf Zombie (Don Q Cristal Rum, Don Q Gold Rum, Don Q Anejo Rum, Apricot Brandy, Dole pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, splash of grenadine with a float of Bacardi 151 rum) and the Maui Tai (Don Q Cristal Rum, orange juice, splash of grenadine, float of Meyers Rum).

Frozen cocktails like the Strawberry Daiquiri and Vodka Red Bull Smoothie are also available for $6. For those seeking a fun nonalcoholic drink, the Coco-loco ($5) is made with a whole fresh coconut and is served right out of a coconut with a straw. You can add liquor for an additional charge.

Bottled beer, such as Corona and Hinano is available for $5 each and a bucket of Coronitas will only set you back $5. Everything on the wine list is $6, expect for the Mumms Champagne Split, which costs $10.

During my visit, I sampled the delicious Huli Nuli Tacos (grilled Mahi-mahi fish tacos served with coleslaw, guacamole, and salsa ($8), which were served in a little basket and came with a bag of Maui Potato chips. I took full advantage of the $3 drafts and had several Kona Long Board Lagers to take the edge off my day. As I devoured my food, Beach Boys tunes like “Little Surfer Girl” and “Surfin’ USA” kept me in the Maui mood.

It’s a laid-back scene at Maui and Sons Bar and Grill. Complimentary peanuts are available for snacking while you wait for your food and throwing the shells on the floor is absolutely allowed. Tourists and groups of all ages make up the crowd and the vibe is about as unpretentious as it gets.

Maui and Sons hosts occasional special events such as their Superbowl party which featured a courtyard BBQ, the game broadcast on over 25 TV’s, fire dancers, and a halftime spectacular. If the promise of occasional fire dancers doesn't lure you in, come for the $3 drafts. A deal like is an absolute steal, especially on Hollywood Boulevard!

Hours: 12 p.m.-2 a.m., seven

days a week

Cover charge: No

Dress code: Casual, beach bum

Features: A large outdoor patio with heat lamps, long tables to accommodate groups, private booths

Payments Accepted: Major credit cards

Parking: Street

Music: Expect to hear the Beach Boys playing on the loudspeakers

Food: fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches, wings, quesadillas, and other Hawaiian BBQ style entrees

Drinks: A variety of beer, wine, specialty cocktails, frozen drinks, soda, juice and coconut water

Average Drink Price: $6 specialty drinks, $3 draft beers

More Information: www.mauiandsonsbarandgrill.com

Maui and Sons Bar & Grill

6708 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Right next door to Pig 'n Whistle

323-463-3130