From a Late-Night Taco Stand in Waikīkī to a Hidden Mexican Eatery in Kalihi

Alejandro's Mexican food is serving up authentic dishes in Kalihi Valley.

By Lennie Omalza

for $13, the chicken enchilada plate includes the enchilada, rice, beans and a drink.

Photo: Lennie Omalza

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What started off as a taco stand behind the old Maddog’s Saloon in Waikīkī evolved into a brick-and-mortar operation on May 5 (yes, Cinco de Mayo) this year, now in Kalihi Valley. No longer reserved for late nights, Alejandro’s Mexican Food serves everything from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and enchiladas, to anyone willing to make the drive.

Alejandro’s, in a nondescript little building right next to a laundromat and in the middle of a residential area, is small and unassuming, with bar-style seating that fits about 10 people. The dishes—served in takeout containers/foil—also look modest, but they don’t skimp on taste.

We tried the carne asada quesadilla ($8), which can also be ordered with a side of rice and beans ($2.50) to make it a complete meal. The quesadilla is a 10-inch flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, onions, cilantro, salsa verde and, of course, carne asada. Alejandro’s seems to have mastered the combination of these ingredients, because there is no single flavor that overpowers another—yet you can taste every element.

Daily specials run Tuesday through Saturday; the day we visited, the special was a chicken enchilada plate ($13), which included the enchilada, rice, beans and a drink. Though not quite the burst of flavor that the quesadilla was, we still enjoyed the savory blend of the chicken, which had a fall-off-the-bone feel.

Alejandro’s Mexican Food, 2831 Kalihi St., Suite E, 777-0038, open 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.