Pono Burger Awards

Pono Burger Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Amid the modern architecture of the LuXe@Broadway mixed-use building in Santa Monica stands a WWII-era Quonset hut, a curved corrugated metal structure that was turned into the home of Pono Burger. Seating is available on the patio or inside the rustic space on cushiony banquettes, chairs and stools. The restaurant's name comes from the Hawaiian concept of "pono" --- doing things "the right way." For chef/owner Makani Carzino, who was born and raised in Hawaii, this means making burgers with organic, grass-fed beef (from California's Eel River Organic Beef) and sourcing ingredients from local farmers markets. There are even photos of these organic farmers posted above the tables.

Food & Drinks: Grilled over an oak wood fire, the burgers are juicy and flavorful, especially when ordered medium rare as recommended. Choose your own toppings or go with one of the signatures such as the Piku "Fig" Burger with house-made drunken caramelized fig jam, Fermier brie cheese, Niman Ranch bacon, crushed hazelnuts, organic arugula and balsamic vinaigrette. Gluten-free buns can be requested in place of the brioche buns from Red Rooster Bakery. Hand-cut fries --- from organic Russet or sweet potatoes --- are cooked in non-GMO California rice bran oil and accompanied by house-made aïolis. Additional menu offerings include a farmers’ market salad, turkey burger, meatless burger and sliders for kids. Among the beverage options are freshly squeezed organic lemonade, premium sodas, teas, craft beers (both on tap and bottled) and a very limited wine selection. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a milkshake made with Straus Family Creamery vanilla soft-serve organic ice cream. Keep an eye out for seasonal creations like a pumpkin s'more milkshake.