Food | Aloha Snacks At Virginia Beach, VA

As we hunker down and try not eat all of the “Hurricane Snacks” purchased before the impending seasonal storms hit, I want to tell you about a restaurant we discovered during our Family Short Break to Virginia Beach. Can you tell I’m hungry? MsNaturallyRandom.com along with #TeamFife dined at Aloha Snacks, fast casual Hawaiian-inspired restaurant with Asian influences located in Virginia Beach, VA — a vibrant coastal city with a variety of attractions. Aloha Snacks is cited by Chef Jeff Wylie as, “super-fun, approachable and budget-friendly.” in Virginian-Pilot article from 2017. It sits just three blocks from the Oceanfront and that actually was one of the main draws for us. If you want to step away from the busyness of the main strip (Atlantic Ave) but not go too far from your lodging, then this is the perfect place. Nestled at the intersection of Laskin Road and Baltic Ave, Aloha Snacks is a quick ride away from a day at the beach. This turned out to be a really fun late dinner after a busy day and we enjoyed sampling quite a few items from the menu.

Atmosphere

The grill station is adorably flanked with SPAM cans and Pineapples as decor. Yes, SPAM, you know, a Hawaiian nonperishable staple that’s relatively inexpensive and can be found in very versatile dishes throughout the islands. The stamped-tin ceiling and bamboo blinds are just the right amounts of eclectic without going full-on offensive like “hula skirts and tiki torches”. There is branded merchandise like t-shirts, cups etc.

Menu Deets!

First Up!

Snacks:

Clockwise Fries – Li Hing Salt & served with WAM Sauce

We were presented with a large white cylinder-shaped container of warm waffle fries, sprinkled with Li Hing Salt and two dipping sauces. The menu only mentions WAM sauce, which is a white American cheese sauce but Huli Huli sauce was also served on the side. The combination totally works and I’ll talk a little more about Huli Huli sauce in a minute. But first, let’s discuss what Li Hing Salt is exactly. After a handy Google mission, I found that Li Hing Mui Powder is made from dried salted plums and in Hawaii used in margaritas or on snack foods. Sounds delicious enough, right? In all honesty, I can’t say that I tasted this “plum salt” at all. Just salt. Maybe my palate isn’t refined enough to pick up a subtle “non-salt” flavor but uh, yeah, just regular salt flavor to me. The fries aren't bad but I wasn’t wowed either. Another observation, the WAM sauce was in a disposable ramekin and it was a little too thick (maybe cold) to be used as a dip. I’d definitely suggest drizzling the cheese sauce over the fries instead of dripping large waffle fries into a small cup.

Quick question, have you ever turned down anything with a sweet and savory glaze? If you’re like me and the answer is no, well you will have to come in and ask for Wela Wings.

Wela Wings – Hot Huli Huli Sauce & served with Blue Cheese Dressing

I’m a bonafide chicken wing addict these days and the Wela Wings definitely hit the spot. I can’t say exactly what’s in their sauce but I THINK it contains a tomato paste-esque base, some ginger, some soy and maybe pineapple for sweetness. I’m guessing so don’t hold me to that description. The wings are wet so have the napkins handy. I’m super clumsy with food so trust me on this one. Ok, so I stopped by Google again and found that Wela means hot or to be desired via a Hawaiian dictionary. I like heat, I seriously put red pepper flakes AND hot sauce on my omelet every day! In my opinion, the wings didn’t bring the flames so maybe the name leans more towards “desirable” versus “literal mouth torch”.  If you’re into a sweet and mild taste, Wela Wings will definitely work for you.

Kid’s Entrees:

Cheesy Pizza Roll   

There Minors Menu (for patrons age 10 and under) feature a cheesy pizza roll. This isn’t what you probably think it is. It’s definitely not their take on those small rectangular commercial food items that advertisements come on between cartoons to entice kids that this is the official after-school snack that Mom must buy! Yep, it’s totally not that. This dish was more akin to pepperoni pizza toppings stuffed into an egg roll wrapper. It’s served with fries and a side of marinara sauce for dipping. We’re definitely raising a future foodie and the kiddo was pleased with her entree.

Side note: Aloha Snacks prides itself on that fact that their items are made fresh, nothing is frozen, and ingredients are as locally-sourced as possible.

Entrees:

Hawaiian Cowboy Burger – Two beef patties, grilled pineapple, Virginia Swiss, Huli-Huli Sauce and Crispy SPAM

If you like your burgers big, then the Hawaiian Cowboy is for you! I love burgers but I seriously would “say Uncle” to this beast of a burger. It’s a lot.  As I sat there, watching hubby unroll this foil-lined paper wrap of piping hot mysteriousness, I wondered, will we need a nap after this meal? I didn’t taste a bite of the burger patty and it was seasoned well and tasted like it had a pretty good protein-to-fat ratio. I’m not privy to the exact meat used, whether it was a chuck and brisket blend or what but overall, my bite was juicy with tons of flavor. I couldn’t even capture it in all its gooey cheese glory.

Before I wrap up Entrees, I have a few honorable mentions. Listen! This I cheated on Keto for this place and this Special alone was worth all the carbs!

Specials and Drinks:

Korean Bulgogi Cheesesteak – marinated beef short rib, kimchi mayo, jalapenos and white American cheese sauce (WAM).

Marinated. 👏🏾 Beef. 👏🏾 Short. 👏🏾 Rib. 👏🏾

Be still my little fluttering heart. Y’all [inserts imaginary Homer Simpson drooling gif]. When I say, we crushed, I mean we crushed. I love my husband, Lord knows that I do but I totally didn’t want to share this sandwich. It was that good. The beef, the kimchi, the heat the sauce, perfect. This is one of the most delectable sandwiches I’ve ever tasted. I’m so not hyping this up, it’s really that good [to me]. I’m calling for a vote. I move that Aloha Snacks remove the Korean Bulgogi Cheesesteak from it’s “Specials” board and upgrade this sandwich to be a regular feature on it’s menu for all the enjoy, forever and ever, Amen. Can I get a second?! (Little Robert’s Rules of Order fun)  I guess it all worked out though because this just gives you more of a reason to stop by, over and over again to see if the Cheesesteak is available.

Toof Ache by Veil Brewery (6.3%) – IPA hopped with Mosaic, Simcoe, and Columbus.

Yep, that’s how it’s spelled! I’m told they have a cult-like following locally. We only sampled Toof Ache #ParentDuty but the server gave such a glowing review of Veil Brewing that I went to research the local Richmond, VA (RVA) brewery. Honestly, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to try more of what Veil Brewing has to offer. So, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Columbus...what’s all that? There the type of hops used to make the IPA. They give the brew it’s Fruity, Earthy, and Tropical flavor. Ha, looks who is totally turning into a Beer Snob? Me! All the while, I’m sipping a seasonal craft IPA and munching on the Pinterest-inspired charcuterie board that I crafted from Trader Joe’s! #ijs

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In addition to draft beer, they offer espressos, teas, smoothies, and a few wine options as well. You definitely will not leave here parched.

If you’re on the go and still would like to try a snack or two then they have a solution for your hunger pains. Try their to-go ordering via a convenient pick-up window. Call in your orders while you’re on the way.

If you’re looking for something that leans a little more on the “lighter” side, then try one of their Poke bowls (pronounced “Poh-Keh”). We decided to not sample a poke bowl because we both agreed our first poke will be when we get a chance to return to Hawaii. If venturing away from the Oceanfront strip for good food is not have an issue for you, then try them out! They have an easy to read menu, great variety of beverages, and thoroughly awesome food.  The customer service was great. We were greeted by friendly faces and they patiently waited as we decided what to order. Overall, it was a great experience and we look forward to returning any time we’re in Virginia Beach.

Now you know, Aloha Snacks customers can customize their experience by adding in a few items from the Hidden Menu. Get all of your Hawaiian and Asian tastes and sips fulfilled at the Virginia Beach, VA location. For detailed menu information, visit the website at www.alohasnacksvb.com. Follow Aloha Snacks on Facebook, and Instagram for updates, promotions, and new menu items. #FeedTheGoodVibes #RandomEats

Til Next Time,

Random Eats + Random Glam