Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
- 4.8Food
- 4.7Service
- 4.7Ambience
- 4.6Value
Noise • Moderate
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Mud Hen Water reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
Noise • Moderate
Hawaii
Contemporary American
Oahu
Contemporary American
anastacia
Los Angeles1 review
Dined 4 days ago
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New South Wales1 review
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Clifton Gold
Washington DC14 reviews
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Rudy
Portland3 reviews
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Lynne Gold
Hawaii304 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
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San Francisco6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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Joie
Hawaii2 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2026
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Washington DC1 review
Dined on July 1, 2026
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New York City2 reviews
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San Antonio2 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2026
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January 13, 2026
Honolulu Magazine spotlights a curated list of must-try local eateries on Oahu, with Mud Hen Water featured for its farm-to-table comfort foods.
Published in HONOLULU Magazine
February 5, 2025
Mud Hen Water in Kaimuki is highlighted for its local, organic Hawaiian ingredients and inventive dishes led by chef Ed Kenney. A recent brunch visit showcased the evolving menu, including Luau Stuffed Porchetta and vegetarian options.
Published in Beat of Hawaii
January 24, 2025
The James Beard Foundation released 2025 semifinalists, including Ed Kenney's Mud Hen Water in Honolulu for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific region. Finalists are announced in April and winners in June in Chicago.
Published in Hawaii News Now
January 23, 2025
Several Hawaii restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, including Mud Hen Water. The nominees were announced in January, with finalists in April and winners in June.
Published in KITV
Portions are built for sharing and tend to be generous, especially with family-style options. Many guests report hearty, plentiful plates (bread, croquettes, sausage & clams, venison ragù) that are perfect for sampling across the table. A few guests found some items smaller or richer than expected, so plan to order several small-to-medium plates per person or try the family-style menu for groups.
Yes, families do dine here and guests often bring children and teens for brunch or family-style dinners. The menu is inventive and vegetable-forward rather than typical kids’ fare, so younger children may prefer shared dishes like pancakes or fried ulu. For families with small kids, an early seating, outdoor table or calling ahead can help ensure a comfortable visit.
For a lively but relaxed experience, weekend brunch (especially Sunday mornings) is a favorite, guests often call brunch a highlight. For a quieter dinner, go on a weekday (Tuesday–Thursday) or an earlier seating. If you want patio or bar seats without a reservation, arrive early, the patio, communal table and bar are often held for walk-ins.
Warm, funky and neighborhood-driven, Mud Hen Water mixes a hip, casual vibe with thoughtful, farm-to-table food. Guests describe a relaxed yet stylish space with friendly service, inventive plates and an energetic crowd on weekend nights. It can be lively (occasionally noisy with large parties), but many guests enjoy the laid‑back, island-forward ambience and handcrafted cocktails.
Yes, guests repeatedly note that the patio is dog-friendly and that dogs have made friends there. If you plan to bring a dog, consider requesting outdoor seating and check availability since patio seating is often held for walk-ins.
Mud Hen Water serves weekend brunch and evening dinner service. Brunch: Saturday–Sunday 9:30 AM–2:00 PM. Weekday Dinner: Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday 5:00 PM–9:00 PM. Weekend Dinner: Friday–Saturday 5:00 PM–9:30 PM. If you’re planning a visit, check the restaurant’s website or call ahead for holidays or special service changes.
Mud Hen Water offers indoor dining plus a patio, a communal table and bar seating. The patio and communal table are popular for groups and casual walk-ins; outdoor seating is dog-friendly. The restaurant does not advertise private dining rooms, for large parties (over eight) the restaurant asks customers to call ahead so they can accommodate.
Family-friendly: yes. Guests often bring families, kids and out-of-town groups and enjoy the shareable, local-focused menu. Staff regularly accommodated allergies and gluten-free needs. Accessible seating: not explicitly stated in the available information, some guests noted that outdoor seating was easier for elderly diners to hear and sit comfortably. If you need wheelchair access or specific accommodations, call ahead so the team can prepare.
Casual dress. Guests commonly arrive in relaxed, smart-casual attire that fits the neighborhood, laid-back vibe. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, feel free to dress up a bit, but no formal wear is required.
Yes, call ahead. The team is noted for helping with dietary needs (gluten-free and allergies) and will accommodate large parties when you call in advance. Keep in mind patio, communal table and bar seats are typically held for walk-ins, so if you need patio seating or a specific table request, call the restaurant and they’ll advise on availability.
Pets: yes on the patio, guests frequently mention it being dog-friendly and seeing dogs on the outdoor seating. Service animals: not explicitly specified in the provided information, so if you require accommodation for a service animal or emotional support animal, call ahead to confirm policies and seating options.
Busiest: weekend brunches and Friday–Saturday dinners, guests often mention lively, packed nights and occasional noise from large groups. Quietest: weekday dinners (Tue–Thu) and off-peak brunch hours; several guests found Sunday brunch or earlier weekday seats to be calmer. If you prefer a quieter table, aim for earlier dinner times or midweek visits.
Yes, Mud Hen Water is a great pick for date night. Guests praise the inventive, locally focused menu, creative cocktails and relaxed yet stylish neighborhood vibe that feels intimate without being stuffy. Shareable, family-style plates (like crudo, venison pasta and fried ulu) make it easy to try several dishes together. Note: weekend evenings can be lively; for a quieter table try an earlier weeknight or a Sunday dinner reservation.
Sunday is frequently recommended, many guests rave about Sunday brunch and find it a quieter, highly enjoyable experience. If you want a dinner that’s less crowded, opt for a weekday (Tuesday–Thursday) evening. For a lively night out, Friday or Saturday dinner showcases the buzzy atmosphere and full menu.
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