Makana

- 1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031

Nestled conveniently in the Upper Manhattan area, **Makana** is a local culinary gem that offers New Yorkers a genuine taste of the islands. Far from your typical American eatery, Makana specializes in **Hawaiian restaurant** fare, blending the comforting traditions of the classic plate lunch with fresh, modern favorites like Poke Bowls. For local residents, students, and workers near the City College of New York (CCNY) campus, Makana is a unique and engaging spot that brings a much-needed splash of aloha to the hustle of city life.

The name "Makana," which means "gift" in Hawaiian, perfectly encapsulates the experience: it’s a welcomed present of unique, flavorful cuisine. This isn't just basic American food; it's a delightful fusion influenced by the rich culinary history of Hawaii, which incorporates Japanese, Korean, and other Pacific flavors. The menu is built around hearty, satisfying meals—the kind of comfort food you'd find at a favorite local spot on the Big Island.

Makana is particularly known for its signature items. Diners can enjoy the famous **Loco Moco**, a classic Hawaiian dish that is a must-try, and the slow-cooked, smoky **Kalua Pig**. The contemporary side of the menu features fresh, customizable **Poke Bowls** and flavorful fusion items like **BBQ Huli Chicken Tacos** and **Spam Musubi**.

The environment is described by patrons as having a "nice atmosphere" and a "hip environment," making it a great place to "catch some food" whether you're taking a study break or just looking for a delicious and distinctive local meal. While some individual customer experiences regarding consistency and pricing of certain items have varied, the restaurant consistently receives positive attention for its delicious flavors, unique menu, and popular, affordable lunch specials.

Makana's location is a significant benefit for its local clientele, especially for those affiliated with nearby academic institutions.

The restaurant is situated at:

1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA

This address places Makana perfectly in the neighborhood, just "a block from City College" (CCNY). For students, faculty, and residents of this Upper Manhattan area, the proximity means a quick and easy walk to a distinctive, flavorful meal. The location on Amsterdam Avenue also provides convenient access to local bus routes and nearby subway stations, making it an accessible destination from various parts of the city.

Makana understands the busy schedules of New Yorkers, and their service model reflects this. They focus entirely on quick, efficient service options, exclusively offering **Delivery** and **Takeout**. This setup is ideal for grabbing a quick lunch, picking up dinner on the way home, or having a hot meal delivered directly to a dormitory, office, or apartment in the New York region.

Makana is structured to deliver an efficient and satisfying culinary experience, focusing on quick service and accessibility for the busy New York crowd.

• Takeout Service: Efficient in-store pickup service for all menu items, designed for customers on the go.
• Delivery Service: Full menu delivery is available, ensuring that Hawaiian favorites can be enjoyed anywhere in the local New York service area.
• Affordable Lunch Bowls: A specific menu for the lunch rush (11-3 pm) featuring excellent value on staple items like **BBQ Huli Chicken ($8.95)** and **Kalua Pig ($9.95)**.
• Customizable Bases: Most main dishes, including Makana Classics and Poke Bowls, allow customers to choose their base from four options: White Rice, or an upgrade to **Garlic Rice (+ $1)**, **Mixed Greens (+ $1)**, or **Brown Rice (+ $1)**.
• Modern Payment Options: Accepts convenient payment methods including **Debit cards**, making transactions quick and easy.
• Specialty Hawaiian Appetizers: Offers unique island starters like **Spam Musubi ($5.95)** and **Vegetable Gyoza Dumplings (6) ($6.95)**.
• Fusion Tacos: Features inventive two-taco sets with Hawaiian flair, such as **2 Fried Fish Tacos ($7.95)** and **2 BBQ Huli Chicken Tacos ($7.95)**.

Makana distinguishes itself in the highly competitive NYC dining scene by offering authentic, unique Hawaiian dishes and focusing on customer-centric features.

• The Loco Moco Experience: Makana’s version of the classic Hawaiian staple **Loco Moco ($13.95)** is a major highlight. This dish, traditionally consisting of a rice base topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy, is a must-try comfort food that provides a genuine taste of the Big Island.
• Authentic Hawaiian Classics: They serve quintessential island fare like the tender, smoky **Kalua Pig ($12.95)**—slow-roasted pork that is a foundational element of Hawaiian cuisine. This authenticity sets them apart from many casual eateries.
• Fresh Poke Bowls: For the health-conscious and lovers of raw fish, Makana features fresh, high-quality poke, including the popular **Ahi Tuna Bowl ($12.95)** and **Salmon Bowl ($12.95)**, offering a fresh, light counterpoint to the heavier plate lunches.
• Exceptional Lunch Value: The 11 AM to 3 PM **Lunch Bowls** are a significant advantage for the local community, especially students. With options like the **BBQ Huli Chicken Lunch ($8.95)**, they offer an "affordable lunch special" that critics and customers agree is highly worthwhile.
• Custom Base Options: The choice between four different bases (White Rice, Garlic Rice, Mixed Greens, or Brown Rice) for Classics and Poke Bowls allows for significant dietary flexibility, whether a customer wants a traditional dish or a lighter, greener option.
• Hip and Nice Atmosphere: Customers have praised the shop for its appealing environment. Even as a takeout/delivery-focused spot, the physical location maintains a welcoming, "hip" vibe that makes any short wait or quick meal feel pleasant.

To place an order for pickup or delivery, or for any inquiries regarding the menu and services, please use the following contact details for Makana:

Address: 1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA

Phone: (212) 368-5033 (Local NY Number)

Mobile Phone: +1 212-368-5033

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For a local New Yorker trying Makana for the first time, or a regular looking for a reliable, flavorful meal, several items stand out as particularly worth choosing.

The Loco Moco for Ultimate Comfort: You cannot visit a Hawaiian restaurant without trying the **Loco Moco ($13.95)**. It’s the ultimate island comfort food—a delicious, savory, and filling combination of a beef patty and fried egg, generously draped in brown gravy over your choice of rice. This dish is the definitive Makana experience and highly recommended for its authenticity and satisfying flavor profile.

Best Value Lunch: The **Lunch Bowls (11 AM - 3 PM)** are the top choice for everyday affordability and quality, especially the **BBQ Huli Chicken ($8.95)**. Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian BBQ favorite, typically marinated in a sweet and tangy soy sauce blend. Getting a generous portion over your choice of rice (or **Mixed Greens** for a lighter take) for under ten dollars is an exceptional value in New York City, making it a perfect student or weekday meal.

A Must-Try Appetizer: Before diving into the main course, grab the **2 Spam Musubi ($5.95)**. This classic Hawaiian snack—a slice of grilled Spam on a block of rice, wrapped with a strip of nori seaweed—is a unique, savory treat and an essential part of the Hawaiian plate lunch tradition that you simply must try for an authentic experience.

Makana is a go-to spot because it successfully delivers a piece of Hawaiian food culture to Upper Manhattan. While it’s always wise to check on the latest service and quality feedback, the consistent availability of unique island favorites and the outstanding affordability of the lunch specials solidify Makana as a valuable fixture for quick, tasty, and distinctively Hawaiian-American dining in the NYC community.

Makana

1502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA