If the logo looks familiar, that’s because The Surfing Pig is the sister restaurant of Kono’s, which originated in Haleiwa and now has locations in Kapahulu and Kailua. Kono’s is known for its fun, surf-inspired decor and more importantly, for the 12-hour, slow-roasted kalua pork that’s in its sandwiches, lunch plates, tacos and breakfast bombers (aka burritos).

While Kono’s is designed for grab-and-go, Surfing Pig is a full-service restaurant. There’s a pig theme in the decor and seating in the upstairs loft, at communal dining tables in the bar or at a chef’s table in the kitchen (more on that later).

Kono’s slow-roasted pork features on the menu, but the new restaurant specializes in small plates and craft cocktails, plus wines and beers on tap. Carlos Buhain, the executive chef, says 98 percent of the menu is made at the restaurant, and the meats are smoked in-house.

The Smoking Pig cocktail, made with bacon-infused bourbon and orange bitters, is great if 1) you like bacon and whiskey, and 2) you want something different. Smoke billows out when the cloche is lifted, and the smooth whiskey and citrus undertone come with a lingering bacon aftertaste. That’s a good thing….read more