Donnie's Barbecue Smokehouse Soul Food Express

Very pricey for local Waipahu BBQ restaurant. Will not go back.

This restaurant peaked my interest when they first opened but I never got the chance to eat here until recently. I ordered the conductor which was basically a sampler because it had a little bit of everything. It was a little pricey at $31 but I figured for the amount of items that was listed it was worth the price.It took a little longer than most places to get my food. While I was waiting I was worried it might be too much. The plate consisted of two types of sliders; brisket and pulled pork, a couple pieces each of rib tips and pork belly and one rib. It also included two sides (I chose cole slaw only) and cornbread. I didn 't care for the tips the meat was a little too hard for me and the cornbread was too dry for my taste. Other than that the food was ok. Next time I 'm in the leeward side, this is a nice change of pace from the other diners. But if we 're talking BBQ, I think based on price comparison there are better options.

I had a craving for some Southern foods, decided to check out Donnie's. I was greeted by the wonderful Ms. Wanda and her daughter Shaikira (hope I spelled her name right). I love how friendly they were. Remind me when I lived in Nashville. I was a little ambitious so ordered I J chicken, catfish and ribs. Don't judge me. That's my lunch, dinner and tomorrow lunch. I had the Fried okra and collard greens as my side. All the order comes with cornbread. Ribs was good only wish it was a little more tender.Catfish was perfectly flavored and seasoned. J chicken had a nice flavor but was not use to the chicken cut up. I've always had jetk chicken as whole quarters legs. What do I know ‍. Collard greens has great flavor and season. But I like my greens cook softer and longer. Cornbread was huge, it was good but I didn't like the salt taste on it. Their price is pretty reasonable. Great location across from Waipahu Post Office with plenty of parking and other local business. I enjoy supporting our small local businesses. Over all I definitely go back. I want try their shrimp and grits on the next round. Please check them out especially if you never had Southern foods.

First time I went was after seeing a review on YouTube over a year ago. A 5- star experience after ordering the Conductor's plate (sampler) and catfish (a bit too salty for my taste), which appears to be a big seller. This past May decided to try the sliders again as I was contemplating a b-day menu. Two of the three were ok. The last one I'm not sure what meat was used, but it was not to my liking. Needless to say, I did not place an order for the b-day celebration and won't be returning.

Great food, customer service is always outstanding. Consistent food every time never fails.